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The Sisters Grimm #4
Once Upon a Crime
In the long-awaited fourth book in the New York Times bestselling series, the Grimms take on New York City!
Surprises abound for Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, fairy-tale detectives extraordinaire. When they venture into the big city, they stumble upon a murder, face betrayal by a friend, and discover an amazing secret about their mother, Veronica.
Sabrina just wants to be normal—no detecting, no dangerous escapes, and especially no Everafters. Unfortunately, New York City is a hiding spot for many famous fairy-tale folk. And there’s a murderer in their midst! The girls and their friends must figure out who killed Puck’s father, King Oberon, while coming to terms with their mother’s secret life. Will they stop the murderer before he or she can strike again? And will Sabrina ever accept her family’s destiny?
The colorful world of the Grimms expands in new and hilarious directions in Once upon a Crime . Critics and readers alike have embraced the Sisters Grimm series and its independent, quick-thinking heroines.
Surprises abound for Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, fairy-tale detectives extraordinaire. When they venture into the big city, they stumble upon a murder, face betrayal by a friend, and discover an amazing secret about their mother, Veronica.
Sabrina just wants to be normal—no detecting, no dangerous escapes, and especially no Everafters. Unfortunately, New York City is a hiding spot for many famous fairy-tale folk. And there’s a murderer in their midst! The girls and their friends must figure out who killed Puck’s father, King Oberon, while coming to terms with their mother’s secret life. Will they stop the murderer before he or she can strike again? And will Sabrina ever accept her family’s destiny?
The colorful world of the Grimms expands in new and hilarious directions in Once upon a Crime . Critics and readers alike have embraced the Sisters Grimm series and its independent, quick-thinking heroines.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2007
About the author
Michael Buckley
135 books1,860 followersNew York Times bestselling author Michael Buckley was born in Akron, Ohio. He tried his hand as a stand-up comic and lead singer for a punk rock back before attending Ohio University. After graduating with honors he moved to New York City to be an intern on the Late Show with David Letterman which led to stints developing programming for Discovery Networks, MTV, MTV Animation and Klasky Csupo (producers of Nickelodeon’s Rugrats). Today he lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife, Alison, and their son Finn.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 698 reviews
February 2, 2012
The Sisters Grimm never fails to amuse because of the way it takes famous fairy-related literature and puts a modern twist on them. Far more than the overall plot or even the themes, it is the little moments in these books that make them worthy reads.
Once Upon a Crime is the fourth adventure of Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, two children who late discovered their family heritage as the jailer and protector of fairy tale creatures known as Everafters. After spending months in an orphanage and one lousy foster home after another, they were told they had a grandmother—a woman they thought was dead. They go to live with her in Ferry Port Landing, which they soon learn is home to most of the fairy tale creatures they've read about. However, all of these Everafters are trapped in Ferry Port Landing for as long as one of the Grimms are alive. This makes them a less than popular twosome.
After several adventures where they solve mysteries and help save Ferry Port Landing, they make their first trip out. In the previous adventure The Problem Child, their Grandmother's ward, Puck, was injured and is in a coma. The only thing likely to save him is to get him back to the Fairy land where his parents reign. Much to Sabrina's disgust, this is in New York City, a place she associates with home and a complete lack of Everafters.
While Daphne has been thrilled to take on the job of fairy tale detective, Sabrina still resists. She hates their calling and wants nothing to do with it. She decides the trip to New York will be her final case. She can then concentrate on saving her parents—who are in a magical sleep that no one can wake them from—and return to her normal life.
What she discovers instead is that her seemingly normal mother was highly active in the fairy community in New York City and unlike the attitude that Ferry Port Everafters have toward the Grimms, the New York City Everafters honor and adore them.
In Once Upon a Crime, you learn a little more about Puck’s family. His story, obviously, comes from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and it is in this book that you get to meet the rest of the fairy creatures from the famous play. It's one of the things that will delight any lover of classical literature. It's also what gave the book its greatest appeal to my 10-year-old son who has seen the play numerous times since he was five. Puck is also a great favorite of his as it is his final two speeches that were the first he ever memorized. His view of Puck isn't far off from the Puck that is met in The Sisters Grimm—an 11-year-old boy who sees himself as a villain despite his golden heart.
While Shakespeare doesn't claim it, author Michael Buckley tells us that Puck is the offspring of Oberon and Titania, a fairy prince who was promised to one of the other fairies. Titania's fairy attendants get much greater play in this novel, with fleshed out personalities and goals.
At its heart Once Upon a Crime is a classic mystery story despite being populated with fantastical creatures. It also continues to expose the growing pains that Sabrina is having as she must make a choice between selfishness and service and discover what it really means to be a family.
Sabrina is frequently a frustrating character despite being the protagonist because she is so distrustful and resists the route that others—and the readers—want her to go. Nothing ever comes easy for her, but mostly because she insists upon making it difficult. Is this really any surprise when we realize we're talking about a pre-teen girl on the cusp of puberty?
