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The Double Trouble Society #1
The Double Trouble Society
What do you get if you mix together two best friends, a witch's curse and a haunted house? A spell-binding mystery from acclaimed performer and bestselling author Carrie Hope Fletcher - star of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella . They say children who are born on Friday 13th are immune to evil spirits. Whilst Ivy and Maggie liked to believe that was true, it didn 't stop them checking for monsters under their bed each and every night. Ivy and Maggie have been best friends ever since they were born at exactly the same minute twelve years earlier. They're always on the look-out for a new adventure but unfortunately Crowood Peak is officially the most boring town in the world. Or at least it was until children start to mysteriously disappear and, even stranger, none of the grown-ups seem to have noticed . . . It's up to the Double Trouble Society to work out what's going on. All the evidence points to the old mansion next door with strange green lights in the windows and a new owner who looks suspiciously like a witch! Can Ivy and Maggie solve the mystery of Hokum House and rescue their friends or will they be next on the witch's list of victims?
288 pages, Hardcover
Published July 7, 2022
29 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Hope Fletcher
19 books5,708 followersCarrie Hope Fletcher is an English actress, author and singer-songwriter.
She played Eponine in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre until February 13th 2016. She is the first actress to have played both young Eponine and older Eponine. In 2019, she returned to Les Miserables as Fantine.
Fletcher played Truly Scrumptious in the UK touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Wednesday Addams in the UK touring production of The Addams Family. She then starred as Veronica Sawyer in the UK production of Heathers: The Musical.
Her debut book, All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully was published in May 2015. Her first fiction novel, On the Other Side was published in July 2016.
Fletcher is well known for her YouTube channel where she shares videos about her life and her work as an actress and author.
She played Eponine in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre until February 13th 2016. She is the first actress to have played both young Eponine and older Eponine. In 2019, she returned to Les Miserables as Fantine.
Fletcher played Truly Scrumptious in the UK touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Wednesday Addams in the UK touring production of The Addams Family. She then starred as Veronica Sawyer in the UK production of Heathers: The Musical.
Her debut book, All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully was published in May 2015. Her first fiction novel, On the Other Side was published in July 2016.
Fletcher is well known for her YouTube channel where she shares videos about her life and her work as an actress and author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 5, 2022
This is an intriguing middle grade reader fantasy and history
With a legend, a curse, magic and mystery!
Set in Crowood Peak, where two best friends reside
By a haunted house, their homes on either side.
Ivy and Maggie were born on Friday 13th and though
They're not related, they're very close even so.
They have walkie talkies to talk whilst apart
And they're using them when the events all start.
Get ready for a three centuries old curse
That guarantee things will get worse
With witches and demons and memories hidden
A spell to make adults do an evil witch's bidding!
Can the girls work together and save the town
Or will all the danger get them all down?
With magic and mystery the Double Trouble pair
Need to decide who to trust to help stop this dreadful scare.
A fun read that has lots of action to keep you engaged,
Including some folks who are getting enraged.
It seems that sisters hold the key to salvation
But how it works out is a brilliant revelation!
This children's fantasy will definitely appeal
As the intrepid best friends help the truth to reveal.
They also are key to saving the town and their friends
Though you're not sure how until the book ends.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review
With a legend, a curse, magic and mystery!
Set in Crowood Peak, where two best friends reside
By a haunted house, their homes on either side.
Ivy and Maggie were born on Friday 13th and though
They're not related, they're very close even so.
They have walkie talkies to talk whilst apart
And they're using them when the events all start.
Get ready for a three centuries old curse
That guarantee things will get worse
With witches and demons and memories hidden
A spell to make adults do an evil witch's bidding!
Can the girls work together and save the town
Or will all the danger get them all down?
With magic and mystery the Double Trouble pair
Need to decide who to trust to help stop this dreadful scare.
A fun read that has lots of action to keep you engaged,
Including some folks who are getting enraged.
It seems that sisters hold the key to salvation
But how it works out is a brilliant revelation!
This children's fantasy will definitely appeal
As the intrepid best friends help the truth to reveal.
