Opal Watson

March 1, 2025
In this series opener based on a popular podcast, 12-year-old Opal Watson loves solving mysteries--she writes down her observations and collects clues in her detective notebook. Opal, who's Black, has a condition called retinitis pigmentosa; she occasionally uses the cane she's named "Pinkerton" to help her navigate in poor light conditions. On her way home to Chicago from New Orleans, where she stayed with her beloved grandmother and attended summer camp, Opal learns from her friend Madison Ling about mysterious noises coming from their apartment building, the Crescent, where Opal's dad is the manager. Opal works with Madison and Frank Goode, her cousin and best friend, to get to the bottom of the mystery--which quickly grows bigger than any of them could have expected and even threatens the existence of the Crescent. At the same time, Opal wrestles with being partnered for a big project on the Great Migration with Ivy Atkinson, a new girl at school, after the two get off on the wrong foot at the seventh grade orientation event. The story moves at a steady pace, incorporating historical information into the many twists and turns as Opal races against the clock in a search for the truth. The book beautifully highlights the charms of the Chicago backdrop through the descriptions provided by Opal and other characters. A fun mystery with a strong sense of place and plenty of surprises.(Mystery. 8-12)

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Starred review from April 1, 2025

Gr 5 Up-Thurman's engaging middle grade mystery introduces the sharp and observant Opal Watson, a budding detective navigating life's challenges while solving puzzles within her historic Chicago apartment building. After spending the summer in New Orleans with her beloved grandmother, 12-year-old Opal returns home to find her family's building in the midst of stressful renovations. Strange noises, mysterious drafts, and growing tensions among residents spark her curiosity. Using her keen observational skills and her trusty cane, Pinkerton, she unravels secrets that could change everything for her family, friends, and the community she holds dear. Opal, who is Black, is a relatable protagonist readers will root for. Her detective instincts are balanced with the everyday concerns of middle school (friendships, schoolwork, and family dynamics), making her an engaging and well-rounded character. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of resilience, identity, and community, while seamlessly incorporating Opal's experience with retinitis pigmentosa. Her use of a cane, her awareness of her surroundings, and her independence are depicted with nuance and care, offering meaningful representation that never feels forced. Fans of the Opal Watson: Private Eye podcast will appreciate the references to past cases, creating a natural bridge from the audio drama to this novel. It's 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. VERDICT A must-buy for middle grade collections, especially where contemporary mysteries circulate well.-Rose Garrett

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