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Nooks & Crannies
Tabitha Crum is a girl with a big imagination and a love for mystery novels, though her parents think her only talent is being a nuisance. She doesn't have a friend in the world, except her pet mouse, Pemberley, with whom she shares her dingy attic bedroom.
Then, on the heels of a rather devastating announcement made by her mother and father, Tabitha receives a mysterious invitation to the country estate of the wealthy but reclusive Countess of Windermere, whose mansion is rumored to be haunted. There, she finds herself among five other children, none of them sure why they've been summoned. But soon, a very big secret will be revealed— a secret that will change their lives forever and put Tabitha’s investigative skills to the test.
Then, on the heels of a rather devastating announcement made by her mother and father, Tabitha receives a mysterious invitation to the country estate of the wealthy but reclusive Countess of Windermere, whose mansion is rumored to be haunted. There, she finds herself among five other children, none of them sure why they've been summoned. But soon, a very big secret will be revealed— a secret that will change their lives forever and put Tabitha’s investigative skills to the test.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2015
About the author
Jessica Lawson
6 books103 followersJessica Lawson currently lives in Pennsylvania. She likes pizza. A lot. Her middle grade books are published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
She fell in love with books at a young age. That love hasn't changed a bit.
She writes middle grade fiction, lots of to-do lists, and songs about lost socks.
She fell in love with books at a young age. That love hasn't changed a bit.
She writes middle grade fiction, lots of to-do lists, and songs about lost socks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
December 9, 2020
4.5 stars
Her pet mouse, aka Pemberley aka her assistant detective, is her only friend in the world.
Her parents fed and clothed her...but they never went beyond the most basic of caretaking needs:
The Countess of Windermere invited her, along with five other children, to the mansion for a weekend.
The Countess has a secret - one that would shake Tabitha's identity to the core.
And once that secret is revealed - everything she's ever known will change.
However...there is something else afoot. Something far more sinister than Tabitha ever could have suspected.
It will take a lot of sleuthing, with Pemberley's assistance, to get to the bottom of this mystery.
I adored this book!
It had a mild Roald Dahl vibe and was an absolute treasure.
Tabitha was clever without being precocious, smart without being overbearing and always (always) completely realistic.
Her love for mystery novels was so fun! I loved how she constantly quoted her favorite series to herself - such a fun interlude!
The plot was exciting - with fresh twists and turns on every page. Jessica Lawson did a stunning job on this book!
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Tabitha Crum is absolutely obsessed with mystery novels.
If only life were a book, and I could choose precisely what part I played.
Her pet mouse, aka Pemberley aka her assistant detective, is her only friend in the world.
Her parents fed and clothed her...but they never went beyond the most basic of caretaking needs:
Love, Tabitha Crum, is to be earned, not given away to just anyone like a festering case of fleas.Tabitha's parents have always said that she's too much of a burden and have decided to unload her at an orphanage for the summer.
Because spite could be a slow poison to the heart.Only days before the dropoff, Tabitha recieves a mysterious letter in the mail.
The Countess of Windermere invited her, along with five other children, to the mansion for a weekend.
The Countess has a secret - one that would shake Tabitha's identity to the core.
And once that secret is revealed - everything she's ever known will change.
However...there is something else afoot. Something far more sinister than Tabitha ever could have suspected.
It will take a lot of sleuthing, with Pemberley's assistance, to get to the bottom of this mystery.
I adored this book!
It had a mild Roald Dahl vibe and was an absolute treasure.
Tabitha was clever without being precocious, smart without being overbearing and always (always) completely realistic.
Her love for mystery novels was so fun! I loved how she constantly quoted her favorite series to herself - such a fun interlude!
If you want to know the true personality of a person, Tibbs, never go by how they treat you. Go by how they treat the butler and the maid.Pemberley was truly a treasure. The little conversations between Tabitha and her mouse were among the cutest moments of the book (also: )
The plot was exciting - with fresh twists and turns on every page. Jessica Lawson did a stunning job on this book!
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Want to read
June 17, 2015"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Clue when six children navigate a mansion full of secrets—and maybe money—in this humorous mystery with heart."
Um.
*puts on hold immediately*
Um.
*puts on hold immediately*
February 16, 2016
Animal sensitive young readers will want to know
March 21, 2017
Recenzia completă: http://palarisme.ro/chef/carti/recenz...
„Doamnei Crum îi plăcea să zică: Ţine minte, bărbaţilor nu le plac cititoarele, le plac frumoasele.”
Ploaie, ploaie și iar ploaie. Cum în acest weekend nu am putut să scriu, iar ceaiul cu mango și papaya a fost epuizat (încă) de la primele ore ale dimineții, mi-am petrecut prima zi în Brașov într-un conac bântuit, alături de şase copii neastâmpărați, mult prea curioși pentru binele lor.
Înainte să plec, mi-am abandonat bagajele în fața mașinii și am urcat în grabă scările, cu un singur gând în minte: vreau să citesc un thriller pe drum. Posibilități? Aş îndrăzni să spun nenumărate.
Fără un motiv clar, am evitat seriile începute și autorii consacrați în favoarea unui roman (aparent) mai light, care îmi promitea o lectură amuzantă și o aventură scurtă, dar memorabilă, folosindu-se de slăbiciunea mea pentru poveștile cu fantome şi dragostea nou descoperită faţă de literatura pentru copii.
