If your kid is aging out of Rainbow Magic but isn't quite ready for the heavy themes of YA, this is a solid bridge. It’s a mystery wrapped in a cape, published by Scholastic, which means it’s designed to be finished in a weekend. It's not reinventing the genre, but it’s a reliable pick for a kid who likes a little 'spooky' with their logic puzzles.

Alice Hemming has a knack for taking high-fantasy concepts and making them accessible. This isn't Twilight—it's a whodunnit with fangs. It’s the kind of book that builds reading stamina because the mystery keeps the pages turning without the need for graphic violence.