Step into the enchanting world of Sisters Grimm, where fairy tales twist into thrilling mysteries and two young sisters become detectives in a magical town! The Sisters Grimm series, penned by Michael Buckley, is a delightful blend of fantasy, humor, and adventure that reimagines classic fairy tale characters in a modern, mischievous setting. Follow Sabrina and Daphne Grimm as they unravel family secrets and tackle magical mayhem in Ferryport Landing, a place where Prince Charming is a shady mayor and the Big Bad Wolf might just be your best friend.
This New York Times bestselling series captivates middle-grade readers and fairy tale fans alike with its clever storytelling and empowering themes. Ready to dive into a world where fairy tales aren’t quite what they seem? Let’s explore the magic of Sisters Grimm!
How Sisters Grimm Began
Michael Buckley, a former TV producer with a knack for storytelling, crafted the Sisters Grimm series after moving to New York City and tapping into his love for classic fairy tales. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s darker, original tales, Buckley imagined a world where these stories were real case files, and their descendants—Sabrina and Daphne—were destined to solve them. Launched in 2005 with The Fairy-Tale Detectives, the series grew into a nine-book saga, illustrated by Peter Ferguson, blending whimsy with suspense.
The Heart of Sisters Grimm
The series kicks off with The Fairy-Tale Detectives, where orphaned sisters Sabrina, 11, and Daphne, 7, arrive in Ferryport Landing to live with their grandmother, Relda Grimm. They discover they’re descendants of the Brothers Grimm, tasked with policing ‘Everafters’—fairy tale characters like a rampaging giant or a scheming Mayor Charming. In The Unusual Suspects, the sisters tackle a murder mystery at their new school, where Snow White is a teacher and danger lurks. The Problem Child dives deeper into their parents’ disappearance, introducing a famous fairy tale figure as a foe, while The Council of Mirrors, the finale, pits the Grimms against the sinister Scarlet Hand in a battle for the world.
Set in the quirky, magic-filled Ferryport Landing, the series weaves themes of family, resilience, and girl power. Sabrina’s skepticism and Daphne’s optimism balance their detective work, showing that girls can be heroes without a prince. Buckley’s humor shines through reimagined characters—like a reformed Prince Charming or a coffee-shop-owning Sleeping Beauty—while the darker edge of betrayal and loss keeps readers hooked. The mysteries, packed with twists, make each book a page-turner.
Why Sisters Grimm Resonates
Sisters Grimm has left a lasting mark on children’s fantasy, earning accolades like the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and Kirkus Best Fantasy Book Award. Its fresh take on fairy tales inspires readers to rethink familiar stories, while its strong female leads empower young girls to embrace courage and independence. Fans adore the series’ humor and heart, with many rereading it for its nostalgic charm. As of 2023, an animated TV series is in development for Apple TV+, promising to bring the Grimm sisters to new audiences.
- Publication Years: 2005–2012
- Number of Books: 9
- Awards: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, Kirkus Best Fantasy Book Award
- Author: Michael Buckley
- Illustrator: Peter Ferguson
Grab The Fairy-Tale Detectives and dive into the spellbinding world of Sisters Grimm, where every page brims with adventure and fairy tale magic!