Written by Jessica Lawson, Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
Eleven year old Tabitha feels friendless and unloved. Her parents treat her like a servant and the children at school treat her like an insignificant speck. To help herself cope, Tabitha has made a friend out of Pemberley, an orphaned mouse she found in her attic room. Tabitha talks to him and consults him on any matter, following the example of her favorite detective, Inspector Pensive. Tabitha’s life takes a sudden turn when within one hour she finds out first that her parents plan to send her to an orphanage and then that she might be the missing heir of wealthy Countess Camilla DeMoss. This is the beginning of a real-life mystery for Tabitha, filled with adventure, danger, and death. But as exciting as all of that is to the young girl, all she really wants is to be loved and belong. Jessica Lawson masterfully balances emotion with action in this wonderful story. The mystery isn’t quick to solve and will challenge young readers to think, which is always a good thing. I especially enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from the various Inspector Pensive novels – a delightful touch. Though a few pieces of the story feel a bit over-the-top, it doesn’t detract from the story. So enjoyable.
Review by Teresa Edmunds, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-8
Author Website: http://jessicalawsonbooks.com/
Nooks & Crannies
Written by Jessica Lawson, Illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
316 pages
Release Date: June 2, 2015
