The Mystery of Insch Brae House by Susan Fiddes

What worked:

The author describes a mysterious, depressing setting for Muriel, as she’s sent to stay with a guardian she’s never met. Miss Floss demeans her at every opportunity to the point where Muriel is afraid to move about the house. The house itself is drab and dusty, with most of the rooms standing empty. However, food surprisingly appears outside her bedroom door, but it seems Miss Floss doesn’t know anything about it. Strange sounds and Muriel’s curiosity lead her to begin investigating the house.

The author uses short chapters, which should appeal to young readers. The conflict focuses on the history of Insch Brae House, since Muriel doesn’t understand why it’s in such poor condition now. She deduces that it may have been a school where Miss Floss once worked, but Muriel wants to know why she’s now so sad and bitter. A young boy from town joins Muriel halfway into the story, and together, they follow clues to uncover what happened to the house and Miss Floss. The truth involves bullying and a tragic love story and builds to a surprising climax.

What didn’t work as well:

The prologue and an early chapter describe Muriel’s father in India. He’s injured during an earthquake, and her mother travels there to be with him. However, her parents aren’t a major part of the story, and readers may be disappointed or surprised by that. Perhaps the parents will be more present in the book’s sequel.

The final verdict:

The plot isn’t a suspenseful mystery, but it features unique characters and a heart-warming ending. I suggest you give it a shot.