The Hidden Gallery

>by Maryrose Wood

The 2nd installment of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place does not disappoint! Left with a mysterious howl at the end of book 1 (suitably titled “The Mysterious Howling“), I was anxious to see what would happen next. Miss Penelope Lumley, governess to 3 children raised by wolves and employee of the rather difficult Lord and Lady Ashton, leads readers on an exciting adventure in London. The children, Alexander, Beowulf and Cassiopeia, are learning good manners but still have a bit of wild in them. Between attacking the guards at Buckingham Palace (their hats do resemble bears, you know) and being chased by thespian pirates, they keep up a pretty fast pace.

Miss “Lumawoo,” as the children affectionately call her, still has time for a sweet love interest to spark in the kind, helpful gentleman Simon Harley-Dickinson, a struggling playwright who shows up at all the right times to rescue Penelope and her charges. The reviewer who labeled the series as “Jane Eyre meets Lemony Snicket” is right on target. It has all the charm, wit and originality a young reader could ask for. Be prepared for a tantalizing ending that will leave you clamoring for book 3.

Reviewed by Jennifer

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