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Mystery Royale #2
Hunting the Strange
Mullory Prudence was supposed to die. Not only that, she was never supposed to inherit Xavier Stoutmire’s moody magic. But nothing about the Mystery Royale went according to plan. Now Mullory’s left with more questions than answers, the most pressing one being how to use her mother’s grave-defying shadow. And when her mother sends her on a dizzying scavenger hunt that spans everywhere from the Stoutmire estate (now all the more glamorous in its winter splendor) to a hidden magical corner of Coney Island, she’ll have to team up with unlikely allies to find her way.
Family secrets and threats abound in this thrilling sequel to Mystery Royale as Mullory returns to Stoutmire manor amidst new powers, puzzling questions, and an even deadlier mystery. One thing she knows for certain: the games are far from over.
Family secrets and threats abound in this thrilling sequel to Mystery Royale as Mullory returns to Stoutmire manor amidst new powers, puzzling questions, and an even deadlier mystery. One thing she knows for certain: the games are far from over.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2026
About the author
Kaitlyn Cavalancia
2 books188 followersKaitlyn Cavalancia is a YA author who loves to blend genres, infusing contemporary mysteries with magic, murder, and mayhem. Her forthcoming novel, Mystery Royale will be published by Disney-Hyperion on January 7, 2025. The sequel is slated for Spring 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 11, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
It took me a hot minute to find my bearings and recall the events that had unfolded previously that had us end up right where we started. For all that it had end on a rather shocking note, that shocking moment did not pan out for long, which was slightly underwhelming. 😕
For Lyric, Mullory, and Ellison are once again thrown into a high-stakes game, this time one that is very much personal, with the secrets and lies of their families' twisted games burrowing to the surface, that will culminate in a sacrifice to preserve the balance between life and death. 🎲
“We do anything for the ones we care about.”
The writing was still agreeable enough; although, it was a bit on the longish side, which had me take multiple intervals at times, with no real eagerness to resume. 🤷🏻♀️ And that is a disappointing feeling; regardless of the stakes of Hunting the Strange were far more sinister and daunting, I still did not feel compelled to continue. 😞
The three core characters have grown in wisdom and strength; Mullory had more of a backbone, which I liked, and the romance surreptitiously edged forward. 💟 Lyric felt a little less invested if not involved, which was odd to me, considering how he should be at the forefront, but I felt like he was underutilized.
Ellison had more of a difficult time adjusting, which was understandable, but I liked how the author handled the many twists that came her way, because they felt believable to her personality. Oddly enough, Cruz annoyed me aplenty, yet, I highlighted most of what he said the most.
“You really don’t know who you are until you’re forced to make a tough decision. Sometimes you won’t like what you find.”
We dig a bit deeper into the history of the magics and how it concerned their parents, with some nifty and well-orchestrated twists. I was not a fan of the scavenger hunt, but I still was curious enough to see what truths would come to light with more riddles, more people trying to kill us lurking in their midst. I did not quite feel the charm of Stoutmire estate this time round; it felt a bit more toned down and less charming of where magic is every bit as wondrous as it is. ✨
I also felt a bit lost on the explanation behind the inheritance of magic and why it was necessary to follow through on it the way the history intended it to be, thus leading to certain betrayals and confessions. 🧑🧑🧒 That bit felt like it needed to be fleshed out a bit more coherently; or maybe I was just a bit dumb when it came to it.
“Loss is loss even if there’s magic involved.”
It concludes on a note that seems like there is potential to continue; and while it did not quite capture the same charm as what drew me in before, I am still curious enough to see how the curtain will rise on the next chapter of their lives. 🧭
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“A bit strange,” he remarks. There’s that word again. The one that started it all.”
It took me a hot minute to find my bearings and recall the events that had unfolded previously that had us end up right where we started. For all that it had end on a rather shocking note, that shocking moment did not pan out for long, which was slightly underwhelming. 😕
For Lyric, Mullory, and Ellison are once again thrown into a high-stakes game, this time one that is very much personal, with the secrets and lies of their families' twisted games burrowing to the surface, that will culminate in a sacrifice to preserve the balance between life and death. 🎲
“We do anything for the ones we care about.”
