Much like Gail Carriger, Maryrose Wood brings an undeniable spirit of fun to her story. Take a spoonful of Jane Eyre, a pinch of Mary Poppins, and a dash of Lemony Snickets and you’ll have The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. I admit I’m naturally predisposed to like any book that has “incorrigible” in the title, but The Mysterious Howling is a charming take on the classic governess story. ‘Twas the cover that caught my eye, and I am so very glad that it did. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.īut mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners in time for the holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Of especially naught children, it is sometimes said “They must have been raised by wolves.”įound running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

The mysterious howling book