The Night Raven

 

Rundberg, Johan. (2023) The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries). A.A. Prime, Translator) Amazon Crossing Kids. ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-1662509582

Synopsis:

Mika is not your average twelve-year-old―and she’s about to prove it.

It’s 1880, and in the frigid city of Stockholm, death lurks around every corner. Twelve-year-old Mika knows that everyone in her orphanage will struggle to survive this winter. But at least the notorious serial killer the Night Raven is finally off the streets…or is he?

Mika is shocked when a newborn baby is left at the orphanage in the middle of the night, by a boy with a cryptic message. Who is he? And who is this “Dark Angel” he speaks of? When a detective shows up, Mika senses something even more sinister is going on.

Drawn in by Mika’s unique ability to notice small details―a skill Mika has always used to survive―the gruff Detective Hoff unwittingly recruits her to help him with his investigation into a gruesome murder. Mika knows she should stay far, far away, and yet…with such little hope for her future, could this be an opportunity? Maybe, just maybe, this is Mika’s chance to be someone who matters.

My Review:

 I love a good mystery and find this book to be very interesting and it had characters that were engaging and believable. Writing allows you to see, hear, smell, and feel like you are there. It’s a great book for middle schoolers. It is a scary book but one that is okay for children and there is no violence or sexual writing. I like that it reminds me a lot of British murder mysteries. It’s a great story that you are trying to piece together as you go without all the unnecessary gore.

What makes this book different is that it touches on a lot of other pieces of life such as abuse, poverty, disability, children having to work, and much more. You see how the monsters are always lurking even now but the book shows a girl who preservers it all. You read of a girl who has been through so much but uses her intelligence and strength to impress others by protecting the children and much more. A true story of life and overcoming it all.

Awards/Reviews:

observations…A thrilling and thoughtful period murder mystery.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Mika is a brave, resourceful heroine, and her warm relationships with Valdemar and her peers at the orphanage counterbalance the bleak backdrop.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Originally published in Sweden, the novel ends with justice done and, for Mika, a newfound sense of purpose. While not every mystery introduced is solved, this is only the first volume in the Moonwind Mysteries series.” ―Booklist

“Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, style, and presentation, The Night Raven is a Moonwind Mystery written by Swedish author Johan Rundberg and ably translated into English for young American readers ages 10-14 by Annie Prime. This 'whodunnit' mystery is fully entertaining and highly recommended.” ―Midwest Book Review

“This English translation of Rundberg’s lively historical mystery…is something to celebrate…Joyous, funny, suspenseful, and serious―an unusual and winning combination for middle-grade readers. Let’s hope its three sequels appear in [A. A.] Prime’s English translation, too.” ―The Horn Book (starred review)

“Middle-school-age historical mystery fans will appreciate the fast-moving story and intriguing setting, as well as the splashes of humor throughout.” ―Historical Novels Review

Connections:

-          Read the other books in the series.

-          Try a similar series by Tamora Pierce

-          Learn about 1800’s in Europe

-          Relate yourself to Mika