The writing was still agreeable enough; although, it was a bit on the longish side, which had me take multiple intervals at times, with no real eagerness to resume. 🤷🏻♀️ And that is a disappointing feeling; regardless of the stakes of Hunting the Strange were far more sinister and daunting, I still did not feel compelled to continue. 😞
The three core characters have grown in wisdom and strength; Mullory had more of a backbone, which I liked, and the romance surreptitiously edged forward. 💟 Lyric felt a little less invested if not involved, which was odd to me, considering how he should be at the forefront, but I felt like he was underutilized.
Ellison had more of a difficult time adjusting, which was understandable, but I liked how the author handled the many twists that came her way, because they felt believable to her personality. Oddly enough, Cruz annoyed me aplenty, yet, I highlighted most of what he said the most.
“You really don’t know who you are until you’re forced to make a tough decision. Sometimes you won’t like what you find.”
We dig a bit deeper into the history of the magics and how it concerned their parents, with some nifty and well-orchestrated twists. I was not a fan of the scavenger hunt, but I still was curious enough to see what truths would come to light with more riddles, more people trying to kill us lurking in their midst. I did not quite feel the charm of Stoutmire estate this time round; it felt a bit more toned down and less charming of where magic is every bit as wondrous as it is. ✨
I also felt a bit lost on the explanation behind the inheritance of magic and why it was necessary to follow through on it the way the history intended it to be, thus leading to certain betrayals and confessions. 🧑🧑🧒 That bit felt like it needed to be fleshed out a bit more coherently; or maybe I was just a bit dumb when it came to it.
“Loss is loss even if there’s magic involved.”
It concludes on a note that seems like there is potential to continue; and while it did not quite capture the same charm as what drew me in before, I am still curious enough to see how the curtain will rise on the next chapter of their lives. 🧭
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2025
Thank you to Kaitlyn Cavalancia, NetGalley, and the publisher for this e-ARC!
The first book in this series -- I want to say it's going to be a trilogy, but am not entirely certain -- was very fun, very engaging, and full of clever riddles and charming magic that relied on a person's parentage to inherit. That may sound boring and overdone, but it was worked into the story in such a way as to increase familial drama, tension, and overall stakes in an epic battle between relatives in an effort to secure the most formidable powers possible.
I expected this book to take a deeper dive into that process and for the stakes to be heightened, especially considering the cliffhanger that we were so rudely abandoned to at the finale of Mystery Royale. Unfortunately, instead Hunting the Strange decided not to capitalize on the momentum its predecessor graciously left it and went downhill very quickly in a spiral of never-ending, needlessly confusing, and oftentimes unnecessary problems that did little besides give me a headache. (If I wanted one of those, I would have tuned in to the news.)
The premise is clunky to start with and never worked itself into proper order. From the beginning, I knew it would have a severe case of the atypical "middle book syndrome", and I was never proved wrong. I would give a synopsis, but I won't take the time, considering it has an official one linked on here and, also, even after finishing it I am a little confused by the direction(s) which were taken. It was like being along for a ride where the driver is following a GPS set to a different language, which is to say: very baffling and not very amusing after the first fifteen minutes or so. Did we arrive at the destination? I'm not sure, because I'm not sure what the intended destination even was.
I give this book two stars, rather than one, for a couple of reasons:
a) The writing style -- sentence structure, dialogue, etc. -- remained the same, and that was a big draw for me from the first one. I like the cadence with which Cavalancia describes certain aspects of the story and the characters that take part.
and,
b) Going along with my prior point, I have hope that this book will lead into one more like the first in dynamics, themes, and general plotting. Maybe it is just being a not-very-good middle book, which is a sin I am inclined to forgive. I am not one to DNF a series easily and I really hope I don't end up regretting that decision after book three is released, because I plan on giving it a shot.
All that to say, it was meh, but may lead into something better. I would definitely recommend the first book, but this one? Not so much.
Happy reading!
The first book in this series -- I want to say it's going to be a trilogy, but am not entirely certain -- was very fun, very engaging, and full of clever riddles and charming magic that relied on a person's parentage to inherit. That may sound boring and overdone, but it was worked into the story in such a way as to increase familial drama, tension, and overall stakes in an epic battle between relatives in an effort to secure the most formidable powers possible.
