Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Case of the Bloody Statue", the second installment in Chi-hyeon Ahn's intriguing series, is a captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and cultural richness that transports readers into a world of secrets and surprises. Ahn's storytelling prowess is on full display as he masterfully crafts a narrative that is engrossing and thought-provoking.

This story centers around an enigmatic statue, rumored to be cursed, that becomes the focal point of a series of mysterious events. Ahn expertly weaves together historical elements and contemporary intrigue, creating a plot that is both complex and deeply engaging. The pacing of the novel is superb, with each chapter building on the last, leading to a crescendo of suspense and revelation.

One of the standout features of this book is Ahn's rich character development. The protagonist, a keen investigator with a sharp mind and a troubled past, is particularly compelling. Ahn delves into the character's psyche, exploring their motivations, fears, and strengths in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each character bringing their own unique flavor to the story, enhancing the overall tapestry of the narrative.

Ahn's descriptive writing style is another highlight of the novel. His vivid descriptions of settings, from bustling cityscapes to eerie, deserted locations, create an immersive experience that draws readers into the heart of the story. The atmospheric details contribute significantly to the mood and tone, making the mystery all the more gripping.

The themes explored in "The Case of the Bloody Statue" are universal and culturally specific, providing readers with a multifaceted reading experience. Ahn addresses topics such as the clash between tradition and modernity, the impact of history on the present, and the nature of belief and superstition. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth and resonance to the narrative.

Ahn's writing evidences his ability to maintain a perfect balance between plot-driven action and character-driven introspection. This ensures that the story remains dynamic and engaging while allowing for moments of reflection and emotional connection. The plot twists are well-executed, keeping readers on their toes and adding layers of complexity to the mystery.

"The Case of the Bloody Statue" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of mystery and suspense. Chi-hyeon Ahn has crafted a novel that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, solidifying his place as a talented storyteller.

Science from a Korean perspective?
I was unsure what I would find when I started this graphic novel, but it looked like a good basic mystery, and I was not disappointed.
This particular novel in the series explores material sciences, and some basic and acidic chemical reactions, so may be a good primer, even a way to show real life application of these principles.
The content did not veer into any sort of spirituality, beyond a skepticism of the idea of ghosts and supernatural explanations.
With a liking of STEAM / STEM subjects, I was pleasantly surprised with the novel's skeptical manner, and adherence to scientific mindset. Add in some modern tech toys, and you manage to have a mystery that not only does not have to disable modern communications, but even embraces them.
I have looked for similar good depictions of skepticism that I can hand to young family members, or recommend to those parents in my life, and now I have this to show them. Sad that it had to come from a translation, but the translation read like a native novel, so I'll take it, and enjoy recommending it.
I obtained this novel as a time limited digital advance reading copy, with a request for an honest review. No money has been exchanged.

While everyone at school is terrified by streamers' footage of statues crying tears of blood in an abandoned mansion, the Mystery Science Detectives work to uncover the truth. Will they be successful?

The graphic novel is colorful and fun to read. It’s a perfect mystery to read. I enjoyed it.

Bloody mansion, bloody water, bloody statues, oh my!

The Case of the Bloody Statue by Chi-hyeon Ahn, illustrated by Kang Gyung-hyo, and translated by Gloria Ohe is the second book in the Mystery Science Detectives Series and is a problem solving treasure trove. When a schoolmate comes off a bit weird, Kihan decides to investigate what may be the reasoning and this leads to him and the detective team finding the bloody mansion. Now, they have to find out why there’s blood everywhere and how their schoolmate is connected.

There’s so much to love about this series and particularly this book. The characters are super cute and there’s an awesome character guide that give lots of detail as to who they are and how they interact. Additionally, there’s a map of their mysterious town and it seems like each book is in a different location on that map, which is also very cool. A great way to anticipate coming stories.

It’s also cool to include things like streamers and various electronic devices throughout the story. I loved the live streaming videos from the ghost hunters. The kids are all very smart as well and the interviews were fun! Finally, the extra lessons in between the chapters are fantastic! There’s so much available for kids to use their executive functioning skills.

The only issue that popped up to me was at the beginning. It seemed to dive straight in without reasoning in the prologue. It was a bit abrupt and it’s not clear why Kihan is so focused on investigating her.

The illustrations are so freaking cute and beautiful. They’re perfect for the middle grade readers’ attention and will definitely keep them engaged. It helps push the story along and is interactive. Great job! Additionally, they pop with not only their coloring but the style of each child. They have their own personality down to their hair as well. It’s so cute and animated (literally).

Great for kids around 8-12, perfect middle grade graphic novel. Easy to read alone and also great for group reading due to the problem solving. Highly recommend!

Check out the first book of the series, The Case of the Forest Fingers.

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Case of the Bloody Statue from Chi-hyeon Ahn via NetGalley

This is a great book for your kids who like adventures and figuring out things that others might think are spooky and scary. These kids figure out things that people think are supernatural, go out and figure out what is going on. When they are done, they report on their findings. They even give you some real lessons within the book on certain things you learn about within the book to give you a more scientific exploration of what is happening. Great book for young learners.

I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
The Mystery Science Detectives are back to solve their next case. Readers see them try to engage with another student who seems sad. Khan offers their services if she needs help. She rejects the offer and walks away. After this, the team observes various incidences and decides to explore the location someone saw her enter - the mysterious spooky mansion in town. They brave the maze, bleeding statues, scary entry, and locking rooms to figure out what is happening and who is "haunting" this home. I appreciate the science woven through the story and the opportunities for readers to be part of solving the case. The fact pages and puzzles engage readers and let them feel they are part of the detective team. Be sure to study the artwork as well for more clues and fun.
Don't miss the intro to book three at the end.