The Night Raven

The Moonwind Mysteries, Book 1

By: Johan Rundberg, A. A. Prime - translator

Narrated by: Nina Yndis

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.

©2020, 2023 Johan Rundberg (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Translation © 2023 by A. A. Prime.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Nina Yndis establishes a determined voice for 12-year-old Mika, an orphan in 1880 Sweden.… Yndis captures Mika's emotions as she deals with the dire living conditions in the orphanage and finds hope in doing everything she can to help solve the crime and keep others safe. Listeners, especially historical fiction fans, will cheer Mika on as she pieces together the truth in this mystery.”—AudioFile Magazine

“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)

A great mystery!

I loved listening to this story of a sweet, intelligent, and unique orphan! I’m going to have to find the next book in the series.

ODD DETECTIVE PAIRING FOR THE WIN!

Unique, fast paced, gothic, and an ending most satisfactory! Narration was excellent. I will be looking for more from this author!

Brilliant read!

I truly enjoy this book! I hope to have many more to hear! The translation was good but not great! I am getting used to it. I will be happy to hear many more!

A thrilling mystery with a hint of humor!🔎🕵🏻‍♀️🔍

A thrilling mystery with twists and turns, but sweet at the same time!I really enjoyed it!

For all ages.

Mystery set in a cruel historical time period. The treatment of children orphaned is hard for me to understand. It was an intricate part of the story.

I liked the characters and loved the final pay day, it literally choked me up.

I rarely read middle grade, am glad this came to me, and I look forward to more from the author.

Good

Overall I enjoyed the telling. The narration was good. Occasionally a little slow. I might checkout the next book. A little pricey for how short they are.

Loved it!

Spunky Mika makes this a fun, witty mystery! She’s clever and quick witted. The perfect daring heroine!

Mika is incredible

Imagine being a whole adult . . . a detective. And this waif of a 12 year old girl comes through and notices all the things you should be noticing. Shameful! This was good. I'll likely read more.