School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Maryrose Wood's wolf-like incorrigible children are back with the well-composed Miss Penelope Lumley as their governess in another wild adventure (2011). Following the disastrous Christmas party at the end of The Mysterious Howling (2010, both Balzer plus Bray), Ashton Place is under repairs. To escape from the mess, Lady Ashton moves the entire family, including the children and Penelope, to London where she intends to spend her time with high-society acquaintances and shop in pricey stores. Penelope's plans include exposing the children to as much culture and history as possible. However, everything quickly goes awry as a strange guidebook, a mysterious warning, crazy pirates, and a new friend enter their lives. The story is full of fun and mystery, providing a few new clues into the lives of the children, Penelope, and Lord Ashton. The real treasure here is narrator Katherine Kellgren who brilliantly voices this quirky cast of characters. Listeners will appreciate everything from the engaging but decidedly wolf-like voices of the children to the earnest Miss Lumley and the screeching hysterics of Lady Ashton. Kellgren's pacing is perfect, pulling listeners along breathlessly when the Incorrigibles find themselves in danger and slowing down for a hint of amusement as the narrator adds her diverting asides. Listeners will eagerly await the next installment.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.