Do you love a good mystery? Did you know February 26th was National Tell a Fairy Tale Day? As a lover of fairy tales and mysteries today's book is perfect for me. I am describing it as a Little Red Riding Hood meets The Hunger Games mystery. It is recommended for ages 10-14 and I have to say older readers will enjoy it too. I know I did. The book is The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P.G. Bell.
About the Book:
A girl accused of killing a famous wolf must solve his murder while on the run, in this thrilling and adventurous twist on Little Red Riding Hood, perfect for fans of Zootopia and The Bad Guys 2!At twelve years old, Ruby Calvino is the youngest competitor in the Tooth & Claw championship. It’s her fast legs and even faster mind that leaves her as the last human in the arena during the final game, and she's ready to claim victory. But when the undefeated Alarick— the wolf player hunting her— is finally upon her, he…drops dead?
With poison found in Ruby’s bag, all fingers (and paws!) point to her. Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with a young wolf accused of helping her commit the crime. But figuring out who killed Alarick certainly won’t be easy while on the run from cops and another vicious wolf.
Luckily, Ruby’s Tooth & Claw training just might come in handy!
This fast-paced fantasy is perfect for readers looking for:
-A quick read
-Fairytale-inspired stories, like Disney's Descendants
-Stories similar to The Beanstalk Murder
From Me:
In this book, Ruby is competing in a big competition called the Tooth & Claw. One team of humans goes up against a wolf. In this land wolves are able to talk and walk on two legs or sometimes all four. Ruby's team is up against the infamous Alarick who damaged their coach's leg when she competed. It is up to Ruby to score the winning point, and she almost has it when Alarick drops dead. She runs to see what is wrong with him instead of crossing the finish line. Then the police find the poison used on Alarick in Ruby's bag. Soon Ruby is the number one suspect and when she pulls a young wolf, Fillan, in to verify her alibi, he is seen as an accomplice. Ruby quickly realizes the police are willing to pin this murder on these two youngsters and impulsively grabs Fillan and runs. They need to clear their names before the police catch them. Next a wild wolf is on their tails. He has been paid to kill them. So, they are running from the police and this wolf while trying to solve the murder. Will they make it?
This book has so many of the parts of Little Red Riding Hood in it. We have Ruby playing for the Netherburg Reds. Alarick is known as the Big Bad Wolf. At one point there is even a grandmother sitting on the porch of a cottage in the woods. It has so many ties to the classic fairy tale but also so many differences. Tooth & Claw reminds me of the Hunger Games although they are not fighting to the death. Teams from different communities compete to get to the big championship where the Netherburg Reds are now competing. The four teammates work together but also have to compete a bit. Their goal is to get the most points they can. Ruby is the youngest competitor to make it and then in her moment of glory the unthinkable happens. Then it spirals from there with a setup for the murder and so much more.
The story itself is full of action and mystery. Every page seems to bring a new part to the mystery, and it is a quick and interesting read. Kids are going to love the story and recognize the similarities to Little Red Riding Hood. It is a fun fantasy that could lead to amazing discussions on equal rights, nurturing nature and so much more. It is the perfect book to entertain a middle grade reader or even a young adult looking for a quick read but also a great book for a class to read and discuss.
