Magic and Other Misdemeanors

Even though this is Book Five of The Sisters Grimm series, it's easy to sort out who is related to whom in the Grimm family. A wild plot is held together by the peppy narration of L.J. Ganser as he gives voice to the lengthy cast of characters, including Baba Yaga and the sneering Sheriff of Nottingham. This time the detective sisters, Daphne and Sabrina, are investigating mysterious thefts of important magic objects. Every nursery and fairy-tale character, every clichÄ and contemporary trend is thrown into the story, which is laced with puns and jokes. Ganser's precise, sometimes gleeful, German accent for Granny Relda is a treat. (A first-time listener might feel cheated by the surprise of a cliff-hanger ending.) R.H.H. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

June 1, 2008
Gr 4-6-The Sisters Grimm are back in a fifth installment (Amulet Books, 2007) of Michael Buckley's popular series. This time, amateur detective sisters Sabrina and Daphne Grimm investigate the theft of several magical objects which were stolen from the homes of the Ever Afters, Ferryport Landing's immortal fairy tale inhabitants. While Granny Relda struggles to find the money to cover inordinate taxes on her home and propertyimposed on all humans living in Ferryport Landing to force them to move out of the townthe sisters struggle to solve the mystery of the missing items. Their fairy foster brother Puck, Mr. Canis (a man slowly transforming into the Big Bad Wolf), Prince Charming, Snow White, and others help the children through their investigation and the consequent "time tears" that result from the misuse of the magical objects. All the while, the children strive to find a remedy for the endless sleep that has befallen their unfortunate parents. L.J. Ganser's narration is well-paced, but with occasionally faltering voicings for each of the characters. An entertaining, action-packed listen for fans of mysteries and fairy tales.Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Galaxie Branch, Apple Valley, MN

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.