broncoannee's review against another edition

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4.0

I really like how this author doesn’t shy away from big or rarely used words even though the intended audience is young. Instead, she explains them, but in a way that fits with the story and with the voice of the narration. Great middle grade books with lots of adventure.

beths0103's review against another edition

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5.0

Love! Love! Love!

I heart Maryrose Wood and I heart Katherine Kellgren even more for her pitch-perfect narration of every single character in this book.

I can't wait for the next installment!

Review to come soon on my blog.

daffz's review against another edition

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3.0

This one disappointed me a bit, and I can't put my finger on why. I really liked the first book in this series, but this one intrigued me a lot less. I was very charmed by the children in the first book and very interested in the mystery, but this one didn't expand it as much as I would have hoped. I know the author can't reveal too much about the mystery early on in the series, but it felt like it wasn't quite enough in this one for me. The action at the end felt too similar to the previous book, and I don't know if a lot was really accomplished in the plot.

The writing was still very funny, and I liked the atmosphere the book created much like the first book. I enjoyed most of the characters as well.

I am still curious where this is going, I'm at least going to give the next book a try.

shanacorrin's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

jennchandler's review against another edition

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4.0

Just as charming as the first, though I hate it when books don't end. (As in you have to read the next one to find out the rest if the story.)

asimilarkite's review against another edition

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3.0

I think that I may have liked this book less than the first one because of the audio book. I wasn't so much a fan. I think it might have been the fact that the narrator made the annoying characters' voices REALLY REALLY ANNOYING. Like annoying to the point where I had to turn down the volume to keep my eardrums from bursting.

Anyway. Too effectively annoying audio book narrator aside, I do really like this series. I love Penelope and I care about her and want to know what happens. It's reminding me a lot of Lemony Snicket in that the author does NOT like to divulge secrets. Not only are the secrets from the first book not solved, but there are a ton MORE secrets and mysteries piled on. I must admit I kind of like the piled on mystery/secret thing, but I think it might annoy some readers?

I do want to keep reading this series. Mostly because Penelope and her charges are so...charming.

amalies's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was just as well written as the first book. I am always impressed when a second book really just feels like a well-done companion to the first book. Miss Lumley ends up in London with her 3 charges and this book describes what they see and learn there. My least favorite part of this book was that it had no end. In the first book I knew that there was more to the story, but I also knew that I could end and not have to read the second book. This book ended like it was intermission in a play. All the details of the mystery have been presented, as a reader you are guessing as to the villian and boom..end of book. Thankfully the next book was available to read already, but I would not start this book if you don't have the next book ready to start right away. However, the simply charming characters have such great character development in this book and I really enjoyed it during my second sick day in bed.

lorienhouse's review against another edition

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This was a fun sequel.

rat_girl_'s review against another edition

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funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

graggirl's review against another edition

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4.0

The characters developed a lot more personality in this book. The plot was exciting and more clues were given about the children and Penelope. This book was entertaining with a good mix of vocabulary.