Michael Buckley continues to entertain with The Sisters Grimm series. Each offering in the series changes the characters in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. The books are quick reads and I look forward to each new book.
Once Upon a Crime is the fourth adventure of Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, two children who late discovered their family heritage as the jailer and protector of fairy tale creatures known as Everafters. After spending months in an orphanage and one lousy foster home after another, they were told they had a grandmother—a woman they thought was dead. They go to live with her in Ferry Port Landing, which they soon learn is home to most of the fairy tale creatures they've read about. However, all of these Everafters are trapped in Ferry Port Landing for as long as one of the Grimms are alive. This makes them a less than popular twosome.
After several adventures where they solve mysteries and help save Ferry Port Landing, they make their first trip out. In the previous adventure The Problem Child, their Grandmother's ward, Puck, was injured and is in a coma. The only thing likely to save him is to get him back to the Fairy land where his parents reign. Much to Sabrina's disgust, this is in New York City, a place she associates with home and a complete lack of Everafters.
While Daphne has been thrilled to take on the job of fairy tale detective, Sabrina still resists. She hates their calling and wants nothing to do with it. She decides the trip to New York will be her final case. She can then concentrate on saving her parents—who are in a magical sleep that no one can wake them from—and return to her normal life.
What she discovers instead is that her seemingly normal mother was highly active in the fairy community in New York City and unlike the attitude that Ferry Port Everafters have toward the Grimms, the New York City Everafters honor and adore them.
In Once Upon a Crime, you learn a little more about Puck’s family. His story, obviously, comes from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and it is in this book that you get to meet the rest of the fairy creatures from the famous play. It's one of the things that will delight any lover of classical literature. It's also what gave the book its greatest appeal to my 10-year-old son who has seen the play numerous times since he was five. Puck is also a great favorite of his as it is his final two speeches that were the first he ever memorized. His view of Puck isn't far off from the Puck that is met in The Sisters Grimm—an 11-year-old boy who sees himself as a villain despite his golden heart.
While Shakespeare doesn't claim it, author Michael Buckley tells us that Puck is the offspring of Oberon and Titania, a fairy prince who was promised to one of the other fairies. Titania's fairy attendants get much greater play in this novel, with fleshed out personalities and goals.
At its heart Once Upon a Crime is a classic mystery story despite being populated with fantastical creatures. It also continues to expose the growing pains that Sabrina is having as she must make a choice between selfishness and service and discover what it really means to be a family.
Sabrina is frequently a frustrating character despite being the protagonist because she is so distrustful and resists the route that others—and the readers—want her to go. Nothing ever comes easy for her, but mostly because she insists upon making it difficult. Is this really any surprise when we realize we're talking about a pre-teen girl on the cusp of puberty?
Michael Buckley continues to entertain with The Sisters Grimm series. Each offering in the series changes the characters in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. The books are quick reads and I look forward to each new book.
February 5, 2018
3.5 STARS
Not my favorite in the series since there were a lot of characters just thrown in but this was probably the most action packed and took me a little by surprise at the end. This series is just so fun!
Not my favorite in the series since there were a lot of characters just thrown in but this was probably the most action packed and took me a little by surprise at the end. This series is just so fun!
December 17, 2007
The Sisters Grimm series are my audiobook standbys. The narrator is fantastic and these are perfect for long drives in the car. The series is about two young girls, Daphne and Sabrina, who, after the disappearance of their parents and a year spent jumping from one wretched foster home to another, go to live with the grandmother they never knew they had in Fairyport Landing. The Grimm sisters find out that they are the descendants of the famed Brothers Grimm, who brought the fairy tale creatures over to live in Fairyport landing. The fun part is, it's not just Grimm's fairy tales that show up in the book. Puck from Midsummer Night's Dream, the Wizard of Oz, and Mother Goose all appear. The sisters, their grandmother, Mr. Canis (the big bad wolf), and Puck join together to solve mysteries and keep the town in order. "Once Upon a Crime" picks up where book 3 left off. The family takes a very injured Puck to NYC to find his family and has to solve a murder and uncovere more clues about the girls' parents. Many series end up being repetitive after a while (re: the Redwall books), but these have a fresh story for each book.
August 7, 2023
Difficult to like this since very few of our known side characters are not in this. Faerie land and all that is not something I want to read about when I'm reading about Fairy-tale characters. I will be very happy to be back in town for the next one.
March 22, 2009
I love how Puck saves Sabrina from near death
March 4, 2022
The only crime I see is how Charming pulled all those women looking like a Republican Senator
April 24, 2024
This was always one of my favorites. So many great moments. I loved the Sabrina/Puck development (despite the fact that Puck is actually not conscious for a lot of the book). And I remembered who one of the villains was about halfway through but did not guess the other until it was revealed, which is impressive. I’d totally forgotten.
