Julia Nobel

Many middle grade readers will likely enjoy this book, especially the parts about the seemingly nefarious Order at the center of this mystery which is set in a historic boarding school in England. Although I was sufficiently drawn into the story to complete it, the book felt overly long, and some plot sequences seemed contrived for convenience. Although this was an interesting mystery with surprising twists, I felt it could have benefitted from more character development and some heavy editing to tighten the pace.
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DNF @ 16%

Emmy is an introverted anxious muffin, with a missing father whom she is trying to find and a mother who has no business raising anyone (not even a rock!). Oh and she was sent to a boarding school in England. Cue - secret society out for her blood.

The book has such a miserable atmosphere, absolutely depressing.

Mystery remained flat and unappealing. The story is not engaging and pretty boring. Writing is simple and suitable for the younger part of middle-grade. Things are being meticulously spelled out in the most unappealing way. The older MG would not like to be treated as if they are a little stupid.

All of those things combined make it difficult for me recommend this book to anybody at all.

VERDICT : SKIP… (more)