Bonnie Willoughby is excited and dismayed in equal measure. She is excited because her cousin Sylvia is leaving London to come and stay with her in Willoughby Chase – her family grand home in the country.

She is also sad as her beloved mama is unwell and needing to travel away to get better. Both Bonnie’s parents will be away for months and Bonnie is trying not to think about it too much. Sylvia too is a little sad as she has had to leave her ageing Aunt Jane back in London. Aunt Jane is Mr Willoughby’s sister but unbeknown to him is quite poor.

Sylvia is awed by the grand house she is to live in, with so much food on hand, kind servants to help her, and more toys than she could have ever imagined. She and Bonnie soon meet the distant relative who will look after them while Mr and Mrs Willoughby are travelling.

Miss Slighcarp is the opposite of all Sylvia has seen in her short time at Willoughby Chase. This woman is gaunt, sour, and mean, and her true colours show as soon as the Willoughby’s have left. She tips the cousin’s world upside down as she sacks all the servants, orders the toys, ponies and other belongings to be sold and begins wearing Bonnie’s mother’s best gowns.

Bonnie is bright, strong and defiant to this tyrant, but it only brings trouble and she and Syliva are soon shipped off too. But not before they discover Miss Slighcarp’s terrible plan.

How will they stop her with Bonnie’s parents at sea? When they think of someone else who can help, Miss Slighcarp is onto them in a heartbeat. Will they lose everything?

This classic riches to rags story is a rollicking good read with a baddie to boo at, a loyal friend putting himself in the firing line, secret tunnels and passages, a shipwreck, con-artist and a wonderful ending.

I wish I’d read this years ago. Scarlet & Ivy fans will love this! As for the wolves… you’ll have to discover them yourself!

Author – Joan Aitken

Age – 8+

Quick Read

Two cousins have to outwit a distant relative who has been put in charge of their care and estate while the parents are away. This relative has a terrible plan in mind to take everything for herself and her evil con-artist friends. But Bonnie and Sylvia have friends too, and with courage, they just might be able to save their home and future.

(1962, Penguin Random House, Classic, UK, Alternative England, Winter Wolves, Train journey, Orphanage, Family, Bravery, Courage, Adventure, Goose Boy, Friendship, Loyalty, Animals, Betrayal, Bullies, Crime, Grief, Historical)