The Night Raven - (The Moonwind Mysteries) by Johan Rundberg

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

Shortlisted for the Global Literature in Libraries YA Translated Book Prize

A USBBY Outstanding International Book

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.

Review Quotes

"Chilly Nordic noir. [It shares] the same worldview: that children can and should act out, that what they care about matters...Mika is upset about her place in society and the prospects of her fellow orphans, which drives her to uncover the truth." --The New York Times

"This gripping, fast-paced mystery comes together well, with Mika's deductions based firmly in logic and connections based in her own clear observations...A thrilling and thoughtful period murder mystery." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Mika is a brave, resourceful heroine, and her warm relationships with Valdemar and her peers at the orphanage counterbalance the bleak backdrop." --Publishers Weekly

"Originally published in Sweden, the novel ends with justice done and, for Mika, a newfound sense of purpose. While not every mystery introduced is solved, this is only the first volume in the Moonwind Mysteries series." --Booklist

"Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, style, and presentation, The Night Raven is a Moonwind Mystery written by Swedish author Johan Rundberg and ably translated into English for young American readers ages 10-14 by Annie Prime. This 'whodunnit' mystery is fully entertaining and highly recommended." --Midwest Book Review

"This English translation of Rundberg's lively historical mystery...is something to celebrate...Joyous, funny, suspenseful, and serious--an unusual and winning combination for middle-grade readers. Let's hope its three sequels appear in [A. A.] Prime's English translation, too." --The Horn Book (starred review)

"Middle-school-age historical mystery fans will appreciate the fast-moving story and intriguing setting, as well as the splashes of humor throughout." --Historical Novels Review