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The Kelpie
I can't honestly say I was joking when I suggested to my best friend, Joe - Prince Joseph, eldest son of England's Crown Prince - that we could probably find something the police had missed in regards to the missing children. After all, eleven and twelve year olds like us did that all the time on the telly and in the books we read
When Heather and Joe decide to be Sleuthy MacSleuths on the property abutting the castle Heather's family lives in, neither expected to discover the real reason children were going missing:
A Kelpie. A child-eating faerie horse had moved into the loch "next door."
The two barely escape with their lives, but they aren't safe. Caught in a storm of a Faerie power games, Heather, Joe, and Heather's whole family must face off with talking cats, scheming fey nobles, ghostly secrets, and a magick more powerful than any of them expected.
As one more child goes missing, time is running out to make things right.
When Heather and Joe decide to be Sleuthy MacSleuths on the property abutting the castle Heather's family lives in, neither expected to discover the real reason children were going missing:
A Kelpie. A child-eating faerie horse had moved into the loch "next door."
The two barely escape with their lives, but they aren't safe. Caught in a storm of a Faerie power games, Heather, Joe, and Heather's whole family must face off with talking cats, scheming fey nobles, ghostly secrets, and a magick more powerful than any of them expected.
As one more child goes missing, time is running out to make things right.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
279 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Wooldridge
4 books10 followersT. J. Wooldridge is a professional writing geek who adores research into myth, folklore, legend, and the English language. Before delving full-time into wordsmithing, she has been a tutor, a teacher, an educational course designer, a video game proofreader, a financial customer service representative, a wine salesperson, a food reviewer, an editing consultant, a retail sales manager, and a nanny. While infrequent, there are times she does occasionally not research, write, or help others write. During those rare moments, she enjoys the following activities: spending time with her Husband-of-Awesome, a silly tabby cat, and two Giant Baby Bunnies in their Massachusetts home hidden in a pocket of woods in the middle of suburbia, reading, riding her horse in the nearby country stables and trails (not very well), reading Tarot (very well), drawing (also not very well), making jewelry (pretty well), making lists, and adding parenthetical commentary during random conversations. She also enjoys dressing up as fey creatures, zombies, or other such nonsense at science fiction, fantasy, and horror conventions.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 12, 2014
I loved T.J. Wooldridge's take on the Scottish water horse myth. Although this is a middle grade novel, I found myself wrapped up in it, eager to turn the next page. The Kelpie, by T.J. Wooldridge is a winner!
Heather and Joe --Prince Joseph to be exact, set out on an adventure to discover why children are going missing, dissatisfied with the local police work. To their shock and horror, they discover a Kelpie --a child eating Faerie horse, has moved into the loch next door!
They survive, and aren't eaten alive, but now they have to deal with their families... Heather and Joe aren't sure which would have been worse!
Heather develops a soft spot for the ravenous child killing beast, and won't allow anyone to kill it. She captures him, and develops a relationship with him, which is surprisingly "not unpleasant" for either of them.
Adventurously brave pre-teens, a child killing horse, ghosts, and a snarky cat make up this charming tale by T.J Wooldridge. I only wish that this story has come out when I was a pre-teen! 5 stars for this fantastic debut novel!
Heather and Joe --Prince Joseph to be exact, set out on an adventure to discover why children are going missing, dissatisfied with the local police work. To their shock and horror, they discover a Kelpie --a child eating Faerie horse, has moved into the loch next door!
They survive, and aren't eaten alive, but now they have to deal with their families... Heather and Joe aren't sure which would have been worse!
Heather develops a soft spot for the ravenous child killing beast, and won't allow anyone to kill it. She captures him, and develops a relationship with him, which is surprisingly "not unpleasant" for either of them.
Adventurously brave pre-teens, a child killing horse, ghosts, and a snarky cat make up this charming tale by T.J Wooldridge. I only wish that this story has come out when I was a pre-teen! 5 stars for this fantastic debut novel!
December 12, 2024
Clearly I struggled to get through this one. Though I love Celtic myths and legends (like kelpies), this book did not live up to my hopes for it. The story might have been good, but it got bogged down by the author trying to shove in so many current buzzwords and airing their own viewpoints. And while it was interesting, seeing a protagonist have to clean up their mess after making it, the ending still felt rushed and odd. There's just too many things shoved into one story.
April 21, 2016
This is exactly the kind of book I loved to read when I was in middle school.
It a story with young heroines and heroes, facing menacing odds against terrifying fey creatures that lurk in the shadows of the real world. Absol-freakin’-utely Love it.