Also, Sabrina really is a jerkazoid sometimes, as Daphne would say. But I do love her.
Also, Sabrina really is a jerkazoid sometimes, as Daphne would say. But I do love her.
May 15, 2023
Oh yes! This book, book #4, may be my favorite in the series thus far.
Amazing new characters in this book. And a brand new setting.
I loved it!
And yes, there were still lessons to be learned.
Mr. Hamstead really shined in this book. And we learned he does not like hot dogs 😂 Duly noted.
Amazing new characters in this book. And a brand new setting.
I loved it!
And yes, there were still lessons to be learned.
Mr. Hamstead really shined in this book. And we learned he does not like hot dogs 😂 Duly noted.
March 11, 2021
As I was re-reading this, it went from my least favorite book in the series to my absolute favorite.
The reason why I wasn’t that a big of a fan at first was because Puck (my favorite character) didn’t show up in the book until it was getting closer to the end. I really didn’t like that. But at least Sabrina and Puck are finally being more expressive with how they feel about each other. Thats a huge ass plus. ;) The second reason why I wasn’t the hugest fan was because I’m used to all the crazy adventures in Ferryport Landing; I didn’t like them going on that wild goose chase in New York. It was a completely different vibe for me. I almost rated this book four or even three stars, but the ending of the book really seriously completely swooped in and saved the day.
L M F A O THE ENDING THO... PUCK IS LITERALLY MY BITCH FOR THAT. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY HE’S MY FAVORITE CHARACTER.
First wtffffff Hamstead is staying with Bess ;( and not coming back to Ferryport Landing! I was so saddd like it’s nice and everything that Bess and him ended up together, but still, like why couldn’t they come stay at Ferryport?
Secondly, I ACTUALLY THOUGHT PUCK WAS GONNA STAY AT FAERIE AND NEVER COME BACK. I CANNOT BELIEVE SABRINA FINALLY ADMITTED TO HERSELF HOW SHE REALLY FELT ABOUT HIM. FUCK. FINALLYYYYY
I am expecting another kiss between Sabrina and Puck in the next book so Michael Buckley hopefully you didn’t let me down ;)
I was also really annoyed at Sabrina. She kept denying that she was a Grimm and it was her destiny. I get it that she feels a lot of pressure for her family name, but still. Every second she got she was criticizing her family name.
This book held a lot of surprises for me. The most surprising part was when Oz was really part of the Scarlet Hand. The element of surprise was because he seemed so genuine and like a close friend, but it’s always the people you are closest to, isn’t it? The second surprising thing was when everyone realized it was Moth who really killed Oberlin. Like you would do all that just to get with Puck, like she’s so thirsty for him..
Anyway, I’m super stoked for the fifth book. AHAHAAHAHAHAH HERE I COME
PUCK AND SABRINA NEED MORE MOMENTS ALONE
The reason why I wasn’t that a big of a fan at first was because Puck (my favorite character) didn’t show up in the book until it was getting closer to the end. I really didn’t like that. But at least Sabrina and Puck are finally being more expressive with how they feel about each other. Thats a huge ass plus. ;) The second reason why I wasn’t the hugest fan was because I’m used to all the crazy adventures in Ferryport Landing; I didn’t like them going on that wild goose chase in New York. It was a completely different vibe for me. I almost rated this book four or even three stars, but the ending of the book really seriously completely swooped in and saved the day.
L M F A O THE ENDING THO... PUCK IS LITERALLY MY BITCH FOR THAT. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY HE’S MY FAVORITE CHARACTER.
First wtffffff Hamstead is staying with Bess ;( and not coming back to Ferryport Landing! I was so saddd like it’s nice and everything that Bess and him ended up together, but still, like why couldn’t they come stay at Ferryport?
Secondly, I ACTUALLY THOUGHT PUCK WAS GONNA STAY AT FAERIE AND NEVER COME BACK. I CANNOT BELIEVE SABRINA FINALLY ADMITTED TO HERSELF HOW SHE REALLY FELT ABOUT HIM. FUCK. FINALLYYYYY
I am expecting another kiss between Sabrina and Puck in the next book so Michael Buckley hopefully you didn’t let me down ;)
I was also really annoyed at Sabrina. She kept denying that she was a Grimm and it was her destiny. I get it that she feels a lot of pressure for her family name, but still. Every second she got she was criticizing her family name.
This book held a lot of surprises for me. The most surprising part was when Oz was really part of the Scarlet Hand. The element of surprise was because he seemed so genuine and like a close friend, but it’s always the people you are closest to, isn’t it? The second surprising thing was when everyone realized it was Moth who really killed Oberlin. Like you would do all that just to get with Puck, like she’s so thirsty for him..