Unghere şi cotloane este o avalanşă de emoţii şi de întâmplări supranaturale. Romanul m-a cucerit încă de la primele pagini, prin intermediul unei eroine fascinante, de aproape doisprezece ani, care mi-a amintit cât sunt de norocoasă: în comparaţie cu ale ei, „dramele” mele sunt copilăreşti şi absurde.
Numele ei este Tabitha Crum. Are o tunsoare neobişnuită. Îi place să citească, în special romane poliţiste. Este mică şi fragilă; ar putea să fie etichetată cu uşurinţă drept „ştearsă”. Hainele pe care le poartă sunt prea strâmte sau prea largi, rupte sau pătate, alcătuind o „ţinută” pentru care primeşte zilnic „complimente” şi porecle noi. Singurul ei prieten este un şoricel orfan, Pemberley, care îi este mereu alături şi pe care îl ascunde întotdeauna în buzunar, speriată că ar putea să îi fie luat sau, chiar mai rău, ucis. Părinţii o dispreţuiesc şi nu ratează nicio oportunitate pentru a-şi bate joc de ea, pentru a-i aminti cât de neimportantă şi cât de neîndemânatică este.
„Îşi închise ochii strâns pentru o clipă, încercând să oprească acele lacrimi de nestăpânit, cauzate de şoc. Emoţiile de orice fel îi supărau părinţii, aşa că îşi dezvoltase o personalitate mai degrabă introvertită decât extrovertită pentru acasă, însă de data aceasta îi era greu să nu protesteze. Toată lumea va şti că a fost abandonată, ceea ce este mult mai rău decât să fie fiica unor părinţi neiubitori şi neglijenţi.
Să fie respinsă pentru totdeauna de cei care ar fi trebuit să o îndrăgească era, de fapt, unul dintre punctele de pe lista ei de lucruri mult mai rele, deşi probabil că nu recunoştea asta nici măcar faţă de sine însăşi.
- Cu ce am greşit?”
„Doamnei Crum îi plăcea să zică: Ţine minte, bărbaţilor nu le plac cititoarele, le plac frumoasele.”
Ploaie, ploaie și iar ploaie. Cum în acest weekend nu am putut să scriu, iar ceaiul cu mango și papaya a fost epuizat (încă) de la primele ore ale dimineții, mi-am petrecut prima zi în Brașov într-un conac bântuit, alături de şase copii neastâmpărați, mult prea curioși pentru binele lor.
Înainte să plec, mi-am abandonat bagajele în fața mașinii și am urcat în grabă scările, cu un singur gând în minte: vreau să citesc un thriller pe drum. Posibilități? Aş îndrăzni să spun nenumărate.
Fără un motiv clar, am evitat seriile începute și autorii consacrați în favoarea unui roman (aparent) mai light, care îmi promitea o lectură amuzantă și o aventură scurtă, dar memorabilă, folosindu-se de slăbiciunea mea pentru poveștile cu fantome şi dragostea nou descoperită faţă de literatura pentru copii.
Unghere şi cotloane este o avalanşă de emoţii şi de întâmplări supranaturale. Romanul m-a cucerit încă de la primele pagini, prin intermediul unei eroine fascinante, de aproape doisprezece ani, care mi-a amintit cât sunt de norocoasă: în comparaţie cu ale ei, „dramele” mele sunt copilăreşti şi absurde.
Numele ei este Tabitha Crum. Are o tunsoare neobişnuită. Îi place să citească, în special romane poliţiste. Este mică şi fragilă; ar putea să fie etichetată cu uşurinţă drept „ştearsă”. Hainele pe care le poartă sunt prea strâmte sau prea largi, rupte sau pătate, alcătuind o „ţinută” pentru care primeşte zilnic „complimente” şi porecle noi. Singurul ei prieten este un şoricel orfan, Pemberley, care îi este mereu alături şi pe care îl ascunde întotdeauna în buzunar, speriată că ar putea să îi fie luat sau, chiar mai rău, ucis. Părinţii o dispreţuiesc şi nu ratează nicio oportunitate pentru a-şi bate joc de ea, pentru a-i aminti cât de neimportantă şi cât de neîndemânatică este.
„Îşi închise ochii strâns pentru o clipă, încercând să oprească acele lacrimi de nestăpânit, cauzate de şoc. Emoţiile de orice fel îi supărau părinţii, aşa că îşi dezvoltase o personalitate mai degrabă introvertită decât extrovertită pentru acasă, însă de data aceasta îi era greu să nu protesteze. Toată lumea va şti că a fost abandonată, ceea ce este mult mai rău decât să fie fiica unor părinţi neiubitori şi neglijenţi.
Să fie respinsă pentru totdeauna de cei care ar fi trebuit să o îndrăgească era, de fapt, unul dintre punctele de pe lista ei de lucruri mult mai rele, deşi probabil că nu recunoştea asta nici măcar faţă de sine însăşi.
- Cu ce am greşit?”
February 13, 2016
Due to the fact this book is easily spoiled, and I don't want that, as this book was a delightful Middle Grade mystery, I will keep it mostly to the basic stuff, even though I would love to go further into things, I just don't want to spoil anything! This book has some masterful twists and turns that will surprise you.
