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lisakimmence3's review
5.0
Loved this book! Very atmospheric and great characters. I'm a sucker for a manor home on a moor.
pussreboots's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sierra_color's review
3.0
My rating was orginally four stars, but as I thought about this book, and thought about what I had to say about it, I realized that I needed to give it three stars.
Why?
Because it's just okay. It could've been more, and it could've given me more, but it didn't.
What do I mean by this?
Well.
The way the mystery was solved sucked. I'm sorry, Eagle, but to me it did. I prefer a mystery that has clues hidden throughout the story, for example, with [b:Serafina and the Black Cloak|23507745|Serafina and the Black Cloak (Serafina, #1)|Robert Beatty|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1420158894l/23507745._SY75_.jpg|43111795] (spoiler alert for that book, btw) clues were given throughout the story about who Sefina's mother could be. Not only from her appearance, but also from traits she inherited from her mother.
I wish this book had gone the same route! Especially with (SPOILER) when the two main characters are revealed to be twins! The only clue given was the ear wiggling thing.. which was just.. meh. I wish more clues would've been given, like them both having grey eyes, or having a birthmark, or having similar features-- aka, dimples, pointed chins, etc.
And I know what you're gonna say, but they're FATERNAL twins! Yeah, and even fraternal twins look alike! Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are two examples! I wish that the book had done this. Also, giving them similar personalities.
Speaking of personality, I feel like the main character kinda lacked one?
The book mentions that she's read classic literature, so, show how that's impacted her personality! Has it made her adventurous? Cautious? Soft spoken? Or, how has growing up in her uncle's house hold affected her? I feel like this is SORT of explored in the book, but I wish it could've been explored more! Why not have the main character be scared of speaking to people? Or have her be shy?
I dunno, I just wish there had been more OMPH.
Because while I like the story, it just doesn't have that sort of OMPH factor that really makes it stick out. Yes, the mystery is nice, and yes, I read it in one day (it was a nice short read) but it wasn't a read, I feel, that left an impact. And not all books have to be impactful, but I just wish this one had a been more thought to it, particularly in the ending! Where the main character finds her dad. I thought that was stupid. Like, how stupid is this dude? Did he just believe that some random kid claiming to be his daughter was his? I think it would've been nice to have a scene where the main character (Clara? I think??) has to prove that she's his daughter! Maybe by using a birthmark? Or realizing they both have a rare eye color? I dunno.
I feel like this book could've done more, but it didn't, and while the story is okay, and I'd read the authors works again if I stumbled across it, I don't think I would actively seek out her work after reading this one.
Why?
Because it's just okay. It could've been more, and it could've given me more, but it didn't.
What do I mean by this?
Well.
The way the mystery was solved sucked. I'm sorry, Eagle, but to me it did. I prefer a mystery that has clues hidden throughout the story, for example, with [b:Serafina and the Black Cloak|23507745|Serafina and the Black Cloak (Serafina, #1)|Robert Beatty|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1420158894l/23507745._SY75_.jpg|43111795] (spoiler alert for that book, btw) clues were given throughout the story about who Sefina's mother could be. Not only from her appearance, but also from traits she inherited from her mother.
I wish this book had gone the same route! Especially with (SPOILER) when the two main characters are revealed to be twins! The only clue given was the ear wiggling thing.. which was just.. meh. I wish more clues would've been given, like them both having grey eyes, or having a birthmark, or having similar features-- aka, dimples, pointed chins, etc.
And I know what you're gonna say, but they're FATERNAL twins! Yeah, and even fraternal twins look alike! Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are two examples! I wish that the book had done this. Also, giving them similar personalities.
Speaking of personality, I feel like the main character kinda lacked one?
The book mentions that she's read classic literature, so, show how that's impacted her personality! Has it made her adventurous? Cautious? Soft spoken? Or, how has growing up in her uncle's house hold affected her? I feel like this is SORT of explored in the book, but I wish it could've been explored more! Why not have the main character be scared of speaking to people? Or have her be shy?
I dunno, I just wish there had been more OMPH.
Because while I like the story, it just doesn't have that sort of OMPH factor that really makes it stick out. Yes, the mystery is nice, and yes, I read it in one day (it was a nice short read) but it wasn't a read, I feel, that left an impact. And not all books have to be impactful, but I just wish this one had a been more thought to it, particularly in the ending! Where the main character finds her dad. I thought that was stupid. Like, how stupid is this dude? Did he just believe that some random kid claiming to be his daughter was his? I think it would've been nice to have a scene where the main character (Clara? I think??) has to prove that she's his daughter! Maybe by using a birthmark? Or realizing they both have a rare eye color? I dunno.
I feel like this book could've done more, but it didn't, and while the story is okay, and I'd read the authors works again if I stumbled across it, I don't think I would actively seek out her work after reading this one.
aelynreads's review
3.0
Clara lives with her strict Uncle in their crumbling family manor. But when her Uncle abandons her with nothing more than a little bit of money, Clara is suddenly left all alone. When a young boy called Peter turns up at the house, him and Clara find some suspicious mysteries in the old manor that change everything. Clara starts to search for the truth about her mother’s death and uncovers more sinister secrets on the journey.
Strengths
The mystery presented in this story is very engaging and children will be kept hooked to find out how it unfolds. The resolution of the mystery is satisfying in a dramatic and extravagant style suited to children’s fiction. The characters are well written and I think middle grade readers will enjoy rooting for Clara and Peter.
Weaknesses
The first half of the book is quite slow going. The mystery did not unfold as quickly as expected for a children’s mystery novel and I expect that some children will not be engaged because of this.
The writing style is very classical, which will put some readers off. I personally ended up skim-reading from about 40% to the end.
Summary
Although the mystery element is amusing and intriguing, I don’t think my readers will pick this book up. I will not be purchasing a copy since there are other mystery books I would rather stock in my library.
Strengths
The mystery presented in this story is very engaging and children will be kept hooked to find out how it unfolds. The resolution of the mystery is satisfying in a dramatic and extravagant style suited to children’s fiction. The characters are well written and I think middle grade readers will enjoy rooting for Clara and Peter.
Weaknesses
The first half of the book is quite slow going. The mystery did not unfold as quickly as expected for a children’s mystery novel and I expect that some children will not be engaged because of this.
The writing style is very classical, which will put some readers off. I personally ended up skim-reading from about 40% to the end.
Summary
Although the mystery element is amusing and intriguing, I don’t think my readers will pick this book up. I will not be purchasing a copy since there are other mystery books I would rather stock in my library.
sriracha824's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
mousereads's review against another edition
5.0
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Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review closer to publication date.
This was one of the best middle-grade books I have ever read. The twists genuinely had me shocked, and this is coming from someone who often figures out thrillers well before I should have. I found it cohesive and understandable, which is really important for a book of this age group. It is a bit dark, with parents dying of suspicious circumstances and perhaps a murder or two, but with the popularity of a Series of Unfortunate Events, I can see this book selling well.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review closer to publication date.
This was one of the best middle-grade books I have ever read. The twists genuinely had me shocked, and this is coming from someone who often figures out thrillers well before I should have. I found it cohesive and understandable, which is really important for a book of this age group. It is a bit dark, with parents dying of suspicious circumstances and perhaps a murder or two, but with the popularity of a Series of Unfortunate Events, I can see this book selling well.
randirow's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun read! It was action packed with so much heart. As a teacher, there is so much I can do with this story in the Classroom and I know that students will be HOOKED. Throughly enjoyed it!
pussreboots's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.0
juup's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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