They also are key to saving the town and their friends
Though you're not sure how until the book ends.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review
June 2, 2022
Thanks to the publisher Penguin Random House Children's for sending me an early copy, in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this middle grade book, it would be great to sit and read with a child over the Halloween season for sure. The two main characters are a lot of fun, and love going off on adventures together. The author paints a wonderful picture of all the magical elements in this book, it really does feel magical and spooky. A great read for children. To read more about this book, check out my review on my blog:
https://insidethecover356912439.wordp...
I really enjoyed reading this middle grade book, it would be great to sit and read with a child over the Halloween season for sure. The two main characters are a lot of fun, and love going off on adventures together. The author paints a wonderful picture of all the magical elements in this book, it really does feel magical and spooky. A great read for children. To read more about this book, check out my review on my blog:
https://insidethecover356912439.wordp...
July 8, 2022
A simple but fun story about witches, magic, friendships, family, and love conquering all. The relationship between the characters were lovely to read about and the strength of the story.
The narrative was a little too simple, with little to no character arcs or commentary on societal matters. While I realise this is a middle grade story, and definitely aimed at the younger side of that categorisation, there are plenty of examples out there of MG stories that do this. This isn't one of them.
Regardless it was a fun romp with a sweet message of cherishing your loved ones.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
The narrative was a little too simple, with little to no character arcs or commentary on societal matters. While I realise this is a middle grade story, and definitely aimed at the younger side of that categorisation, there are plenty of examples out there of MG stories that do this. This isn't one of them.
Regardless it was a fun romp with a sweet message of cherishing your loved ones.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
July 27, 2025
Carrie truly captured magical mystery for young children. This was such an enjoyable read
I loved it, it gives you adventure, mystery, happiness, teamwork and a little hocus pocus!!
I thought I knew where the story was going and then you got the twist.
I loved it, it gives you adventure, mystery, happiness, teamwork and a little hocus pocus!!
I thought I knew where the story was going and then you got the twist.
June 20, 2022
Thank you to netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the exact book I would have adored as a kid! Witches and mischief, what more could you want?
The friendship between Maggie and Ivy is lovely to read and the way the themes of love and hope are explored is brilliant.
Overall a great, engaging read perfect for those who love spooky season
This is the exact book I would have adored as a kid! Witches and mischief, what more could you want?
The friendship between Maggie and Ivy is lovely to read and the way the themes of love and hope are explored is brilliant.
Overall a great, engaging read perfect for those who love spooky season
March 11, 2025
Ivy e Maggie erano nate stesso giorno di venerdì 13.
Amiche per la pelle, convinte di essere immuni agli spiriti maligni e soprattutto perché non credevano ai mostri, si erano trasferite in un luogo in cui vicino c’era una casa che si diceva fosse stregata.
Ma loro non avena paura, no no.
Semplicemente controllavano sotto il letto prima di andare a dormire.
Perché?
Perché temevano che la strega cattiva stesse per tornare.
E così iniziano un’indagine serrata per contrastare un potente sortilegio e liberare la casa infestata.
Bene ragazzi, siete pronti per seguire le avventure dell’Associazione Accalappiaguai?
Due sorelle su una scopa stanno aspettando proprio voi per dar seguito alla profezia della leggenda.
Amiche per la pelle, convinte di essere immuni agli spiriti maligni e soprattutto perché non credevano ai mostri, si erano trasferite in un luogo in cui vicino c’era una casa che si diceva fosse stregata.
Ma loro non avena paura, no no.
Semplicemente controllavano sotto il letto prima di andare a dormire.
Perché?
Perché temevano che la strega cattiva stesse per tornare.
E così iniziano un’indagine serrata per contrastare un potente sortilegio e liberare la casa infestata.
Bene ragazzi, siete pronti per seguire le avventure dell’Associazione Accalappiaguai?
Due sorelle su una scopa stanno aspettando proprio voi per dar seguito alla profezia della leggenda.
February 20, 2025
Absolutely loved listening to this one. So fun and engaging! My only critique is that the ‘popular’ character who was a bully kept being given the benefit of the doubt, with everyone always saving her even when she was insulting them (with the lesson being, she’s actually just a scared child) but even when others were kind to her she was just straight up rude. I agree that you should treat others with kindness; however, I wouldn’t have minded if she’d been eaten by the witch. Waiting for the next on to become an audiobook!!