Let me start that I just was delighted with the story idea. It sounded a bit like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 6 children + parents being invited to a big mansion in the middle of nowhere, for what purpose, well they will have to find out. There is exquisite food, there are big rooms, hidden passages, mysteries and ghosts! It was all truly a feast to read this. The descriptions of the house was wonderful, I could just imagine myself there and discovering the passages, discovering all that is hidden in the house. Wandering around, getting lost in such a big place. I could also just imagine myself cuddling up in front of a fireplace and reading a book in the library. My, oh my, that library sounded absolutely divine.
Tabitha was a fantastic character, though I felt so sorry for her. She never deserved to have such parents as the Crums. Dear Lord, those people were horrific. I just wanted to shake them.
But even with horrendous parents like that, Tabitha was a great person. She learned to be brave, to be independent, but you can also see that she was often sad and alone, even though she had a great, but little companion with her at all times. But that great companion often cheered her up when she was in a dark place.
I really loved her conversations with that companion of hers, it was great fun to see her act like a detective, talking to her companion as if he were her colleague. I loved how that companion squeaked in reply or did actions to make it seem like he was replying.
I can hear you say: Squeak? But people don't squeak? Well, I never said that her little companion was human, did I now? Her companion is a very adorable mouse, named Pemberley. She found him and his siblings in her attic (yes, the poor girl was dumped by the Crums in an attic), and he was the one who stayed. She taught him tricks and much more! The little guy had quite a personality, and I loved how fiercely protective he was of Tabitha.
I love mice (I had pet mice of my own when I was younger) and I was delighted to finally see a character having a mouse as a pet, as a companion, as a friend. So really a lot of plus points for this!
Tabitha was delightfully smart, observant and I loved how she could just recall stuff that she noticed days ago. Even the littlest details, nothing escapes Tabitha.
The mystery and the whole story? It was just wonderful, I was lost in the book and time just flew by. I am still unsure where the time just went to. One moment it was a certain time, and when I looked up again it was much later. The book really grabs you by the nostrils, pulls you in, and never lets you go until the end.
I also had a few parts that just made me tear up. Of course, I won't spoil which ones.
We have several other characters. From the start I didn't like Barnaby or Frances, but I did like the other characters and I was just hoping that Tabitha would find a friend in them, she deserves to have one.
One thing that seemed odd, though maybe it was just me. At one point in the story, at a dark spooky night, Tabitha puts a chair under her doorknob, yet the next morning the maid seemingly opens the door without trouble, nor are there any mentions of a chair falling over. It was a bit weird. Maybe I missed something, maybe it was all a dream, but it stood out a bit.
The ending was fantastic, quickly paced and the last page was really sweet and lovely.
The book also has several illustrations and I really loved them, though I wish there had been more of them.
I also really liked the Pensive parts that were added at the beginning of the chapters. It was a feast to read them, I would love to read those Pensive novels, too bad they only exist in this book world.
I would highly recommend this book to all. Are you looking for a delightful mystery with great characters and an epic story? Read this one!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Let me start that I just was delighted with the story idea. It sounded a bit like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 6 children + parents being invited to a big mansion in the middle of nowhere, for what purpose, well they will have to find out. There is exquisite food, there are big rooms, hidden passages, mysteries and ghosts! It was all truly a feast to read this. The descriptions of the house was wonderful, I could just imagine myself there and discovering the passages, discovering all that is hidden in the house. Wandering around, getting lost in such a big place. I could also just imagine myself cuddling up in front of a fireplace and reading a book in the library. My, oh my, that library sounded absolutely divine.
Tabitha was a fantastic character, though I felt so sorry for her. She never deserved to have such parents as the Crums. Dear Lord, those people were horrific. I just wanted to shake them.
But even with horrendous parents like that, Tabitha was a great person. She learned to be brave, to be independent, but you can also see that she was often sad and alone, even though she had a great, but little companion with her at all times. But that great companion often cheered her up when she was in a dark place.
I really loved her conversations with that companion of hers, it was great fun to see her act like a detective, talking to her companion as if he were her colleague. I loved how that companion squeaked in reply or did actions to make it seem like he was replying.
I can hear you say: Squeak? But people don't squeak? Well, I never said that her little companion was human, did I now? Her companion is a very adorable mouse, named Pemberley. She found him and his siblings in her attic (yes, the poor girl was dumped by the Crums in an attic), and he was the one who stayed. She taught him tricks and much more! The little guy had quite a personality, and I loved how fiercely protective he was of Tabitha.
I love mice (I had pet mice of my own when I was younger) and I was delighted to finally see a character having a mouse as a pet, as a companion, as a friend. So really a lot of plus points for this!
Tabitha was delightfully smart, observant and I loved how she could just recall stuff that she noticed days ago. Even the littlest details, nothing escapes Tabitha.
The mystery and the whole story? It was just wonderful, I was lost in the book and time just flew by. I am still unsure where the time just went to. One moment it was a certain time, and when I looked up again it was much later. The book really grabs you by the nostrils, pulls you in, and never lets you go until the end.
I also had a few parts that just made me tear up. Of course, I won't spoil which ones.
We have several other characters. From the start I didn't like Barnaby or Frances, but I did like the other characters and I was just hoping that Tabitha would find a friend in them, she deserves to have one.
One thing that seemed odd, though maybe it was just me. At one point in the story, at a dark spooky night, Tabitha puts a chair under her doorknob, yet the next morning the maid seemingly opens the door without trouble, nor are there any mentions of a chair falling over. It was a bit weird. Maybe I missed something, maybe it was all a dream, but it stood out a bit.
