Nora and the Mermaid's Monster: A Magical Mystery Adventure for Tweens and Teens Ages 9-13, Grades 4-7

by D.E. Night

Underneath a magical dome of fog in a hidden little town, a mysterious disappearance can only be solved by twelve-year-old Nora Happerdance. Alice in Wonderland meets Hugo Cabret meets Nancy Drew in this whimsical romp through the land of Croswald.

Nora has lived all her life in the same little half bedroom above the starlit streets of Belzebuthe, next door to her best friend Evie. Fishing for stars, fighting for space from her six brothers, and exploring farther than they should... But all is interrupted when Featherly, a mystical mermaid, comes to town. Just when things get interesting, the mermaid disappears.

One big mystery.
Five likely suspects.
Two unlikely detectives.

Will Nora and Evie find Featherly in time? Just who is the mermaid’s monster and how can they be stopped?

A cozy mystery for young readers and those young at heart.

237 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2024

Reviews

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a mystical and whimsical middle grade tale! I loved following twelve-year old Nora in this fun mysterious fantasy. I love mystery books so it’s no surprise that this one had me captivated. I loved D. E. Night’s writing as she wove this tale and the illustrations throughout this book were a wonderful touch as well. I absolutely adored this story and I think middle graders will as well.

Thank you Stories Untold Press for this gifted copy.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the Crowns of Croswald Series and was thrilled when the author reached out asking if I’d like to read an ARC of this new book from the magical world.

This new story brings us back to the magic that is the secret town of Belzebuthe. After reading this story I’d love to spend my days fishing for stars and drinking some melted milk shakes. And then the extra wonder that is added with the mystery of the mermaids drew me right into the story.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves magical cozy stories, middle grade and older. (And if you haven’t yet read the Croswald series, go do that too!)

[Jade Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️
This was such a cute whimsical story. The world was so rich and fantastical and fun. The reason I’m rating this on the lower end is in part because the premise has it set up to be a mystery, yet that plot didn’t begin until the halfway point. I think maybe a couple smaller mysteries or shady interactions prior to the mermaid’s disappearance could have helped? Something to feel like we were building up to it rather than feel like I’m waiting around for the promised plot to finally begin. Or start the disappearance sooner?
The other reason is because I think I would recommend this to a younger audience. Thinking back to when I was 12 and to what I was reading at the time, I might’ve thought this a little young for me. I think the author is on the right track, but it felt a little like holding the readers hand and talking down to them almost. It’s not done maliciously. But I think as adults, and I do this too, elementary and middle school kids can be talked to almost like adults and they appreciate it. It’s just finding that balance of writing plainly, but not too plainly where for instance the dialogue is awkward and stilted. A great example is Percy Jackson. It can be enjoyed at any age, but its language is simple while also feeling like the author is one of them talking with them instead of to them.
I think the author is obviously talented and very creative, creating the really intriguing, rich world. I think they are on the cusp of good things. I would just recommend to remember while writing that kids are smarter than we sometimes think.
Thank you to author for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

[OpenedBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Nora and the Mermaid's Monster," D.E. Night captures readers with the magical, immersive world of Croswald, showcasing her talent for enchanted world-building. The setting of Belzebuthe, with its captivating magical shield, draws readers in immediately. For Nora, however, Belzebuthe represents confinement, a barrier that keeps her from exploring the wonders beyond. This unique setting amplifies the tension in her story, as we see her longing for adventure and discovery in a world that feels just out of reach.

Nora’s joy is infectious when someone from the outside finally arrives in her town, filling her with hope and curiosity. The friendship that grows between her and Featherly is heartwarming, though it feels fast-tracked at times given the age gap. Their bond, though unusual, adds a sweetness to the story and gives Nora a needed ally.

However, there are a few points that can catch readers off guard. Nora’s apparent lack of magical powers, especially given her siblings’ lively interactions with magic, feels like an unresolved mystery. Additionally, the title's reference to “The Mermaid’s Monster” may mislead readers expecting a fearsome creature. The word "monster" here feels exaggerated, and a different term might better capture the story's true tone and mystery.

Overall, "Nora and the Mermaid's Monster" is a delightful read that invites middle-graders into a mysterious, whodunnit-like adventure in an enchanting setting. Despite a few surprises in character dynamics and word choice, D.E. Night has crafted an engaging tale for young readers who enjoy puzzles and magical escapades.

[Jordie Slesarenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a homeschooling mom with dreams of writing a literature-based curriculum, I am always on the lookout for new and lesser-known books to enrich our reading experience. "Nora and the Mermaid's Monster" by D.E. Night did not disappoint! I read this enchanting tale aloud to my children, aged 10, 8, 7, 4, and 3, and they absolutely adored it. In fact, they kept asking for just one more chapter, eager to dive back into the whimsical world that Night has crafted.

