Early readers should enjoy this book because it is suspenseful, engaging and features adorable pets.
Illustrations are excellent. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Classified Catnapping for advanced digital copy.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Colleen Nelson, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

A murder mystery movie is being filmed in the courtyard of the Biltmore with a fluffy celebrity as the star, Bijou, a very fluffy white cat, who is famous for inheriting the entire fortune of a popular designer that also includes his Biltmore apartment. When filming is paused for the day, though, the daughter of Bijou’s nanny finds that the famous cat was kidnapped! Soon, the LaRue detective agency is hired and the investigation has to remain top secret. How can they question suspects when they can’t admit Bijou is missing? This investigation will require new ways and help from her friends!

A great and fun mystery for kids, especially new chapter book readers!

This sweet little mystery book gives all the intrigue of a real-life investigation with posh appeal. The characters are diverse and relatable, and easy to attach to. The catnapping investigation was top tier and our main characters had their sleuthing skills perfected.

This book would be great for early chapter readers who love mystery, animals, and even found family.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

There is never a dull moment at the fancy high rise apartment building called the Biltmore in New York City. Elodie LaRue is lucky enough to live at the Biltmore, and while her art crime investigator parents are traveling the globe, Elodie is solving mysteries in her own backyard. A cat named Bijou is famous at the Biltmore, not only because of her late, wealthy human owner but also because Bijou is the star of a movie being filmed at the Biltmore. When Bijou is catnapped one day, though, Elodie is asked to investigate, and she must assemble as many clues as she can in order to bring Bijou back home before time runs out. This second in the Mystery at the Biltmore series follows the same primary protagonists as the first book. Elodie is front and center in this narrative, and her investigations happen alongside her best friend Oscar, who also lives in the building. Brief chapters and frequent, full color illustrations make the book well-suited to newer middle grade readers in both its length and its visual appeal. Each chapter focuses on a potential suspect in the case, and with so many red herrings, readers are kept guessing about the identity of the real thief until later in the book. While this is the second in its series, there is some benefit to having read the initial installment, but this novel can nevertheless stand alone, and the narrative is wrapped up nicely by the end. Fun and engaging, this is an entertaining addition to its series, and it is a strong selection for library collections for newer middle grade mystery readers.

I didn’t like the beginning. I don’t think it’s appropriate to start a book off with murder, even if it’s a scene from a movie. It just shouldn’t be in a child’s book. Especially one marketed to kids. I probably wouldn’t give this to my kids or recommend it. It’s also already been done before. I wasn’t impressed.

The characters are fun and exactly what any middle schooler would enjoy reading. The mystery and illustrations are perfect for the fun cozy vibe. I would have been excited reading this back when I was a kid.

*The Classified Catnapping* (Mystery at the Biltmore #2) is a delightful and suspenseful follow-up in this charming middle-grade mystery series. Set against the grand backdrop of the Biltmore Estate, the story follows twelve-year-old Emma and her friends as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a prized cat. With clever clues, an engaging cast of characters, and just the right mix of history and adventure, this book kept me eagerly turning the pages. I loved how the stakes felt higher in this second installment, making it an even more exciting read. My students loved the first book and I can’t wait to share this one with my young readers!

Thank you NetGalley and Pajama Press for the ARC

Mystery at the Biltmore Book 2: The Classified Catnapped follows Elodie, a precocious young girl, and her friend as they run the LaRue Detective Agency. This time, their mission is to solve the kidnapping of Bijou, a famous cat who has inherited both a fortune and an apartment. The premise is engaging, with a lighthearted and whimsical mystery that should appeal to young readers who enjoy detective stories.

While the cover design gives the impression of a more sophisticated novel, the text itself is best suited for emerging or new chapter book readers. The language and plot structure are accessible, making it an easy-to-follow mystery for those transitioning into independent reading.

However, the characterization is somewhat lacking. The characters feel rather two-dimensional, which may make it difficult for readers to form strong connections with them. Elodie and her detective work provide an interesting premise, but the story does not delve deeply into character development or emotional depth. As a result, it does not stand out among other early reader mysteries.

Overall, The Classified Catnapped is a decent choice for young readers who enjoy simple mysteries but may not leave a lasting impression. It serves as a fun, light mystery but lacks the depth and engagement that would make it a truly memorable read.

