  | Secret starling Author: Eagle, Judith | |
| Price: $22.38 | ||
Summary:
Clara Starling lives a life of dull rules, deadly routine, and flavorless meals under her cold uncle's strict regime until the day he disappears, leaving Clara alone in his old mansion. When streetwise orphan Peter and his rescue cat arrive unexpectedly, the children choose to live by their own rules. During the pair's wild romps through the halls of Braithwaite Manor they are hurled into a mystery involving the Royal Opera House and Starling family secrets of poison, passion, and murder.
| Illustrator: | Rioux, Jo-Anne |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.20 Points: 7.0 Quiz: 511787 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (05/15/21)
Booklist (05/01/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 05/01/2021 Clara lives in Braithwaite Manor on the Yorkshire moors, under the care of her coldhearted uncle. He has told her that her mother, a ballet dancer, died giving birth to her, and her father doesn’t know that she exists. Suddenly, after dismissing the servants, Uncle abandons Clara. Determined to stay at the manor, she takes in a boy who arrives at her doorstep looking for shelter while Granny, his guardian, is in the hospital. An old ballet shoe found under a floorboard inspires a quest to learn the truth about Clara’s parents. In London, Granny is in danger, but using their wits and courage, the kids unmask a villain and make a remarkable discovery. Set in the 1970s, the story has its lighter moments, but it becomes more intense when events take a sinister turn. The lively cast of characters includes imaginative village children, a villainous ex-ballerina, and a prince of a Russian danseur. And while the ending may surprise some readers, it’s sure to delight them as well. Eight full-page illustrations add to this mystery’s considerable appeal. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