This story is a delightful blend of mystical elements and cozy mystery, reminiscent of "Alice in Wonderland" with its imaginative setting and quirky characters, combined with the investigative spirit of "Nancy Drew." Set beneath a magical dome of fog in the hidden town of Croswald, Nora’s quest to solve a mysterious disappearance is not only engaging but also filled with charm and whimsy.

The writing is accessible yet rich, capturing the attention of both my older kids and my little ones. The enchanting descriptions and clever twists kept us all hooked, making it a wonderful family read. Overall, "Nora and the Mermaid's Monster" is a fantastic addition to any middle-grade reading list, and I can’t wait to recommend it to fellow homeschooling families and others with little ones. It’s a story that invites imagination, curiosity, and adventure, earning it a solid 4.5 stars!

[Daniela Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased my copy directly from the author’s website, & what a treasure it was! From the moment I cracked open the cover, I was swept away into a delightful whirlwind of mystery & magic. As a devoted fan of the Croswald series, I was beyond excited to dive into this enchanting new adventure & it did not disappoint!

The journey was cozy, captivating, & brimming with whimsy. I adored the mystery at the heart of the story it kept me guessing and turning pages late into the night. Because I bought the book on the authors website it came with an art print of “the suspects chart”. It felt like a magical artifact! I found myself constantly flipping back to it as the characters leapt vividly off the page!

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler of the Croswald realm or stepping into this world for the first time, this book is a perfect standalone read or a delightful companion to the series. For those who’ve already fallen in love with Croswald, the little nods to familiar moments and places were like hidden treasures!!

This story felt like a cozy spell wrapped around my heart. :’)

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in the town of Belzebuthe. A town disguised by a thick layer of clouds to hide their magic.
Nora Happerdance is a 12 year old girl who loves to fish for stars. The stars were created by magic makers who missed stargazing. The stars are wish holders and contain the wishes of the townspeople.
One day, a mermaid is brought to town and put on display as a cultural mission of sorts and Nora becomes her friend.
This wonderful story tells the magical story of friendship and how Nora, and her friend Evie, help the mermaids of Lake Luck from the plot to destroy them.
The author weaves a fantasy tale that had me enthralled from the first chapter. It is unlike any book I’ve read and I just loved it!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.

[Nichole Halbmaier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily to share my honest opinion.

If I was my middle school self when this book came out I would have absolutely loved reading it! And I would have done so over and over again. What a great story filled with wonderfully written characters and an alluring mystery.

As my adult self, this was a great book. Didn’t take me long to read mostly because it was a page turner. The theme of curiosity and exploration mixed with doing what is right and protecting those you love resonates with any reader no matter the age. It was a delightful read with a big cliffhanger at the end that I certainly will need to get answers for.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book by the author so far. The author sets the characters well in the beginning, and we have a sense of the type of society. Even if you haven't read the other books, this stands alone and reads perfectly well as a mystery episode. The illustrations are amazing and there are plenty. (Now I want a sweet star = cookie). The characters are lovable even the naughty boys (Nora's brothers). I like the format and size of the book too. Great to carry in the bag and reread when we need a great mystery to help with some car/commuting/waiting time. Easy to read and well-written. Mermaid scales are very precious and a powerful magical ingredient, this alone makes a few characters high suspects.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This uses the Mermaid elements in a unique way and was enjoying the blend of Alice in Wonderland with Nancy Drew. It had that fantasy element that I was looking for in the genre. The characters worked with the world and felt like characters that we could care about. It had that cozy mystery element that I wanted and enjoyed it being uses with the fantasy concept. D. E. Night writes a strong story and characters and I hope there is more in this world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale about mermaids and a young girl. This is aimed at slightly older children who will fall in love with the whole story. It is a easy read and they will fall in love with it all
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a really wonderful story for your child to read themselves

[Amy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for young readers that want to get into fantasy books. Despite the title, there is is nothing scary in the book. The monster is just a mean person that does stuff they don't like. It was a cute book and perfect for the age group it states. I will definitely be telling my 10 year old niece about this book. I really think she will love it.

[Aadish · Rating 5 out of 5]

in this book Nora lives in Belzebuthe and has lived there ever since. but one day everything changes when a mermaid comes in town they have a lot of fun but then the mermaid disappears and they along with Caroline for the first time go out of the fog. there they battle evil forces and save all the mermaids from a poison. i loved this book and it was very mysterious and fun to read.

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about the friendship between Nora and a mermaid. I did enjoy very much the magical village around fishing stars. Such a lovely book for children and those that have young hearts.

[Janelle Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my daughter at night and I think I was even more into it than she was. A really cool magic world, and a whole lot of mystery.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful, whimsical tale of a young girl and the friendship that blooms between her and a mermaid. It was beautifully written and will be a favourite in my house.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.