“Once Upon A Crime — A Brothers Grimm Mystery” by P.J. Brackston (Pegasus Books, 256 pages, in stores)

“Once Upon a Crime” is P.J. Brackston’s latest novel in her Brothers Grimm series. It is set in 18th-century Bavaria and features Gretel (of “Hansel and Gretel”), who is now a detective.

Gretel’s brother, Hans, lives with her and goes to the tavern most evenings and comes home falling down drunk. Gretel looks after him because, after all, he is her brother, plus he cooks fantastic meals. Gretel does love to eat, and her figure shows it. She’s a very large woman, but she still dresses in the latest fashion and wears designer shoes.

Gretel’s latest case may seem trivial: She’s trying to find a crazy cat lady’s lost cats. But Gretel needs money, and the lady pays very well. And although Gretel isn’t fond of cats, she begins to see how people might like them.

The very same week, the quiet of the small town of Gesternstadt is interrupted when the workshop of a local cart maker burns to the ground, and a body is discovered in the ashes. Gretel has a hunch that this has something to do with the missing cats.

Her case takes a surprising turn when she finds herself accused of murder. She has to go to the giant’s castle to look for the cats. Since Jack cut down the beanstalk, the giant’s castle is inside a cave. The giant takes a liking to Gretel and wants her to stay with him. She barely escapes.

She must prove her innocence, find the missing cats and figure out who the body was in the ashes before it’s too late. Hans, his wits addled by alcohol, manages to help out just a little.

— Betty Lytle, for The Oklahoman