Title: Magic and Other Misdemeanors
Author: Michael Buckley
First published December 1, 2007
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780810993587 (ISBN10: 0810993589)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
The Grimm sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, are back with a new case to solve! Someone has been stealing the magical possessions of the strongest Everafters in their town, and it’s up to the girls to crack the case. With Granny preoccupied with Mayor Heart’s anti-human campaign, the sisters are left to their own devices.
Will they be able to solve the mystery and save the magical community? Join the girl detectives on their thrilling adventure in Magic and Other Misdemeanors by Michael Buckley.
About the Author
Michael Buckley, a bestselling author, hails from Akron, Ohio. Before attending Ohio University, he explored the worlds of stand-up comedy and punk rock as a lead singer.
After graduating with flying colors, he ventured to the Big Apple and worked as an intern on the Late Show with David Letterman. This opened doors for him to work on creating programming for networks like Discovery and MTV, as well as for Klasky Csupo, the production company behind Nickelodeon’s Rugrats.
Presently, he resides in Brooklyn along with his wife, Alison, and their son, Finn.
Editoral Review
Magic and Other Misdemeanors is an enchanting book in the middle-grade fantasy series, The Sisters Grimm, written by Michael Buckley. Released on December 1, 2007, the book is perfect for young readers who enjoy magical narratives with fantastical creatures and intriguing mysteries.
The novel follows the adventures of sisters Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, descendants of the famous Brothers Grimm, as they navigate life in the magical city of Everafter. In the fourth installment of the series, Magic and Other Misdemeanors, Sabrina and Daphne must investigate the mysterious disappearance of the city’s most powerful spellcasters.
The girls discover that the spellcasters have been kidnapped by a group called The Scarlet Hand, whose sinister motives and true identities are shrouded in secrecy. The sisters team up with their magical friends to expose The Scarlet Hand’s plan and rescue the spellcasters before it’s too late.
Buckley’s storytelling is imaginative and engaging, and his characters are well-developed and relatable. Sabrina, the primary protagonist, is a smart and determined young girl who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Daphne, her younger sister, is spunky and has a natural talent for magic. The author creates a memorable supporting cast of magical creatures, including the sarcastic Puck, the homesick Everafter troll, and the telepathic Big Bad Wolf.
The book’s pacing is well-balanced, and the plot structure is intricate enough to keep the reader guessing until the very end. The themes explored in the story include the importance of family, loyalty, and the courage to stand up for what is right.
Moreover, Magic and Other Misdemeanors deals with the consequences of using magic irresponsibly, and how it can be used for both good and evil. While the book can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, readers who have read the previous books in the series would appreciate the interconnectedness of the characters and events.
The book’s only limitation is that some readers may find it to be formulaic, with certain plot points and characters feeling familiar. Overall, Magic and Other Misdemeanors is a delightful read for middle-grade readers who enjoy magic, adventure, and fantasy.
Its strong characters and themes make it a book that both girls and boys can enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to parents looking for a fun and engaging novel for their children.
I give the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
