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hawksquill's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
anitasbooks's review against another edition
4.5
Un middle grade con atmosfere magiche 🤍
Una ragazzina abituata a vivere una vita all’insegna della solitudine, riesce a trovare degli amici fidati e una seconda famiglia pronta ad accoglierla.
Tra misteri da risolvere, segreti, indovinelli e un pizzico di magia.
Una scrittura immersiva, piacevole e incalzante, con personaggi ben strutturati.
Felicissima di aver recuperato questa piccola perla 🫶🏻
Una ragazzina abituata a vivere una vita all’insegna della solitudine, riesce a trovare degli amici fidati e una seconda famiglia pronta ad accoglierla.
Tra misteri da risolvere, segreti, indovinelli e un pizzico di magia.
Una scrittura immersiva, piacevole e incalzante, con personaggi ben strutturati.
Felicissima di aver recuperato questa piccola perla 🫶🏻
katdfleming's review against another edition
4.0
Such a fun story! Will continue reading the series!
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Children's hotel-set mystery story, with a delightful focus on word puzzles.
The oft-used protagonist of the orphan again comes into play here, as Elizabeth Somers', who lives with her neglectful aunt and uncle, is unexpectedly sent to a hotel for Christmas. Finding a delightful library she can revel in, and meeting a like-minded cruciverbalist (puzzle enthusiast), finding the Winterhouse Hotel a fascinating and mysterious place, they stumble across a mystery with clues to unlock... Though some other residents seem determined to dislike and even hinder her.
The draw for me was the constant referral to word puzzles, the games Elizabeth and Freddy compete in, and the use of such puzzles in the clues they find to try and solve the mystery.
It's fresh and different, as well as an unusual setting for a children's book - I've recently enjoyed other hotel-set novels for adults (A Gentleman in Moscow, Hotel Alpha) and found this the same. Lovely to see puzzles feature so strongly and positively.
A fine audio read as well, easy to listen to, and enthusiastically read. A book to recommend to ages 9-13 in particular.
The oft-used protagonist of the orphan again comes into play here, as Elizabeth Somers', who lives with her neglectful aunt and uncle, is unexpectedly sent to a hotel for Christmas. Finding a delightful library she can revel in, and meeting a like-minded cruciverbalist (puzzle enthusiast), finding the Winterhouse Hotel a fascinating and mysterious place, they stumble across a mystery with clues to unlock... Though some other residents seem determined to dislike and even hinder her.
The draw for me was the constant referral to word puzzles, the games Elizabeth and Freddy compete in, and the use of such puzzles in the clues they find to try and solve the mystery.
It's fresh and different, as well as an unusual setting for a children's book - I've recently enjoyed other hotel-set novels for adults (A Gentleman in Moscow, Hotel Alpha) and found this the same. Lovely to see puzzles feature so strongly and positively.
A fine audio read as well, easy to listen to, and enthusiastically read. A book to recommend to ages 9-13 in particular.
witchy_squirrel's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
rjdenney's review against another edition
5.0
***Re-Read DECEMBER 2020!!! - Loved it just as much as the first time.
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I love when a book has be guessing!! I've read a lot of them and can usually see what's coming and with this one, I was pleasantly surprised. The first 100 pages of this book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what the heck was going on and I really enjoyed that about this story. Reading this I couldn't help but be reminded of my favorite author John Bellairs. The way John told his stories with so much mystery and darkness, yet they had this cozy feeling at the same time. This book felt a lot like a Bellairs book and I really appreciated that. There's mystery, magic, darkness, puzzles, and so much more in this story and I'd really recommend it. The only issue I had, which tends to be an issue I have all the time with big books is that it went on 100 pages too long, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of it. I've started the second book already and I have a feeling I will enjoying it and hopefully a lot more than the first! - Richard
_______________________
I love when a book has be guessing!! I've read a lot of them and can usually see what's coming and with this one, I was pleasantly surprised. The first 100 pages of this book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what the heck was going on and I really enjoyed that about this story. Reading this I couldn't help but be reminded of my favorite author John Bellairs. The way John told his stories with so much mystery and darkness, yet they had this cozy feeling at the same time. This book felt a lot like a Bellairs book and I really appreciated that. There's mystery, magic, darkness, puzzles, and so much more in this story and I'd really recommend it. The only issue I had, which tends to be an issue I have all the time with big books is that it went on 100 pages too long, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of it. I've started the second book already and I have a feeling I will enjoying it and hopefully a lot more than the first! - Richard
fishbowlsquid's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
huddlej's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bessadams's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident and Toxic relationship