I expected this book to take a deeper dive into that process and for the stakes to be heightened, especially considering the cliffhanger that we were so rudely abandoned to at the finale of Mystery Royale. Unfortunately, instead Hunting the Strange decided not to capitalize on the momentum its predecessor graciously left it and went downhill very quickly in a spiral of never-ending, needlessly confusing, and oftentimes unnecessary problems that did little besides give me a headache. (If I wanted one of those, I would have tuned in to the news.)
The premise is clunky to start with and never worked itself into proper order. From the beginning, I knew it would have a severe case of the atypical "middle book syndrome", and I was never proved wrong. I would give a synopsis, but I won't take the time, considering it has an official one linked on here and, also, even after finishing it I am a little confused by the direction(s) which were taken. It was like being along for a ride where the driver is following a GPS set to a different language, which is to say: very baffling and not very amusing after the first fifteen minutes or so. Did we arrive at the destination? I'm not sure, because I'm not sure what the intended destination even was.
I give this book two stars, rather than one, for a couple of reasons:
a) The writing style -- sentence structure, dialogue, etc. -- remained the same, and that was a big draw for me from the first one. I like the cadence with which Cavalancia describes certain aspects of the story and the characters that take part.
and,
b) Going along with my prior point, I have hope that this book will lead into one more like the first in dynamics, themes, and general plotting. Maybe it is just being a not-very-good middle book, which is a sin I am inclined to forgive. I am not one to DNF a series easily and I really hope I don't end up regretting that decision after book three is released, because I plan on giving it a shot.
All that to say, it was meh, but may lead into something better. I would definitely recommend the first book, but this one? Not so much.
Happy reading!
May 24, 2026
Barely had any time to read and this was so boring unfortunately, sighed everytime I remembered this was my current read. Don't even play rn and tell me there's going to be a third one dropping. I fear idc enough to read ts 😅
Half of the time i had no clue what was going on. Just sm random nonsense and the riddles were kind of lame. The magic stuff is so confusing and all these niche clues and stuff you should somehow remember to keep up was just dtm.
I hardly liked the characters the first time and they're still pretty annoying in here asw. I lowkey only liked Cruz why did we get crumbs of him... also why are there so many povs, that was also making this confusing, shouldve just kept it dual pov or something.
I read the first one so long ago so i couldn't even remember most of whatever happened in there.
Was close to dnfing but I had nothing else issued out atm 😓
Half of the time i had no clue what was going on. Just sm random nonsense and the riddles were kind of lame. The magic stuff is so confusing and all these niche clues and stuff you should somehow remember to keep up was just dtm.
I hardly liked the characters the first time and they're still pretty annoying in here asw. I lowkey only liked Cruz why did we get crumbs of him... also why are there so many povs, that was also making this confusing, shouldve just kept it dual pov or something.
I read the first one so long ago so i couldn't even remember most of whatever happened in there.
Was close to dnfing but I had nothing else issued out atm 😓
September 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for sending me this eARC!
I was super excited when I received "Hunting the Strange", since I loved "Mystery Royale". Safe to say, my excitement was completely justified. This book was a wild rollercoaster ride... and that's an understatement! It toyed endlessly with my emotions and the last bit of the book left me completely gobsmacked. I loved going on a twisty adventure with Mullory, Lyric and the gang - the many different clues, locations and revelations had my head spinning. Their character development was also represented well through the multiple POVs; I very nearly felt sorry for Ellison.
This story was an amazing sequel, and I can't believe that there are still loose ends that haven't been tied up. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a "The Inheritance Games"-esque series.
I was super excited when I received "Hunting the Strange", since I loved "Mystery Royale". Safe to say, my excitement was completely justified. This book was a wild rollercoaster ride... and that's an understatement! It toyed endlessly with my emotions and the last bit of the book left me completely gobsmacked. I loved going on a twisty adventure with Mullory, Lyric and the gang - the many different clues, locations and revelations had my head spinning. Their character development was also represented well through the multiple POVs; I very nearly felt sorry for Ellison.
This story was an amazing sequel, and I can't believe that there are still loose ends that haven't been tied up. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in a "The Inheritance Games"-esque series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a fun series and I'm so glad I stumbled upon it! I actually saw this second installment before I ever remember hearing about the first - which is strange because it is right up my alley and the combination of title and cover would have drawn me in even if I never read the blurb. Once I saw this one and learned that it was the second in series, I immediately went out and found the first - and inhaled it!
