Maggie and the Story Shadows

by Annabelle Oh

A pint-sized Only Murders in the Building meets Land of Stories in this fantastical middle grade mystery where three kids' search for a missing mother leads them to a world where every story ever told is real—making a hit web series about their search along the way.

Five months ago, Maggie Woodrow’s mom disappeared without a trace. Now, the world has given up the search and Maggie and her dad may lose their house. But Maggie has a plan: hire a private investigator, find her mom, and everything will go back to normal.

When the private investigator wants $3,000 to take on Maggie’s case, she knows just who to turn to: Griffin, the school’s entrepreneur-influencer. Maggie and her friend Petra approach him for help. Intrigued by Maggie’s mom’s story, Griffin agrees to film the investigation and create a web series, splitting the profits with Maggie.

Except their search takes a totally unexpected turn when they are sucked into a world where every story ever told is real—and so is magic. From Sherlock Holmes to Baba Yaga to terrifying mythical monsters, Maggie and her new friends never know what’s around the corner. Still, they are determined to work together and uncover the truth about Maggie’s mom.

As Maggie, Griffin, and Petra close in on the answers they seek, a mysterious (and dangerous) man known as The Reaper sends increasingly deadly threats after them. Will they find Maggie’s mom? Or will their own disappearance become the latest mystery?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mystery, Childrens, Adventure

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2025

About the author

Annabelle Oh is a pseudonym of Jo Whittemore.

There's not much to say! I write mysteries for kids.
​You want proof?
Annabelle...is my pen name. What's my real name? THAT'S the mystery! For kids. And adults.

I'm Korean American, I was born on Halloween, and I live in San Diego, California. (That should take care of any questions you have to answer at school.

I'm represented by Jenn Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of twists and fun references this book is great for fans of Inkheart and the Neverending Story with its fast paced writing and “all the myths are true” style world building. A big chunk of the book takes place in a contemporary real world setting and tackles real world issues like friendships and forgiveness. However those themes are never far behind even in the world of stories and our main character learns lessons from everyone, even the fearsome witch Baba Yaga. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!

[Bibliohiker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I’ve always enjoyed myths and fairytales. I had fun reading this one. There’s action and adventure jam packed in here. I like how Maggie and her friends stay true to each other even when they don’t agree and things can change quickly; even if everything looks bleak. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Corrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, but found the first half a little slow. Once you get past the 50% mark the story really picks up and gets exciting. I did find the writing enjoyable and I attribute the slowness of the first half, to the author having to set the stage for this "new" world. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about books, building new friendships, family ties & epic adventures.

I received a free E-ARC from #DisneyPublishingWorldwide & #Netgalley for my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! it's a solid start to what should be a great new series, and I really enjoyed the stories woven in throughout this book - both the new to me stories, and the twist(s) on the familiar. Looking forward to the next one!

**Received an advanced copy from the publisher through a Goodreads hosted giveaway

[Ann Schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel geared towards readers aged 9-13 is a fast-paced, fantasy adventure full of twists and turns along with fun references to some familiar characters from literature and folklore. Maggie is struggling to adjust to her new normal with her dad after her mom mysteriously disappears. Everyone, including her dad, thinks her mom is dead. But Maggie is sure she is still alive, especially after her mom starts visiting Maggie in her dreams. That, along with a mysterious three-legged crow that seems to follow Maggie wherever she goes, convinces her that there is more to the story of what happened to her mom.

