Praise for Smoke & Mirrors

Smoke & Mirrors has received praise from various media outlets! A bit about the book:

An exciting and twisty middle-grade debut mystery novel―perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and The Parker Inheritance―about the disappearance of a famous magician, and one boy’s quest to find the truth

Still deciding on buying? Check out some of recent praise the book has received, including starred reviews!

Honors and Lists:

A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year As seen in the Wall Street Journal!

Starred Reviews:

Ransaw’s fast-paced debut offers an introspective look at dealing with racism and ambiguous grief through the eyes of a preteen. Through an intriguing mystery, the story explores biases and preconceptions [...] A fast-paced, adventurous journey in search of the truth. ★ Kirkus Review, starred

Debut author Ransaw has built a mystery that is as satisfying to adults as it will be to middleschool readers. Her message of self-advocacy is particularly empowering, and readers will feel gratified by Andy’s emergence as a stronger, more confident kid. A worthwhile read for any mystery fan or anyone in need of a little magic. ★ Booklist, starred

Reviews from Major Publications:

First impressions often hide the full story in 'Smoke & Mirrors,' a debut mystery novel for middle-grade readers...Ransaw focuses instead on Andy’s private, more nuanced motives for solving the mystery of the Red Knave: curiosity, yes, but also a keen sense of injustice. Wall Street Journal

A fast-paced, multilayered mystery that will encourage readers to question preconceived notions and search for the truth in their own lives. School Library Journal

Intertwining plotlines regarding the mystery of the Red Nave and Andy's struggles navigating prejudice shed light on how preconceived assumptions can strain friendships and communities. Andy's journal entries, presented as letters addressed to his father, appear throughout Ransaw's thoughtful debut about second chances. Publishers Weekly

What starts as a punishment transforms into a thrilling adventure full of twists, deception, and self-discovery, and Ransaw masterfully blends historical mystery with personal stakes, as Andy investigates a cold case that could reshape the town’s history [...] Young detectives who enjoy solving puzzles while navigating real-world challenges will appreciate this page-turner, and the book is ideal for anyone who believes that truth, like magic, is all about perspective. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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Rosalyn Ransaw is a children's author based in Columbus, OH. She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science. At her day job, she is a Digital Marketing Manager focused on all things social media and paid advertising.

When not writing, she loves to cry watching romantic comedies and eat her weight in buffalo chicken dip.

SMOKE & MIRRORS is her debut novel.