Opal Watson: Private Eye - by Brittany J Thurman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Opal Watson, Private Eye introduces an exciting new middle grade mystery series based on the popular original Pinna podcast that feels like a modern-day version of Harriet the Spy.

Opal Watson loves being a detective. When her neighbor's cat goes missing or her grandmother loses her cherished cookbook, Opal is on the case. And there is no mystery she cannot solve.

Returning home to Chicago after spending the summer with her Meme Augustine in New Orleans, Opal is nervous to begin school. Despite her parents' confidence, they worry about her making new friends and dealing with her Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. When Opal gets paired with a new student, Ivy, to work on their history project together, she is hesitant--after all, she only needs her cousin, Frank, and her best friend, Madison.

But school quickly becomes the least of her worries. Madison has heard disturbances in the apartment building she and Opal live in, the Crescent. Renovations are being done, but it's unclear where the noises are coming from that are upsetting all her neighbors. Even worse, the old building is the target of developers wanting to tear it down. As Opal begins to investigate, she realizes this will be her toughest case yet.

Can Opal solve the mystery at the Crescent and save her home? And what hidden truths will she uncover along the way?

Review Quotes

"A fun mystery with a strong sense of place and plenty of surprises." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A smart, layered mystery with an unforgettable heroine, ideal for readers who enjoy a slow-burning puzzle with rich character development and a strong sense of place." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"Fans of the podcast and readers new to Opal's world won't want to miss her newest case, and they'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series." -- Booklist