Olive Oakes and the Haunted Carousel

Olive Oakes #1

by Kalynn Bayron

Full of hijinks and heart, New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron's new cozy mystery series introduces a modern-day Nancy Drew for kids.

Olive Oakes loves a good mystery. She keeps a notebook with her at all times, ready to jot down observations about anything that seems out of the ordinary. Along with her cousin Eli, Olive is always looking to follow the clues.

When Olive and her family visit a town called Whispering Woods, she uncovers a strange backstory to the traveling carnival that comes through the area once a year. With rumors of missing kids and ghost sightings, it's the perfect opportunity for Olive to investigate! The people of Whispering Woods are very secretive, but Olive is ready to solve the mystery of the haunted carousel.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Juvenile, Audiobook, Ghosts

160 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Mimi]

no rating - this felt really bland in comparison to Bayron's usual style but maybe that was a deliberate choice so it's more palatable for kids?
Alas, didn't keep my interest despite its very short length

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun and sweet- a perfect halloween book

[Aliceson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in the flavor of a Scooby Do episode. It’s a fairly good intro mystery that’s not too scary. Olive and Eli are trying to discover what the mystery is surrounding the town of Whispering Woods. Olive keeps a notebook of suspects (the book repeats this notebook entry several times- which I found obnoxious while listening to the audiobook.) Eli’s mom’s death is presented a little suddenly. They also talk about bears being in the woods and it seems like mom is trying to freak them out. There’s no reason for that to be in the story and it doesn’t add anything. My biggest dislike with the book is that it doesn’t seem plausible that parents would let an 8 & 10 year old wander around a strange town alone.

Recommended for 2nd-4th graders who like mysteries.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It delivers a playful, engaging mystery that keeps the pace moving while still feeling approachable and easy to follow. The characters feel bold and distinct, especially the main character, whose curiosity and determination drive the story forward in a natural way. There’s a nice balance of spooky atmosphere and lighthearted adventure, which makes it fun without ever becoming too heavy.
I also appreciate how the story leans into younger perspectives solving problems and piecing together clues—it captures that sense of discovery in a way that’s entertaining for both younger readers and adults. As a fan of Kalynn Bayron, this fits right in with the kind of stories she excels at: imaginative, accessible, and full of personality. Overall, it’s a charming read with an engaging premise and characters that make the journey enjoyable from start to finish.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olive is determined to be a detective and carries her notebook everywhere in the hopes of seeing something suspicious that needs her attention. But so far, the only two mysteries she’s solved are determining which area dog is pooping on their lawn every morning and where all the home delivery boxes are coming from when extras keep being found in a neighbor’s trash can and that turned out to be his wife who has developed a little shopping problem! But when her parents are asked to look into a potential house for their real estate business and it is rumored to be haunted, she is certain her luck is about to change. With her cousin Eli at her side, investigations begin and lead to a creepy carousel with the ghosts of two long missing children at the annual carnival.

Olive and Eli are 11 years old and except for the level of independence they are allowed, behave and speak in a manner consistent with most kids that age and the book seems to be geared to readers who around that age and a bit younger. At about 160 pages and with a very straight forward plot, will appeal to mystery lovers aged 9-11. There are some ghostly figures both in the featured house and carousel, this is not a scary book at all. The closeness of Olive and Eli is admirable and if this turns into a series, will be a solid duo to watch. The storyline is simple and will be easy to follow for struggling readers but may not have the excitement that most kids seem to be looking for in their books.

Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. The mystery does contain involve any deaths and there are no jump scares or similar. Representation: Olive and Eli are pictured as Black on the cover but there is nothing to indicate race outside of that. Eli’s parents were killed about a year ago and he now lives with Olive and her parents.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olive Oakes and the Haunted Carousel by Kalynn Bayron was a fun, cozy mystery that kept me guessing in the best way.
Olive is such a great main character—curious, observant, and always ready with her notebook, giving modern-day Nancy Drew vibes. The setting in Whispering Woods and the whole haunted carnival storyline pulled me in right away. Between the rumors of missing kids and ghost sightings, the mystery had a really intriguing setup.
What I appreciated most is that the story wasn’t predictable—I didn’t figure out the ending, which made the reveal more enjoyable. That said, I still found myself wanting a little more depth and build-up in certain parts. Some moments felt a bit rushed, and I wish the suspense had been stretched just a little longer.
Overall, it’s a solid, cozy read with heart and a mystery that keeps you engaged. Perfect for younger readers or anyone looking for something light with a fun twist.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I first discovered Kalynn Bayron when I read This Poison Heart, which I loved. This, her latest, releases today is a middle grade story.

