A Davenport author’s second graphic novel series for kids features a cat and dog crime-solving duo.
“Paw & Order Vol. 2: The Case of the Sleeping Artist” will debut nationwide on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The book is the second in a new graphic novel series following the adventures of cat and dog crime-solving duo Purrlock and Marlowe and their detective agency, Paw & Order.
The series is written and illustrated by Davenport-based author Jason Platt and published by Papercutz, with distribution by Simon & Schuster Distribution Services.
In “Paw & Order Vol. 2,” Purrlock and Marlowe have been invited to Paris by Marlowe’s Aunt Foo Foo to see the unveiling of M. Henri Porcupine’s painting. It’s his first painting in 10 years and highly anticipated. But, when the detectives arrive, they find out that the painting has been stolen only moments after its reveal. To make matters worse, Marlowe’s Aunt Foo Foo has been arrested for the crime. But if it wasn’t Aunt Foo Foo, then who? The only other suspect is Hugh Manatee, M. Henri’s artistic rival. And what exactly did M. Canard, the arts reporter for the newspaper, see and hear the night of the theft?
Readers will have their own opportunity to piece the puzzle together alongside Purrlock and Marlow and, hopefully, save Aunt Foo Foo.
“I wanted to make this series really interactive like a logic puzzle, so readers get multiple chances to carefully review the clues with our main characters before turning the page to solve the mystery,” explained Platt. “This way they can go back and look at a suspect in-depth and perhaps identify a new detail they may not have considered the first time they characters interacted.”
The 88-page full-color book is available for pre-order in both paperback and hardcover through various retailers. For more information, visit here.
Platt’s first book in the series, “Paw & Order Vol. 1: The Grilled Cheese Caper,” debuted in August 2025. The graphic novel has been described as “A quick, bright tale with a fun, interactive investigation for young readers,” according to the online book review site Kirkus Reviews with a “Get it” verdict.
The series’ third book, “Paw & Order Vol.3: The Night of the Comet,” is set for release in June 2026. All books in the Paw & Order series are recommended for readers ages 6-10.
“I remember seeing my mom read Agatha Christie books when I was little. I was really intrigued by the cover art and by the idea of the detective solving the crime,” said Platt. “But those books were too big for me at the time. I’ve since read just about everything she’s written, so my love of the mystery genre stems from an early age. The thrill of the unknown, the challenge of piecing together clues, and the satisfaction of solving the puzzle have captivated me ever since.”
About Jason Platt
Platt is a graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design, with a degree in illustration. In 2015 he was accepted by unanimous vote into the National Cartoonists Society, the world’s largest and most prestigious organization of professional cartoonists whose elected membership roster includes over 500 of the world’s major cartoonists working in many branches of the profession, including comic books, editorial cartoons, animation, webcomics and other online platforms, newspaper comic strips and panels, gag cartoons, greeting cards, advertising, magazine and book illustration. Platt also is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He is represented by Timothy Travaglini of Transatlantic Agency.
In addition to Paw & Order, Platt is the author/illustrator of the award-winning middle-grade “Middle School Misadventures series, which has been translated and published worldwide, including in Portugal, Israel, Poland, Amsterdam, Norway, Finland and Turkey.
Follow Platt’s work here.
About Papercutz
Papercutz is dedicated to publishing graphic novels for all ages. Popular with reluctant readers and gifted readers alike, Papercutz graphic novels for kids, tweens, and teens include a wide range of genres, including humor, action adventure, mystery, horror, and favorite characters. We work every day to introduce young readers to the imaginative wonders waiting to be discovered in comics. Papercutz books are currently distributed to booksellers, educational and library buyers, and mass market retailers through Simon & Schuster.