October 5, 2023
I enjoyed this. I’ve not read anything for a long loooong while and wanted something light and easy to get me back into the swing of things and this was perfect.
I loved the girls friendship and individual quirks and the way things were resolved in the story.
A cute light read to ease you into the Halloween spirit.
I loved the girls friendship and individual quirks and the way things were resolved in the story.
A cute light read to ease you into the Halloween spirit.
April 24, 2024
This was just what I needed.
A quick, fun, entertaining read inbetween the heavy reading. I loved this.
The positive outlook on life, the "friends can be family too", the "everyone has a little magic within them"
It's no secret that I love Carrie a whole lot, so this comes to no surprise but yes, absolutely adored this
A quick, fun, entertaining read inbetween the heavy reading. I loved this.
The positive outlook on life, the "friends can be family too", the "everyone has a little magic within them"
It's no secret that I love Carrie a whole lot, so this comes to no surprise but yes, absolutely adored this
November 5, 2022
This was a really sweet book about friendship and magic as children know it. I didn't enjoy it as much as Carrie's other books but I think that's down to target audience.
February 25, 2024
A brilliant middle grade story that I read with my daughter. It's so imaginative and even has some dark horror elements to it with the old story of the witch eating hearts.
July 15, 2022
My children and I are reading this book together (thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the preview copy) - the characters and the storyline have captured all our imaginations.
The kids have asked to buy a physical copy of the book, which is very high praise. They’re also now using it as a source of role play and building various elements of the story in Minecraft, which is testament to the quality of the world building.
Suitable for kids and big kids alike. If you enjoyed the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend, then give this a go!
The kids have asked to buy a physical copy of the book, which is very high praise. They’re also now using it as a source of role play and building various elements of the story in Minecraft, which is testament to the quality of the world building.
Suitable for kids and big kids alike. If you enjoyed the Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend, then give this a go!
November 25, 2024
Super cute with references to Wicked & Hocus Pocus feels.
January 6, 2025
Middle grade books that involve witches and magic are right up my street and although I wasn’t as impressed with this one as l wanted to be I still enjoyed the majority of the story. The two main characters were intriguing and quirky which I loved and I liked the overarching messages of adversity over evil, accepting differences in others and loyalty to family and friends that were intertwined throughout. I think the pacing is what put me off a little but overall an enjoyable read!
July 4, 2022
This was a really imaginative, heart felt book that I would absolutely recommend to kids (and big kids) with a spooky mind and anyone who wants some adventure in their life!
It was an easy read that ticked all the boxes and truly does teach the reader about the meaning of life: love and kindness. Something we can ALL learn from.
It was an easy read that ticked all the boxes and truly does teach the reader about the meaning of life: love and kindness. Something we can ALL learn from.
July 23, 2022
A tweenaged fantasy with an awful lot of conviction and distinction for a 'celebrity' author. Two adopted children would be next door neighbours but for the fact that between their homes is the access to Hokum House, a ruin for three hundred years since the last witch to live there vanished, chasing a thirteenth child's heart to eat to become ruler of the underworld, or something. Oh, but, now a new woman has moved in, restored it to full glory with a wave of her hand and a muttering or two, and all the key adults about the place now believe this woman, Amy, to be a long-term village inhabitant. Our heroines are sure something very nasty is afoot, especially as they see the village's legends and history getting redacted at the same time. It will clearly kick off this next blue moon, when a festival about the legend is due. But is this going to be the time a three hundred year old prophecy comes true?
For an audience a couple of years younger than this the book would be half the length and the plot would revolve around whether Amy is a witch or not – it would be found when she waves her hands about and chants stuff she is a misunderstood yoga tutor. An audience older than this expects to have would get a fairly dark end-of-the-world scenario. This is finely pitched right in the middle, and has jeopardy and magical strangeness, but also the lightness of touch to appeal to a pre-teen crowd. The girls, Ivy and Maggie, took some time with me to appear distinct, but once I knew who was who I enjoyed their differences, and didn't even mind the copious times they mugged for the camera or nudged each other to shut up as if they lived in a sit-com.
