I haven’t enjoyed a junior fiction read so thoroughly or as much as I did The Ivory Rose for quite some time.
Perhaps it was the local setting of Annandale in Sydney. Perhaps it was the time slip theme as Jemma found herself suddenly in 1895. Perhaps it was the well-drawn, believable characters. Or perhaps it was the strong, warm-hearted, likeable Jemma.
It was all of the above! But it was also beautifully crafted by Murrell. A well set-up mystery with dramatic tension and humour. The historical facts were woven into the drama in a natural way. Clues and danger aplenty to keep the pace moving along briskly. And a very satisfying ending.
What more could you want….except another story by Murrell as soon as possible! And for me – a stroll next week around the Witches houses of Annandale to soak up the atmosphere a bit longer.
If you enjoyed this book, you might like Girl About Time by Kerstin Gier.
Jemma has just landed her first job, babysitting Sammy. It’s in Rosethorne, one of the famous witches’ houses near where she lives. Sammy says the house is haunted by a sad little girl, but Jemma doesn’t know what to believe.
One day when the two girls are playing hide and seek, Jemma discovers a rose charm made of ivory. As she touches the charm she sees a terrifying flashback. Is it the moment the ghost was murdered? Jemma runs for her life, falling down the stairs and tumbling into unconsciousness.
She wakes up in 1895, unable to get home. Jemma becomes an apprentice maidservant at Rosethorne – but all is not well in the grand house. Young heiress Georgiana is constantly sick. Jemma begins to suspect Georgiana is being poisoned, but who would poison her, and why? Jemma must find the proof in order to rescue her friend – before time runs out.
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