- Detective Agency
- Stunt Training
- Missing Cat
- Hints of Doubt
- Mystery
This is absolutely adorable! The illustrations go well and are eye catching! Perfect for bedtime story reading or as a read aloud. It’s both engaging, funny, and would have young readers trying to solve the mystery with Elodie, Oscar, and Elodie’s dog, Carnegie. Elodie is having trouble cracking this case and starts to wonder whether she’s cut out to be a detective for the Biltmore.
Elodie is brought in for a new case! A missing star cat but she only has until the end of the day! Besides Elodie having doubts about her talents, Oscar also goes through it. He questions whether he’s been wasting his time trying to hone in his skills. Then Tiya is hurt by her mom not having much time for her. All three of these characters were adorable and their own problems. Doubt, second guessing, and change. Highly recommend for anyone with young readers in their life!

The Classified Catnapping (Mystery at the Biltmore, #2) by Colleen Nelson is the second book in a a children's book series about a girl named Elodie who has her own detective agency called the LaRue Detective Agency. In this latest edition, a movie is being filmed at the Biltmore in New York City, and the lead actor, a cat named Bijou, is missing. Can Elodie find the missing cat before it's too late?

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Pajama Press for approving my request to read The Classified Catnapping (Mystery at the Biltmore, #2) and providing me an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC). I received a copy of this children's book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my goodness! I absolutely fell in love with this book. It's super cute and perfect for children between the ages of five years old and eight years old who enjoy whodunits. Surprisingly, the characters are very well developed for a book targeted to younger children, which isn't something you typically find in a kids book. I could see bits of myself in the main character of Elodie.

Another surprising thing about The Classified Catnapping is the number of red herrings within the story. Even as an adult, I found myself thinking, "Oh, the catnapper could be this person or that person!" Although, I did figure out who it was, it was nice that there were numerous suspects to keep adults entertained along with their kids, especially if a parent is reading this to their kid as a bedtime story.

Five out of five stars is what I rated The Classified Catnapping (Mystery at the Biltmore, #2) by Colleen Nelson. This is a book that I definitely will be recommending to friends who have kids and teachers alike. The expected publication date of this book is April 29, 2025.

I enjoyed this romp through the Biltmore with our ace detective and company. This is the perfect middle grade mystery for girls or boys, even with a female main character. Her male sidekick is throughout the story as well, providing a bit of comic relief at times. There is a prissy kitty heist going on, and the reader is taken along for the ride. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Another super Biltmore mystery that is sure to grab the interest of the early years crowd! This time, Elodie, her stunt-neighbour, Oscar, and her adorable terrier Carnegie need to track down who catnapped the richest feline in New York City. There are secrets to be kept, clues to follow, and many dead ends, but Elodie is a detective that never gives up. Or does she? This is a tough case and Elodie has maybe finally met her match. Perfect for kids ages 7+, with beautiful illustrations accompanying the charming text. Highly recommend!

NetGalley. ARC Educator 550974


A delightful tale of a missing celebrity cat, Bijou. Elodie, the owner of LaRue Detective agency is hired to solve the crime. We are introduced to the inhabitants and visitors of the Biltmore. A swanky and historic building located in New York.

The graphics are excellent and go well with the storyline. This could be a lovely bedtime story or a read alone by ages eight and up.

I read this one with my 7 and 9 year old daughters. We loved this fun mystery, and the illustrations were perfect for kids with the story. We loved Elodie and Oscar. And my cat obsessed daughter loved the catnapping theme. This book was perfect for their ages and they each took turns reading it aloud. My daughter asked me to get her the other book from the series so she could read it as well.

The Classified Catnapping by Colleen Nelson


When Bijou goes missing, it’s up to The LaRue Detective Agency to find Bijou. Will Elodie be able to find out who took Bijou?!

I love Elodie’s relationship with Oscar. You can tell they really care for each other and are very supportive of each other. Elodie is such a sweet character!

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a children’s book but I absolutely loved this one. I also love anything that has to do with animals! I grew up watching Harriet the spy! This book definitely gave those vibes!

I absolutely loved the illustrations! I couldn’t get over how cute Bijou is!

Be sure to check out The Classified Catnapping on April 29th 2025!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Colleen, and Publisher Spotlight | Pajama Press Inc. for the E-ARC!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️