Determined to find out what really occurred the day her mother went missing, Maggie enlists the help of two of her classmates to help. Petra, Maggie's self-proclaimed school ambassador and bodyguard against the school bullies, and Griffin a media savvy influencer. At first, the threesome are reluctant allies in Maggie's quest. But when they look into a death at the local museum that Maggie suspects might be linked to her mother's disappearance, and discover a bag that proves to be a portal to a magical story world, Maggie and her classmates actually develop a tenuous friendship of sorts. From there the adventure begins with dangers around every corner, as some familiar characters such as Baba Yaga, and some new-to-me ones from Korean folklore such Saseo the tiger, either serve to help or try to harm Maggie as she searches for her mom. I really loved the seamless way the Oh was able to weave the story elements from Korean folklore and classic literature into both the real world and the story world for Maggie. I also loved references to art as well as literature that are interspersed in the story and how Petra and Griffin are so knowledgeable about such a wide variety of things beyond the norm. The way the author characterizes them and their interests made this entirely believable. I also loved how clever and good at deduction Maggie is throughout the novel.

Along the way Maggie and her friends discover the importance of resilience, friendship, honesty, and the power of narrative, as well as the power of one's imagination. Maggie also learns the true identity of her mom and must come to terms with the fact that one's parents aren't without their own secrets or flaws. A realization that leads her on an emotional journey to understand what the act of forgiveness really means. A discovery that helps Maggie eventually overcome her most powerful enemy, the Reaper. An underworld story shadow who is intent on using Maggie to get his revenge. The book also leaves readers with a cliffhanger ending that paves the way for another thrilling adventure for Maggie, Petra, and Griffin. I cannot wait to read the next installment for this series!

If you're a fan of The Land of Stories series, the Neverending Story, or Inkheart, you'll love Maggie and the Story Shadows. Thank you to both NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combine Graci Kim’s The Fallen Star with the much older Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke and you get a bit of what this magical Korean story-telling middle grade fantasy is all about, but with a great trio of maybe friends.

Maggie just lost her Korean mother 5 months ago and has not handled that life experience all that well. Her American father is doing the best he can to help her adjust to the huge hole in her life but he’s nearly over-whelmed by the new role of being the sole supporter that came with the death of his wife. And there is the rub-Dad knows mom is dead but Maggie is equally positive that she is only missing and has set out to find her. Never being one to form friendships, moving to a new school hasn’t been all that big a problem for her, but she does seem to have acquired a leech named Petra who seems to be taking her “8th grade helper” role way too seriously. Then video expert and would be millionaire Griffin gets wind of Maggie’s search and thinks it may be just the story for a video web series that will go viral. When the trio gets sucked into a portal to another dimension a red bag that is discovered in one of the last places Maggie’s mom was known to have been, that hope looks certain.

The magic and story-telling that ensues is filled with evil characters like the Reaper and a Baba Yaga come to life and intriguing kind ones like Mr Holmes (yes, of the Sherlock variety) and tigeresque librarian Saseo. There are, of course, some equally intriguing ones whose motives seem less clear cut, such as the 3 legged crow who keeps popping up near Maggie at the most interesting of times. Author Annabelle Oh (not Ellen Oh of the scary book series Spirit Hunters) keeps readers guessing with plot twists, variations to well-known stories and fairy tales and characters who change sides for various reasons and sometimes at the most inopportune moments. The ending provides numerous twists in only a few pages and concludes with an ominous statement by the 3 legged crow indicating we haven’t seen the last of Maggie, Petra and Griffin.

Recommended for lovers of fantasy in grades 4-7 with no profanity or sexual content. The violence is more threatened than actual although there are gore-free references to some very real deaths. Representation: Maggie is Korean-American, Griffin is Black (more known because of the book cover than any physical description) with a traditional two parent family and Petra is Slavic-American and appears to live with a single dad.

Thanks for the eARC, Disney Hyperion Press.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie is a loner. She’s the new kid at school, having had to move after her mother’s disappearance, and she’s tired of being gossiped about, so she’s really not interested in making friends. There is one girl, Petra, who insists on being her friend though. Maggie is also certain that her mother is still alive, though he doesn’t talk to her father about it, and she’s resisted getting counseling.

Griffin, a business tycoon in the making, is not someone Maggie would choose to befriend, but he’s clever and resourceful and she grudgingly agrees to work with him.

