The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries Book 1)

by Johan Rundberg

Other authorsA. A. Prime (Translator)
Ebook, 2023

Genres

Description

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.… (more)

Publication

Amazon Crossing Kids (2023), 187 pages

User reviews

LibraryThing member mstrust
Set in 1880s Sweden, this is the story of twelve year-old Mika, who has grown up in an orphanage. She's been passed over by years of prospective foster parents and feels it intensely, so she does her best to care for the younger orphans. When a newborn is thrust into her arms one night, the
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detective who comes notices that Mika is unusually observant and articulate, and he enlists the girl in helping him solve the case of a serial killer.
A bit too violent to be a cozy and too sweet to be realistic, it's a fast-moving mystery that doesn't ask too much of the reader.
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LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
The Night Raven is the first book in the middle grade mystery series The Moonwind by Swedish author Johan Rundberg. Twelve-year old Mika has grown up in an orphanage where she takes care of the other orphans and where she has learned to be very observant, a necessary survival skill in 1880
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Stockholm. When a newborn child is thrust in her arms by a young boy who immediately disappears, the detective assigned to investigate appreciates her skills at observation and enlists her help in solving the case of a serial killer who has been terrorizing the city.

Although way outside the target audience, I enjoyed this book. Mike is a great protagonist, brave, smart, and ruled by logic in assessing the world around her. The story is a fast-paced easy read that I suspect would appeal to young kids. It should be noted, however, that it may be too violent for kids under twelve.

I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss+ and Amazon Publishing in exchange for an honest review
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Language

Original language

Swedish
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