Anyway, I’m super stoked for the fifth book. AHAHAAHAHAHAH HERE I COME
PUCK AND SABRINA NEED MORE MOMENTS ALONE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2010
While not really dropping in quality, I felt like the Sisters Grimm series lost a little steam in the fourth book. The mystery was a little more obvious, and the rhythms of the series are becoming a bit more repetitive. Sabrina is going to have an angsty personal problem (learning that her mother was all for fairy tale detecting, which isn't Sabrina's bag) that will be resolved, a mystery must be solved (a murder mystery this time, but the culprit is given away by the cover art), Mr. Canis will battle with his true self, and Daphne will have a new catchphrase ("Jerkazoid!"). I felt like the author, Buckley, tried to inject a little excitement into this volume with a change of scenery, but leaving Ferryport Landing for New York City actually cut all the tension that's been building in the little town.
But when a good series loses a little steam it's not alway the end of the world, and there are still plenty of great moments. I appreciated the respect that existed between Mr. Canis (the Big Bad Wolf) and Sheriff Hamstead (one of the Three Little Pigs), and I liked Mother Goose as a bartender in a bar run by the fairy mafia (fairy godfathers, get it?). And Scrooge as a psychic who can communicate with ghosts was a great idea. Oh, and Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are now Wall Street pirates who battle Sinbad who captains a New York City ferry. Puck was out of commission for most of the book, and when he shows back up he's slightly more mature.
The dark tone is a bit lighter than in the last book, except for a couple of crazy moments. Remember that time when the primary suspect (SPOILER: who didn't actually do it) is straight up executed by being held in front of a freakin' cannon?
In summation, it's not the best of the series, but it is still a decent addition.
But when a good series loses a little steam it's not alway the end of the world, and there are still plenty of great moments. I appreciated the respect that existed between Mr. Canis (the Big Bad Wolf) and Sheriff Hamstead (one of the Three Little Pigs), and I liked Mother Goose as a bartender in a bar run by the fairy mafia (fairy godfathers, get it?). And Scrooge as a psychic who can communicate with ghosts was a great idea. Oh, and Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are now Wall Street pirates who battle Sinbad who captains a New York City ferry. Puck was out of commission for most of the book, and when he shows back up he's slightly more mature.
The dark tone is a bit lighter than in the last book, except for a couple of crazy moments. Remember that time when the primary suspect (SPOILER: who didn't actually do it) is straight up executed by being held in front of a freakin' cannon?
In summation, it's not the best of the series, but it is still a decent addition.
April 28, 2013
I’m still a little angry because the cover of this book kind of gives away the end of the book – or, if not the end, then the climax. Based on that, it was super easy to figure out who did what to whom. [shrug] As I’ve said about these books before, they’re definitely for kids but still fun for adults. My 13y/o is totally done with the series and is kind of annoyed with me for not having finished, so that’s something I’ll have to work on catching up with soon.
Daphne, Sabrina, Granny, Mr Canis and the former sheriff of Ferryport Landing head to NYC to visit the faeries and see if they can help heal [REDACTED]. While there, [REDACTED] is murdered and the Grimm family is tasked with finding the murderer.
Like I mentioned, the cover gave much away but even if it hadn’t, I still turned to 13y/o and said “So it was [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] that did it, right?” But he was not really paying attention since I was talking about this instead of Doctor Who and just gave me that “I know, but I’m not telling” look that he excels at.
This was cute, but I liked the previous book a lot more. It was very weird to have something not set in Ferryport Landing at ALL, and I kind of missed it. NYC was nice to visit, but I’m glad we’re not staying there for long.
Daphne, Sabrina, Granny, Mr Canis and the former sheriff of Ferryport Landing head to NYC to visit the faeries and see if they can help heal [REDACTED]. While there, [REDACTED] is murdered and the Grimm family is tasked with finding the murderer.
Like I mentioned, the cover gave much away but even if it hadn’t, I still turned to 13y/o and said “So it was [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] that did it, right?” But he was not really paying attention since I was talking about this instead of Doctor Who and just gave me that “I know, but I’m not telling” look that he excels at.
This was cute, but I liked the previous book a lot more. It was very weird to have something not set in Ferryport Landing at ALL, and I kind of missed it. NYC was nice to visit, but I’m glad we’re not staying there for long.
December 20, 2013
My friend Jenne once said that all books are better with a giant robot. This book has a giant Wicked Witch robot that climbs the Empire State Building, a la King Kong. Four stars right there.
Oh, and the rest of the book is good too.
Oh, and the rest of the book is good too.
February 25, 2023
Felt so weird to read a book that takes place at Christmas during spooky season but c’est la vie.
July 27, 2023
There were fun and funny moments in this one, but I wasn't feeling the story as a whole.
On the plus side, the girls learned a few important things about themselves and their parents, particularly their mother. She was well-loved by many of the Ever Afters - It seems that not all fairytale folk are anti-Grimm.
So, with a brighter future in mind, I look forward to continuing the series and uncovering more hidden treasures and truths.