For fans of this age bracket's fantasy, what I still say is a surprise is the layered quality of the lore – the names on the stones from the mountain because of the this and the that. It does get info-dumped on us in an awkward fashion – but, to repeat, the way it gets wiped out for practically all but our leads is another fine aspect of this story. It helps make this a book about family, as well – the two girls, practically sisters, losing connections with parental guidance just when it's most needed.
However, that aspect, the sisterhood and family love etc, does end up making the latter parts of this really, really cloying for readers older than the intended. It wants to ram down our throats the importance of hope, of never quitting, and of going the extra mile towards danger – all because of family. Such is a fine sentiment, I guess, but it's not really subtle here. And yet the target audience won't care a monkey's – this will have stolen their hearts (and some of their weekend) from the get-go.
For an audience a couple of years younger than this the book would be half the length and the plot would revolve around whether Amy is a witch or not – it would be found when she waves her hands about and chants stuff she is a misunderstood yoga tutor. An audience older than this expects to have would get a fairly dark end-of-the-world scenario. This is finely pitched right in the middle, and has jeopardy and magical strangeness, but also the lightness of touch to appeal to a pre-teen crowd. The girls, Ivy and Maggie, took some time with me to appear distinct, but once I knew who was who I enjoyed their differences, and didn't even mind the copious times they mugged for the camera or nudged each other to shut up as if they lived in a sit-com.
For fans of this age bracket's fantasy, what I still say is a surprise is the layered quality of the lore – the names on the stones from the mountain because of the this and the that. It does get info-dumped on us in an awkward fashion – but, to repeat, the way it gets wiped out for practically all but our leads is another fine aspect of this story. It helps make this a book about family, as well – the two girls, practically sisters, losing connections with parental guidance just when it's most needed.
However, that aspect, the sisterhood and family love etc, does end up making the latter parts of this really, really cloying for readers older than the intended. It wants to ram down our throats the importance of hope, of never quitting, and of going the extra mile towards danger – all because of family. Such is a fine sentiment, I guess, but it's not really subtle here. And yet the target audience won't care a monkey's – this will have stolen their hearts (and some of their weekend) from the get-go.
June 21, 2022
As a child and now an adult I love a good spooky read. This is a perfect stepping stone in middle grade for children who are wanting something a bit spooky, mischievous and fun. Beautifully written and easy to engage with it would be perfect to read together or for the older mid grader to read alone. I loved the inclusion of the quiz at the end as well to help keep readers engaged.
The story is well thought out and paced even if a tad cliched in places. The Double Trouble Society is made up of Ivy and Maggie, two girls who have been friends as long as they can remember mirroring the relationships of their adoptive fathers. They even live practically next door with nothing but creepy Hokum House between them. Everything is pretty boring in their town until one night when someone comes to live at Hokum House and things start to turn strange. It isn’t long before a three hundred year old curse descends upon the town and it’s up to The Double Trouble Society to find out what is going on in their town.
As I have already said the writing style fits the genre and intended audience, helping give the book an enchanted fairytale feel. The characters are well rounded for the intended age of the book being likeable, relatable to younger readers and we see them overcome their own fears or struggles. As with all fairytales and some middle grade it has messages woven into the narrative and thankfully these are some of my favourites. Acceptance, Found Family and the power that when united hope and love can overcome anything. Yes, it may seem a tad cliched, but in a society like today we could all do with a little more hope, trust and kindness to each other and I firmly believe these are values we should be helping nurture in the next generation.
I honestly loved this. I will definitely be gifting this to my friends children (and buying a copy for myself!). A must read for fans of whimsy, fantasy, mischief, witches and fairytales.
The story is well thought out and paced even if a tad cliched in places. The Double Trouble Society is made up of Ivy and Maggie, two girls who have been friends as long as they can remember mirroring the relationships of their adoptive fathers. They even live practically next door with nothing but creepy Hokum House between them. Everything is pretty boring in their town until one night when someone comes to live at Hokum House and things start to turn strange. It isn’t long before a three hundred year old curse descends upon the town and it’s up to The Double Trouble Society to find out what is going on in their town.
