At first Ivy is incredibly relieved and happy to find her twin Scarlett alive, especially when despite their pleas of horror, are both sent back to Rookwood Boarding School. At least she won’t be on her own this time. Being herself is now strange after pretending to be Scarlett for so long, but Ivy’s confidence is stronger because of it.

Scarlett however is often surprised at the change in her twin. Ivy had always gone along with her schemes and plans, but now she stands up for herself, not wanting to cause uneccessary trouble. The old headmistress, evil Miss Fox may have gone, but the ancient original principal has returned.

Mr Bartholomew makes Miss Fox look like the Sugar Plum Fairy. His threats and punishments are much tougher than they ever dreamed of, so Ivy is keen not to draw attention to themselves.

When clothes, food and other belongings begin to go missing, troublemaker Scarlett is under suspicion. Scarlett’s feud with prefect Penny continues, and Penny is determined to prove Scarlett is the culprit, making Scarlett determined to prove her innocence.

Defying the strict school rules, Scarlett begins to investigate. What are the whispers in the walls? Do ghosts roam the hallways at night? Is there someone in the basement? What is Mr Bartholomew hiding from his past?

With the help of Ivy’s friend Ariadne, Scarlett and Ivy discover a secret Mr Bartholomew has hidden for decades. Uncovering it has led them to a secret within their own family. Who was their real mother?

A fantastic series for anyone who loves a mystery, boarding school stories, or sleuthing it out with the characters as they unravel the clues they uncover.

Scarlet is just as fiery and bolshy as ever, even after being locked up for months. Ivy has finally found her courage, and with her clever bestie Ariadne, they stumble on hidden rooms, a secret society, a terrible wrong in the past and clues about their mother. Loved it.  

Author – Sophie Cleverly

Age – 9+

Read a review of other books in this series (Click on a cover)

(Boarding School, Ghost, Murder, Punishment, Detention, Historical, Series, Twins, Siblings, Sisters, Ballet, Rivalries, Nemesis, Secret Society, Clues, Mystery, Dance)