-World Building-
The world Heather and her best friend (Prince Joesph, whom she refers to as Joe) is so alive with detail, history and magic. You’re introduced to it through the witty and believable voice of Heather. Like how the castle was passed down through the generations and ended up squarely in her family’s lap. It makes every moment of exploration through the world a pleasure.
-Tone-
One of the aspects of this book that makes it so enjoyable is the narrator, Heather. She has such a great witty attitude and a believably keen eye for detail.
It makes you feel like you’re an 11 year old on an adventure with your best friend, which makes the story all that much more engrossing.
-A Colorful Modern Family-
Heather’s family is equally engrossing. Everyone in her family is fleshed out with their own strengths and idiosyncrasies.
Heather’s little brother has autism and struggles to be understood, yet understands the world around him with the depth and gravity of an adult. Her mother is a fantasy writer who constantly dyes her hair weird colors. Her father struggles with being bi-polar and with sharing his eldest daughter with his unstable ex.
There’s one moment in particular where the father and Heather are making breakfast in the the kitchen and he’s so out of sorts that Heather can see right through his “happy” facade. He’s jiggling a pill bottle in his pocket and showing signs of exhaustion, while Heather tries her best to cheer him up and avoid telling him about her struggles, so he won’t have anything else to be worried about. It’s a really beautiful moment that makes these characters feel like they could walk right off the page.
-Memorable Moment-
There are a lot of particularly memorable moments in this book, but my favorite is when Heather encounters a ghost in the castle for the first time. Her reaction is exactly what mine would be if I came face to face with the remnants of a previous tenant. LOL You know, having the daylights scared out of you, and maybe a little something else. 0.o
-Verdict-
5 out of 5 blood spattered stars.
If you like Harry Potter, then give this book a read I think you’re going to enjoy it. It is an exciting adventure full of magic and danger that readers from middle school all the way through adulthood will enjoy.
It a story with young heroines and heroes, facing menacing odds against terrifying fey creatures that lurk in the shadows of the real world. Absol-freakin’-utely Love it.
-World Building-
The world Heather and her best friend (Prince Joesph, whom she refers to as Joe) is so alive with detail, history and magic. You’re introduced to it through the witty and believable voice of Heather. Like how the castle was passed down through the generations and ended up squarely in her family’s lap. It makes every moment of exploration through the world a pleasure.
-Tone-
One of the aspects of this book that makes it so enjoyable is the narrator, Heather. She has such a great witty attitude and a believably keen eye for detail.
It makes you feel like you’re an 11 year old on an adventure with your best friend, which makes the story all that much more engrossing.
-A Colorful Modern Family-
Heather’s family is equally engrossing. Everyone in her family is fleshed out with their own strengths and idiosyncrasies.
Heather’s little brother has autism and struggles to be understood, yet understands the world around him with the depth and gravity of an adult. Her mother is a fantasy writer who constantly dyes her hair weird colors. Her father struggles with being bi-polar and with sharing his eldest daughter with his unstable ex.
There’s one moment in particular where the father and Heather are making breakfast in the the kitchen and he’s so out of sorts that Heather can see right through his “happy” facade. He’s jiggling a pill bottle in his pocket and showing signs of exhaustion, while Heather tries her best to cheer him up and avoid telling him about her struggles, so he won’t have anything else to be worried about. It’s a really beautiful moment that makes these characters feel like they could walk right off the page.
-Memorable Moment-
There are a lot of particularly memorable moments in this book, but my favorite is when Heather encounters a ghost in the castle for the first time. Her reaction is exactly what mine would be if I came face to face with the remnants of a previous tenant. LOL You know, having the daylights scared out of you, and maybe a little something else. 0.o
-Verdict-
5 out of 5 blood spattered stars.
If you like Harry Potter, then give this book a read I think you’re going to enjoy it. It is an exciting adventure full of magic and danger that readers from middle school all the way through adulthood will enjoy.
January 1, 2014
I would like to thank the publisher, Spencer Hill Press, for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not cloud my opinions in any way.
A well written middle school fantasy novel., The Kelpie brings to life so many things that children that age love to read about. There are fairy tales, folklore, ghosts, talking animals, dangerous situations and all narrated by an eleven year old girl. Readers of all ages will get swept up in to this story.
I wanted to give this book a full five stars, but am unable to. There are areas in the story that are just too drawn out, which I fear may make some readers put it down, and the fact that the girl involved is only eleven just doesn’t fit the character. I could see her as fifteen or sixteen, but at eleven I really don’t think she’d be taking on a Kelpie and then hiding it from her mom and dad.