As I have already said the writing style fits the genre and intended audience, helping give the book an enchanted fairytale feel. The characters are well rounded for the intended age of the book being likeable, relatable to younger readers and we see them overcome their own fears or struggles. As with all fairytales and some middle grade it has messages woven into the narrative and thankfully these are some of my favourites. Acceptance, Found Family and the power that when united hope and love can overcome anything. Yes, it may seem a tad cliched, but in a society like today we could all do with a little more hope, trust and kindness to each other and I firmly believe these are values we should be helping nurture in the next generation.
I honestly loved this. I will definitely be gifting this to my friends children (and buying a copy for myself!). A must read for fans of whimsy, fantasy, mischief, witches and fairytales.
July 11, 2022
This is mine and my daughter's first novel by author Carrie Hope Fletcher and we both found it highly enjoyable.
The blurb reads
"What do you get if you mix together two best friends, a witch's curse and a haunted house? A spell-binding mystery from acclaimed performer and bestselling author Carrie Hope Fletcher - star of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella.
They say children who are born on Friday 13th are immune to evil spirits. Whilst Ivy and Maggie liked to believe that was true, it didn't stop them checking for monsters under their bed each and every night.
Ivy and Maggie have been best friends ever since they were born at exactly the same minute twelve years earlier. They're always on the look-out for a new adventure but unfortunately Crowood Peak is officially the most boring town in the world. Or at least it was until children start to mysteriously disappear and, even stranger, none of the grown-ups seem to have noticed . . .
It's up to the Double Trouble Society to work out what's going on. All the evidence points to the old mansion next door with strange green lights in the windows and a new owner who looks suspiciously like a witch!
Can Ivy and Maggie solve the mystery of Hokum House and rescue their friends or will they be next on the witch's list of victims?"
We were both super excited to read this novel and it did not disappoint. My daughter enjoyed reading about Ivy and Maggie and found it quite relatable as she is 9 years old. For me personally, I feel that it is geared towards may 11 plus children but it was still suitable.
Such a good and interesting story line that did keep us both wanting to read longer. We both enjoyed these characters and it is full of fun. Lovely narrative, funny in places and kept our attention.
Thanks for allowing me and my daughter to have an arc copy of this novel.
The blurb reads
"What do you get if you mix together two best friends, a witch's curse and a haunted house? A spell-binding mystery from acclaimed performer and bestselling author Carrie Hope Fletcher - star of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella.
They say children who are born on Friday 13th are immune to evil spirits. Whilst Ivy and Maggie liked to believe that was true, it didn't stop them checking for monsters under their bed each and every night.
Ivy and Maggie have been best friends ever since they were born at exactly the same minute twelve years earlier. They're always on the look-out for a new adventure but unfortunately Crowood Peak is officially the most boring town in the world. Or at least it was until children start to mysteriously disappear and, even stranger, none of the grown-ups seem to have noticed . . .
It's up to the Double Trouble Society to work out what's going on. All the evidence points to the old mansion next door with strange green lights in the windows and a new owner who looks suspiciously like a witch!
Can Ivy and Maggie solve the mystery of Hokum House and rescue their friends or will they be next on the witch's list of victims?"
We were both super excited to read this novel and it did not disappoint. My daughter enjoyed reading about Ivy and Maggie and found it quite relatable as she is 9 years old. For me personally, I feel that it is geared towards may 11 plus children but it was still suitable.
Such a good and interesting story line that did keep us both wanting to read longer. We both enjoyed these characters and it is full of fun. Lovely narrative, funny in places and kept our attention.
Thanks for allowing me and my daughter to have an arc copy of this novel.
June 24, 2022
Ivy and Maggie are two inseparable friends. They were born on the same day, under the same full moon, and they lived only one house apart. And it's the house in the middle that becomes the start of their adventure. Everything starts when a strange-looking woman enters the abandoned house and, with only a gesture of her hand, fixes its appearance in only a matter of seconds. This fact, together with her appearance (long hair and purple eyes) and the perfect timing of her appearance, just few days before the festival in remembrance of the town's witch, leave no doubt in Ivy and Maggie's minds. The new comer must be a witch. This is a mystery perfect for the duo, the Double Trouble Society.
