A fairy tale whodunit by the Newbery Honor author of Ella Enchanted featuring an aspiring actress, a dragon detective and a case of a shape-shifting ogre. Elodie journeys to the town of Two Castles to become a mansioner—an actress—but the master of the troupe turns her away. The only one who will take Elodie in is Meenore, a dragon who happens to be a brilliant detective. To crack Meenore's newest case, Elodie goes undercover on a dangerous mission within an ogre's castle. There, disguised as a kitchen maid, Elodie plays the role of a lifetime, pitted against a deadly foe . . . Praise for A Tale of Two Castles "A thoroughly delicious romp from the author of Ella Enchanted. . . . The plot is winningly unpredictable, the characters easy to relate to, the humor subtle and the action well-paced. Newbery Honor–winner Levine has once again breathed new life into old stories." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Readers are certain to be pulled, like Elodie herself, right into the midst of the rich and swirling life of Two Castles." — School Library Journal "Carson crafts a persuasive fantasy realm and a capable heroine. Readers . . . will likely anticipate further sleuthing adventures with this companionable duo." — Publishers Weekly