The characters and world-building are fantastic. Both are complex and aggressive and snarky, and the plot clicks along with just enough mystery and suspense and red herrings to keep you constantly on your toes. I love the blend of family drama and puzzle solving, and the action-adventure elements tie in perfectly to both. I'm definitely looking for more from this world!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
The characters and world-building are fantastic. Both are complex and aggressive and snarky, and the plot clicks along with just enough mystery and suspense and red herrings to keep you constantly on your toes. I love the blend of family drama and puzzle solving, and the action-adventure elements tie in perfectly to both. I'm definitely looking for more from this world!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
June 4, 2026
I hope there's a 3rd!!!
September 16, 2025
Kaitlyn Cavalancia’s Hunting the Strange is a rich and spellbinding continuation of the Mystery Royale series, one that deepens the intrigue while delivering even more twists, danger, and heart. From the very beginning, the story captures with its moody magic and atmospheric winter setting, pulling readers right back into the chilling glamour of the Stoutmire estate.
At the center is Mullory Prudence, a heroine who was never meant to survive—let alone inherit Xavier Stoutmire’s shadowy power. Yet her resilience, sharp wit, and determination make her a character readers can’t help but root for. As Mullory embarks on a scavenger hunt designed by her mother, the journey takes her from the haunting halls of Stoutmire Manor to a hidden magical corner of Coney Island, each stop brimming with secrets and danger. The vivid descriptions bring these locations to life, painting them as both enchanting and unsettling, a perfect backdrop for the deadly mystery unfolding around Mullory.
What makes Hunting the Strange shine is not just its intricate plot, but its emotional depth. Family secrets weigh heavily, alliances are tested, and every revelation cuts deeper than the last. The relationships Mullory navigates—whether tenuous partnerships or bonds steeped in betrayal—add layers of complexity that make the story all the more compelling. Kaitlyn seamlessly blends the thrill of a mystery with the raw vulnerability of a young woman trying to make sense of her past, her powers, and her place in a dangerous world.
The pacing is razor-sharp, each clue leading to another twist, while the writing glows with evocative imagery and haunting atmosphere. By the time the final pages turn, one thing is certain: the games are far from over, and readers will be desperate to know what happens next.
Suspenseful, magical, and deeply engaging, Hunting the Strange is a triumphant sequel that outshines even the brilliance of its predecessor. Fans of moody mysteries, dazzling magic, and heroines who refuse to be broken will be utterly enthralled.
At the center is Mullory Prudence, a heroine who was never meant to survive—let alone inherit Xavier Stoutmire’s shadowy power. Yet her resilience, sharp wit, and determination make her a character readers can’t help but root for. As Mullory embarks on a scavenger hunt designed by her mother, the journey takes her from the haunting halls of Stoutmire Manor to a hidden magical corner of Coney Island, each stop brimming with secrets and danger. The vivid descriptions bring these locations to life, painting them as both enchanting and unsettling, a perfect backdrop for the deadly mystery unfolding around Mullory.
What makes Hunting the Strange shine is not just its intricate plot, but its emotional depth. Family secrets weigh heavily, alliances are tested, and every revelation cuts deeper than the last. The relationships Mullory navigates—whether tenuous partnerships or bonds steeped in betrayal—add layers of complexity that make the story all the more compelling. Kaitlyn seamlessly blends the thrill of a mystery with the raw vulnerability of a young woman trying to make sense of her past, her powers, and her place in a dangerous world.
The pacing is razor-sharp, each clue leading to another twist, while the writing glows with evocative imagery and haunting atmosphere. By the time the final pages turn, one thing is certain: the games are far from over, and readers will be desperate to know what happens next.
Suspenseful, magical, and deeply engaging, Hunting the Strange is a triumphant sequel that outshines even the brilliance of its predecessor. Fans of moody mysteries, dazzling magic, and heroines who refuse to be broken will be utterly enthralled.
May 6, 2026
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars, rounded up
This book follows Mystery Royale and is the second book in a series (perhaps a trilogy?).
This book begins not long after the startling events at the end of the first book. Mullory has to come to grips with how the Mystery Royale ended and how to use the new powers she’s inherited.
While both books seek to solve mysteries --the first book was rooted in a magical inheritance contest and this one focuses on clues left by Mullory's mother -- this book felt less rooted in time and place, like it meandered from plot point to plot point without as much direction or sense.
