Ratings1
Average rating5
Charlie and the Chocloate Factory meets Clue when six children navigate a mansion full of secrets—and maybe money—in this this humorous mystery with heart. Sweet, shy Tabitha Crum, the neglected only child of two parents straight out of a Roald Dahl book, doesn’t have a friend in the world—except for her pet mouse, Pemberley, whom she loves dearly. But on the day she receives one of six invitations to the country estate of wealthy Countess Camilla DeMoss, her life changes forever. Upon the children’s arrival at the sprawling, possibly haunted mansion, the countess reveals that each of the six children is adopted, and that one of them is her long-lost grandchild—and heir to a large fortune. Not only that, but the countess plans to keep and raise her grandchild, regardless of what the adoptive parents have to say about it. Then the children beginning disappearing, one by one. So Tabitha takes a cue from her favorite detective novels and, with Pemberley by her side, attempts to solve the case and rescue the other children…who just might be her first real friends.
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While I loved this charming read, I am not sure it will find an audience. It's my experience that kids do not like to read books with characters younger than they are (with the exception of Harry Potter). Here we have a mini-detective 10 year old who is in a Westing Game type situation. As awesome as Tabitha is, I'm not sure how many 10 year olds would tackle a story this size. The mystery was thrilling enough to keep me interested, and while I did guess the one surprise right away, the other one threw me. Well done! This is a good read for older audiences as well- I just hope they will be willing to pick it up.