The ending was fantastic, quickly paced and the last page was really sweet and lovely.
The book also has several illustrations and I really loved them, though I wish there had been more of them.
I also really liked the Pensive parts that were added at the beginning of the chapters. It was a feast to read them, I would love to read those Pensive novels, too bad they only exist in this book world.
I would highly recommend this book to all. Are you looking for a delightful mystery with great characters and an epic story? Read this one!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 8, 2016
"And Then There Were None" meets "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" -- I loved this book! Loved it so much that I've waited and waited to try and find time to write an adequate review. It's been six months since I read it and it's still vivid, though I'm no closer to finding time to write what I really want to say. But, it's Halloween-time and this would make an excellent choice for a spooky-but-not-toooo-scary middle grade read, ghost and all. Honestly, this book got a little bit too spooky for me at times, so sensitive readers might proceed with caution. See below for a few spoilers if you want to know how bad it gets. I was rather surprised at murder and snatched children (they disappear one by one, taken by a ghost or... something? in the castle) making appearances in a middle grade book, but I loved the characters and writing style so much I kept right on reading. I figured out some of the mystery but some of it was a surprise and I tip my hat to Lawson for writing a "children's" mystery that wasn't too obvious. Highly recommend.
November 6, 2017
Update: Here's my full review - http://www.bookishrealmreviews.com/20...
This book was excellent! I really enjoyed the audiobook! I loved that the characters varied so much from each other and that it had so much historical aspects as well as mystery. If you haven't read this book I would definitely recommend picking it up!!
This book was excellent! I really enjoyed the audiobook! I loved that the characters varied so much from each other and that it had so much historical aspects as well as mystery. If you haven't read this book I would definitely recommend picking it up!!
July 23, 2015
I knew as soon as I read the book flap that I was really going to like this one. This book was like a quirky mixture of Murder by Death (a movie that pokes fun at traditional mysteries. It really is quite funny; I highly recommend...probably not for younger kids...)and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Tabitha Crum is not liked by her schoolmates or even her parents. She has a sloppy haircut, funny clothes, a love of mystery novels, and a rumor floating around that she likes to talk to herself. What people can't see is that she actually is talking to someone, that someone being her pet mouse, Pemberley. Her schoolmates who have actually seen Pemberley call Tabitha "the rat girl". So Tabitha is surprised when she receives a sealed note at school with strict instructions to take it straight home for her parents to read. Tabitha's surprise turns to wonderment when she realizes she has received an invitation from the reclusive Countess of Windermere for a weekend at the countess' estate, Hollingsworth Hall. And then Tabitha realizes that she is one of six children who will be spending the weekend with the countess. Why have the children been invited to the hall, when no one has ever been invited to visit it before? When the electricity goes out and a dead body is on the floor, Tabitha suspects the innocent invitation might not be so innocent after all...
I loved Tabitha. She was smart and resourceful. She was also, amazingly, not bitter at all about her poor life circumstances. She found solace in the novels about Inspector Pensive (which I wish were real; Pensive seems like a Sherlock with a sense of humor and a taste for fine food...)and her friendship with her equally bright and spunky mouse, Pemberley. She was able to keep her head under pressure and had the courage to explore hidden passages and, generally, do a lot of investigative work of her own. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I imagine anyone from 10-13 probably would as well, especially if they are fond of mysteries. (I am not generally fond of mysteries, but this book was delightful good fun).
Tabitha Crum is not liked by her schoolmates or even her parents. She has a sloppy haircut, funny clothes, a love of mystery novels, and a rumor floating around that she likes to talk to herself. What people can't see is that she actually is talking to someone, that someone being her pet mouse, Pemberley. Her schoolmates who have actually seen Pemberley call Tabitha "the rat girl". So Tabitha is surprised when she receives a sealed note at school with strict instructions to take it straight home for her parents to read. Tabitha's surprise turns to wonderment when she realizes she has received an invitation from the reclusive Countess of Windermere for a weekend at the countess' estate, Hollingsworth Hall. And then Tabitha realizes that she is one of six children who will be spending the weekend with the countess. Why have the children been invited to the hall, when no one has ever been invited to visit it before? When the electricity goes out and a dead body is on the floor, Tabitha suspects the innocent invitation might not be so innocent after all...
I loved Tabitha. She was smart and resourceful. She was also, amazingly, not bitter at all about her poor life circumstances. She found solace in the novels about Inspector Pensive (which I wish were real; Pensive seems like a Sherlock with a sense of humor and a taste for fine food...)and her friendship with her equally bright and spunky mouse, Pemberley. She was able to keep her head under pressure and had the courage to explore hidden passages and, generally, do a lot of investigative work of her own. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I imagine anyone from 10-13 probably would as well, especially if they are fond of mysteries. (I am not generally fond of mysteries, but this book was delightful good fun).
November 8, 2015
Despite my star rating, let me start by saying how much I liked this book. It was very well-written, with a solid plot and storyline and a diversely great bunch of characters. The premise of the book was this great combination of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vs. Matilda. Basically, very Roald Dahl-ian.