I really appreciated the characterization and diving deeper into the backstory of the cast of characters from the previous book, along with a few new additions. I loved the world building and it was interesting to see other aspects of the magic in the world and how it functioned. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive and pulls me along the page.
I still like the book a lot, even if it didn’t completely match the feel of the first book in the series, I would still recommend it and I look forward to reading what comes next.
3.5 stars, rounded up
This book follows Mystery Royale and is the second book in a series (perhaps a trilogy?).
This book begins not long after the startling events at the end of the first book. Mullory has to come to grips with how the Mystery Royale ended and how to use the new powers she’s inherited.
While both books seek to solve mysteries --the first book was rooted in a magical inheritance contest and this one focuses on clues left by Mullory's mother -- this book felt less rooted in time and place, like it meandered from plot point to plot point without as much direction or sense.
I really appreciated the characterization and diving deeper into the backstory of the cast of characters from the previous book, along with a few new additions. I loved the world building and it was interesting to see other aspects of the magic in the world and how it functioned. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive and pulls me along the page.
I still like the book a lot, even if it didn’t completely match the feel of the first book in the series, I would still recommend it and I look forward to reading what comes next.
September 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For fans of The Night Circus and Caraval.
Mullory Prudence has escaped death and gained Xavier Stoutmire's magic, but finds herself seeking answers in Kaitlyn Cavalancia's Hunting the Strange, book two in the Mystery Royale series.
You will find plenty of riddles and puzzles in this multiple point of view high-stakes fantasy adventure, as well as dark family history, secrets, risk and redemption, death, desperation, and a debt to be satisfied.
I enjoyed traveling along on this quest for information and hope to read any future books in this series.
If I could change one thing about this novel, I would have it include some sort of recap of the events that happened in book one.
For ages 12 and up
Disney Hyperion
March 3, 2026
Thank you Disney Hyperion for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#HuntingTheStrange #Netgalley
#BrightBookReviews
For fans of The Night Circus and Caraval.
Mullory Prudence has escaped death and gained Xavier Stoutmire's magic, but finds herself seeking answers in Kaitlyn Cavalancia's Hunting the Strange, book two in the Mystery Royale series.
You will find plenty of riddles and puzzles in this multiple point of view high-stakes fantasy adventure, as well as dark family history, secrets, risk and redemption, death, desperation, and a debt to be satisfied.
I enjoyed traveling along on this quest for information and hope to read any future books in this series.
If I could change one thing about this novel, I would have it include some sort of recap of the events that happened in book one.
For ages 12 and up
Disney Hyperion
March 3, 2026
Thank you Disney Hyperion for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#HuntingTheStrange #Netgalley
#BrightBookReviews
October 15, 2025
Hunting the Strange is SUCH a fun addition to Cavalancia’s Mystery Royale series! Book #2 keeps the same Knives Out/Westing Game vibes that made the debut so fun, and mixes in a bit of Hercule Poirot to create an intricate web of mysteries you’ll be dying to solve. HTS manages to be both fun and creepy at the same time while integrating multiple layers of riddles - there are practical ones for readers to solve along the way, as well as the twists and turns in the plot that keep you guessing until the end. I loved the return of some of our old friends and the integration of some new characters to spice things up as well. Keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll see more of Mullory and the gang in an eventual book #3!
January 24, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was another great read with twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. This book definitely keeps you guessing until the end and sometimes the answers are right in front of us. It also shows how far people are willing to go to get what they want.Mullory and her friends find answers yet also more questions. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
October 26, 2025
What a way to jump into book 2, AND set up book 3!!
I was a little concerned that Lyric and Mullory would be separated for most of this book, but that was put to rest pretty quickly.
Cavalancia did a good job of pacing the clues/mysteries - enough to keep you engaged without overwhelming you. And the misbehaving magic lent an often needed levity to the story. I mean, maybe people find misbehaving forks to be scary, but I found it to be kind of hilarious.
The characters are also going through their own journeys. Lyric is concerned about his darkness, Ellison is relying on pushing everyone away to prevent feeling ANYTHING, Xavier has a whole bunch of emotions and conflicts and could benefit from some therapy (well, technically the entire cast could). So while we're rooting for Mullory to find her mom, we're also privy to the thoughts of those around her and how this hunt is affecting them. I think this is what helps this series stand out. Looking forward to the labyrinth!!
