Magic's Most Wanted

by Tyler Whitesides

Magic is closer than Mason Morrison ever thought possible.

For Mason Mortimer Morrison, life isn’t so magical.

His dad was just sent to jail, his grades have been plummeting from meh to yikes, and, oh yeah, two officers from some organization called Magix just showed up to arrest him in the middle of fourth period.

Talk about bad luck.

Mason knows he’s innocent. But in order to clear his name, he’s going to need the help of a plucky Magix junior detective and a cantankerous talking bunny—and a little bit of magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Amita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book relies a bit too much on dialogue to provide needed info and exposition, its magic system is really cool and as a whole it's a fun fantasy-mystery :)

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason didn't know magic really existed until he accidentally transported his entire class to Antartica. Even more unexpected than finding out about magic, was finding out that he was wanted for magical crimes that he did not commit. Desperate to prove his innocence, he teams up with Avery, who knows the inner workings of Magix, the organization that has arrested him. Together they must work backwards to figure out not just how but why Mason was framed. This is a fun mystery and fantasy combination. It would be great for fans of Stuart Gibbs. Recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a story about Mason, who father is in prison. Mason doesn't believe his father is guilty but there isn't anything he can do about it. He really could careless about doing his book report on music boxes and when he is called on he has nothing to say, but his mom made sure he had an actual music box to show everyone. 

Mason figures it might gain him a few points for not actually reading the book but when he opens it, it send him and his whole class to a different location. He has no clue what just happened but he tried the music box again and they are in a new location. Then he is picked up by some detectives saying they are from Magix and that he is  magic's most wanted for using the music box that was magic. 

Mason has no clue that magic even existed and can't believe what is happening to him but it seems like the higher ups are not going to believe him and want to wipe all his memories. He needs to get out of the place they are holding him at quick. In comes Avery a young junior detective who bust him out as she isn't sure he did anything on purpose. Together they have to try and figure out what is going one and what it has to do with Mason. They have some magic items in a top hat, but they need help detecting magic boons (or magical items) and that requires a pet, so they head to the pet store and figure that a bunny would be small enough to fit the magic collar. It turns the bunny into one that talks and he can be a bit cantankerous! 

So with Avery and a talking rabbit Mason runs throughout the sitting trying to figure out why they are accusing him of the magic crime and what to do about it. 

This was a super cute and funny middle grade book and I really liked it. The rabbit cracked me up! Since this was already out I got the audiobook version and the voice the narrator does for the bunny was so fun. Mason, Avery and his friend Hamid (comes in later in the book) were all really fun characters.

I would definitly recommend this one to young and old alike. :) 

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good, it seemed like it wasn't very long! It was very suspenseful.

[❀ Arshiya (stranger things version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will always be my favorite book. MY #1!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler Whitesides imagination runs wild in this tale of life gone wrong for one young boy. Life is not looking good for Mason Mortimer Morrison, his father's in jail for robbing a bank, his grades are terrible, and he has no friends. Things take a turn for the worst when he finds himself opening a music box that takes him and his whole class to Antarctica. Mason finds himself being arrested for using magic. As he struggles to accept that magic is real, he finds himself accused of committing a major magical crime. He knows he is innocent but he is condemned without being able to defend himself. Luckily, one person believes in his innocence. Avery, a young detective-in-training, breaks Mason out and they go on the run to find evidence to prove his innocence.

Mason and Avery quickly find that not only is the magic governing body of Magix after them but so is the Mastermind, a villain who seems to want Mason for some unknown reason. Using various magic-containing objects called boons, Avery and Mason and an obnoxious talking bunny struggle to stay ahead of those after them. With the help of Mason's friend, Hamid, and their own wits, the kids must figure out what is going on before the world of magic implodes altogether.

Whitesides imaginative tales are among my favorite books to read. He writes with such creativity and new ways of looking at things that I'm always impressed with the freshness and fun of his books. This one is no different except that it involves a mystery. The intriguing magical details and the many twists and turns makes this a read where readers will not see what is coming and are likely to be surprised by how things turn out. A perfect read for young readers who enjoy magic, humor, and great plot twists.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Whitesides newest book pulls readers in from the opening chapters. I loved his Janitors series and this new story shares the same magic touch.
Mason's world has completely changed in the last year. His dad was arrested and convicted of robbing a bank. Mason firmly believes his dad is innocent. When sharing an oral book report on a book he didn't read, he unleashes a magic boon and transports his entire class to another location. And then the action really begins. He's pulled into a world where magic is real and ordinary objects perform magical feats. He is arrested and convicted in this magical courtroom for stealing boons even though he too is innocent. Together with a new friend, Avery, he sets out to solve what happened and save his dad.
Humor meshes with adventure and enough suspense to keep readers focused and involved from start to finish. Looking forward to other stories about these characters.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Magic's Most Wanted" is on the higher end of Middle Grade literature. It's a fun mystery that captured my interest while reading aloud with the boys (9 & 12) who also loved it. They very much enjoyed predicting what was going to happen.

