Casey’s Cases, Vol 1: The Mysterious New Girl by Kay Healy

Oh my goodness, what a smart and funny way to start an advancing reader’s graphic novel series!

It’s Casey’s eleventh birthday, and she’s thrilled to be able to open two of her presents before school, saving the rest for her birthday party later on. She’s especially thrilled to discover that she’s been gifted a magnifying glass and binoculars, both of which will help in her quest to be a Super Detective.

As she’s waiting for the bus with her frenemy Dina, she spots a new girl arriving. Thus begins The Case Of The Mysterious New Girl, as Casey investigates this strange new student who’s wearing a tie to school. Subsequent cases ensue, as Casey befriends Jan (as the new girl is named) and they embark on a series of small but important adventures. It’s honestly one of the cutest and funniest things I’ve ever read, and I don’t want to spoil all the pleasant surprises of this book by saying too much more about the plot.

The art… well, it’s certainly distinctive. Everyone’s sort of triangle-shaped and nobody has a neck, but none of this detracts from the expressiveness of the story (tho I admittedly found some of the fuller-length depictions a bit vertiginous.) That said, the layouts and lettering are terrific, and really make the story sing.

I’m super glad I already have the sequel in my hot little hands, tho given my reading schedule, I definitely won’t be able to get to it till much closer to its September pub date. I’m just glad I’m assured of the opportunity to continue enjoying Casey’s excellent adventures.

Casey’s Cases, Vol 1: The Mysterious New Girl by Kay Healy was published February 11 2025 by Neal Porter Books and is available from all good booksellers, including