On the plus side, the girls learned a few important things about themselves and their parents, particularly their mother. She was well-loved by many of the Ever Afters - It seems that not all fairytale folk are anti-Grimm.
So, with a brighter future in mind, I look forward to continuing the series and uncovering more hidden treasures and truths.
March 5, 2021
This has been my least favorite of the series so far, and it was still really good! That’s a testament to how fantastic these books are.
I felt like the action was overly drawn out. And so many random fairytale people were introduced and then left so soon it was just sort of pointless. I also prefer the setting of Ferryport Landing over New York City. It’s just more fun, in my opinion.
It was fun to be introduced to Puck’s family/world.
The last 40 pages were my favorite. Rereading this series has been SO MUCH FUN!
I felt like the action was overly drawn out. And so many random fairytale people were introduced and then left so soon it was just sort of pointless. I also prefer the setting of Ferryport Landing over New York City. It’s just more fun, in my opinion.
It was fun to be introduced to Puck’s family/world.
The last 40 pages were my favorite. Rereading this series has been SO MUCH FUN!
October 18, 2023
3.5-4
i remember this one not being one of my favs, but i think i liked it better on the reread.
i remember this one not being one of my favs, but i think i liked it better on the reread.
March 27, 2023
Yeah I'm an adult who cried several times reading this BECAUSE THAT'S MY FAMILY!!!!
July 31, 2024
I have deeply enjoyed the Sisters grimm series so far, and this one was no disappointment either. Now, I can not say anything without spoiling it for those who have not finished the first three books, and this one. Therefore, I will give a warning in advanced. 📚
(🚫 Spoilers Ahead 🚫)
Well I warned you... 🤫
Alright, now for the spoilers. Okay well, when Moth was poisoning Sabina, I was so shocked that for a momment I thought Sabrina was about to die! ☠ Oh, and I kinda guessed that Cobweb wasn't the one who killed Oberon.
And now for a big time spoiler. ⚠️
I did not expect Oz to be part of the scarlet hand!! 🧐 After I read that, I was like whose the master then. Because, it has to be someone who can communicate with others pretty fast. During bookclub, (we were all talking about who the master might be). A member in my bookclub, suggested that Mirror was the Master. So, I am definitely excited to see who the master is.
All in all, I really liked this book, and it definitely deserves Five Stars.💛💫
(🚫 Spoilers Ahead 🚫)
Well I warned you... 🤫
Alright, now for the spoilers. Okay well, when Moth was poisoning Sabina, I was so shocked that for a momment I thought Sabrina was about to die! ☠ Oh, and I kinda guessed that Cobweb wasn't the one who killed Oberon.
And now for a big time spoiler. ⚠️
I did not expect Oz to be part of the scarlet hand!! 🧐 After I read that, I was like whose the master then. Because, it has to be someone who can communicate with others pretty fast. During bookclub, (we were all talking about who the master might be). A member in my bookclub, suggested that Mirror was the Master. So, I am definitely excited to see who the master is.
All in all, I really liked this book, and it definitely deserves Five Stars.💛💫
April 3, 2023
Sabrina is still annoying but the story itself was fun! I’m hoping that Sabrina will eventually stop being such a brat…😆
May 3, 2020
"What are you looking at?" the gingerbread man said to her. "Didn't anyone tell you it's rude to stare?"
For once, Sabrina fumbled for words.
"She's sorry," Daphne offered. "It's not every day you get to talk to a cookie, you know."
The gingerbread man's brown body suddenly turned red and his icing face crinkled in anger. "Hey! Cookies are round, buster. Do I look like I'm round?"
"Sorry," Daphne said, "I didn't mean---"
"That kind of ignorance is why gingerbread people are treated so badly all over the world," he said bitterly. "Just 'cause we came out of the same oven, doesn't mean we're made from the same dough!"
Daphne ducked behind Sabrina.
"Relax! She didn't mean to offend you," Sabrina said, finally pulling herself together. As she turned to calm her sister, she felt something hard bounce off her head. She whipped around and found the gingerbread man pulling a gumdrop off his chest. There was one already missing--one she was sure was now lodged in her hair.
"Take that, you bakist!" the little man said.
"Did you just throw something at me?" Sabrina cried, quickly regaining her wits.
"Yeah! What are you going to do about it, meat person?" the little baked man taunted.
"Throw another gumdrop at me and you'll see what I'll do, dough boy," Sabrina hissed.
Granny was trying to pull her away when the second gumdrop bounced off of Sabrina's nose
.
"That's it!" she cried as she turned to the bartender. "Give me the biggest glass of milk you've got!"
The gingerbread man kicked Sabrina in the ankle. Despite his size, it hurt, and Sabrina reached down to grab him. The little man darted away and ran through the bar.
"Catch me if you can, stupid meat person!" he cried.
