The Mysterious Messenger

A middle-grade urban fantasy debut starring young psychic Maria de la Cruz by the award-winning Gilbert Ford.
Eleven-year-old Maria de la Cruz is trapped under the thumb of Madame Destine, her fake-psychic mother who cons widows out of their inheritances. But Maria, unlike her mom, has a big secret—she really can communicate with the dead, most frequently with a ghost named Edward who has been her only friend since she was a child. It’s not long before this clairvoyant young sleuth gets wrapped up in an epic journey that combines bookish mystery, art history, and great friendship.

This smart, big-hearted novel with gorgeous illustrations throughout is perfect for fans of Book Scavenger, Winterhouse, and The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street.