The Curse in the Candlelight (Scarlet and Ivy, Book 5)

By Author / Illustrator

Sophie Cleverly

Genre

Adventure

Publisher

HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN

9780008218317

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

28-12-2017

Synopsis

There's a new girl at Rookwood School, and new mystery for Scarlet and Ivy to solve.

It's a brand-new term for Scarlet and Ivy, and the girls are intrigued by a fascinating new girl, Ebony. She's as enchanting as she is mysterious, and she's began to gather quite the following - in fact, most of the younger girls appear to be under her spell.

But rumours swirl like ghosts around Ebony, and not all of them are nice. And when a prank on All Hallow's Eve goes horribly wrong, it's Ebony who gets the blame.

Ivy and Scarlet aren't so sure. There might be more to Ebony than meets the eye, but surely she's not dangerous? But if it's not Ebony, then who or what is to blame?

This spooky treat is the fifth book in the SCARLET AND IVY series, perfect for fans of MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE.

Reviews

It's the start of a new term at Rookwood School, with the reuniting of old friends and arrival of new ones. Ariadne is dismayed at the arrival of Muriel Witherspoon, her former bully from her previous school. Muriel seems to be nice enough now, but can she be trusted? Another new girl Ebony McCloud is mysterious and compelling and seems to have a strange power over the other girls and the teachers. Scarlet and Ivy are glad to be back with Ariadne and vow to have a happy and uneventful start to the new term, but trouble soon starts with a spooky midnight visit to the chapel graveyard and the suspicion that a curse is to be put on a pupil. Things start to become dangerous. Can Ebony really have supernatural powers or is she not what she seems? The twins feel compelled to investigate despite warnings from the head teacher of expulsion and the threat of being sent home to their terrifying stepmother. Friendships are tested when Ariadne is drawn into an increasingly close friendship with Muriel, leaving Scarlet and Ivy feeling jealous and suspicious .This spooky story leads up to the climax on All Hallows' Eve, when true friendships and loyalties are resolved. This story combines the usual school girl intrigues with the spooky, darker mystery brilliantly. The book is full of exciting plot twists, danger and adventure, to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Fans of the previous Scarlet and Ivy books and mystery stories such as Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens will love this book. 368 pages / Ages 9+ / Reviewed by Caroline Gosden, school librarian.