The characters are credible and relatable. Ivy and Maggie are sweet girls, but they have their flaws, which makes them human. Even the witches have their virtues and vices.
***Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review***
The style is simple and direct. Easy to understand even for a younger audience.
The plot is engaging and the pace is good. I liked it so much that I studied it and wrote a little list with the main events of the book. I hope one day to be able to write something so engaging.
Overall
The book is well-paced and entertaining, a fantastic adventure perfect for lovers of magic, spooky mysteries and Halloween.
Appropriate for young and older audiences, the book teaches that love, the sisterly or the one of a parent for their children, prevails over everything. I will definitely consider it for my next Christmas present to my niece!
The characters are credible and relatable. Ivy and Maggie are sweet girls, but they have their flaws, which makes them human. Even the witches have their virtues and vices.
***Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review***
The style is simple and direct. Easy to understand even for a younger audience.
The plot is engaging and the pace is good. I liked it so much that I studied it and wrote a little list with the main events of the book. I hope one day to be able to write something so engaging.
Overall
The book is well-paced and entertaining, a fantastic adventure perfect for lovers of magic, spooky mysteries and Halloween.
Appropriate for young and older audiences, the book teaches that love, the sisterly or the one of a parent for their children, prevails over everything. I will definitely consider it for my next Christmas present to my niece!
September 11, 2023
The Double Trouble Society by Carrie Hope Fletcher is about Ivy and Maggie, two best friends who try to solve the mystery of Hokum House. When the house between their houses starts to change and a woman that looks suspiciously like a witch turns up, both girls try to investigate. Their curiosity soon turns into a big adventure that is not easy to solve on their own.
This book started really slow for me. I couldn't get into the story and did not find the characters very lovable. And I was a bit scared that this book would turn out with a creepy story as I don't like those (even when they are meant for kids). However, the book soon turned around and I couldn't put it aside. I loved the bond that Ivy and Maggie have. They are both two totally different personalities, but both strengths and weaknesses are needed to solve the mystery of Hokum House. This book felt really empowering. Amethyst was one of my favourite characters. I can't tell why as it might spoiler some of the plot, but I adored her.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequel! This book would have been a perfect autumn read, but it was quite suitable for my vacation at the beach as well. Can't wait to read more about Ivy and Maggie.
This book started really slow for me. I couldn't get into the story and did not find the characters very lovable. And I was a bit scared that this book would turn out with a creepy story as I don't like those (even when they are meant for kids). However, the book soon turned around and I couldn't put it aside. I loved the bond that Ivy and Maggie have. They are both two totally different personalities, but both strengths and weaknesses are needed to solve the mystery of Hokum House. This book felt really empowering. Amethyst was one of my favourite characters. I can't tell why as it might spoiler some of the plot, but I adored her.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the sequel! This book would have been a perfect autumn read, but it was quite suitable for my vacation at the beach as well. Can't wait to read more about Ivy and Maggie.
October 31, 2023
Illustrated by Davide Ortu
I have always tried to avoid celebrity MG fiction out of deference to writers who hve not had the advantage of pre-existing fame to get a book deal, But I am so glad I made an exception for this one.
This 'perfect for Halloween' tale has a definite small town Hocus Pocus feel to it as we learn about a 300 year old legend on Crowood Peak. A sleeping evil returns due to he alignment of a rare blue moon and the actions of two young girls, Ivy and Maggie, founding members of the Double Trouble Society. As Mrs Moody the town librarian tells the girls, 'a legend is a story passed down through generations' and that the clues are there in the legend itself as 'two sisters, fierce and brave and true' will be able to save the day by defeating Amethyst's sister.
The concept of sisterhood is explored as is the theme of family bonds - both true family, adoptive families and friends that feel like family. The book delivers heart wrenching passages when family is forgotten and memories erased. Only by rekindling these feelings of belonging, will good prevail. A fantastic story that explores family bonds and the power of all working together. Would make a brilliant school read aloud as there are many cliff hangers to end the day on!
I have always tried to avoid celebrity MG fiction out of deference to writers who hve not had the advantage of pre-existing fame to get a book deal, But I am so glad I made an exception for this one.