However, I have been reading so many incredible middle grade novels this year, and in comparison this felt like it fell a little short. In Nooks & Crannies we meet Tabitha Crum, who lives in the attic and cleans and cooks and does all the chores for her horrible parents, who seemingly have zero affection for their daughter. Tabitha is one of six lucky children, who is sent an invite to meet the Countess of Windermere at her home, which is rumored to be haunted by ghosts. No one knows the purpose of these invitations, but they are all excited to have been invited as the Countess is known for her charitable generosity and wealth. Tabitha's parents jump on the chance to climb the social ladder, even though they had planned to permanently leave London and go to Spain abandoning their daughter in a shelter.
Once the children arrive at the Countess's home, whom no one has ever met before, they are all aware of a certain strangeness in her, but nobody could quite put their finger on it. They are quickly informed by the Countess that they were all adopted by their parents from the same orphanage in the same year, and one of them is her estranged son's child, who is set to inherit quite a large sum of money.
Tabitha is immediately suspicious, and with the help of her pet mouse, Pemberley, she sets off trying to discover the secrets behind all the mysterious disappearances of the children, the ghostly sounds in the house and the strange Countess and her servants.
A very good read. However, it seemed to take me much longer than needed to get through it, and once I did get through it, the whole thing seemed incredibly predictable and a little too middle grade for me. In fact, I really hated the ending and how it all wrapped up nicely with the twin siblings thing, which I felt was an unnecessary addition to the storyline. Obviously, this IS a middle grade story, so I can't complain (much) and it does feel unfair, but I guess I've been spoiled by such wonderful middle grade novels that were easily suitable for any age that I couldn't rate it as highly.
However, I have been reading so many incredible middle grade novels this year, and in comparison this felt like it fell a little short. In Nooks & Crannies we meet Tabitha Crum, who lives in the attic and cleans and cooks and does all the chores for her horrible parents, who seemingly have zero affection for their daughter. Tabitha is one of six lucky children, who is sent an invite to meet the Countess of Windermere at her home, which is rumored to be haunted by ghosts. No one knows the purpose of these invitations, but they are all excited to have been invited as the Countess is known for her charitable generosity and wealth. Tabitha's parents jump on the chance to climb the social ladder, even though they had planned to permanently leave London and go to Spain abandoning their daughter in a shelter.
Once the children arrive at the Countess's home, whom no one has ever met before, they are all aware of a certain strangeness in her, but nobody could quite put their finger on it. They are quickly informed by the Countess that they were all adopted by their parents from the same orphanage in the same year, and one of them is her estranged son's child, who is set to inherit quite a large sum of money.
Tabitha is immediately suspicious, and with the help of her pet mouse, Pemberley, she sets off trying to discover the secrets behind all the mysterious disappearances of the children, the ghostly sounds in the house and the strange Countess and her servants.
A very good read. However, it seemed to take me much longer than needed to get through it, and once I did get through it, the whole thing seemed incredibly predictable and a little too middle grade for me. In fact, I really hated the ending and how it all wrapped up nicely with the twin siblings thing, which I felt was an unnecessary addition to the storyline. Obviously, this IS a middle grade story, so I can't complain (much) and it does feel unfair, but I guess I've been spoiled by such wonderful middle grade novels that were easily suitable for any age that I couldn't rate it as highly.
June 26, 2015
Best of 2015. LOVED this! Couldn't put it down! Unexpected twists & turns--just when I thought I had everything figured out...BAM! Nope--and full of sly humor. Strong heroine who is true to herself and handles tough stuff with great equanimity. Admirable friendships/enemies. Want more!
March 30, 2020
What a delightful read!
March 11, 2022
I was intrigued by the idea of this book, but I found it a bit clunky in reality. The historical setting often felt like an afterthought, as if the time period and location were chosen for a bit of pizzazz that wasn't thoughtfully flushed out. The plot on its own was quite great, but it was unnecessarily and gracelessly stuffed into a time period and locale that was not truly taken into account.
Note - I have been noticing an overwhelming amount of mysteries set in this period in the U.K. being written by American authors that don't truly take the setting/period into account and I have to ask, both loudly and directly, WHY? This is so confusing to me. I think it is ludicrous to think that jotting in a character from Scotland Yard and a bad guy from East London (because, so often, they are from East London which is another rant entirely) makes a good book.
Anyways. 3/5.
Note - I have been noticing an overwhelming amount of mysteries set in this period in the U.K. being written by American authors that don't truly take the setting/period into account and I have to ask, both loudly and directly, WHY? This is so confusing to me. I think it is ludicrous to think that jotting in a character from Scotland Yard and a bad guy from East London (because, so often, they are from East London which is another rant entirely) makes a good book.
Anyways. 3/5.
June 25, 2015
I am a Young Adult & Children's Librarian and I definitely will be recommending this one to my library patrons.
I couldn't wait to read "Nooks & Crannies" and it definitely did not
disappoint! What a fun mystery. When I read the description it sounded like Clue meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and that's exactly what it reminded me of. I see that other goodreads reviewers have listed a similar description.
Tabitha Crum is a lonely girl, who only has the company of her pet mouse Pemberley and a fictional detective Inspector Pensive. One day Tabitha and 5 other children are invited to stay with a Countess. The reasons are unknown and Tabitha finds herself in the middle of a real life mystery, just like the Inspector Pensive novels she loves to read.
Tabitha is such a sweet character, and the other characters were enjoyable as well. While adult readers may see the twists coming, it still made for a fun story and definitely worth reading. Can't wait to read more from Jessica Lawson!