Everafters are immigrants, Fairies are gangsters, and Wall Street is run by Pirates. It's another hilarious, insightful installation of the Sisters Grimm series, this time set in the Big Apple, with a whole new cast of characters. Sabrina learns about her mother's secret life and what it really means to be a Grimm.
For once, Sabrina fumbled for words.
"She's sorry," Daphne offered. "It's not every day you get to talk to a cookie, you know."
The gingerbread man's brown body suddenly turned red and his icing face crinkled in anger. "Hey! Cookies are round, buster. Do I look like I'm round?"
"Sorry," Daphne said, "I didn't mean---"
"That kind of ignorance is why gingerbread people are treated so badly all over the world," he said bitterly. "Just 'cause we came out of the same oven, doesn't mean we're made from the same dough!"
Daphne ducked behind Sabrina.
"Relax! She didn't mean to offend you," Sabrina said, finally pulling herself together. As she turned to calm her sister, she felt something hard bounce off her head. She whipped around and found the gingerbread man pulling a gumdrop off his chest. There was one already missing--one she was sure was now lodged in her hair.
"Take that, you bakist!" the little man said.
"Did you just throw something at me?" Sabrina cried, quickly regaining her wits.
"Yeah! What are you going to do about it, meat person?" the little baked man taunted.
"Throw another gumdrop at me and you'll see what I'll do, dough boy," Sabrina hissed.
Granny was trying to pull her away when the second gumdrop bounced off of Sabrina's nose
.
"That's it!" she cried as she turned to the bartender. "Give me the biggest glass of milk you've got!"
The gingerbread man kicked Sabrina in the ankle. Despite his size, it hurt, and Sabrina reached down to grab him. The little man darted away and ran through the bar.
"Catch me if you can, stupid meat person!" he cried.
Everafters are immigrants, Fairies are gangsters, and Wall Street is run by Pirates. It's another hilarious, insightful installation of the Sisters Grimm series, this time set in the Big Apple, with a whole new cast of characters. Sabrina learns about her mother's secret life and what it really means to be a Grimm.
April 29, 2023
4/2023 reread:
I was going to save my reread of this series for elliptical time at the gym, but I need it now, when I am depressed and bored from being sick. As nice as reading Austen was, an utterly engrossing series like this (or Land of Stories) is exactly what I need. It has seriously saved my life. I feel similarly about it as I do about Land of Stories: mediocre, sometimes cring-y, writing, but amazing storytelling nonetheless. As much as I admire and enjoy Austen, I will never feel at home in her books as I do in these and others (not that it's a fair comparison at all).
I realize I remember so little about the details of the series that I feel that I am reading much of it for the first time. I remember not liking this one as much, but this time I enjoyed it greatly, although I am rather pained to find that benevolent Oz is one of the bad guys. I feel like Buckley sometimes overdoes it with making traditionally good characters bad just for the sake of turning things on their heads.
***
2020
These are starting to meld together because I'm reading them back to back without a break! That's how absorbing they are. I wasn't quite as enthralled by this one for some reason. Maybe it's partly because I wasn't very into the fairy-mobster characters. But I still read ravenously.
Something I'm noticing as I progress through the series is repeated expressions like "in agony" or "a painful groan." Some of the descriptions need some variation.
I was going to save my reread of this series for elliptical time at the gym, but I need it now, when I am depressed and bored from being sick. As nice as reading Austen was, an utterly engrossing series like this (or Land of Stories) is exactly what I need. It has seriously saved my life. I feel similarly about it as I do about Land of Stories: mediocre, sometimes cring-y, writing, but amazing storytelling nonetheless. As much as I admire and enjoy Austen, I will never feel at home in her books as I do in these and others (not that it's a fair comparison at all).
I realize I remember so little about the details of the series that I feel that I am reading much of it for the first time. I remember not liking this one as much, but this time I enjoyed it greatly, although I am rather pained to find that benevolent Oz is one of the bad guys. I feel like Buckley sometimes overdoes it with making traditionally good characters bad just for the sake of turning things on their heads.
***
2020
These are starting to meld together because I'm reading them back to back without a break! That's how absorbing they are. I wasn't quite as enthralled by this one for some reason. Maybe it's partly because I wasn't very into the fairy-mobster characters. But I still read ravenously.
Something I'm noticing as I progress through the series is repeated expressions like "in agony" or "a painful groan." Some of the descriptions need some variation.
June 9, 2011
In some ways, this book definitely feels like somewhat of a departure for the series. The story focuses on a different location, there is an incredible focus on an unexpected character, and the book is about revelations that I didn't see coming.
Without going into an incredible amount of detail as to avoid spoilers, Michael Buckley continues to weave a fantastic story using characters in a very clever ways. There were some bits I didn't LOVE such as all the pirate business, but then there was such insight and character building in other parts of the book that it more than made up for it.