This 'perfect for Halloween' tale has a definite small town Hocus Pocus feel to it as we learn about a 300 year old legend on Crowood Peak. A sleeping evil returns due to he alignment of a rare blue moon and the actions of two young girls, Ivy and Maggie, founding members of the Double Trouble Society. As Mrs Moody the town librarian tells the girls, 'a legend is a story passed down through generations' and that the clues are there in the legend itself as 'two sisters, fierce and brave and true' will be able to save the day by defeating Amethyst's sister.
The concept of sisterhood is explored as is the theme of family bonds - both true family, adoptive families and friends that feel like family. The book delivers heart wrenching passages when family is forgotten and memories erased. Only by rekindling these feelings of belonging, will good prevail. A fantastic story that explores family bonds and the power of all working together. Would make a brilliant school read aloud as there are many cliff hangers to end the day on!
June 25, 2022
Both Characters Maggie & Ivy who make up The Double Trouble Society , really are children who have great imaginations , & prove that just because some things may be imaginary to some they are not to others , in fact they are very real , even some legends have grains of truth in them too. This is a really gripping magical Book which I will be buying for my younger grandchildren & highly recommending to friends for either their own children or grandchildren . #NetGalley,#Goodreads, #FB,#Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk ,Between the Covers ,#
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October 29, 2022
I adored everything about this book and cannot recommend it highly enough, for both the young and the young at heart!
The illustrations are so beautiful, as is the book underneath the dust jacket. The story itself is charming, whimsical, nostalgic, cosy and has all the elements that make this a lovely little magical mystery tale with lots of heart and a core message of hope and love.
I loved the interaction between our two main characters - Maggie and Ivy who are best friends, sisters in all but blood relation. They jump right off the pages, large as life. I also loved the camaraderie between the children of the town who pull together to save the day, despite some quite frightening circumstances.
It is a perfect read for this time of year, which is why I saved it for now as we approach Halloween, and believe me when I say this was not an easy task, as I picked this up when it was released back in July! I'm glad I saved it until now though, as like I said, it is perfect for this time of year.
The illustrations are so beautiful, as is the book underneath the dust jacket. The story itself is charming, whimsical, nostalgic, cosy and has all the elements that make this a lovely little magical mystery tale with lots of heart and a core message of hope and love.
I loved the interaction between our two main characters - Maggie and Ivy who are best friends, sisters in all but blood relation. They jump right off the pages, large as life. I also loved the camaraderie between the children of the town who pull together to save the day, despite some quite frightening circumstances.
It is a perfect read for this time of year, which is why I saved it for now as we approach Halloween, and believe me when I say this was not an easy task, as I picked this up when it was released back in July! I'm glad I saved it until now though, as like I said, it is perfect for this time of year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2023
I was feeling a middle grade witchy read for Halloween and I’ve regularly seen these books by Carrie Hope Fletcher so decided to delve in. It was exactly what I was looking for!
It hits all the right marks: great characters, looming threats and a plot that draws you in. It was a great read and the audiobook added to its entertainment.
Following Maggie and Ivy, these two close friends are thrust into a race against time to stop a 13th child from being sacrificed to an evil witch. The adults of the town are forgetting their children… and the house next door seems now to be occupied by a strange woman everyone suddenly seems to know.
I found this book so easy to return back to. I listened to it no problem in barely a day and then it was finished! I will definitely be going onto the next.
It hits all the right marks: great characters, looming threats and a plot that draws you in. It was a great read and the audiobook added to its entertainment.
Following Maggie and Ivy, these two close friends are thrust into a race against time to stop a 13th child from being sacrificed to an evil witch. The adults of the town are forgetting their children… and the house next door seems now to be occupied by a strange woman everyone suddenly seems to know.
I found this book so easy to return back to. I listened to it no problem in barely a day and then it was finished! I will definitely be going onto the next.