I was a little concerned that Lyric and Mullory would be separated for most of this book, but that was put to rest pretty quickly.
Cavalancia did a good job of pacing the clues/mysteries - enough to keep you engaged without overwhelming you. And the misbehaving magic lent an often needed levity to the story. I mean, maybe people find misbehaving forks to be scary, but I found it to be kind of hilarious.
The characters are also going through their own journeys. Lyric is concerned about his darkness, Ellison is relying on pushing everyone away to prevent feeling ANYTHING, Xavier has a whole bunch of emotions and conflicts and could benefit from some therapy (well, technically the entire cast could). So while we're rooting for Mullory to find her mom, we're also privy to the thoughts of those around her and how this hunt is affecting them. I think this is what helps this series stand out. Looking forward to the labyrinth!!
May 26, 2026
Sequels are hard .. I felt dropped into the action immediately. Unfortunately readers these days are distracted. I needed some recap, list of characters, something to help orient me. Struggled to connect t because I couldn’t remember details about the magic system
April 21, 2026
I guess the ending was a little underwhelming especially if this is goodbye to the series…but if another book’s coming out-I won’t complain :)
April 13, 2026
really cool
April 6, 2026
Mullory may have won the Mystery Royale, but the true mystery is far from over. When new clues surface about her mother's disappearance, it leads Mullory back to Soutmire Estate, where she must team up with allies new and old for a cross-country scavenger hunt, all while struggling to control her newly inherited powers.
I thought the book was fine, I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first book. It kind of felt like they just introduced a completely new plot and it didn't feel like a natural continuation of the last book. The mystery was interesting, but parts of it were confusing, with the characters solving the clues way too quickly. I initially though this was just going to be a duology, and the author hasn't announced another book yet, but it really felt like the ending was setting things up for another book.
I thought the book was fine, I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first book. It kind of felt like they just introduced a completely new plot and it didn't feel like a natural continuation of the last book. The mystery was interesting, but parts of it were confusing, with the characters solving the clues way too quickly. I initially though this was just going to be a duology, and the author hasn't announced another book yet, but it really felt like the ending was setting things up for another book.
April 10, 2026
3.75/5
Honestly, better than the first one, but I still felt like all the characters were derivative tropes.
Honestly, better than the first one, but I still felt like all the characters were derivative tropes.
Read
March 25, 2026In the second Mystery Royale novel, Mullory and her crew follow clues left by her mom. From a crow infested castle to Coney Island in the dead of winter, old objects and twisted puzzles lead them to secrets about death none wished to know.
January 25, 2026
“The world could be unnecessarily cruel. It could give you a father who would try to drown you without any remorse. And a family that almost let it happen. It could give you a mother who spun nightmares and a childhood trapped on a state with a ruthless uncle. But it could also give you a girl who might just make you forget it all. Make you want to start again.”
I think this is planned to be the second book in a trilogy and it is giving a little “middle book syndrome.” Still lots of puzzles, riddles, clues, although some parts felt a little clunky and confusing. I was invested enough to keep reading but this was missing just a little something I can’t put my finger on. Still plenty of questions to be resolved in the next book!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is planned to be the second book in a trilogy and it is giving a little “middle book syndrome.” Still lots of puzzles, riddles, clues, although some parts felt a little clunky and confusing. I was invested enough to keep reading but this was missing just a little something I can’t put my finger on. Still plenty of questions to be resolved in the next book!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2026
⭐️ 3 Stars
Magical scavenger hunt?
Shadow powers?
Cryptic family riddles?
Hunting the Strange had such a fun premise and I loved the idea of Mullory chasing clues her mother left behind while discovering her own magic.
But honestly half the time I felt like Mullory was solving riddles at lightning speed while I was just sitting there like “girl HOW did you get that answer??” 😅
The magic, mystery, and family secrets kept things interesting, but I wanted to feel more involved in solving the puzzles instead of just watching them get figured out.
Overall: a cool concept with strange magic and riddles, but it didn’t fully hook me the way I hoped. 📚✨
Magical scavenger hunt?
Shadow powers?
Cryptic family riddles?
Hunting the Strange had such a fun premise and I loved the idea of Mullory chasing clues her mother left behind while discovering her own magic.