This novel is based on a whimsical, unique magic system that looks more like stage magic than wizard's magic. It's creative, and none of us predicted the outcome, which is always a bonus. I appreciate that the author assumed a reasonable amount of intelligence in his readers and didn't force feed any agendas. It's a fun read that doesn't talk down to or preach at the audience. This wins it at least an extra half star in my book, because I firmly believe that kids need to read (or be read to) for fun to foster a true passion for reading.

I recommend this for middle grade readers and for adults who enjoy middle grade books.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best mystery I have read in a very long time. It's youth fiction, but don't let that fool you. It was genuinely well done and a fun and exciting ride. 😄 No murder, gore, or fear factors either which I always greatly appreciate. 👍

Looking at this book, and even reading it's synopsis, I never would have pegged it as the story it turned out to be. I thought I was settling in for a relaxed, simplistic, basic youth fantasy. I was quite pleasantly surprised when I found I was actually getting sucked into a mystery with so many layers that it kept me guessing and surprised throughout 90% of the book. ❤

If you enjoy a good mystery and like them to be a challenge without having to be scary or impossible, check it out. 😊

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Who’s trying to help and who’s trying to hurt? Mason Mortimer Morrison’s dad is in prison, but is he really guilty? Mason broke his lieg, but was it really an accident? Can any ordinary object hold magic power? Fast-paced adventure as Mason also tries to figure out if Avery is a friend or foe as they fight the powers of Magix.

Worthwhile purchase for your adventure-loving middle elementary readers.

[Elizabeth P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this seems fun, I struggled at times to get through it. Although the magical world was explained, I still had a lot of questions and wanted to know more. It was hard to tell if the book was following its own logic.
I did end up liking it and think that kids might like it, but I can't rate it more than 3 stars.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful stand alone book with a likable, clueless protagonist, a clever kid detective out to prove herself, an evil supervillain, and a fun twist on magic in our world - good deeds make magic build up and infuse itself into objects, which can then add positivity to someones's day when they encounter that object. Really enjoyed this one!

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic's Most Wanted is a good book with funny characters and an exciting plot. I really enjoy reading this book (I've read this more than once) because it is very humorous and has good characters. It also has a "cantankerous" talking bunny. I mean, who doesn't like one of those? Because the main character has such bad luck, it makes it so funny and a good mystery. I would recommend!!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great fun! It had the perfect amount of danger, mystery, and adventure. It felt like a great cartoon from childhood wrapped up in a contemporary fantasy. Wonderful. I will definitely recommend this one to my young readers.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyable and cute, with nothing objectionable and no whisper of romance or crushes. It’s a hero’s journey (with literal boons!) mixed with a detective story, the characters were funny, and there were definitely hints of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson

[Lydia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and fun! I really enjoyed the magical world building - it felt unique and creative in a world of somewhat repetitive middle grade stories. A decent bit of expositional dialogue but the audiobook narrator did a good job of it not feeling heavy.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75
Brilliant book! The ending was just a bit too quick for me, but other than that, outstanding.

[MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyler Whitesides magical world is so original, story is fast paced and engaging…not to mention laugh out loud. Will definitely be recommending to the 4th and 5th graders!!

[Elise Derr Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler Whitesides is truly my kids' (and my) favorite author! His books are so well crafted and always teach great lessons. I recommend any of his books without hesitation!

[N.R.M. Roshak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun read.

[ieathosechips · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite book.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I loved the twist ending

[LS Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read! Would be liked by those that enjoyed the Winterborne and Mr. Lemoncello’s adventures.

[Haileynicolle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ read this with Scott and he loved it!

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting story and plot, but childish considering the main character's thirteen.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun take on magic. It's a middle grade urban fantasy. I like the narrator for the audiobook.

[Mandy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun and fast paced read. Would be a great read aloud for an upper elementary classroom.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun story! Mason is framed for a crime and has to figure out a whole new world to prove his innocence, as well as his dad's! It's a pretty simple, but also very clever, plot. The answer was right in front of you the whole time, yet you still wouldn't guess it. So delightful! I do love the plot and twists in the story, but what really brings the whole story together is Fluffball. Without this snarky rabbit, this book wouldn't be the same at all. He's the best character by far!
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.