Books in the series The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

Step into the whimsical and slightly wild world of Victorian England with The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling. This delightful mystery follows fifteen-year-old Penelope Lumley, a graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, as she takes on her first job as a governess. Her task is unlike any other: she must civilize three children who were discovered living in the forest and raised by wolves. Penelope is determined to teach them Latin and proper etiquette, but she soon realizes that the secrets of Ashton Place run much deeper than a few missed grammar lessons.

Perfect for children who love the dry wit of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events or the clever puzzles of The Mysterious Benedict Society, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in historical mysteries with a humorous twist. Maryrose Wood crafts a narrative filled with charm, intrigue, and a touch of the absurd that will keep young readers guessing. It is a great choice for families looking for a sophisticated yet accessible read-aloud or for independent readers who enjoy quirky characters and atmospheric settings.

Highlights:

• A unique blend of Victorian manners and wild, wolf-like antics.
• Engaging mystery elements that set up a compelling series-long arc.
• Witty narration and clever vocabulary that challenges and entertains.
• Themes of belonging and what it truly means to be civilized.

Step back into the whimsical and slightly wild world of Victorian England in The Hidden Gallery, the second installment of the beloved Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series. After a chaotic Christmas ball nearly destroys their home, the plucky governess Miss Penelope Lumley takes her three unique charges—Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia—to the bustling city of London. While the children, who were famously raised by wolves, are becoming more civilized every day, the city presents new challenges and strange clues about their mysterious origins.

This book is a perfect choice for children who love witty narration, clever wordplay, and historical mysteries. Ideal for readers interested in the "found family" trope and those who enjoy the droll humor of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. As Penelope and the children explore art galleries and navigate high society, they uncover secrets that link their pasts in unexpected ways. It is a great choice for middle-grade readers looking for a sophisticated yet hilarious adventure that celebrates curiosity and resilience.

Highlights:

• A charming Victorian setting filled with mystery and humor.
• Engaging characters who balance wild instincts with growing civility.
• Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart.
• Explores deep themes of identity and belonging in a fun, accessible way.
• Rich vocabulary and clever storytelling that rewards attentive readers.

In The Unseen Guest, the third installment of the beloved series, the intrepid governess Penelope Lumley returns to London with her three unique charges: Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia. While the children—who were famously raised by wolves—attempt to navigate the complexities of high society, Penelope is haunted by unanswered questions regarding the mysterious Lord Ashton and her own enigmatic past. This clever and whimsical tale follows Penelope as she takes matters into her own hands, embarking on a daring investigation into the dark, local forests of the estate to uncover the truth about the 'unseen guest' lurking in the shadows.

This book is perfect for children who love witty narration, Victorian-era settings, and a touch of the absurd. It is an ideal for readers interested in mysteries that require a sharp mind and a bit of courage to solve. With its rich vocabulary and charming humor, it is a great choice for fans of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events or Trenton Lee Stewart’s The Mysterious Benedict Society. Readers will be captivated by Penelope's resourcefulness and the heartwarming bond she shares with the Incorrigible children.

Highlights:

• A delightful blend of historical fiction, mystery, and lighthearted fantasy.
• Engaging wordplay and a sophisticated narrative voice that encourages vocabulary growth.
• A strong, intelligent female protagonist who values education and logic.
• Intriguing plot developments that deepen the overarching series mystery.

In The Interrupted Tale, the fourth installment of the beloved Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, Miss Penelope Lumley faces her most daunting challenge yet. Turning sixteen is a milestone, but Penelope's celebration is cut short by an invitation to her alma mater, the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. What was supposed to be a triumphant return to speak at the annual Celebrate Alumnae Knowledge Exposition (CAKE) turns into a high-stakes rescue mission when she finds the school in complete disarray. Penelope must use all her wit and Swanburne-taught wisdom to protect the future of the institution she loves.

This Victorian-era mystery is perfect for children who love quirky characters, clever wordplay, and historical settings. Ideal for readers interested in the found family trope and those who enjoy the dark humor of Lemony Snicket or the intricate puzzles of Trenton Lee Stewart. As Penelope attempts to prove the academic worth of her three wolf-raised charges—Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia—readers will be treated to a delightful blend of suspense and comedy. It is a great choice for middle-grade readers who appreciate smart protagonists and stories that celebrate the power of education and perseverance.

Highlights:

• A charming Victorian mystery filled with wit and Swanburne wisdom.
• Explores themes of identity and belonging through the unique Incorrigible children.
• Perfect for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Mysterious Benedict Society.
• Features a strong, intelligent female protagonist who values education and kindness.
• A compelling mix of humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments.

In the fifth installment of the beloved series, The Unmapped Sea follows the ever-capable governess Miss Penelope Lumley as she takes her three unique charges—Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia—to the English seaside. The Incorrigible Children, who were famously raised by wolves, are facing a dire threat: a mysterious wolfish curse that looms over the Ashton family. Penelope is determined to find answers from an old mariner, hoping to protect the children and their soon-to-be-born sibling from a hairy fate.

This book is ideal for readers interested in historical mysteries with a touch of the absurd. Maryrose Wood’s signature wit and sophisticated vocabulary make it a great choice for children who enjoy clever wordplay and Victorian-style adventures. It is perfect for fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events or The Mysterious Benedict Society, offering a blend of suspense, humor, and heartwarming family bonds that will keep middle-grade readers turning pages until the very end.

Highlights:

• A charming blend of Victorian mystery and whimsical humor.
• Focuses on themes of family loyalty and uncovering hidden identities.
• Features a strong, intelligent female protagonist and spirited children.
• Perfect for readers who love clever language and intricate plots.

In the thrilling conclusion to the beloved series, The Long-Lost Home finds the intrepid governess Penelope Lumley far from the comforts of Ashton Place. Trapped in the dismal Russian village of Plinkst, Penelope must navigate a land of endless beets and misery while racing against time. Her mission is critical: she must return to England to break the ancient curse threatening the Ashton family and finally uncover the truth about her own mysterious origins and the three "Incorrigible" children raised by wolves.

This book is perfect for children who love Victorian-era mysteries, witty wordplay, and stories about found families. Ideal for readers interested in historical settings mixed with a touch of the supernatural, Maryrose Wood delivers a satisfying finale that ties together years of secrets. It is a great choice for fans of Lemony Snicket who enjoy a blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure.

Highlights:

• The epic conclusion to the mystery of the Ashton curse and Penelope's past.
• A clever and resourceful female protagonist who values education and etiquette.
• Whimsical humor and sophisticated vocabulary that challenges young readers.
• Heartwarming themes of belonging and discovering one's true identity.