Jocki MacTavish


Children - Preteen
101 Pages
Reviewed on 08/30/2020
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Albert Anthony Marsolais is a retired scientist and businessman who lives in Canada.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite

Jocki MacTavish by Albert Marsolais is an intriguing tale set in a fishing village in Scotland in 1705. Jocki is a humble, hardworking 11-year-old boy who cleans his family’s tavern, assists the town’s doctor, and cares for homeless cats. Jocki becomes very concerned when the cats he tends to go missing while, at the same time, strange deliveries are made from a ship in the port. From there, things only take a turn for the worse. With Jocki leading the way, his family and this close-knit village come together to help find the missing cats and to solve the mysteries developing around them. Throughout this story we see Jocki balancing the challenges in his life as he deals with issues that many adolescents face, such as bullying, trying to make good choices, and trying to relate to his sometimes distant father.

I immediately liked this book for several reasons; the cozy village setting, the many endearing characters, the suspense, and also the vivid descriptions of living in the early 1700s. Jocki stands out as someone who seems wise beyond his years and it was very interesting to read how thoughtfully he went about his day while also trying to solve multiple mysteries. In this story, Jocki is learning about himself, his faith, and his family and he shows great courage, determination, empathy, and wisdom. His family and the members of the village support Jocki and help to teach him about life. I highly recommend Jocki MacTavish by Albert Marsolais for preteens and anyone who enjoys a great story!