Review Detail

The cover for Candy Mafia perfectly captures what is a thrill ride of a mystery for both kids and adults alike.

However, despite the perfectly depicted cover, the content does lean a bit heavy towards the end as the mystery unravels. The background of the mystery proves to be a bit more sinister than anticipated.

Nelle is a 12-year-old private detective. When a friend come to her asking for her assistance in finding his stolen teddybear, she bugs the case off as not serious.

Until the missing toy leads to a missing person— the boy who put her on the case. Amongst the backdrop of a candy-less world, and a fairly serious plot, Nelle finds herself in a nefarious ploy that involves a candy smuggling ring and adults too involved in kid’s business.

What works for the novel is the unique setting and engaging characters. Though for middle grade, it does get a bit heavy towards the end. It wasn’t as fun as the colorful cover depicted—which would be a let down if it wasn’t so well written and engaging.

A bit of lightness and humor would have rounded the story out. The illustrations are perfect, but would have added a little more spice if there were more of them.

Readers into mysteries that takes its time to unravel, will really enjoy this one down to the aha moment. A thrill ride of a story that needed just a tad bit more light in the dark to be the perfect read.