I couldn't wait to read "Nooks & Crannies" and it definitely did not
disappoint! What a fun mystery. When I read the description it sounded like Clue meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and that's exactly what it reminded me of. I see that other goodreads reviewers have listed a similar description.
Tabitha Crum is a lonely girl, who only has the company of her pet mouse Pemberley and a fictional detective Inspector Pensive. One day Tabitha and 5 other children are invited to stay with a Countess. The reasons are unknown and Tabitha finds herself in the middle of a real life mystery, just like the Inspector Pensive novels she loves to read.
Tabitha is such a sweet character, and the other characters were enjoyable as well. While adult readers may see the twists coming, it still made for a fun story and definitely worth reading. Can't wait to read more from Jessica Lawson!
August 7, 2015
Tabitha Crum would put Orphan Annie to shame. Her parents use her as their own personal maid (when they actually remember and acknowledge her existence, of course,) she has a terrible haircut, sleeps in the cold attic, and her only friend is a mouse named Pemberley. As if that wasn't bad enough, after some rather shady bank transactions, the Crums announce they're going on holiday to Spain...and that they're sending Tabitha to the local orphanage. As fate would have it, however, Tabitha receives a sealed envelope that changes her life: the reclusive Countess of Windermere has invited Tabitha to her (haunted??) mansion, along with five other children, none of whom know why.
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
July 15, 2015
I seldom have read a book where I so passionately rooted for the main character and absolutely loathed the antagonists. Brava to the author for creating characters so thoroughly lovable and hatable. Tabitha Crum is a wonderful mix of cleverness, imagination, vulnerability, and feistiness. The mystery plot has a dash of Dahl, Austen, and Christie and there are more plot twists than the hidden passages of the old manor house where the story is set. I love the boy/girl friendship that Tabitha forms with fellow manor guest, Oliver. And her relationship with her pet mouse Pemberly is both sweet and heart wrenching. But the true hidden star of this novel is the author; Lawson keeps you guessing up until the very end, and I found myself exclaiming, "No way!" when I reached the unexpected conclusion.
In a word: MASTERPIECE
In a word: MASTERPIECE
October 7, 2017
Tabitha und ihr Helfer der Mäuserich Pemberly lieben Kriminalgeschichten. Doch plötzlich verhalten sich ihre extrem lieblosen Eltern noch merkwürdiger und Tabitha erhält einen Brief von einer Gräfin Windermere, die sie in ihr Herrenhaus einlädt. Eine Hausangestellte stirbt, Kinder verschwinden, die Gräfin hat Messer in ihrer Handtasche und endlich kann Tabitha ihr detektivisches Wissen nutzen.
Nach den ersten Seiten erinnerte mich das Buch an 'Charlie und die Schokoladenfabrik'. Eine richtig schöner Kinder-Krimi mit Geheimgängen und überraschenden Wendungen.
Nach den ersten Seiten erinnerte mich das Buch an 'Charlie und die Schokoladenfabrik'. Eine richtig schöner Kinder-Krimi mit Geheimgängen und überraschenden Wendungen.
April 28, 2015
There really wasn't much of a mystery here and while the author apparently tried for a Roald Dahl-ish feel to the children and parents, she didn't go quite dark enough. That being said, it was cute and a pleasant diversion for a few hours and the eight- and nine-year-olds who are its target audience will likely enjoy putting the clues together alongside Tabitha and will find the villains (and Tabitha's parents) just villainous enough to give a little shiver.
Want to read
July 10, 2019I feel kindred-bound to read anything with a character that has my not-so-typical name in it
March 14, 2020
I abslutely loved this book. I think all ages would get a kick out of this. Definitely gave me a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory feel.
October 3, 2021
A delightful read! Will look into procuring more of Ms Lawson's books. :D
July 9, 2015
Originally posted at Log Cabin Library
Nooks and Crannies is the kind of book for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Westing Game, Matilda and Clue. There were so many things that I loved about this book. For starters, that cover, I love how a keyhole was incorporated into the title. Just lovely. And all the details, Tabitha running with a key in her hand, Pemberly peaking out of the pocket of her apron. The old mansion in the background and the books and cobwebs on the table. There is a very British feel to the story in the characters and words that Lawson chooses to use to describe the setting, like this passage "The cobblestone streets in the village of Wilting were made eerie and muted by thick November fog, and clip-clopping carriage horses snorted up and down the road emerging, and disappearing into the mist. Almost like ghosts, Tabitha mused."
Lawson created the perfect kind of setting for her murder mystery. Hollingsworth Hall is a creepy mansion set in the Lake District of England during 1907. The mansion is filled with hidden passageways, locked doors, a lovely large library and creepy mysterious noises at night. It's the kind of place that you can just see yourself inside with its long corridors and old paintings on the walls. There are "plenty of mysteries but no crime" at first, but then the maid Mary Pettigrew is possibly murdered and a series of plot twists, dangers and a need to figure out just what this countess has planned for her guests ensues.