As the kids come closer to the truth about what happened to Maggie’s mother, they also find themselves in danger from “The Reaper”. Maggie also has to face the truth about how she has judged people around her, and learns to be a better friend to those who have stuck by her.

This story ends VERY abruptly, and it is obvious that there is more to come. I’ll definitely read the next book!

Possible objectionable material:
An alternate universe where stories come to life. Adults threatening children. One kid is a hustler—not quite cheating other kids out of money, but close. Some violence. Maggie and her father live in near-poverty and are going to lose their house. Fantasy elements. Lying to adults.

Who might like this book:
Lovers of the power of story. Those who like stories about developing friendships and solving problems.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #MiddleGrades #Representation

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five months ago, Maggie's mother mysteriously disappeared. But while everyone believes her to be dead, Maggie is convinced her mother is alive, especially because she visits Maggie regularly in her dreams. When one of the dreams leads Maggie to the local science museum where an employee died under mysterious circumstances, Maggie and two unlikely companions discover a magical bag filled with stories. As the trio works to uncover the clues Maggie’s mother left behind, they discover a dangerous and wonderful world that defines Maggie’s life in more ways than one. This imaginative middle grade story blends global mythology and folklore with contemporary life in a style reminiscent of Through the Looking Glass. Curious characters flood Maggie’s world, and it quickly becomes difficult to know whom Maggie can actually trust. Maggie’s dry, sarcastic wit is palpable throughout the novel, and her friends are stalwart in their efforts to break through Maggie’s self-built emotional walls. Diverse in both upbringing and appearance, these characters help to represent readers from a variety of backgrounds. Readers who enjoy global storytelling will appreciate the clever way in which this novel incorporates several voices into one cohesive whole. At once a story of one girl’s search for resolution following her mother’s disappearance and a struggle for survival, the high stakes and memorable delivery of this book make it appealing to a wide range of readers. It is a positive addition to library collections for confident middle grade readers, and it is primed for a sequel.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

In MAGGIE AND THE STORY SHADOWS by Annabelle Oh, Maggie’s mom has been gone for months, but she’s convinced her mom is still alive. Unable to afford the fee for a PI to investigate for her, Maggie turns to a new friend from school and an aspiring influencer for help. Together they launch a web series to stream their search for her mother. As the trio digs into the events around her mom’s disappearance, they discover a link to a murder in a local museum, which leads them to a mysterious and magical story bag. They’re drawn into the bag, finding fairy tales come to life. As the stories and their characters threaten their lives, they’ll need to be clever to help Maggie rescue her mother and save themselves, too.

Maggie is a brave and bold protagonist, reeling from the loss of her mother and reconciling what she thought she knew about her mother with what she learns about her during her search. As the investigation progresses, so does her relationship with and trust in her newfound friends, who are also engaging and well-rounded characters. Combining tales and characters from both familiar classic tales and Korean mythology, the story features a unique and rich fantasy world. The social media storytelling element will also capture and capitalize on reader interest in the online world. A cliffhanger ending will leave readers anticipating a future installment featuring more of Maggie’s adventures.

[Sarah Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun. Maggie's mom has been missing for several months, and although everyone else has given up hope, Maggie is determined to find her alive. But Maggie doesn't know that her mom has been keeping some BIG secrets that she will have to unravel on her mission.

I felt drawn into this storyline almost immediately-and especially related to all of the characters. They are perfectly flawed, and the author does such an amazing job on the interpersonal relationships between the characters, and how to live with and accept others, flaws and all. Although there is definitely a focus on Maggie's culture ( and her mother's) I really liked that this touched on many different fairy tales and myths, weaving in some different cultures as well. There were some that I could readily recognize from my own childhood, and I also found myself looking up some characters/stories that I was unfamiliar with. I think it will be a great way to get young readers to branch out, and explore other areas of the fairy tale world. I will definitely be requesting to have this represented in our library system, and be recommending it to all my book-loving middle graders!

