The Sisters Grimm is a children’s fantasy-mystery series by Michael Buckley about orphaned sisters Sabrina and Daphne, who discover that their family is tied to the real fairy-tale characters recorded by the Brothers Grimm. Living with their grandmother in Ferryport Landing, they investigate trouble in a town where fairy-tale figures coexist with ordinary life. This guide covers the books, main characters, reading order, and animated adaptation.
What is The Sisters Grimm about?
The story begins when Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their newly discovered grandmother, Relda Grimm. The sisters learn that they descend from the Brothers Grimm—and that the tales associated with the family are more than stories: their characters are real.
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In the first book, a giant causes trouble in Ferryport Landing, drawing the sisters into a mystery involving the town’s unusual inhabitants. The publisher describes the series as “a fantasy mystery series that reimagines classic fairy tales for a new generation of readers.” The books combine investigations, sibling dynamics, comic twists on familiar tales, and a continuing family mystery; not every volume is simply a repeat of the first book’s case.
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- Sabrina Grimm: The older sister and one of the central protagonists. She is cautious and protective as the sisters adjust to their new life.
- Daphne Grimm: Sabrina’s younger sister and co-protagonist, sharing in the discoveries and adventures.
- Relda Grimm: The sisters’ grandmother, with whom they live in Ferryport Landing.
- Puck: A recurring fairy character who appears with the sisters in the eighth book.
Ferryport Landing is also central to the premise: familiar fairy-tale figures live there alongside ordinary life. The first book’s publisher description names Mayor Charming, the Three Not-So-Little Pigs, and Jack among the characters connected to the mystery. That is a sample, not a complete cast list.
How many books are there, and what order should you read them in?
Abrams’ series catalog lists nine numbered novels. Start with The Fairy-Tale Detectives and continue in publication-series order; later books build on the ongoing story. For example, the publisher’s description of book eight says it follows the ending of book seven.
- The Fairy-Tale Detectives
- The Unusual Suspects
- The Problem Child
- Once Upon a Crime
- Magic and Other Misdemeanors
- Tales from the Hood
- The Everafter War
- The Inside Story
- The Council of Mirrors
A Very Grimm Guide is also listed by the publisher, but as a companion title rather than one of the nine numbered novels. The publisher’s paperback listing for The Fairy-Tale Detectives gives ISBN 9781419720055 and a publication date of May 2, 2017 for that edition.
Who is the series for?
Abrams positions the books for middle-grade readers and describes the first as a fantasy adventure. “Middle-grade” is a publisher category, not a strict age limit. The premise may also appeal to readers who like funny reworkings of classic fairy tales, mysteries, and plots that continue across multiple books. If choosing based on taste, consider whether you want more investigation or quest adventure, a comic rather than dark tone, and a continuing story rather than a standalone read.
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Is there an animated adaptation?
Yes. Apple describes its animated fantasy-adventure series as based on Michael Buckley’s books. Keep the screen version distinct from the novels: its episode plots, voice actors, and release schedule are adaptation details, not descriptions of book canon. Apple’s press page lists season one’s six episodes with an October 3, 2025 release date, and season two with an October 2, 2026 date. That second date has passed; check Apple’s current listing for availability. The page lists Ariel Winter as the voice of Sabrina and Leah Newman as the voice of Daphne.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Sisters Grimm is this?
This guide is about Michael Buckley’s children’s fantasy-mystery series, not Menna van Praag’s separate standalone novel, which has a different premise and characters.
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Sources
- Abrams: The Fairy-Tale Detectives
- Abrams: The Sisters Grimm series catalog
- Abrams: The Inside Story
- Apple TV Press: The Sisters Grimm
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