The Night Raven


Bibliography
Rundberg, Johan, 2020. THE NIGHT RAVEN. New York, NY: Amazon Crossing Kids. ISBN 9781662509582.

Plot Summary
It's a dark, cold night in Stockholm and Mika is running through her personal checklist of how to survive during the unbearable, freezing winters in the local orphanage. She suddenly hears a knock at the door and there is a boy holding a newborn child claiming the Dark Angel knows he has taken this child. Without any explanation, the boy takes off running, leaving Mika with many questions and another child to help care for. The Night Raven was a notorious serial killer in Stockholm and was supposed to be dead, now Mika is left wondering if somehow he is involved. With the help of a local detective, Mika will hunt out the truth and solve a murder. With this opportunity, Mika can become someone strong and who matters in this world, not allowing her only identity to be an orphan. 

Critical Analysis
Rundberg writes a suspenseful mystery, more specifically a murder investigation, taking place in Stockholm, Sweden in 1880. The main character Mika is a 12 year old, living at the Public Children's House, helping maintain the orphanage she grew up in. At such a young age, she holds many responsibilities such as taking care of the children, keeping the house warm, rationing food during the harsh cold winter. At this point, Mika is feeling as though she will only be identified as an orphan, one that can be forgotten and pushed aside. Until a mystery develops right at her doorstep, bringing a detective to the orphanage and enlisting Mika to assist him. For once, she is able to show how resourceful, brave, and honorable she is; somebody who matters in the world. The way Rundberg writes about how Mika knows she is portrayed as an orphan, yet knows she is worth much more than the world gives her credit for. It will give other orphaned children hope and reassurance, they are much more than what life has initially handed them. The clear message after reading about Mika, stay humble, kind, and strong; your story does not define who you really are. Being as Rundberg currently lives in Stockholm, it is clear there was research done in order to provide an authentic cultural setting, such as the mention of Långholmen Central Prison. In order for the story to be believable, he must've studied not only geographic points, but also the lifestyle back in the 1800's. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- August Prize
- Crimetime Award
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A thrilling and thoughtful period murder mystery." 
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: "Joyous, funny, suspenseful, and serious - an usual and winning combination for middle-grade readers." 

Connections
- For middle age readers beginning to explore the mystery/crime genre, ready to test their theories, and get hooked to the mystery.
- Middle age readers ready to survey new cultures, such as Swedish customs and government during the 1800's, will appreciate this novel.    
- Similar book recommendations:
Rundberg, Johan, 2024. THE QUEEN OF THIEVES. ISBN 9781662509612
Rundberg, Johan, 2025. THE LOST ONES. ISBN 9781662525957

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