I am proud of myself for realizing who the killer was long before it was revealed, however there was another plot point I didn't see coming until moments before it happened.
In some ways, this was a book that established a holding pattern and got a bit deeper. I am hoping that Sabrina had a major break through with her character so that she stops being the voice of descent all the time.
Also, Michael Buckley seems to be employing the ol' Alias opening that J.J. used so much which makes for an engaging and exciting start to each book.
Without going into an incredible amount of detail as to avoid spoilers, Michael Buckley continues to weave a fantastic story using characters in a very clever ways. There were some bits I didn't LOVE such as all the pirate business, but then there was such insight and character building in other parts of the book that it more than made up for it.
I am proud of myself for realizing who the killer was long before it was revealed, however there was another plot point I didn't see coming until moments before it happened.
In some ways, this was a book that established a holding pattern and got a bit deeper. I am hoping that Sabrina had a major break through with her character so that she stops being the voice of descent all the time.
Also, Michael Buckley seems to be employing the ol' Alias opening that J.J. used so much which makes for an engaging and exciting start to each book.
April 29, 2010
The fourth in a most entertaining fractured-fairy-tale detective series, Once Upon a Crime was a great read. In it, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm & company drive from Ferryport Landing, where most of the Everafters, or fairy-tale characters, live, to New York City, to take the ailing Puck to Faerie so he can be healed by his family (Oberon & Titania and offspring). Turns out Faerie isn't quite what it used to be. The fairy-tale detectives find thuggish fairy godfathers, characters from Oz (the Wizard, the Wicked Witch of the West, and we even get a glimpse of the Woggle-Bug), dwarfs in the subway, pirates from Wall Street (one with a parrot who shrieks, "Dump the stock, now! Sell, sell sell!"), and Scrooge (a financial and spiritual adviser) and Tim Cratchit. It was all great fun, and I'm glad there are more of these books to enjoy.
January 13, 2023
New review in 2023: 4.25/5.
Original rating and review in 2017: Actual rating: 4.25/5. Thank you, Michael Buckley, for creating this world. This is competing with Percy Jackson & The Olympians for my favorite middle-grade series, and that's saying something. And these books keep getting better and better with each one, and this one is my favorite so far - and I'm only halfway through the series. On to the next one.
Original rating and review in 2017: Actual rating: 4.25/5. Thank you, Michael Buckley, for creating this world. This is competing with Percy Jackson & The Olympians for my favorite middle-grade series, and that's saying something. And these books keep getting better and better with each one, and this one is my favorite so far - and I'm only halfway through the series. On to the next one.
July 21, 2018
While seeking help from the Everafter community in NYC, the Sisters Grimm stumble into the middle of a murder investigation. Knock-knock jokes and Mother Goose. Shakespeare and Dickens. Wolves and Pigs. Fairy godfathers and fiancees.
Solid storytelling with a side of character development. Buckley continues to impress. More!
Solid storytelling with a side of character development. Buckley continues to impress. More!
October 20, 2017
I just have so much love for this series. So much love. They are just as good this time as when I first read them 5 years ago. <3
November 1, 2019
Choice book 4 Quarter 1
Book: The Sisters Grimm book 4 - Once Upon Twist is a fantasy book written by Michael Buckley.
Setting: This book takes place in Ferryport landing, New York.
The main characters: The main characters in the book are Sabrina, Daphne, Puck, Granny Relda, Mr Canis and last but not least Uncle Jake. Sabrina is a 12 year girl that was sent to an orphanage because her parents had mysterious disappeared and now that she is living with her grandmother (Granny Relda) she find out that she is a Grimm and what Grimms do is solve mysterious and not just normal mysterious but mysterious involving Fairy tale characters which they prefer to be identified as everafters. Sabrina also has a little sister named Daphne, Daphne is 7 years old little girl that is loving solving mysterious about everafters. Puck, Puck is a fairy with pink insect-like wings and he like to called himself the all great Trickster King and let me tell you this he is not the cleanest person in the world and he needs to learn manners. He lives with Granny Relda and Sabrina and her sister. Granny Relda is Sabrina and Daphne´s grandmother. They also live with Mr Canis, Mr Canis is the skinniest old man in the world but inside of him lives the beast known as the big bad wolf.
The problem/conflict: Puck was attacked by a Jabberwacky and was badly hurt, together with her family Sabrina took him to he´s home town and there he was put in a healing cocoon. Puck was the son of the king of the kingdom which is also puck´s home town, and there the king was poisoned and the Queen (Puck´s mother) went insane. They had to find who poisoned the king and they fought Oz also known was the wonderful wizard of Oz.
The plot: Sabrina and Puck were chased by a Jabberwocky and Puck got hurt and was sent to the fairy kingdom and put in a stinky cocoon to heal then after that the king was poisoned and they go on an adventure to find who had poisoned the king. Then they fought Oz to get her mother´s journal back. They also found their parents but they are under a sleeping spell.
