This was a much darker instalment, and thoroughly compelling, with great character moments for Mika and for Hoff, whose drinking and loneliness are finally explained.

During the heat of summer, and Mika can finally opening walk the streets again, after her name is cleared from the events in book two. Despite orphanage manager Amelia's reluctance for Mika to continue helping Hoff, he ropes Mika into another case: a young, wealthy teen is missing. The girl's family want to keep everything hushed about the girl and the investigation, but the more Mika digs, the more she finds out about why the girl has disappeared, as well as surprising connections to both baby Nora and Mika herself.

There have long been rumours circulating quietly about the city about a dangerous person called the Dark Angel who is said to take babies, particularly unwanted babies of the wealthy. Mika knows that if she is to find the missing teen, but also safeguard Nora and herself, she's going to have to make some bold and very dangerous choices, and get the help of not only Hoff, but also of Tekla and her fellow bricklayers/thieves (whom we met in books one and two).

Mika discovers some really horrifying things this time around, as well as uncovering a tragedy that has marked Hoff's life indelibly. Mika's life changes irrevocably also, so that by the end of this story she's on a new and different trajectory. I cannot wait to find out what is next for this determined, enterprising and smart girl, and her partner in detecting, Hoff.

I both listened and read this story, and greatly enjoyed voice actor Nina Yndis' work in this entry. I've liked her work since book one of this series. Mika's determination and toughness comes through well in Yndis' voice, and Hoff's big, loud presence, but also grieving heart, which is finally revealed in this entry.

I look forward to reading about more of this pair's detective exploits in the next entry in this enjoyable series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to AmazonCrossing and Brilliance Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I have so much enjoyed this series and this 3rd one did not disappoint. Mike and Detective Hoff are looking into the disappearance of a teen girl. Later Mika finds a chilling discovery at a construction site that could mean life or death for one our previous characters. Historical and mysterious.

I loved the first two books in The Moonwind Mysteries and for a wrap up to the series this did not disappoint! This young orphan girl ends up wrapped up in some pretty dark stuff in this final installment, but the content is handled in such a way that it is kept appropriate for older kids. There is certainly danger and mystery that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat, enough to satisfy any mystery adventure seeking kid and teen.

I really enjoyed this Scandinavian mystery-lite for kids. I found the main character compelling, although I did feel like many other reviewers that she read older than 12 years old and the plot itself would have been at home in an adult mystery.

I'm all for dark stories and scary tales for children but there were a few moments in here where I did a double take at the idea that a small child would be reading this plot. It wasn't so much that I found it inappropriate for children, but rather I wonder if some of the more nuanced topics that are broached would be understood by the intended audience.

This is, hands down, one of the best children's - middle grade series I have ever read. Even now, days later, I am struggling to put my thoughts together to write a coherent review of this really fantastic read. I loved it so much and even now, I am still struggling with ALL. THE. FEELS. that this book gave me.

I think everyone [children included] should be reading books in translation [I really regret that I came into reading translations so late in my reading], and I absolutely believe that everyone should read about a time-frame outside their own; this series checks both of those boxes and has the plus of being such a fantastic read as well [winner, winner].

Mika is such a great MC - you often forget that she is 12 [1880's Sweden, and growing up in a public children's home makes one grow up very quickly] and one cannot help but admire her and her tenacity and strength [her ability to blend in and to think quick on her feet really adds to the story], and much like Constable Hoff, I am drawn to her over and over again.

Constable Hoff is a real treasure. He has grown immensely in these three books [and even more so in this book] and I love how his and Mika's relationship has grown - it is filled with deep respect and understanding [and deep, deep caring, as we find out in this book; THAT was a real moment of holding ones breath for sure!!] and it has been such a joy to watch it all unfold.

This book was excellent [in case you didn't pick up on that LOL]. The mystery [which has been unfolding from Book 1], the setting [the more I learn about public children's home in 1880 Stockholm, the more I am grateful I didn't live in that time], even the results of diving even deeper into the mystery and all that happens afterward [so. much. ugly. crying.]. I was left, just sitting in my feels, and wishing I could read it again for the first time.

While I am hoping there are more books in this series [because THAT ending!!], this was so well-done that if this is the end, while being sad, I will be satisfied and can use my imagination enough to dream up the results I would love to see. *WINK*

Nina Yndis is a fantastic narrator and I love how she brings Mika and Co. to life. Her narration is absolutely in the top 5 things I love about this series and I highly recommend experiencing these books this way - you will not be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley, Johan Rundberg, Eva Apelquist - Translator, Nina Yndis - Narrator, Amazon Crossings/Amazon Crossings Kids, and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

The Lost Ones is book three in a fantastic series. When I say I was really excited to get approved for this arc curtesy of NetGalley and Amazon Crossing Kids, it was an understatement. As a mom of a young adult that still adores a good mystery, this has been a series we have enjoyed together and I am excited for her to read the latest as well.