**Thanks to Disney publishing and Netgalley for an ARC of this title.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Maggie and the Story Shadows by Annabelle Oh, Maggie struggles to adjust to life after her missing mother is declared dead. The guilt of their last words, an argument, makes it even harder to believe that her mother is really gone. But when her dad has to sell the house to pay the bills, and a mysterious 3-legged crow keeps showing up around her, Maggie is sure that there is more to her mom's story.

With the help of 2 classmates, Maggie discovers her mother's true identity, her own role in the story world, and a way to travel between two places. Up against the Reaper, Maggie's world is turned upside-down. Will she be able to set the world, and story world, right again?

Highly recommended for 5-9th grade readers. Characters are likely upper middle to early high school age (can't drive), but this isn't specified. No romance side plot, no adult language, PG due to fight scenes.

This review is of a NetGalley ARC.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Woodrow's mom disappeared five months before, right after Maggie told her she didn't deserve a hug. Her empty car was found in a lake with the doors locked. Maggie's life completely upended after that day, not just because of her mom's disappearance, but because her dad couldn't afford tuition at her private school any longer. Maggie doesn't believe her mom is dead, so she spends every spare moment trying to earn enough money to hire a private investigator. She is suspicious of everyone and has a hard time making new friends, not to mention she has nightmares where her mom appears to be trying to send a message. The truth is really stranger than fiction could ever be, though. Maggie discovers a world of story characters, some of whom are good, but some who are not. Even though Petra and Griffin are not ideal help, Maggie finds that she needs people after all to help her navigate a world of stories gone wrong and try to save her mom and herself from a terrible fate. I loved new twist on a story within a story. The pacing was great, and not too much of the mystery revealed at any time. I loved the cliffhanger ending and can't wait to read the next book.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and the Story Shadows by Annabelle Oh is part mystery, part fantasy adventure, and 100% a page-turner for anyone who’s ever wished stories could come to life!

Maggie’s mom vanished five months ago, and now the whole world including the police has given up hope. But not Maggie! She ropes in her best friend Petra and Griffin to help her raise money for a private investigator. Their plan? Film the search, make a web series, and split the profits. Easy, right?

Not exactly! Instead of finding clues in their own world, the trio accidentally tumbles into another one where every story ever told exists for real! We’re talking Sherlock Holmes, Baba Yaga, and mythical creatures that don’t care whether you’re the hero or not! It’s dangerous, unpredictable, and full of magic but Maggie’s determined to keep going until she finds the truth about her mom.

This book is clever, fast-paced, and brimming with the kind of imaginative worldbuilding that makes you want to fall headfirst into its pages!

⚡️Thank you Disney Hyperion and Annabelle Oh for sharing this book with me!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide through NetGalley.
Readers meet Maggie as she copes with her mom's disappearance. We have more knowledge as we see what happened to her but not whether she died or was taken. Everyone believes she died in a car accident but Maggie knows she is still alive and coming to visit in her dreams. She decides to trust a couple of classmates and together they delve into Korean folklore to learn more about characters and what could have happened to her mom. I appreciate how Oh wove legends and folklore throughout the story including the story bag and bearer story. Middle grade readers will enjoy the adventures and ways the characters interact. They will identify with the various middle school students involved. The author slowly reveals more about her characters as the story progresses. This offers enough twists to keep readers guessing about the conclusion. The ending itself offers huge hints of the next story to come.

[LL Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since her mom disappeared under suspicious circumstances, Maggie is convinced there’s something more going on. While everyone else around her tells Maggie to accept her mother's death and move on, Maggie decides to hire a private investigator to prove there’s more to the story.
She and her friend Petra team with Griffin, a hustling influencer at school to make enough money to pay for the PI. But what they discover about Maggie’s mom and her secret life leads them down a path they never expected.
Despite the potentially dark subject matter, Maggie and the Story Shadows is filled with light humorous moments. The relationships between the characters are grounded and realistic, allowing for some fantastical moments when the investigation gets going. I truly enjoyed the worldbuilding of the story shadows and would be excited to read more books in this series.
Thank you to Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.

