Opal Watson: ­Private Eye

Gr 5 Up–Thurman’s engaging middle grade mystery introduces the sharp and observant Opal Watson, a budding detective navigating life’s challenges while solving puzzles within her historic Chicago apartment building. After spending the summer in New Orleans with her beloved grandmother, 12-year-old Opal returns home to find her family’s building in the midst of stressful renovations. Strange noises, mysterious drafts, and growing tensions among residents spark her curiosity. Using her keen observational skills and her trusty cane, Pinkerton, she unravels secrets that could change everything for her family, friends, and the community she holds dear. Opal, who is Black, is a relatable protagonist readers will root for. Her detective instincts are balanced with the everyday concerns of middle school (friendships, schoolwork, and family dynamics), making her an engaging and well-rounded character. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of resilience, identity, and community, while seamlessly incorporating Opal’s experience with retinitis pigmentosa. Her use of a cane, her awareness of her surroundings, and her independence are depicted with nuance and care, offering meaningful representation that never feels forced. Fans of the Opal Watson: Private Eye podcast will appreciate the references to past cases, creating a natural bridge from the audio drama to this novel. It’s a smart, layered mystery with an unforgettable heroine, ideal for readers who enjoy a slow-burning puzzle with rich character development and a strong sense of place.