The Supernormal Sleuthing Service #1

March 15, 2017
A familiar-feeling protagonist delves into a new life and a new world of magic in this middle-grade series opener by wife-husband duo. Stephen and his father, both white, move to New York City after his grandmother passes away and his dad is called to take over her job as the -Culinary Alchemist and head chef at the Hotel New Harmonia.- And--surprise!--the New Harmonia is a hotel for monsters and other magical folk (here called -supernormals-). On top of this, Stephen quickly learns that he is, in fact, half fae (thanks to the mother he never met), and the fae court wants him back. Luckily, kid human hotel residents Ivan La Doyt, who is white, and Sofia Gutierrez, a Latina with brown skin in the cover art, act as Ron and Hermione-like friends. When someone steals the hotel's recipe book--necessary for Stephen's dad to cook to the tastes of the supernormals and particularly vital for the dragon-in-residence's upcoming birthday party--and Stephen is blamed, the trio takes matters into their own hands to solve the mystery. Sporadic black-and-white illustrations are friendly and accessible but add little, and the plot-driven third-person narration makes it difficult to feel invested in the characters. While it may be a brave new world for Stephen, this is well-worn territory for middle-grade fantasy. Here's hoping the second outing provides something fresh. (Fantasy/mystery. 8-12)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-First in a new series, this is a fun, character-driven supernatural mystery. When Stephen's beloved grandmother, Chef Nana, dies, his dad suddenly uproots them from Chicago to New York City, where his dad takes over Chef Nana's job as head chef at the New Harmonio, an exclusive hotel for...monsters. Stephen learns in quick succession that Supernaturals are real, his mother is a missing Fae princess, and her family wants to manipulate Stephen to gain power. He teams up with the other hotel children (Sophia the warrior and Ivan the detective as well as a Bigfoot, a dragon, and a talking elevator) in a race against time to save his family from certain doom. Character development is quite satisfying, as the children start out whiny and distrustful but become brave and resourceful. The authors artfully meld the supernatural with the modern. In one scene, the children use their cell phone ringers to scare a ghoul. Black-and-white, cartoon-style line drawings by Thomas establish just the right mood for the quirky setting and characterization. VERDICT The story is fast-paced and full of action, with eccentric characters and a rewarding resolution. A solid purchase for any sized budget.-Terry Ann Lawler, Burton Barr Library, Phoenix

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2017
Grades 3-6 Moving from Chicago to New York City for his dad's new job came with more surprises than Stephen Lawson ever expected. For starters, the monsters his grandmother had claimed to cook for at the Hotel New Harmonia are real, and now that his dad is taking over as head chefor culinary alchemisthe'll be living among them. Then there's the small detail of learning his mother is a fairy, making Stephen half fae. Despite these shocking discoveries, Stephen finds himself quickly adjusting to his strange new home and fairy abilities. Soon after their arrival, however, someone steals his dad's prized Librum de Coquina, the Lawson family's book of recipes for supernormals (dragons, fairies, vampires, etc.), a loss that could cost his dad his job. Stephen enlists the help of his friends Sophia and Ivan to track down the Librum. Spouses Bond and Rowe make their middle-grade debut in this series starter. The light mystery will charm readers with its secret magical society, unusual characters, caring father-son relationship, and enchanted hotel setting. Monstrous fun!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2018
When Stephen's father takes over his grandmother's job as chef at a NYC hotel serving an elite clientele of various "supernormals," Stephen learns he is part-fae. Some of his snooty mythical neighbors aren't exactly thrilled with him, and Stephen must clear his name when an important magical artifact goes missing. This entertaining series-starter's overly familiar premise and themes are nevertheless successfully executed.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)