The Grimm Collection is a group of magical artifacts factually related to the Grimm fairy tales. They are held in locked storage at the New York Circulating Material Repository and lent out to trusted patrons.

Elizabeth takes a new job at the Repository looking to get out of the house ruled by her stepmother, meet friends with common interests, as well as earn some money. The interview and testing procedure are peculiar and the place even stranger, but Elizabeth adapts quickly and is soon enjoying the magical environment.

Artifacts are disappearing from the Grimm Collection, and everyone is suspect, including the pages retrieving items and the librarians who supervise operations. Afraid they will be blamed for the thefts, Elizabeth and her new friends investigate on their own.

I enjoy the idea of the artifacts with their story specific powers, reminiscent of the newish TV show Warehouse 13 on SyFy. There are many references to Grimm stories, which is fun, as well as historical figures such as Marie Antoinette's wig. The mystery itself was a little odd to me, though. There is some romance tied up with the ordinary vs beautiful scenario and adventure with the teens needing to overcome magic related obstacles. Overall, the artifacts were the best part, though I liked the mysteriousness of a couple of the adults as well.

related-magic, folklore, fairy tales, historical objects, libraries, adventures, mysteries
RL=7th and up