Fairview Felines - Michele Corriel - Blog Tour Review

Thomas Weston has newspaper ink in his veins. He also has funny headlines running through his head 24/7. If he can convince the principal at Fairview Middle School he has what it takes, maybe, just maybe, he'll be able to make his dream of school newspaper come true. But first he has to figure out why all the cats in Fairview are disappearing!

Title: Fairview Felines

Author: Michele Corriel

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Publisher: Tire Swing Books, an Imprint of Blooming Tree Press

Publication Date: October 5, 2010

Source: Received from author. Many thanks goes to Michele for sending me this copy for review, and to Kari from the Teen Book Scene for organizing this blog tour. I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

My rating: 4/5

Fairview Felines is a cute and original read. Thomas Weston wants nothing more than to be a journalist for his Mom's newspaper, or for his school paper. He has an eye for detail and once something captures his interest, he is off like a shot investigating it until he can make sense of it. Unfortunately for him, and his friends, all of the cats in the neighbourhood are disappearing. It'll be up to Thomas to solve the mystery behind the disappearances. 

Thomas is a cute and endearing character. He is non-plussed when it comes to homework. He'd rather be outside looking for stories than doing his schoolwork.. He is a determined, exuberant boy whom I think most readers will find they relate well with. 

There was never a dull moment when reading Fairview Felines. Early on, I figured out who the "bad guy" was, but, regardless, the execution and style of the book made it a pleasure to read. It still  maintains an element of mystery as Thomas hunts down clues to find out what is going on.

This is such a great book. The cover is absolutely gorgeous as well. I'd definitely recommend this one to everyone or anyone looking for middle grade book suggestions; or are just in the mood for a cute, and fast-paced read. I really enjoyed all of the characters, and loved Leland's personality as well. The characters definitely make this book all the more enjoyable. 

All in all, an excellent "newspaper mystery" full of surprises, well worth the read. This one will be going on my keeper shelf to be pulled out and re-read in the future. 

Blog Tour: Fairview Felines - Michele Corriel - Interview

 I would like to welcome Michele Corriel here today. She is the author of Fairview Felines, which looks like a cute read! Michele is here courtesy of The Teen Book Scene. If you would like to follow along with the rest of the tour, you can follow along here. 

What is your favorite line from FAIRVIEW FELINES: A NEWSPAPER MYSTERY?

I would have to say the last line in the first chapter. It’s right before Thomas is going to sleep, thinking about starting his own school newspaper, “I lifted my palms to my face and breathed deeply, hoping to dream about deadlines, police sirens, three-alarm fires and the flash of a front page photograph.”

What are Thomas’ favorite subjects in school, and why?

Thomas loves Social Studies because a) he gets to turn in his assignments like they’re newspaper stories and b) he has a gigantic crush on Ms. Penny, the teacher.

If you were in Thomas’ shoes, having to find out where all of the cats disappeared to, what would you have done?

Well, it doesn’t take much to get Thomas fired up about something. He’s very passionate about his work and his friends, and so am I, but Thomas jumps into things pretty quickly, whereas I’m more of a thinker. I would’ve interviewed a few more people about exactly where and when their cats disappeared and then come up with a plan.

What would the front page headline of a newspaper say about you?

WRITER OVERCOMES ODDS, GETS BOOK DEAL, GREAT AGENT, AND HEADS BACK TO OFFICE TO WRITE MORE!

If you could be any cat (wild or domestic) which cat would you be, and why?

I would be my cat, Higgins, who lives the life of leisure, sleeps whenever he wants, eats whenever he wants, and secretly goes down to the basement at night and retrieves Christmas bows. (I love Christmas!)

Excellent interview, Michele. It was great having you here! Thank you for stopping by and answering some questions.