5.0 (1 rating)
The Burglar
The Burglar is a fun adventure for children, teens, and young adults! A crowbar splinters the front door of a family home and the only "witnesses" are the talking family dog named Max and his often bratty cat sister named Penny. These two hilarious pets poke fun at humans and at life.Ironically, much of the story is told from the pets’ point of view.
The story contains two brilliantly intertwined plots:
Plot One - The famous pets Max and Penny proudly defend (or attempt to defend) the family home from a real-life burglar!
Plot Two - The burglar, Jonathan, kidnaps a policewoman and then flees down the highway in his beat-up Monte Carlo. During an extensive car ride, Jonathan and Officer Heilman discover they have common threads—and they are shocked at what they later discover about themselves.
The police detectives assigned to the case are Officer Peachtree and his fumbling sidekick, Gordon. Having a comical work relationship, the duo can't seem to get out of their own way. The pursuit begins in northern Kentucky and leads authorities to the Smoky Mountains and through the swamps of central Florida.
This short book is a thrilling page-turner from start to finish!
Author Facebook:
facebook.com/jeffross99
The story contains two brilliantly intertwined plots:
Plot One - The famous pets Max and Penny proudly defend (or attempt to defend) the family home from a real-life burglar!
Plot Two - The burglar, Jonathan, kidnaps a policewoman and then flees down the highway in his beat-up Monte Carlo. During an extensive car ride, Jonathan and Officer Heilman discover they have common threads—and they are shocked at what they later discover about themselves.
The police detectives assigned to the case are Officer Peachtree and his fumbling sidekick, Gordon. Having a comical work relationship, the duo can't seem to get out of their own way. The pursuit begins in northern Kentucky and leads authorities to the Smoky Mountains and through the swamps of central Florida.
This short book is a thrilling page-turner from start to finish!
Author Facebook:
facebook.com/jeffross99
Published: January 1, 2004
Pages: 99
ISBN: 9798838064400
Get This Book
Available in: Hardcover
Reader Reviews
5.0
1 rating
Carla B.
Feb 8, 2026
In a quiet Cincinnati suburb, Dr. John Mattingly and his wife Madge live a peaceful life—until their home is broken into. But this isn't your average burglary story. Their dog Max and cat Penny happen to witness the crime, and believe it or not, much of the story is told from their hilarious and surprisingly insightful perspectives.
The break-in sets off a wild chase that crosses state lines, featuring two delightfully clumsy cops, a kidnapped policewoman, and a surprising connection between the burglar and his hostage. The mystery grows as questions pile up. Why this house? Why now? And what happens when people (and pets) discover they have more in common than they ever expected?
The Burglar is a short, fast-paced read with a ton of heart. It’s perfect for readers 13 and up who enjoy a quirky twist on crime, loyal pets, and a bit of mischief along the way.
This book was seriously cute. I smiled so much while reading it and actually laughed out loud more than once. It’s got that perfect blend of silly and smart. Max? Total good boy. Penny? She’s got sass and brains. I would trust them with my house before trusting most humans.
The story is fast and fun, with short chapters that made it super easy to fly through. The bumbling cops added an extra layer of comic relief, and the unexpected relationship between the burglar and the kidnapped officer gave it some surprising depth.
Honestly, it felt like watching a lighthearted family adventure movie, just in book form. My pets definitely would not have been this helpful, so Max and Penny deserve all the treats. If you’re in the mood for something feel-good with a side of quirky chaos, this is it.
The Vibes It Brings:
The break-in sets off a wild chase that crosses state lines, featuring two delightfully clumsy cops, a kidnapped policewoman, and a surprising connection between the burglar and his hostage. The mystery grows as questions pile up. Why this house? Why now? And what happens when people (and pets) discover they have more in common than they ever expected?
The Burglar is a short, fast-paced read with a ton of heart. It’s perfect for readers 13 and up who enjoy a quirky twist on crime, loyal pets, and a bit of mischief along the way.
This book was seriously cute. I smiled so much while reading it and actually laughed out loud more than once. It’s got that perfect blend of silly and smart. Max? Total good boy. Penny? She’s got sass and brains. I would trust them with my house before trusting most humans.
The story is fast and fun, with short chapters that made it super easy to fly through. The bumbling cops added an extra layer of comic relief, and the unexpected relationship between the burglar and the kidnapped officer gave it some surprising depth.
Honestly, it felt like watching a lighthearted family adventure movie, just in book form. My pets definitely would not have been this helpful, so Max and Penny deserve all the treats. If you’re in the mood for something feel-good with a side of quirky chaos, this is it.
The Vibes It Brings: