Thrilled to be awarded GOLD by the Literary Titan!!

The Christmas Call, the latest installment in J-J Murray’s Fang, Bang, and the Midnight Mouse series, is tailor-made for cozy holiday read-alouds shared with family. Illustrated by Katie Tayler, the story opens on a snug Christmas Eve with the Jollie family, where cat detectives Fang and Bang are reveling in their favorite season. The warmth doesn’t last long. Trouble strikes at the Hill Inn when a prized wheel of Stilton cheese disappears without a trace. Summoned to investigate, the two feline sleuths follow a tantalising trail of crumbs far from home, all the way to Cambridge, where they come face to face with Midnight Mouse and her mischievous crew. What follows is a brisk, festive mystery packed with sharp twists, seasonal mayhem, and more than a few cat-astrophes.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how naturally it weaves together humor, intrigue, and genuine warmth. The pace is swift and confident, keeping young readers absorbed as Fang and Bang pursue clues through snowy streets, bustling museums, and even a Christmas carol service. The language remains light and approachable, sprinkled generously with cat puns that will prompt giggles from children and knowing smiles from adults. At times, the narrator speaks directly to the reader, posing questions and inviting them to think alongside the detectives, which adds a playful, interactive dimension to the story.

Katie Tayler’s illustrations brim with energy and charm. Every page feels alive with movement and warmth, allowing Fang and Bang’s distinct personalities to shine. The festive settings are richly imagined, and the artwork supports the text beautifully, guiding young readers through the action while deepening the cozy Christmas atmosphere.

Beneath the mystery lies a thoughtful message about generosity and empathy, particularly fitting for the holiday season. Midnight Mouse is not portrayed as a simple villain. Her motivations are handled with surprising tenderness, offering children a nuanced understanding that mistakes do not define a character’s worth. A brief section at the end exploring the history of Stilton cheese adds an unexpected educational touch, enhancing the story without interrupting its momentum.

Overall, this is a delightful choice for families seeking a festive tale that balances entertainment with heart. The Christmas Call is witty, inventive, and warmly inclusive, an excellent pick for young readers who enjoy mysteries, animal heroes, and Christmas adventures wrapped in charm.

November 19, 2025 Kelly Kay 31 reviews

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Christmas Call by J-J Murray is the perfect children’s book to get you into the Christmas spirit. It’s super cute, super creative, and follows the recurring theme of Fang and Bang desperately trying to stop the infamous Midnight Mouse from stealing yet another cheese.

But just when you think it’s all about the Christmas spirit and the usual chase, the story takes an unexpected twist: there are no losers and no winners in this little battle. Then, with a magical surprise visit from Father Christmas himself, this book becomes truly adorable – the kind that warms your heart and makes it the perfect bedtime story for little ones.

The artwork is captivating, packed with cute little puns that had me grinning page after page. It’s one of those rare picture books that’s just as much fun for parents as it is for kids.

This book was utterly Feline-Fantastic, and I highly recommend it!

November 7, 2025 Valentina 8 reviews

The illustrations are quite adorable, full of color and bright adding tons of fun to the scenes!! I love the watercolor style and that the text is broken up with the blue text! This heartwarming story perfectly captures the fun and magic of Christmas. The two mice Fang and Bang are super cute, full of adventure, and friendship. Their differing personalities of energetic and curious and patient and cautious, shows how contrasting personalities can make the perfect pair. This dynamic duo teaches the readers simple lessons about teamwork, the dreamwork, empathy, and the joy that can come with helping out others around us!

November 24, 2025 Jennifer Carboy 33 reviews

This book was adorable from start to finish. My children and I are always looking for Christmas books to help get us into the holiday spirit when we stumbled upon

" Fang Bang and Midnight Mouse the Christmas Call" by J-J Murray. The story tells of two adventurous mice who get called to help save a wheel of stilton cheese that is supposed to be used as part of a christmas celebration that night. The watercolor used for the illustrations throughout the book brings the story to life. We also had a lot of laughs while reading the book with the humor and puns stuck in throughout the story. I was not aware when we purchased this book that it is part of a series. We will definitely be reading the others right away.

November 5, 2025 Ray Giustini 21 reviews

Fang, Bang and the Midnight Mouse: The Christmas Call is a charming and heartwarming story. I loved how Fang and Bang teamed up to help the Midnight Mouse and save Christmas night. The story mixes friendship, courage, and a touch of holiday magic in a really special way. The writing pulls you into the cozy winter setting, making it feel like you’re right there with them. It reminds readers that kindness and teamwork can make a big difference. This book is a wonderful holiday read for anyone who loves cheerful and hopeful stories.