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gin_reads's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
vickylovesreading's review
5.0
I loved the weaving of Conan Doyle into this intriguing mystery story with a fabulous strong female protagonist. Zinnie was extremely likeable with her desire to help others (especially her sisters) at all costs. The action of the story was well paced and readable, with genuine fears for characters within the story. All in all, a fantastic story that I devoured quickly and enjoyed very much.
pagesofpins's review
2.0
This audiobook was a bizarre parade of overdone accents and hackneyed plots, but the use of setting and time period were quite fun. A kid about to visit Scotland might enjoy it more than my car of listeners did.
makexbelieve's review against another edition
5.0
Fast paced and full of heart, I loved this MG mystery novel and think it will be a huge hit with young readers this year. Here are three reasons why:
1. There is a beautiful sibling relationship at the heart of this novel - in Zinnie's found-family of girls - and the affection the sisters felt for each other was at the heart of their every decision. Nell, the youngest sister, falls ill at the beginning of the novel and it is her survival and happiness that drives many of Zinnie's actions. Aelfine is the newest sister and her resourcefulness and bravery made her a fantastic character, along with her lovely pet monkey Ruby. I also loved the clever, resourceful Sadie who has a brilliant knowledge of herbal healing.
2. The Victorian Edinburgh setting was incredible, with plenty of atmospheric historical details. The inclusion of real historical figures like Arthur Conan Doyle, was a lot of fun and I loved all of the little references to his writing, and the Sherlock Holmes vibes which ran throughout the book. It was also particularly interesting to learn about Dr Jex-Blake and the struggles the first female doctors faced and there were some great facts included at the back. I can see this novel being great for classes studying the Victorian period as it provides a vivd representation of what life was like at the time, especially attitudes to race, gender and disabilities.
3. The House of Hidden Wonders was a mystery story with a difference. We know who committed the crime quite early on in the narrative, and the protagonist is instead trying to prove their guilt. This provides a change of pace from a traditional mystery, but there's still plenty to speculate and wonder about. There is a lot at stake for Zinnie and her sisters and it was thrilling to watch them cope with all the complications that came their way.
Thank you Little Tiger for providing me with a review copy of this novel through NetGalley.
1. There is a beautiful sibling relationship at the heart of this novel - in Zinnie's found-family of girls - and the affection the sisters felt for each other was at the heart of their every decision. Nell, the youngest sister, falls ill at the beginning of the novel and it is her survival and happiness that drives many of Zinnie's actions. Aelfine is the newest sister and her resourcefulness and bravery made her a fantastic character, along with her lovely pet monkey Ruby. I also loved the clever, resourceful Sadie who has a brilliant knowledge of herbal healing.
2. The Victorian Edinburgh setting was incredible, with plenty of atmospheric historical details. The inclusion of real historical figures like Arthur Conan Doyle, was a lot of fun and I loved all of the little references to his writing, and the Sherlock Holmes vibes which ran throughout the book. It was also particularly interesting to learn about Dr Jex-Blake and the struggles the first female doctors faced and there were some great facts included at the back. I can see this novel being great for classes studying the Victorian period as it provides a vivd representation of what life was like at the time, especially attitudes to race, gender and disabilities.
3. The House of Hidden Wonders was a mystery story with a difference. We know who committed the crime quite early on in the narrative, and the protagonist is instead trying to prove their guilt. This provides a change of pace from a traditional mystery, but there's still plenty to speculate and wonder about. There is a lot at stake for Zinnie and her sisters and it was thrilling to watch them cope with all the complications that came their way.
Thank you Little Tiger for providing me with a review copy of this novel through NetGalley.
romanticallyreading's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars!
All I needed was to see Arthur Conan Doyle and I knew I needed to read this book. The research that has been put into this novel is greatly appreciated. By intertwining historical figures and places into a work of middle grade fiction really made it believable in some way and it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters of this story also really held their own and I liked them all individually.
The only aspect that stopped this book being a 4 star in my opinion was that the first quarter was incredibly difficult to get into, there was a slight lack of set up and introduction to the characters but the minute I connected with that this was a very enjoyable read.
Strong sense of sisterhood between the girls and learning to find your own in a world that hasn't dealt you the greatest hand.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Tiger Group for accepting my request for this arc!
All I needed was to see Arthur Conan Doyle and I knew I needed to read this book. The research that has been put into this novel is greatly appreciated. By intertwining historical figures and places into a work of middle grade fiction really made it believable in some way and it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters of this story also really held their own and I liked them all individually.
The only aspect that stopped this book being a 4 star in my opinion was that the first quarter was incredibly difficult to get into, there was a slight lack of set up and introduction to the characters but the minute I connected with that this was a very enjoyable read.
Strong sense of sisterhood between the girls and learning to find your own in a world that hasn't dealt you the greatest hand.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Tiger Group for accepting my request for this arc!
bexcapades's review against another edition
5.0
My Rating of House of Hidden Wonders is 5 Stars! I don’t think I could’ve loved this book any more!
I loved this book from the beginning right through until the end. It is fast-paced, intriguing and sucks you into Zinnie’s world from the start. Zinnie is a very likeable protagonist who is a strong female lead. She is caring for her sisters, resourceful and very logical. She battles with being seen as a little girl when she is very capable and able to see things in a clear way that only children can.
Zinnie is like a young Sherlock Holmes, solving a mystery and being brilliantly kind and caring at the same time. She is fiercely loyal and will protect her sisters until the very end. This book shows that through determination and spirit you can change your life.
There are so many strong characters in this story, all strong in different ways. There is someone for everyone. If you’re looking for a fast-paced adventure mystery story, this should be top of your list.
I loved this book from the beginning right through until the end. It is fast-paced, intriguing and sucks you into Zinnie’s world from the start. Zinnie is a very likeable protagonist who is a strong female lead. She is caring for her sisters, resourceful and very logical. She battles with being seen as a little girl when she is very capable and able to see things in a clear way that only children can.
Zinnie is like a young Sherlock Holmes, solving a mystery and being brilliantly kind and caring at the same time. She is fiercely loyal and will protect her sisters until the very end. This book shows that through determination and spirit you can change your life.
There are so many strong characters in this story, all strong in different ways. There is someone for everyone. If you’re looking for a fast-paced adventure mystery story, this should be top of your list.
hayleymorgan548's review against another edition
4.0
fun, edwardian book about street kids trying to solve mystery and outwit adults Plus seeing author of Sherlock Holmes was fun and Lady Sarah was awesome and putting gents to shame!
bluewithstars's review against another edition
5.0
I was fortunate enough to win an audio version of this. It is fantastic and I will now be buying a copy for school. Wonderful characters and I loved the feisty nature of everyone involved in this mystery adventure.