Opinion and Analysis: I really really liked the book and I think it’s my favorite book of the whole series so far other than the last book I read. (The third book) In one part of the book I almost cried but then I didn’t because it all ended well. My favorite part of the book was all the funny moments with the healing cocoon and Sabrina. This book compared to all the other books I’ve read I think it better than all of them other than this series of course.
Book: The Sisters Grimm book 4 - Once Upon Twist is a fantasy book written by Michael Buckley.
Setting: This book takes place in Ferryport landing, New York.
The main characters: The main characters in the book are Sabrina, Daphne, Puck, Granny Relda, Mr Canis and last but not least Uncle Jake. Sabrina is a 12 year girl that was sent to an orphanage because her parents had mysterious disappeared and now that she is living with her grandmother (Granny Relda) she find out that she is a Grimm and what Grimms do is solve mysterious and not just normal mysterious but mysterious involving Fairy tale characters which they prefer to be identified as everafters. Sabrina also has a little sister named Daphne, Daphne is 7 years old little girl that is loving solving mysterious about everafters. Puck, Puck is a fairy with pink insect-like wings and he like to called himself the all great Trickster King and let me tell you this he is not the cleanest person in the world and he needs to learn manners. He lives with Granny Relda and Sabrina and her sister. Granny Relda is Sabrina and Daphne´s grandmother. They also live with Mr Canis, Mr Canis is the skinniest old man in the world but inside of him lives the beast known as the big bad wolf.
The problem/conflict: Puck was attacked by a Jabberwacky and was badly hurt, together with her family Sabrina took him to he´s home town and there he was put in a healing cocoon. Puck was the son of the king of the kingdom which is also puck´s home town, and there the king was poisoned and the Queen (Puck´s mother) went insane. They had to find who poisoned the king and they fought Oz also known was the wonderful wizard of Oz.
The plot: Sabrina and Puck were chased by a Jabberwocky and Puck got hurt and was sent to the fairy kingdom and put in a stinky cocoon to heal then after that the king was poisoned and they go on an adventure to find who had poisoned the king. Then they fought Oz to get her mother´s journal back. They also found their parents but they are under a sleeping spell.
Opinion and Analysis: I really really liked the book and I think it’s my favorite book of the whole series so far other than the last book I read. (The third book) In one part of the book I almost cried but then I didn’t because it all ended well. My favorite part of the book was all the funny moments with the healing cocoon and Sabrina. This book compared to all the other books I’ve read I think it better than all of them other than this series of course.
November 25, 2017
The Sisters Grimm books are great palate cleansers between books that are more heavy. I love the new characters from fiction that pop up with each new book in the series. It was really fun to have the Grimm family running around in New York City and the introduction of the fairy folk, with A Midsummer Night's Dream as their "true story" was a kick!
"You and Daphne should probably read this," Granny said. "It's going to tell you everything you need to know about the fairy folk."
Sabrina glanced down at the book. It was a play by William Shakespeare, entitled A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Daphne snatched it from Sabrina and flipped through the pages. "What language is this?" she asked.
"It's English," Granny said. "Early Modern English. If you have any questions about the words, just let me know."
"You and Daphne should probably read this," Granny said. "It's going to tell you everything you need to know about the fairy folk."
Sabrina glanced down at the book. It was a play by William Shakespeare, entitled A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Daphne snatched it from Sabrina and flipped through the pages. "What language is this?" she asked.
"It's English," Granny said. "Early Modern English. If you have any questions about the words, just let me know."
February 9, 2024
Run & Read - 4th Circuit Complete 😮💨
Sabrina remains as the focal character in this series, and we got some needed character development in this book. Some identity formation took place at the end surrounding her acceptance/confidence in her place in the Grimm family that I’m sure helped inform my own development as a kid.
Really love this books new setting - Everafters in New York City was just fun to witness. On top of this, Buckleys choice to paint the Everafters as the disenfranchised and marginalized within the “real world” is such a genius way to inform young readers about belonging, compassion, dignity and more. I don’t think it glamorizes these populations or experiences in a flippant way, but I’m sure makes readers think differently about such populations than the script offered by a world shaped by productivity and division. Good stuff.
See you all on the next lap 🏃♂️
March 31, 2024
2 stars sounds mean, and I did genuinely like this book. I know it's intended for kids, and I did enjoy it more when I was younger. Now I largely feel annoyed by poor decisions characters make, and partly at the predictability of the plot. I say this as someone who has now read this book three times, so I guess you can take all of this with a grain of salt. If you're under 11, or even under 13, you'll love it. I loved it! Just don't pay too much attention.
I also hate that the first half of the book is half review. I know that's typical of kids books, but it gets really annoying when you're reading the books in quick secession.
I also hate that the first half of the book is half review. I know that's typical of kids books, but it gets really annoying when you're reading the books in quick secession.
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