From a Dream to a Global Story Universe: How The Sisterhood Sleuths Is Empowering Young Readers Worldwide

Written by laweekly on January 6, 2026.

What began as a fleeting image in a dream has grown into an ambitious, global storytelling franchise with a clear purpose: helping young people build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking through adventure. Created in Southern California by author Cathy Warshaw, The Sisterhood Sleuths is an eight-book mystery series that has rapidly expanded beyond the page into music, interactive puzzles, educational programming, and a growing international outreach effort.

“I had never written fiction before the moment that dream arrived,” Warshaw says. “I woke with a vivid image of two sisters solving a mystery together and an unmistakable sense that the story carried a deeper meaning.” Within days, she had drafted the opening chapters of what would become The Obsidian Eye, the first installment in the series, along with an outline for all eight books. One year later, three titles were published and translated into Spanish, with the fourth and fifth books currently being written simultaneously.

At its core, The Sisterhood Sleuths follows two real sisters who earn a reputation in their Southern California town for helping neighbors recover lost items. Their curiosity and determination draw the attention of others searching for answers to much larger mysteries. “Over time, the story grows into an international ensemble of nine young characters, each with a distinct background and skill set, united by a shared mission to uncover hidden truths and confront a shadowy secret society,” Warshaw explains.

Each book takes place in a different country, allowing the story to evolve alongside its setting. After beginning in California, the series travels to Israel and Switzerland, with future installments unfolding in Italy, France, Ireland, Iceland, and Japan. Warshaw weaves cultural landmarks, local history, and geography into each narrative, grounding the mysteries in real places while keeping the focus on character development and teamwork.

Several of the characters are inspired by Warshaw’s own family. Her grandchildren appear throughout the series, stepping into central roles as the story progresses. One granddaughter becomes the heroine in the Switzerland-based book, while twin grandsons assist the group during the Italy-based storyline. Other characters reflect paths her family members are pursuing, from military service to medicine. The result is a multigenerational story world that feels personal while remaining broadly relatable.

“The Sisterhood Sleuths doesn’t tell kids what to think,” Warshaw has said. “It teaches them how to think.” That philosophy extends into what sets the franchise apart. Each book is paired with original music, puzzles, ciphers, and interactive elements that invite readers to engage more deeply with the story. A mobile app and digital games are in development, further expanding the experience into a fully immersive story universe.

Beyond entertainment, Warshaw has built a real-world Outreach Program based on the first book. Structured to mirror the novel’s 30 chapters, the program uses storytelling, music, and activities to support literacy, confidence, and life skills.

The outreach initiative focuses on access and opportunity rather than charity, providing tools young people can use both inside and outside the classroom. By pairing adventure with practical learning, the program aims to help students trust their instincts, collaborate with others, and approach challenges with confidence.

As momentum continues to build, Warshaw is expanding the franchise across multiple platforms while maintaining its original mission. The next two books will take readers to Italy and France, deepening the global scope of the story. Additional music, educational materials, and digital experiences are also in development.

In an era when many young people are navigating uncertainty, Warshaw’s work offers a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling. “The greatest mystery kids will ever solve is believing in themselves,” she says.

In just one year, The Sisterhood Sleuths has evolved from an idea into a multifaceted creative and educational movement. Its blend of adventure, heart, and purpose suggests that this is only the beginning of a much larger journey, one that invites readers around the world to follow along, think critically, and discover their own inner strength.