Olive Oakes and her sidekick Eli are a fun pair. One free spirited and the other caution, making a great pairing for a fun read, which this was. It was also a fast read coming in at 150 pages. The start of a brand new series follows Olive and Eli who like to solve mysteries. There was the right amount of mystery with some ghostly vibes, unreliable characters and some spooky situations. It had that haunted feel without being too scary. The mystery itself was unique, I was picking up clues just as Olive and Eli were.

All in all an enjoyable read, looking forward to seeing what Olive and Eli are up to next.

My thanks to Bloomsbury Children's Book for a digital ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olive and her cousin Eli love solving mysteries. They have so far figured out who doesn't clean up after their dog, who is putting extra garbage in a neighbor's garbage can, and more. When Olive's realtor parents get a call about a supposedly haunted property, Olive and Eli are determined to figure out the mystery.

They all head a few hours away to stay in the small town to conduct research on the house. While they are there, Olive and Eli stumble into an even bigger mystery.

This is a delightful middle grades book perfect for mystery and ghost story fans. There's humor, love, heart, hope, and more.

It's one to have in classroom and school libraries.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

[Manon the Malicious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this little book. It was really short but it set the mood really fast so I was in from the start. I really liked the main character and her brother and the plot. I was right alongside them for the entire story. I had the same questions they did, the same doubts, everything. it was just a lot of fun and I liked all the subjects it mentioned. So yes, a very good middle grade book and I hope more books will be coming in this series!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Bloomsbury for the gifted ARC. Thoughts are mine.

This was a cute middle-grade cozy mystery. I loved the dynamic between Olive and her cousin Eli. She was more outgoing and all about taking chances, and he was far more cautious about things.

The mystery itself was fun and perfect for kids - a haunted carousel at a traveling carnival in a small town. I enjoyed seeing Olive set her mind on solving it.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this one to young readers.

CW: missing kids, ghosts

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Libro.fm and Bloomsbury Children’s books for a copy of this ALC!

My son and I listened to this book going to and from school and really enjoyed it! The mystery was cute and kept me guessing without being too scary for kids. The voice actor was incredible with all the different voices! Sometimes voices of younger characters don’t sound good, but this narrator rocked it!

The only reason it didn’t get 5 stars is because the kids were sometimes a little mouthy and not in a good way? If that makes sense.

Overall my son and I really enjoyed this! Definitely recommend!

[Cathy Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! The characters are genuine and easy to care about, the prose is well written, and the mystery is truly engaging (and mildly creepy, a level appropriate for a middle-grades story). The book ends a little abruptly, but the story is tied up well and doesn't leave us hanging. Overall a very fun middle-grades book that readers interested in mysteries are sure to devour!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

[Chesli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun mystery for kids! It sets the mood perfectly and captures the inquisitive nature of kids very well! The dynamic between Olive and her cousin Eli was great, and I appreciated how elements of his backstory played into the piece's conclusion. I've enjoyed Bayron's young adult writing, so I was excited to try out a middle-grade option as well. I can't wait to see where this series goes and to see more of Olive and Eli's sleuthing shenanigans.

3.75/5 rounded up to 4

[Javierthearcnovice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a eARC from NetGalley and the publisher.

Olive Oakes and the haunted carousel is a great book for the kids. It’s a small town mystery with Scooby doo vibes. Even I, as an adult, didn’t solve this one completely.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Olive's investigations are a bit like Harriet the Spy's, but include some haunted house and creepy carnival elements. Olive and her cousin Eli are going in to 7th grade but seem a bit younger sometimes.

[Jamie Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old read this and said (I asked for one sentence): Mysterious and very surprising. This was his first Kalynn Bayron book, but he is now interested in reading more from their body of work. Thank you to Bloomsbury and Loudmouth books for the ARC!

[Rebecca B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was such a fun mystery. The characters were great and I loved the relationship between the cousins and the family as a whole. Overall a really engaging read and I'm looking forward to the next one. :)

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing Earth shattering, just a perfectly adequate start to another mystery series for elementary aged kids.

[Hone]

(Review copy courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing, Kalynn Bayron, and the Libro.fm Audiobook Listening Copy Program.)

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cute! The ending was a little abrupt, but I think it tracks for a MG novel. I had a lot of fun with this one. Real review to come to my blog!

[Sara Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, spritely paced mystery pitched at the younger end of middle grade. Plenty of frights for the adventurous reader and a twist that will surprise even the most experienced mystery lover.

[Ashley Mariner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Scooby Doo-style mystery for younger middle grade readers. I think older readers will find it too simplistic. Younger fans of mysteries, ghosts, and Nancy Drew should enjoy this one.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great middle grade from Kalynn Bayron. It’s a bit Scooby Doo. My kids loved it. My only qualm was that I really disliked the voice of the narrator for the audiobook.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - good twist at the end

[Dan Oliva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade mystery with lots of twists and a little Scooby-Doo vibe, so fun to read!