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lisawreading's review against another edition
3.0
Cute, but I'm not sure I'd consider this one entirely successful. My 9-year-old and I enjoyed this book as a read-aloud, but I don't know that children his age would enjoy it on their own. The language has a tongue-in-cheek tone somewhat reminiscent of Lemony Snicket, but the continuous use of complicated and unusual words, despite the accompanying explanations, would likely become frustrating for young readers.
That said, the story moved in interesting new directions in this installment, and certainly left plenty of mysteries to be resolved in the next volume. The plot was a bit of a mess, but #2 of the Incorrigible Children series was fun overall and definitely kept us entertained.
That said, the story moved in interesting new directions in this installment, and certainly left plenty of mysteries to be resolved in the next volume. The plot was a bit of a mess, but #2 of the Incorrigible Children series was fun overall and definitely kept us entertained.
rheren's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, maybe it's just me, but this book I started having a little more trouble suspending my disbelief and taking it seriously. I know it's just a kids book, so maybe I shouldn't even try to have it make sense, but parts of it seem absurd to me. However, my kids are hugely into it, and it's definitely well-written and creative, so I still enjoyed it overall. The mystery is still very intriguing, although I'm starting to see where it's going. Rating it for myself I would give it only a 3, but my kids are so much into it that I'll bump the rating up to a 4. I'm sure we'll finish the series out and see where it's all going.
cimorene1558's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. Lacks even the cliffhanger ending of the first one, which was about the only reason I bothered to read this (that, and a feeling that it's my professional duty).
mikaiten's review against another edition
3.0
Another great book in this series. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first, as I found it dragged on a bit long, but I'm glad we're finally learning a bit more about the children's past. Looking forward to reading the next one. :)
christieb123's review against another edition
4.0
This was delightful. I forgot how light and entertaining this series was. It's written in a Jane Austenish style, and I would forget it was a more modern book until the narrator would throw in modern satirical references.
amibunk's review against another edition
4.0
I can't quite envision what my life would be without the literary golden nuggets of advice from Miss Agatha Swanburne found inside The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. My favorite from this particular installment is "To be kept waiting is unfortunate, but to be kept waiting with nothing interesting to read is a tragedy of Greek proportions." From such a true statement I can only conclude that Ms. Swanburne and I would be excellent friends if we ever had the chance to meet.
In addition to the part Ms. Swanburne plays in this novel, I have to say the narrator was delightful and Ms. Penelope Lumley (as always) was a decided favorite with me. The children themselves were as innocently amusing and charmingly wild as the first volume. I quite dote on them.
If you haven't read this series you are really missing out. This middle-grade, spoofy series set in Victorian England hits all the right buttons for me: humor, gentle satire, adventure, and a comedic mystery all in one.
In addition to the part Ms. Swanburne plays in this novel, I have to say the narrator was delightful and Ms. Penelope Lumley (as always) was a decided favorite with me. The children themselves were as innocently amusing and charmingly wild as the first volume. I quite dote on them.
If you haven't read this series you are really missing out. This middle-grade, spoofy series set in Victorian England hits all the right buttons for me: humor, gentle satire, adventure, and a comedic mystery all in one.
luisasm's review against another edition
4.0
Cute, funny, well written. A mystery for little kids, but enough historical references and inside jokes for older readers to enjoy. Strikes me as a really good book to read out loud.
hedgielib's review against another edition
3.0
A little too melodramatic for my usual taste but I keep picturing kids I would love to give it to.