The Magician's Dream: An Oona Crate Mystery

Gr 4–6—Oona, apprentice to the Wizard of Dark Street, is preparing for her battle training when she learns that the Faerie Carbuncle, a magical gem, has been stolen from the museum. Combined with a spell, the jewel gives the wearer powers that rival those of the faeries. The thief left behind a single clue, the Rose Knot—the same knot left by the criminal pair who killed Oona's father. In between her battles, Oona hunts for clues to find the missing gem and those responsible for changing her life forever. The third Oona Crate mystery works well both as a stand-alone and part of a series for middle grade readers. Odyssey uses a mix of new and old to create an interesting world, with travel by carriage and a cooking competition reminiscent of Top Chef. Multiple story lines are finely woven together, including a romance and an election featuring Dark Street's first female candidate held shortly after women have attained the right to vote. The story's real strength lies in the vivid description, both in the action scenes and in describing the cast of characters. There's Samuligan, the house-faerie servant who sports a cowboy hat and competes against Oona in fantastical battles that take them from clouds to graveyards; Deacon, a talking raven, who serves as Watson to Oona's Sherlock Holmes; Mary, the librarian's daughter, who keeps her desire to be a critic hidden from her mother, who prefers that she would take up the family business; and Adler, the love interest, who has facial tattoos that correspond with his work at the Magicians Legal Alliance. Strong world-building and these delightfully described characters all combine for much great appeal.