Tabitha is such a wonderful character who reminded me so much of Roald Dahl's Matilda. She has this miserable home life with parents that are unloving, neglectful and downright rotten. They were set to send her off to an orphanage at the beginning of the story, that is until they thought a weekend at Hollingsworth Hall might turn out to be "profitable." Tabitha's only salvation are a love for reading her Inspector Pensive novels (think Sherlock Holmes) and her friend and confidant Pemberley (kinda like a Watson to her Inspector Pensive). Having Pemberley as her partner, Tabitha can say all the things she would want to say, but is to shy to say. Problem is that people think she is talking to herself and this alienates her from making friends. Tabitha is very imaginative, observant, a storyteller and clings to the hope that one day her parents will grow to love her, so she minds what they say, doesn't complain, despite her mother telling her "You want us to love you, is that right? Love, Tabitha Crum, is to be earned, not given away to just anyone like a festering case of fleas." You really can't help feeling sorry for how lonely Tabitha is, while despising her parents. Just look at this quote by Tabitha
"Why, oh why, was it so much easier to interact with Pemberley than with people? It was desperately confusing to both yearn for others to include you and half wish that they wouldn't."
Oh, but all those changes that occurred as Tabitha became this mini inspector putting together the clues to find out just why they were all summoned to Hollingsworth Hall in the first place, such wonderful character development. And the Pensive expressions that she recalled from stories dotting the beginning of each chapter, were delightful. "When hope has left your side, carry on with the assumption that it simply went to fetch a quick bite to eat and will return shortly."
I highly recommend Nooks and Crannies for someone looking for a story with a classic feel, a strong heroine that you can't help but root for, plus a nice mystery bundled into one.
Favorite line:
"if only life were a book, and I could choose precisely what part I played."
Review copy provided by author following interview/giveaway hosted by From the Mixed-Up Files
Nooks and Crannies is the kind of book for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Westing Game, Matilda and Clue. There were so many things that I loved about this book. For starters, that cover, I love how a keyhole was incorporated into the title. Just lovely. And all the details, Tabitha running with a key in her hand, Pemberly peaking out of the pocket of her apron. The old mansion in the background and the books and cobwebs on the table. There is a very British feel to the story in the characters and words that Lawson chooses to use to describe the setting, like this passage "The cobblestone streets in the village of Wilting were made eerie and muted by thick November fog, and clip-clopping carriage horses snorted up and down the road emerging, and disappearing into the mist. Almost like ghosts, Tabitha mused."
Lawson created the perfect kind of setting for her murder mystery. Hollingsworth Hall is a creepy mansion set in the Lake District of England during 1907. The mansion is filled with hidden passageways, locked doors, a lovely large library and creepy mysterious noises at night. It's the kind of place that you can just see yourself inside with its long corridors and old paintings on the walls. There are "plenty of mysteries but no crime" at first, but then the maid Mary Pettigrew is possibly murdered and a series of plot twists, dangers and a need to figure out just what this countess has planned for her guests ensues.
Tabitha is such a wonderful character who reminded me so much of Roald Dahl's Matilda. She has this miserable home life with parents that are unloving, neglectful and downright rotten. They were set to send her off to an orphanage at the beginning of the story, that is until they thought a weekend at Hollingsworth Hall might turn out to be "profitable." Tabitha's only salvation are a love for reading her Inspector Pensive novels (think Sherlock Holmes) and her friend and confidant Pemberley (kinda like a Watson to her Inspector Pensive). Having Pemberley as her partner, Tabitha can say all the things she would want to say, but is to shy to say. Problem is that people think she is talking to herself and this alienates her from making friends. Tabitha is very imaginative, observant, a storyteller and clings to the hope that one day her parents will grow to love her, so she minds what they say, doesn't complain, despite her mother telling her "You want us to love you, is that right? Love, Tabitha Crum, is to be earned, not given away to just anyone like a festering case of fleas." You really can't help feeling sorry for how lonely Tabitha is, while despising her parents. Just look at this quote by Tabitha
"Why, oh why, was it so much easier to interact with Pemberley than with people? It was desperately confusing to both yearn for others to include you and half wish that they wouldn't."
Oh, but all those changes that occurred as Tabitha became this mini inspector putting together the clues to find out just why they were all summoned to Hollingsworth Hall in the first place, such wonderful character development. And the Pensive expressions that she recalled from stories dotting the beginning of each chapter, were delightful. "When hope has left your side, carry on with the assumption that it simply went to fetch a quick bite to eat and will return shortly."
I highly recommend Nooks and Crannies for someone looking for a story with a classic feel, a strong heroine that you can't help but root for, plus a nice mystery bundled into one.
Favorite line:
"if only life were a book, and I could choose precisely what part I played."
Review copy provided by author following interview/giveaway hosted by From the Mixed-Up Files
September 8, 2015
Let me start by saying that I loved Jessica Lawson's first book. I thought her retelling of Tom Sawyer was brilliant, and I wondered whether her other stories would live up to my high opinion of that first book. But I suspected within 10 pages that I would like this one better--and my suspicions proved true. Nooks & Crannies is a perfect middle grade mystery--not too spooky, not too confusing, with just enough clues for a younger reader to solve some things for him or herself. On top of that, the character-focused story never falls to the sidelines in the interest of highlighting the mystery--the growth of Tabitha Crum from bullied and timid to bold and funny is very well done. On top of THAT: good clean writing, great humor, fun secondary characters, a Roald Dahl-ish set-up, and a mouse named Pemberly. Which just made me happy. :)
October 15, 2017
I'm a sucker for a fun mystery with a spunky heroine! Add a family fortune up for grabs, a strange countess, orphanages, a British countryside manor, a terrible blizzard, and a mouse named Pemberley, and I'm in love.