But honestly half the time I felt like Mullory was solving riddles at lightning speed while I was just sitting there like “girl HOW did you get that answer??” 😅
The magic, mystery, and family secrets kept things interesting, but I wanted to feel more involved in solving the puzzles instead of just watching them get figured out.
Overall: a cool concept with strange magic and riddles, but it didn’t fully hook me the way I hoped. 📚✨
March 3, 2026
This was a great sequel to Mystery Royale. I loved following this cast of characters as they team up on a scavenger hunt adventure. I loved how this book was told through multiple POV. I liked getting to know the characters better in this book while also meeting some new characters. This was an engaging and atmospheric read that was hard to put down. I loved following how this series blends fantasy and mystery and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Read this if you like:
📖 Family secrets
📖 Twists and turns
📖 Puzzles and clues
📖 Magic and whimsy
📖 Found Family
Thank you to @mtmctours and @disneybooks for the gifted copy.
Read this if you like:
📖 Family secrets
📖 Twists and turns
📖 Puzzles and clues
📖 Magic and whimsy
📖 Found Family
Thank you to @mtmctours and @disneybooks for the gifted copy.
March 3, 2026
I enjoyed some of the clues, but at times, I felt like the story was going in circles.
I read Mystery Royale (book 1) 2 years ago as an ARC. I was happy to get book 2 as an ARC too.
However, a recap of what happened in book 1 would have been great, because I barely remembered anything.
In turn, this made it difficult to get sucked into the story as I kept wondering about the past.
I like the magic system of funneling into your children once they reach a certain age.
I love Uncle Xavier's magic, it seems so fun. I am looking forward to see what Mullory can do with it (eventually).
I read Mystery Royale (book 1) 2 years ago as an ARC. I was happy to get book 2 as an ARC too.
However, a recap of what happened in book 1 would have been great, because I barely remembered anything.
In turn, this made it difficult to get sucked into the story as I kept wondering about the past.
I like the magic system of funneling into your children once they reach a certain age.
I love Uncle Xavier's magic, it seems so fun. I am looking forward to see what Mullory can do with it (eventually).
March 6, 2026
I loved the twisty-turny mystery in this book. The POV jumped around a lot but this is one of the very few books that I felt like the switching was done very well. The way magic works and is inherited in this world is super intriguing. I look forward to reading more of Mullory’s adventures! I would recommend this book series to anyone who enjoys the macabre but in small doses or to someone who’s looking for an adventure with a heavy dash of mystery.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 15, 2025
Hunting The Strange jumps in right where Mystery Royale left off.
As Mullary struggles to get a handle on her newly acquired magic, she works to unravel clues that her mother left her.
Just as dark as the first one, this installment is full of family secrets, puzzles, and a deadly mystery.
While we get some resolution here, the ending set us up for book 3!
Recommend to mystery lovers and puzzle solvers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney for an early copy for review.
As Mullary struggles to get a handle on her newly acquired magic, she works to unravel clues that her mother left her.
Just as dark as the first one, this installment is full of family secrets, puzzles, and a deadly mystery.
While we get some resolution here, the ending set us up for book 3!
Recommend to mystery lovers and puzzle solvers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney for an early copy for review.
March 8, 2026
I got this book from NetGalley as an arc
.
Oops my bad for not realizing this was a sequel. But also, for a sequel it was not too hard to get caught up to speed.
I enjoyed the processes of this story and I will definitely go back to read book one and also the next one when it’s available!
The story is everything I enjoy. Solving riddles and magic. I couldn’t have asked for a better time
.
Oops my bad for not realizing this was a sequel. But also, for a sequel it was not too hard to get caught up to speed.
I enjoyed the processes of this story and I will definitely go back to read book one and also the next one when it’s available!
The story is everything I enjoy. Solving riddles and magic. I couldn’t have asked for a better time
March 28, 2026
I describe this book, and this series as a whole, as "Caraval's strange cousin". It's a YA novel, so it doesn't get as dark and detailed as an adult series would, but it still kept my attention and was an enjoyable read! I got through it quickly despite it being over 400 pages.