[Damita Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and the Story Shadows is a smart, engaging adventure perfect for curious middle grade readers who love mystery with a magical twist. Annabelle Oh weaves together real emotional stakes—like grief, resilience, and friendship—with a wildly imaginative world where familiar characters from literature and folklore come to life.

Maggie is a strong, determined heroine who models perseverance and teamwork, while the story offers just enough suspense and fantasy to keep young readers hooked without being too scary. Plus, the clever nods to storytelling and media make it a great springboard for conversations about truth, narrative, and the power of imagination.

A great pick for ages 9–13, especially those who enjoy The Land of Stories, Pages & Co., or anything involving brave kids and big adventures.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this middle grade fantasy novel. Maggie is dealing with the unexpected loss of her mom who went missing several months prior. Maggie clings to the fact that her mom is still alive although everyone around her, including her dad, believes her mom to be dead. Through some interesting encounters with some classmates Maggie discovers that her world is much larger than she imagined and that fairytales are real. The book is not perfect with my only issue lying in the development of the so-called friends that she ends up teaming up with. By the end of the book, these friendships made sense so the sequel will hopefully not have that issue.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is convinced her mother is still alive even after everyone – including her father – has stopped looking for her. She is trying to raise enough money to hire a private detective when her classmate Griffin takes an interest in her story for his viral web series. Following clues she is convinced her mother is leaving her in her dreams, Maggie, Griffin, and sort-of-friend Petra sneak out during lunch to investigate. They discover a world of folktales and stories that just might be real and for the first time in a long time, Maggie thinks she might find her Mom. Can’t wait for the sequel.

[Perla The IB Teen Book Blogger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved Maggie and the Story Shadows by Annabelle Oh! It’s a fantastic beginning to what promises to be an amazing new series. The stories intricately woven throughout the book made it even more enjoyable. This is a clever and captivating adventure, ideal for inquisitive middle-grade readers who appreciate a magical twist on mystery. Annabelle Oh skillfully intertwines genuine emotional themes—such as grief, and friendship. I can’t wait for the next installment!

[Rachel Rauch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good! I love Maggie and Griffin with all my heart! Just want to wrap them up in a big ol hug so badly! Petra I had a harder time getting behind. There’s also the fact that we don’t ever see the villain until they literally just show up at the end. It felt kind of random why he would just show up at a random moment and not be or connected to any of the characters we’ve met yet. Not great for mystery purposes. Still the book was very fun!

[Cailin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one wasn’t quite the right fit for me. I found it difficult to be immersed given the writing style and ended up setting it aside before finishing, but I think younger MG readers who enjoy straightforward storytelling may still find something to love here.

Thank you Netgalley and Disney for this arc!

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just didn't land right for me. I wasn't a big fan of the characters (especially Griffin, who is really shallow and only seems to care about himself despite enjoying tea and art).

This could easily have been finished up in this book instead of needlessly making it a series. I thought it was a standalone going in and I'm a little disappointed that it isn't.

[Alishba Celen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fast paced, clever, and bursting with imagination, this magical mystery pulls you straight into a world where every tale comes alive. Perfect for readers who love adventure, friendship, and a dash of danger.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling, but a little disjointed. There was at least one late reveal that caught me offguard - my fault for not picking up the clues along the way.

I was also surprised that this appears to be book one in a series.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle grade. The power of story and storytelling. Includes Korean and assorted mythologies (kids loved that there was a saja in the post k-pop demon hunters craze). Good for kid/parent relationships, friend relationships, relationship with oneself. Kids loved the book.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for sending our library an ARC. It seems like a solid collection purchase. The ending felt a little too rushed, but it does make the cliffhanger striking.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a rather jumbled mess.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three kids’ search for a missing mother leads them to a world where every story ever told is real.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling story!! So interesting and makes you think about other worlds that might exist and the same time ours does.