the_fabric_of_words's review
5.0
This book has the WORST cover, but was such a fun read, and in fact I've been waiting years to get my hands on Petronella's sequel after we discovered her first book at our local used book store and we LOVED her and insect-eating Uncle Augustus! Please, don't judge a book by it's cover. Not when it comes to Petronella.
In this adventure, Petronella does, indeed, save several more, including the King of England. It's not a mystery, as I was hoping, more a thriller (ish?), but with Petronella, I'm willing to go along for the ride.
All the parts are in place early on -- Rasputin, the Russian countess and her Faberge egg, the submarine, the entomological conference, even the music box Petronella finds in a curio shop -- to see what's coming well in advance.
The pure joy of this book lies in the writing, which is just delightful to read. I was a little sad at the end, regarding James, but I think if the author ever continued this series, he'd be primed (and readers would as well) for a wonderful revelation.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
In this adventure, Petronella does, indeed, save several more, including the King of England. It's not a mystery, as I was hoping, more a thriller (ish?), but with Petronella, I'm willing to go along for the ride.
All the parts are in place early on -- Rasputin, the Russian countess and her Faberge egg, the submarine, the entomological conference, even the music box Petronella finds in a curio shop -- to see what's coming well in advance.
The pure joy of this book lies in the writing, which is just delightful to read. I was a little sad at the end, regarding James, but I think if the author ever continued this series, he'd be primed (and readers would as well) for a wonderful revelation.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
More...