Book Cover

The Mysterious Howling

Book 1 in the series:The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

Save:
Find on Amazon

"The Mysterious Howling" follows the story of fifteen-year-old Penelope Lumley who becomes the governess to three feral children raised by wolves. The plot is filled with mystery and humor, reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's style, as Penelope navigates teaching the children manners and academics while unraveling the secrets surrounding their past. The writing style is witty, engaging, and includes sly humor, making it appealing to both children and adults alike.

Characters:

The characters are distinct, with Penelope Lumley as a strong protagonist and the children displaying both wildness and charm.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is whimsical and humorous, combining elevated language with playful narration that invites reader interaction.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Penelope Lumley's challenges as a young governess to three feral children, uncovering mysteries related to their upbringing and the household dynamics.

Setting:

The setting is a Victorian-era estate in England, providing a backdrop for the story's themes of civility and societal norms.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is steady, allowing for character development and mystery unraveling, though it concludes with unresolved plot elements.
As you may know, traveling alone is quite a different kettle of fish from traveling with companions. It tends to make people anxious, especially when en route to a strange place, or a new home, or a j...

Notes:

The main character, Penelope Lumley, is 15 years old and a recent graduate from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females.
The three children she is tasked to govern, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia, were found in the woods and appeared to have been raised by wolves.
The story is set around the 1800s, as indicated by historical references and character descriptions.
Penelope faces the challenge of teaching the children proper manners in time for a Christmas party hosted by Lady Constance.
The book features a mix of humor, mystery, and elements of fantasy, with a historic backdrop.
Penelope is an intelligent and resourceful character, reminiscent of classic governess figures like Mary Poppins.
The writing style includes witty asides to the reader, similar to the tone found in Lemony Snicket's books.
A significant theme in the story revolves around ancestry and the unknown backgrounds of both the children and Penelope.
Many characters, such as Old Timothy and Lord Ashton, harbor mysterious motives regarding the children.
The book ends with several unanswered questions, encouraging readers to continue with the series.

From The Publisher:

Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.

But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.