There's elements of magic, generational trauma, and a dash of romantic subplot, which ticks many boxes for me. Being able to return to these characters was fun, I loved Lyric and Mullory in the last one and their character development in the sequel was done well. Even Ellison, who I wasn't a fan of, grew on me this time. This book introduced a few new characters, including new additions to the young group Reina and Cruz. I hope the next book gives Cruz more page time, as I feel like his character was a bit underdeveloped in this installment.
I do feel like this one was a bit more confusing than the first book. Adding in the elements of postmortem limbo and time-traveling, plus hunting clues all over the place, was a lot to keep straight. I was able to decipher a few of the clues before the characters and I figured out that pretty early on; some things were quite obvious, but others still required some thought. Like in the previous book, the conclusion was a frenzy of things happening in quick succession, which was interesting but also disorienting when trying to make sense of it all.
Also, I found that the setting threw me off while reading. The Stoutmire Estate's whimsy mixed with modern America is a strange combination and one that didn't quite work for me. They go from deciphering old-fashioned clues to texting each other on their phones, making it feel a lot less whimsical. I feel like this would have worked better if it was set in an earlier time period, one without modern technology.
But, overall, it was a good read! The end of this one set up book 3 nicely, and I'm looking forward to seeing what strange things happen to Mullory and the Stoutmires next!
There's elements of magic, generational trauma, and a dash of romantic subplot, which ticks many boxes for me. Being able to return to these characters was fun, I loved Lyric and Mullory in the last one and their character development in the sequel was done well. Even Ellison, who I wasn't a fan of, grew on me this time. This book introduced a few new characters, including new additions to the young group Reina and Cruz. I hope the next book gives Cruz more page time, as I feel like his character was a bit underdeveloped in this installment.
I do feel like this one was a bit more confusing than the first book. Adding in the elements of postmortem limbo and time-traveling, plus hunting clues all over the place, was a lot to keep straight. I was able to decipher a few of the clues before the characters and I figured out that pretty early on; some things were quite obvious, but others still required some thought. Like in the previous book, the conclusion was a frenzy of things happening in quick succession, which was interesting but also disorienting when trying to make sense of it all.
Also, I found that the setting threw me off while reading. The Stoutmire Estate's whimsy mixed with modern America is a strange combination and one that didn't quite work for me. They go from deciphering old-fashioned clues to texting each other on their phones, making it feel a lot less whimsical. I feel like this would have worked better if it was set in an earlier time period, one without modern technology.
But, overall, it was a good read! The end of this one set up book 3 nicely, and I'm looking forward to seeing what strange things happen to Mullory and the Stoutmires next!
March 26, 2026
Mystery Royale was absolutely a five-star read for me, so I was excited to read the sequel. I admire this author's brain -- so much going on and so many threads to follow--but I did get a bit lost in this sequel (the downfall of many sequels) and could have used a good flashback or summary to fill in some of the gaps of information I'd forgotten from the first. I loved many of the elements from the first -- the magic, the atmospheric settings, the compelling characters--but the quest felt a bit more confusing and a little harder to wrap my mind around than the first, which I suppose was the point but was a struggle for me. I appreciated Mullory's struggle with the magic she won in the first book and how it manifested in wild ways. I liked the alternating points of view. Overall, this was a really fun read that those who like fantasy and/or the first book will also enjoy. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 8, 2026
Hunting the Strange: A Mystery Royale Novel by Kaitlyn Cavalancia is a stylistically compelling but challenging continuation of the series that begins with Mystery Royale. This is not a standalone novel, and readers must start with the first book to have any hope of grounding themselves in the world and its rules.
Cavalancia’s writing style and distinct narrative voice are easily the highlights. However, that doesn’t make the atmosphere and plot of the novel less difficult to follow and, at times, frustratingly unclear. I found myself struggling throughout, especially as I tried to understand the central premise introduced immediately—why parents are killing their own children.
Despite its intriguing concept, the execution made it hard to stay engaged, leaving more confusion than clarity by the end.
Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars. I might rate it higher if I read the series in its proper order.
Cavalancia’s writing style and distinct narrative voice are easily the highlights. However, that doesn’t make the atmosphere and plot of the novel less difficult to follow and, at times, frustratingly unclear. I found myself struggling throughout, especially as I tried to understand the central premise introduced immediately—why parents are killing their own children.
Despite its intriguing concept, the execution made it hard to stay engaged, leaving more confusion than clarity by the end.
Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars. I might rate it higher if I read the series in its proper order.
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