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The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

Two sisters discover they’re descended from the Brothers Grimm—and that their new town is full of fairy-tale refugees with very real problems. Mysteries, mischief, and magical mayhem collide as they crack their first case. Whimsical and witty, The Fairy-Tale Detectives is a charming invitation to a world where stories walk the streets.

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In The Fairy-Tale Detectives, did you enjoy ...

... cracking magical whodunits with a sharp-eyed girl partner and a quirky mentor?

Jackaby by William Ritter

If you loved how Sabrina and Daphne chased clues through Ferryport Landing—piecing together the giant’s rampage, sussing out Jack the Giant Killer’s scheme, and leaning on Granny Relda’s eccentric expertise—you’ll click with Jackaby. Abigail Rook teams up with the oddball detective R.F. Jackaby to investigate monsters and murderous mysteries in a small town, much like the Grimms puzzling through Everafter crimes. The mix of casework, folklore creatures, and quick-thinking teamwork scratches the same mystery itch.

... snarky, banter-filled monster-hunting with a magical detective duo?

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Enjoyed the quips between Sabrina, Daphne, and chaos-bringer Puck while outsmarting Mayor Charming and Sheriff Hamstead? The razor-sharp humor and rapid-fire banter in Skulduggery Pleasant will be right up your alley. A wisecracking skeleton detective and a gutsy girl partner wise off while chasing sorcerous villains—much like the Grimms juggling danger and laughs as Mirror grumbles and Mr. Canis clenches his inner Wolf.

... uncovering hidden supernatural communities within real-world cities?

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

If Ferryport Landing’s secret population of Everafters—from Mirror in the attic to the Three Little Pigs on the police force—hooked you, City of Ghosts delivers that same thrill of a normal place humming with the uncanny. Cassidy can slip beyond the Veil to meet the dead in Edinburgh’s closes, much like the Grimms reading between the lines of ordinary life to catch magic-laced trouble before it erupts.

... finding a loyal, mismatched team that becomes your true family?

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

If the heart of The Fairy-Tale Detectives for you was Sabrina and Daphne forging real bonds with Granny Relda, Mr. Canis, and even that troublesome Puck, you’ll love how four clever kids rally around the enigmatic Mr. Benedict. Like the Grimms banding together to stop Jack and protect their town, this crew’s trust and bravery—more than any one power—becomes their greatest weapon against a scheming mastermind.

... a courageous girl discovering her power and leading the charge against dark magic?

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Sabrina’s take-charge grit—standing up to Mayor Charming, keeping Daphne safe, and pushing through fear during the giant attack—mirrors Sunny Nwazue’s journey in Akata Witch. Sunny learns to wield her unique abilities, teams with new friends, and confronts a dangerous sorcerer. If you admired the Grimm sisters’ resolve and resourcefulness, Sunny’s leadership and courage will resonate just as strongly.

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