July 7, 2022
This was an enjoyable read, yes I’m an adult who reads children's books now and again. The storyline I feel was appropriate for the audience and age range on this book. Two best friends Ivy and Maggie save the day, well actually save their town Crowood Peak from a legend about a witch and what are the goings on in Hokum house, Ivy and Maggie intend to find out. A lovely story of best friends, father/ daughter relationships and how family and friends can overcome anything when they put their all in to it. I have to say my only little niggle was sometimes I did feel the words and actions placed our two main characters younger than their 12 years but then also sometimes older than their 12 years but this could just be me reading from an adults perspective.
March 7, 2024
what a fun little book this is! I had a great time reading it!
Ivy and maggie have great, fun but different personalities, each complementing one another beautifully. I love that their dad's were best friends and decided just to adopt to girls and live next to each other. It's just such a lovely idea.
The story itself is a bit mysterious and very exciting. It kept me reading and i struggled to put it down. There's a few nice little twists going on as well, so i dont want to get into the story too much, as it would spoil one which comes quite early on.
But this is a great story about love for your parents & how you can over come so much with love and wonderful memories.
highly recommended!
Ivy and maggie have great, fun but different personalities, each complementing one another beautifully. I love that their dad's were best friends and decided just to adopt to girls and live next to each other. It's just such a lovely idea.
The story itself is a bit mysterious and very exciting. It kept me reading and i struggled to put it down. There's a few nice little twists going on as well, so i dont want to get into the story too much, as it would spoil one which comes quite early on.
But this is a great story about love for your parents & how you can over come so much with love and wonderful memories.
highly recommended!
July 3, 2022
Maggie and Ivy are the best of friends, living either side of Hokum House in Crowood. They were born at exactly the same time, 12 years ago on Friday 13th; some say this gives them immunity to evil spirits. However, when the dilapidated Hokum House is suddenly repaired overnight and the mysterious Amy moves in, Ivy and Maggie make it their mission to find out just what is going on in Crowood.
This is a fun, magical middle-grade read. I am always a bit sceptical of 'celebrity' authors but this has a good storyline and would be a good addition to an upper key stage 2 class bookshelf.
Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the advance copy.
This is a fun, magical middle-grade read. I am always a bit sceptical of 'celebrity' authors but this has a good storyline and would be a good addition to an upper key stage 2 class bookshelf.
Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the advance copy.
October 13, 2023
This is a fun middle grade story to get in the mood for spooky season!
The Double Trouble Society is made up of two best friends Ivy and Maggie and they do their best to live up to their name while having all the fun they can!
When strange things start happening in their little town of Crowood Peak Ivy and Maggie have a front row seat as everything is happening in the house right between theirs! The Crowood Witch has come back after 300 years and if Ivy and Maggie can't work out how to stop her then things are going to go terribly wrong.
This story has a bit of a Hocus Pocus feel and is suitable for 8+ readers who like a little bit of a spooky vibe to their stories
The Double Trouble Society is made up of two best friends Ivy and Maggie and they do their best to live up to their name while having all the fun they can!
When strange things start happening in their little town of Crowood Peak Ivy and Maggie have a front row seat as everything is happening in the house right between theirs! The Crowood Witch has come back after 300 years and if Ivy and Maggie can't work out how to stop her then things are going to go terribly wrong.
This story has a bit of a Hocus Pocus feel and is suitable for 8+ readers who like a little bit of a spooky vibe to their stories
October 30, 2023
When a new person arrives at Growood Peak, Ivy and Maggie start to get the feeling that things aren’t the way they should be. Ivy and Maggie’s Father’s are acting weird and GREEN smoke is coming out from the mysterious house’s chimney! Is it possible that Ivy and Maggie have been neighbours with a witch? Or is it just their wild imaginations again? My favourite character is Maggie because she is very outgoing and wild. She is very funny and brave as well. I give this book five full stars indeed!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
November 15, 2023
This book feels like it is constantly repeating itself like every other page is repeating what we already know. The plot was very predictable and when there are high stakes it's over in about 2 pages. I did like the characters but they didn't change or really learn anything. Carrie didn't focus on the downsides of the characters which could cause them to grow.
Also wish they focused on the witch more since it feels like all the dark magic just happens in the background and all the book says is look purple smoke
Also wish they focused on the witch more since it feels like all the dark magic just happens in the background and all the book says is look purple smoke
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