BOOK REVIEW: Mandrake's Plot by Helen Laycock

BLURB:

Evie and Mia meet on a train on their way to St. Agatha's Boarding School for Young Ladies. Dropped at a deserted station, with no one to meet them, they trek through the pelting rain and darkness for miles until they find a sign to St. Agatha's which points to an unlikely overgrown track leading up a mountain path. 

A foreboding place, St. Agatha's School is surrounded by a sea of mist, and overlooks a loch. Coming face to face with the grotesque caretaker, Mandrake, is not the only thing to unsettle them. 

What is the significance of the strange rings worn by Miss Blackthorn, the head teacher - and why does everyone behave so oddly? 

The girls stumble across a forgotten burial chamber. Inside, lies the crumbling skeleton of Sister Beatrice, clutching a note which tells of a curse. Locked in the chamber as a punishment, the friends discover an old book within which is the antidote to the curse... but it is hidden in code. 

REVIEW BY: Angel, age 13 years, 5 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was a great adventure with some twists and turns! It was an easy read with a fast-paced plot. 

This book is about two girls named Evie and Mia, they were both sent to St. Agatha's (its a school for girls), but when they got there, they started to see strange things going on to the girls and staff. Everyone is so mean and rude. One teacher wanted everything to be symmetrical and another teacher talked in rhythm. All of the worst part of every student's personality came through. One day Mia and Evie came across a key that led somewhere in their room. Soon they found a curse in the chamber on the vegetables that they eat. Evie and Mia knew they had to break the curse somehow! 

My favorite character is Mandrake because he doesn't talk, but is super sweet and does the right thing. 

My favorite part is when Mandrake drives the car because it is hilarious. 

I don't think there is anything I would fix in this book, it's short and exciting and I love it! 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 and up.