I'm not sure what has inspired the many Baba Yaga books of the past few years, but I can't say I'm disappointed by it! I've enjoyed most of them, and "The Door by the Staircase" might just be my favorite of them all.

Mary has been trying to escape the orphanage where she lives, but suddenly she is adopted by the mysterious Madame Z. Madame Z whisks her away to Iris, New York, a town full of magical shops. Mary makes her first friend here, and thinks she might finally have a home. But is Madame Z who she says she is? Or does she want something more sinister?

I really liked how Baba Yaga was used in this story. It was different to see the nicer side of her, which you may or may not like, depending on how you like your Baby Yaga. I enjoyed how feisty Mary was, and I didn't see some of the twists and turns coming. A fun middle grade read.