Toto the Ninja Cat and the Legend of the Wildcat; Dermot O'Leary, illustrated by Nick East

Toto the crime-fighting cat is back in her fifth adventure and this time she is heading deep into the Scottish Highlands where plenty of trouble and mysterious goings-on await.

Socks, Silver and Catface are thrilled to have been bestowed with the title of ‘Deputy Ninja Cat’ after they recently foiled a royal heist. But the celebrations at their favourite place, The Sour Saucer, are cut short after a misguided jump and the sinking of Sir Wigbert Fluffypaws’ yacht. Punished for their misdemeanour, the three are sent to Scotland to learn how to behave properly at the Glenview Correctional Camp. Despite not being involved, Toto is heading north too but on an entirely different mission. In disguise, she must carry out undercover reconnaissance to see if the rumours of the return of the legendary Wildcat are true.

Faced with brutal tasks, the fierce London gang the Meowsiders out to make their life a misery and guards who are busily trying to build a ferocious animal army to stage a coup, Toto and the gang are in terrible danger. They need to put a stop to things and fast but can they come up with a plan before it is too late…

Those already hooked by the series and those jumping in for the first time will thoroughly enjoy this highly appealing read. As always, Dermot O’Leary’s writing is exciting, fast-paced, cat-pun-filled and action-packed. Featuring fabulous black and white illustrations by Nick East, the double page action scenes are a particular favourite, these fantastic stories, that blend adventure with mystery, are purr-fect reading for children who like their cats to be fun and feisty and who can go from nice to ninja in an instant.

Toto, the blind cat with the lightning quick ninja moves and who can sniff out danger a mile away, is at her brilliant best in an adventure that will test her, her brothers and long-time friend Catface to their very limits. Danger and peril are never far away in the Scottish Highlands and with other campmates, the guards and the legendary Wildcat to deal with, Toto certainly has a lot on her plate. But if any cat is up to the challenge then it is Toto and with the support of a secret contact she might just be able to save the day…again.

Running throughout are important themes of triumphing when the odds are stacked against you, teamwork, friendship, having each others back and learning to trust others even though they may have done you wrong in the past.

The hardback version is the cat’s whiskers; featuring paw print endpapers, a dust jacket and a special cover hidden beneath. Another excellent book in the series, more adventures with Toto and the gang please Dermot O’Leary!

With huge thanks to Hachette Children’s for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 7+.