June 28, 2021
Sadly this wasn't a magical read for me. Was not terrible and I can see why many likes it both children and adults. But wasn't my cup of tea.
October 1, 2020
actual rating: 3.5 stars
Tabitha Crum lived a sad, terrible life. The early chapters made me boiling with anger. Those scumbags (The Crums) are the most disgusting parents ever. I'd say the plot is quite predictable with a bit twist that made went "ooh wow never thought about that", but it was quite an adventure!
Tabitha Crum lived a sad, terrible life. The early chapters made me boiling with anger. Those scumbags (The Crums) are the most disgusting parents ever. I'd say the plot is quite predictable with a bit twist that made went "ooh wow never thought about that", but it was quite an adventure!
January 10, 2020
I was a little thrown off at first but the pace of the plot but once we got into the thick of it, it made more sense.
Narration was fantastic. I don't want to say to much about the novel because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else.
Narration was fantastic. I don't want to say to much about the novel because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else.
September 13, 2018
Cel mai bun roman polițist pe care l-am citit pâna acum!❤📚
September 11, 2015
My son and I listened to this audio book while commuting together to work and child care together this summer.
The blurb on the back describes it as a cross between "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Clue."
How could we resist a book with a description like that!? How could anyone?
Very fun, very well-plotted children's mystery.
The characters are all archetypes that Victorian mystery lovers can't resist: the poor, yet bright, narrator, the spoiled rich children, the crazy countess, the suspicious butler, the angry cook, the mostly awful parents, and more.
There are secret passages, secret letters, missing jewels, things that go bump in the night, and plenty of twists and turns.
I'll admit that I figured out most of it before the end, and my son even figured out a bit of it, but neither of us minded because the story was intriguing, the details were perfect, and there was quite a bit of dry, British humor as well.
If you enjoy a good mystery, and want a story for your child who loves mysteries too, but isn't ready for Agatha Christie, then this should do the trick.
My son gave it possibly the highest praise possible for an almost 7 year-old. As soon as we finished, he declared that the author HAD to write a second book!
Maybe she will, if we're lucky.
*Content note: There is a death, there is a dead body, and there are repeated declarations of plans to murder, so if your child isn't ready for that, don't try this title yet. While more silly than gruesome, it's still death. There are also some uses of the British euphemism "bloody," which goes right over my little guy's head without a mention, but may bother others.
The blurb on the back describes it as a cross between "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Clue."
How could we resist a book with a description like that!? How could anyone?
Very fun, very well-plotted children's mystery.
The characters are all archetypes that Victorian mystery lovers can't resist: the poor, yet bright, narrator, the spoiled rich children, the crazy countess, the suspicious butler, the angry cook, the mostly awful parents, and more.
There are secret passages, secret letters, missing jewels, things that go bump in the night, and plenty of twists and turns.
I'll admit that I figured out most of it before the end, and my son even figured out a bit of it, but neither of us minded because the story was intriguing, the details were perfect, and there was quite a bit of dry, British humor as well.
If you enjoy a good mystery, and want a story for your child who loves mysteries too, but isn't ready for Agatha Christie, then this should do the trick.
My son gave it possibly the highest praise possible for an almost 7 year-old. As soon as we finished, he declared that the author HAD to write a second book!
Maybe she will, if we're lucky.
*Content note: There is a death, there is a dead body, and there are repeated declarations of plans to murder, so if your child isn't ready for that, don't try this title yet. While more silly than gruesome, it's still death. There are also some uses of the British euphemism "bloody," which goes right over my little guy's head without a mention, but may bother others.
April 27, 2016
The Case of the Blasted Good Book, notes by Inspector-in-Training Rebecca P:
Like The Times, I followed this story with all due fortitude, awaiting each new divulgence with the appropriate anxiety of a good-hearted soul and the clear-headed observance required of a sleuth in the making. Young Tabitha Crum may have lowly beginnings (and wretched parents), but she has a keen eye and a stout friend in her mouse Pemberley. Their adventure begins with a missing heir, but soon there is suspicion of murder most foul, ghostly apparitions, thievery, secret passageways, impersonation, and intentionally over-salted soup! By God, have the dastardly no shame?! Thankfully, young Tabitha is made of stern stuff, and with an arsenal of tips gleaned from mystery novels starring the astute Inspector Percival Pensive, she is up to the challenge of solving her first case. I salute you, fellow Inspector-in-Training Tabitha!
To Glorious Crime and Justice!
Rebecca P.
Like The Times, I followed this story with all due fortitude, awaiting each new divulgence with the appropriate anxiety of a good-hearted soul and the clear-headed observance required of a sleuth in the making. Young Tabitha Crum may have lowly beginnings (and wretched parents), but she has a keen eye and a stout friend in her mouse Pemberley. Their adventure begins with a missing heir, but soon there is suspicion of murder most foul, ghostly apparitions, thievery, secret passageways, impersonation, and intentionally over-salted soup! By God, have the dastardly no shame?! Thankfully, young Tabitha is made of stern stuff, and with an arsenal of tips gleaned from mystery novels starring the astute Inspector Percival Pensive, she is up to the challenge of solving her first case. I salute you, fellow Inspector-in-Training Tabitha!
To Glorious Crime and Justice!
Rebecca P.
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