The book was just as twisty, dark, and captivating as I expected. Although I cannot reveal too much for spoilers sakes, the author does an amazing job of bringing characters and situations to life and making you care deeply. Even to the point that I wanted to throw my kindle during a certain scene and chapter ending. This book deals with very dark subject matter, so I would be cautious of that when recommending it to the intended audience, but it is such a great book and series. I cannot wait to see what is to come for Mika Moonwind.

The Lost Ones is the third Moonwind mystery, part of a very well written YA historical mystery series by Johan Rundberg. Originally published in 2023 in Swedish, this English language translation is due out 7th Jan 2025 from Amazon on their Children's imprint. It's 222 pages and will beavailable in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free, along with the previous books in the series.

Set in the summer of 1880 in Stockholm, Mika's name is finally cleared after the occurrences from books 1 and 2. She has honed her powers of observation as a survival skill. She's soon helping Detective Hoff with his investigation and is determined to bring the notorious serial killer the Dark Angel to ground. The partnership is -very- well written and sensitively handled. He doesn't ignore or denigrate her contributions, and they develop a good working relationship despite the age difference.

It's aimed at young readers (Lexile 680, grades ~5-9), but there are many difficult themes in the book, threatened and actual violence, physical abuse and starvation of vulnerable children, extremely austere living standards for the poor of the period, working conditions for the lower classes (including/especially children). Some parts are scary for sensitive readers. The denouement and resolution are exciting and satisfying. There are currently three books released in English in the series, with 5 books extant in the original Swedish.

The English translation work by Eva Apelqvist is well rendered and seamless. It flows very well and is accessible and doesn't get in the way of the story at all. This is a different translator from the first two volumes, but it's not noticeable (which is, after all, the point).

Four and a half stars. Possibly too dark for a younger middle grade audience (school library acquisitions folk should read it before ordering). It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, for home use, or for YA readers who enjoy more dire/suspenseful/tragic mysteries.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

** “If you turn over a rock that’s been in the same spot for many years, you will find living creatures beneath it. Some will shy away from the light, scurry on to the next dark hole to hide in. And some will attack. Be careful the rocks you turn over.” **

Originally written in Swedish and translated by Eva Apelqvist, Johan Rundberg’s “The Lost Ones” is an intriguing mystery for young readers with a plucky heroine.

Mika still helps to oversee the other orphaned children living at the Public Children’s Home in Stockholm. Because she has extremely strong powers of observation, she still is also working with Constable Valdemar Hoff to solve difficult cases.

Valdemar brings her into his latest case, being hired by the Douglas family to search for their missing daughter Beatrice. What Mika doesn’t realize is the connection this case has to her unknown story and origins. Will she finally find out who her parents are, and just who and what is the enigmatic and evil Dark Angel?

As usual, Rundberg does an incredible job of creating a plot filled with lots of suspense and harrowing moments, as well as developing intriguing characters, including the spunky and daring Mika and the bumbling but lovable Valdemar. He also offers great themes, like we are all important and worth fighting for; we can dig deep and find the strength we need to get through anything; “even the unthinkable can become a habit”; the power of loyalty and friendship; and you can’t protect anyone by hiding the truth.

Fans of characters like Nancy Drew and Young Sherlock and Enola Holmes will love “The Lost Ones,” which is due out Jan. 7. One word: the book is supposed to be for children ages 10 to 14, but I really would not recommend it for those on the younger end of the scale … perhaps starting at 12 or 13, as there are a couple of mild curse words and some mature themes. Adults will also enjoy this series, which should be read in order.

Five stars out of five.

Amazon Crossing Kids provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Johan Rundberg has done it again with the third installment in The Moonwind Mysteries series. Mika, the precocious and daring orphan, is presented with the most challenging and darkest mystery yet. It is handled with care and it is incredibly heavy, please check content warnings before reading this with or letting your young reader read it independently.

This third novel centers on the disappearance of a teenage daughter from a very wealthy family. But with no ransom or note, the pieces don't add up. Mika is on the case with Detective Hoff and as they solve this case, she will learn more about her family of origin than she imagined.

"Mika will do what it takes to make sure there are no more lost ones - and to bring the infamous killer, the Dark Angel, out into the light.

It's summer in 1880 Stockholm, and the city bakes in the heat - but the heat on twelve-year-old Mika is lifting. After lying low following the dramatic blast at the jail, Mika's relieved to learn her name is finally cleared. And it's not a moment too soon - because Detective Hoff has a perplexing case involving the disappearance of a local teen. The girl's wealthy family wants to make sure things stay quiet. Why would a girl who has everything want to run away? And why is her family so afraid to go public?

Then Tekla reaches out to Mika with a truly chilling discovery at a construction site in the city - a discovery that might hit a little too close to home for Mika. Could it be the work of the Dark Angel?

As the summer heats up, Mika will make some tough choices as she works to uncover these mysteries, including the biggest mystery of all: her own family. Join Mika and Detective Hoff in this thrilling new installment of the Moonwind Mysteries series!"

