The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

Fran is not looking forward to spending a week with her aunt and uncle, largely because of her rude and unfriendly cousin, Imogen. However, when she arrives, Fran finds that Imogen is missing . . . and no one seems to remember that she ever existed. Puzzled and frightened, Fran is determined to find out what happened to her cousin, which leads her to a hidden garden which contains twelve mysterious statues.

Offering an excellent mystery, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a pacy, compelling read which will have readers on the edge of their seats. Short chapters told from differing viewpoints are interspersed with those telling the story of 'The Twelve Statues of Stillness Hall', which gradually reveals the secret of the hidden garden.

As events unfold, the story reaches a very satisfying conclusion which is perfectly paced, bringing the plot to a point which still allows readers some scope for imagination. It's hard to explain what I mean here fully without ruining the story for those who have not read it yet!

Fran is a very engaging character. Although initially scared and confused by the situation she finds herself in, she quickly shows herself to be determined and resourceful. She is also a very honest character, recognising her faults and seeking to be kind to others. Bex, a girl who lives in the same row of cottages as Imogen and her family, is a wonderfully quirky individual who sadly finds herself on the receiving end of the local bullies. Imogen is a really interesting and complex character who is not easy to take to initially, yet grows on the reader as the story progresses.

Sure to keep a class on tenterhooks, there is much to recommend this as a class reader. The peer pressure and bullying experienced would make for interesting discussions and the fantasy element is sure to spark listeners' imaginations and lead to some excellent story writing! I was absolutely captivated and could not put this one down until I had finished!

256 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

At the start of The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good, Fran is not looking forward to spending a week with her aunt, uncle and her horrible, bossy cousin Imogen while her parents are away on business. When Fran arrives, she finds to her amazement that not only is Imogen missing, according to Aunt Liz and Uncle Pete she has never existed - they say they have no children! What has happened to Imogen Good, and why is Fran the only person who seems to remember her?

Fran can see signs that Imogen was real - her bedroom and belongings are still in the house. So, with the help of Bex, a local girl who, Fran believes, was once a friend of her cousin, Fran begins to investigate and soon realises that something very odd is going on at nearby Stillness Hall. Does its owner, Cecily Quincy, have something to do with it? Why does she keep warning Fran to stay away from the garden at the hall - and why are there twelve statues in the garden?

I absolutely loved this highly original and very well-written book. The story is told in alternate chapters, one set in the present day and one telling the story of the twelve statues of Stillness Hall. This clever device allows the reader insights into what may have happened to Imogen, and there is a brilliant twist towards the middle of the book which I did not see coming! Fran is a bold and determined character, putting herself at risk in order to help others. Bex is a lovely, quirky oddball; she has a love of sparkly clothes and, despite being different, is totally herself at all times.

The novel is fast-paced, its short chapters help the narrative to flow and keep the reader engrossed from the very first page. With its themes of love, loss, friendship, bullying and peer pressure, wrapped up in a thrilling and exciting mystery, this book would make the perfect class reader. Intriguing and compelling - I couldn't put it down - with a good sprinkle of magic, and a perfect ending, I can highly recommend this little gem of a novel.

256 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+