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.

Praise for Mystery at the Biltmore #2: The Classified Catnapping

The Children's Book Council "Hot off the Press" April 2025 Selection

“Using dogged detective work, an intrepid young New Yorker solves a feline felony….Suspense, a winsome cast and setting, and an admirable lead make this sequel a cat-egorical success.”—Kirkus Reviews 

“Classified Catnapping [is] an entertaining middle-grade cozy that will have young readers eager for another visit to the Biltmore”—CanLit for Little Canadians

“This was a delightful read with fun and vibrant characters! I would have loved this series as a kid.”—Youth Services Book Review

“It’s...perfect for children between the ages of five years old and eight years old who enjoy whodunits”—The Running Bibliophile  

“This is such a fun mystery! I loved the cute characters, and all the varied personalities of the neighbors....The writing is simple (just right for this age group), but it also has a charm and warmth that draws the reader into the story. Even reading as an adult, I really enjoyed it!”—Luminous Libro

“Readers who enjoy being armchair detectives will...be intrigued with solving this catnapping case”—CLCD – Children’s Literature

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.