I mean... There's an Enola Holmes shaped hole in all our lives and this seems to be a nice read-alike.

In the sweltering summer of 1880 Stockholm, twelve-year-old Mika’s life is finally returning to normal after the fallout from a dramatic incident at the jail. With her name cleared, she’s ready to move on—until Detective Hoff presents her with a new mystery. A local teenage girl has disappeared, and her wealthy family is eager to keep the situation quiet. Mika is drawn into the case, questioning why a girl who seemingly has everything would run away, and why her family is so determined to avoid public attention. As Mika uncovers secrets, she begins to unravel a deeper, more troubling story.

As a new author to me, I can't wait to read more book!

Published on Goodreads 11/11/2024
Rating: 🙂/5
Review: This is the third in this series. Mika is such a wonderful character and so freaking smart! Her relationship with Voldemort is beautiful and complicated. So glad I found this series.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻
Source: #netgalley

Fabulous story. It took me a bit to get through the first chapter (perhaps not realizing that this is a series). However, after that, I was hooked. The story follows Mike, who is now one of the older children living at an orphanage in the city of Stockholm. The local police inspector asks Mika to join her on a visit to a family that has reported the disappearance of their daughter, as he values her insights. In searching for the girl, Mika stumbles back on a connection with the 'Dark Angel" and unwanted children. There are lots of twists and turns and well-written characters. While this is tagged as being children or YA, it is equally good as an adult read.

I am now going back to read the first two books in the series. Definitely recommended. A Swedish-Noir light.

The Lost Ones is the third book in the Moonwind Mysteries series. Books one and two (The Night Raven and The Queen of Thieves, respectively) are both currently part of KU. I highly recommend all three books. I would read these in order because The Lost Ones builds off of certain plot lines from books one and two.

The series follows orphan Mika Moonwind and police detective Valdemar Hoff as they solve crimes throughout Stockholm in the 1880s. In this book, Mika and Hoff team up to find a missing teenage girl. Her parents claim she disappeared without a trace, but Mika suspects she's run away from home. Buy why?

While investigating Beatrice's disappearance, Mika uncovers another mystery at a construction site, which in turn brings up questions about Mika's own past. As she investigates further she realizes this may be her most dangerous case yet!

I love that this book provides more information on Mika's history, as well as the Dark Angel from the first book. Mika has grown as a character throughout the series, and there are some touching (and sad!) moments that make me feel for her. I caught myself tearing up more than once.

While this is technically written for children it deals with a lot of adult themes. The mood is a mixture of mysterious and dark, which is described in the synopsis as Nordic Noir. Since it's written for kids this was a faced paced, quick read. I genuinely adored book three and the series as a whole! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Johan Rundberg for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Lost Ones coming out January 7, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I need to read the first two books in the series. I was intrigued that it was a Swedish book. I loved the Victorian setting. This is obviously a book geared for young middle school age readers, but there were some more mature themes to the book due to the time period it’s set in. I loved the characters and the mystery. I would definitely read more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian mysteries!

Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for a copy of the book.

This was hard to enjoy and I don't know if it was because I didn't read the other book but the story was hard to follow and the characters were hard to connect with. I don't think I would go back and read the other one and would not read any others unfortunately.

It’s summer in 1880 Stockholm, and the city bakes in the heat—but the heat on twelve-year-old Mika is lifting. After lying low following the dramatic blast at the jail, Mika’s relieved to learn her name is finally cleared. And it’s not a moment too soon—because Detective Hoff has a perplexing case involving the disappearance of a local teen. The girl’s wealthy family wants to make sure things stay quiet. Why would a girl who has everything want to run away? And why is her family so afraid to go public?

Great premise but because I did not read the first two books, I did not engage with the characters the way I probably would have if I started following them in book 1. I could follow the plot line and backstory but again, the book did not draw me in on an emotional level.

Summer is heating up for Mika when Detective Hoff comes for her help on a missing persons case. After meeting the family new questions arise and when Mika is taken to a construction site a larger conspiracy is unearthed.

I loved this one and read it in one day. I adore these characters and even though this one wraps up many story lines I am still hopeful that more books will be added to this series. Perfect for any adventure loving kid or even an adult, The Lost Ones is a fun ride.

Third book of the series. Enjoyed this one. Moments of light in a dark setting. Love the connections throughout the series.
Can’t wait for book four now. Hope it gets translated. 😩

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to preview this book!

Mika and her partner Constable Hoff set out to find a missing girl and find a long line of missing children. Once meeting the parents of missing Beatrice Douglass, Mika realizes quickly that the story is not as simple as the Douglases report. When Mika’s friend shows her a mass grave with the skeletons of children, along with the info that has been collected, Mika is able to connect it all to the Dark Angel.

This story was a quick read and a wonderful story. When I first picked it up I did not realize it was the third in a series, but it was great nontheless.