"The humor, quirky characters, and contemporary New York setting, combined with the gangster lore, make this ideal for middle grade readers who enjoy slightly naughty characters with hearts of gold. A unique offering with an atypical protagonist; recommended for kids who like mysteries and crime-solving."
– School Library Journal
"Hard-boiled narrator Claude's world is diverse, bright, and textured, reflecting the best parts of Brooklyn's distinctive charm...Sharp, fun, and optimistic, the novel will have readers rooting for Claude until the end."
– Kirkus Reviews
"In her pursuit of the truth, Claude reclaims faltering relationships with family and friends and solves a darn good little mystery into the bargain."
– BCCB