The LaRue Detective Agency has gained a reputation at The Biltmore as the investigators to call, so it's no surprise when they are asked to solve the catnapping case. What is a surprise: being asked to keep this investigation top secret! Will the LaRue detective agency have what it takes to solve this challenging case?A murder mystery movie is being filmed in the courtyard of the Biltmore, starring a celebrity building resident, Bijou, the fluffy white cat famous for inheriting the entire fortune of a popular designer--including his Biltmore apartment. But when filming is paused for the day, Tiya, the daughter of Bijou's nanny, reports that the famous feline was catnapped! The LaRue detective agency is hired...but there is just one catch, the investigation must remain top secret. How can Elodie question suspects when she can't admit Bijou is missing? This investigation will require new tactics, a keen eye, and help from her friends!
Colored illustrations by award-winning artist, Peggy Collins, are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters.
From the award-winning author of
The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in
Mystery at the Biltmore. Written with charm and wit,
Mystery at The Biltmore is
Only Murders in the Building meets
Harriet the Spy.
An author and middle-school teacher,
Colleen Nelson earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in her hometown of Winnipeg. Her previous works include the critically acclaimed middle-grade novels
Harvey Comes Home,
Harvey Holds His Own (a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award)
, Harvey Takes the Lead, and
The Undercover Booklist. The titular building from Colleen's 2023 novel
The Umbrella House is a real place, which inspired Colleen during her years in New York City.
Peggy Collins is an award-winning children's book author-illustrator with more than 35 titles to her name, including the Blue Spruce Award-winner,
Harley the Hero, and the ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book,
A Sky-Blue Bench. She has also written and illustrated for animated apps teaching math, indigenous history, and education. Peggy lives in Napanee, Ontario, with her two children.