  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 07/01/2015 Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Prudence Potts likes nothing better than a good mystery, which is exactly what she gets when an envelope containing a cryptic message inexplicably arrives one night. Pru soon realizes that she's not the only one with a penchant for puzzles, as a school assignment finds her partnered with the new kid, ABE, who likes nothing better than a good riddle. Together not only do these two otherwise loners find friendship, but the makings of mischief afoot. Mythical entities have suddenly invaded their normally uneventful town threatening war and terror in their quest to find Odin's missing eye, believed to see the future. Pru and ABE are recruited by the enigmatic Mr. Fox on behalf of the Unbelievable FIB to question the very fabric of the world around them and to stop the impending doom. In a vein similar to "Percy Jackson," the "Imaginary Veterinary" books, and even Men In Black, this strong debut is shaping up to be an intriguing series. Shaughnessy seamlessly blends Norse and Russian mythologies with the genres of mystery, fantasy, and adventure all the while hitting upon some deeper personal issues such as loss and self-awareness. The conflict is satisfyingly resolved by story's end, giving it the feel of a stand-alone novel. With the current popularity of Norse characters in pop culture this is not only sure to be an easy sell, but also a book with substance—one to satisfy the cravings of more sophisticated readers looking to sink their teeth into a good folkloric story. VERDICT A creative, fun mystery that combines a variety of genres and deeper themes.—Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 08/01/2015 Pru wants to be a detective, just like her late father, and a perfect opportunity arrives in the form of a mysterious blue card with, “What is the unbelievable FIB?” emblazoned on one side and a riddle on the other. While thunder booms all over town, Pru and her friend ABE (Aloysius Bartholomew Evans, who wisely chooses to go by his initials) follow the clues to the graveyard, where they encounter a grizzled man named Mister Fox. He explains that the town is currently lousy with Nordic deities, since Loki has caught wind of a clue to the location of a powerful magic object at their local museum that could bring about the end of the world. Pru (enthusiastically) and ABE (reluctantly) leap into the fray to prevent Ragnarok from starting in their New England village, all while avoiding their grouchy teacher. Though the pace is occasionally haphazard and Mister Fox’s speeches about the importance of childlike wonder eventually get schmaltzy, Shaughnessy’s debut will please middle-grade readers already interested in Nordic mythology. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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