Other than the above, the author sets up the characters very well. The description of them makes you feel like you are actually there with them all, you can make flesh out of them and they aren’t just one dimensional. The same goes for the scenery. At first I had a little hard time getting situated with the castle and stables, but before I knew it, I was very comfortable with everything. I also applaud the author in having a Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book. I referenced it quite a few times at the beginning just to educate myself on who’s who. I wish more authors did this when they have a huge characters base. At the end of the book, the author also has a type of glossary that explains some things a bit more, i.e. animal spirits and such. This will work extremely well for the newer reader.
I recommend this to all readers of light fantasy from ages 12 through adult. It’s a fun read that will not disappoint and will encourage reading of other books in the genre. This is the debut book from this author, and I look forward to further YA books from her.
A well written middle school fantasy novel., The Kelpie brings to life so many things that children that age love to read about. There are fairy tales, folklore, ghosts, talking animals, dangerous situations and all narrated by an eleven year old girl. Readers of all ages will get swept up in to this story.
I wanted to give this book a full five stars, but am unable to. There are areas in the story that are just too drawn out, which I fear may make some readers put it down, and the fact that the girl involved is only eleven just doesn’t fit the character. I could see her as fifteen or sixteen, but at eleven I really don’t think she’d be taking on a Kelpie and then hiding it from her mom and dad.
Other than the above, the author sets up the characters very well. The description of them makes you feel like you are actually there with them all, you can make flesh out of them and they aren’t just one dimensional. The same goes for the scenery. At first I had a little hard time getting situated with the castle and stables, but before I knew it, I was very comfortable with everything. I also applaud the author in having a Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book. I referenced it quite a few times at the beginning just to educate myself on who’s who. I wish more authors did this when they have a huge characters base. At the end of the book, the author also has a type of glossary that explains some things a bit more, i.e. animal spirits and such. This will work extremely well for the newer reader.
I recommend this to all readers of light fantasy from ages 12 through adult. It’s a fun read that will not disappoint and will encourage reading of other books in the genre. This is the debut book from this author, and I look forward to further YA books from her.
February 19, 2014
Lock up your children! The Kelpies are coming! Well, one is.
No one would have believed them, even if they had tried to tell them, so Heather and Joe are the only ones who know that a Kelpie had taken up residence in the nearby loch. Add in that they are 11 & 12 years old, Joe is the son of England's crown prince and Heather's father is a famous actor, and it begins to become clear why the two of them might have a problem. The adults might help, if they could tell them what is going on, but, really, who's going to believe them? So, here they are, battling a creature from a fairy tale, before he can eat all the local children. A talking cat and a ghost offer their assistance, in their own way, in the battle with the Kelpie. And, too, the "Good Neighbors" drop by to add their opinions. Seriously, no adult is going to even listen to the end of such a tale to get to the part where help is asked for. And, of course, the two also have to handle daily life in a castle, surrounded by the typical bunch of relatives (an autistic brother, a queen for a grandmother, a moody father, the list goes on & on).
I was drawn into the world that T. J. Wooldridge created from the first page and was sorry to have to say goodbye as I read the last words. The world was full of colorful, and realistic, life. It was all more believable that you would believe, the story kept me entranced to the end (read it in one session), and the ending had me nodding in agreement.
This is the first book in what is hoped to be a long series revolving around Heather and Joe, and their families.
No one would have believed them, even if they had tried to tell them, so Heather and Joe are the only ones who know that a Kelpie had taken up residence in the nearby loch. Add in that they are 11 & 12 years old, Joe is the son of England's crown prince and Heather's father is a famous actor, and it begins to become clear why the two of them might have a problem. The adults might help, if they could tell them what is going on, but, really, who's going to believe them? So, here they are, battling a creature from a fairy tale, before he can eat all the local children. A talking cat and a ghost offer their assistance, in their own way, in the battle with the Kelpie. And, too, the "Good Neighbors" drop by to add their opinions. Seriously, no adult is going to even listen to the end of such a tale to get to the part where help is asked for. And, of course, the two also have to handle daily life in a castle, surrounded by the typical bunch of relatives (an autistic brother, a queen for a grandmother, a moody father, the list goes on & on).
I was drawn into the world that T. J. Wooldridge created from the first page and was sorry to have to say goodbye as I read the last words. The world was full of colorful, and realistic, life. It was all more believable that you would believe, the story kept me entranced to the end (read it in one session), and the ending had me nodding in agreement.
This is the first book in what is hoped to be a long series revolving around Heather and Joe, and their families.
March 5, 2015
I would have given this book 2 stars earlier on on in the story but it started to improve toward the end. I think it started too abruptly and I didn't care much for the characters most of the way through. Most of the language didn't sound like 12 year olds talking and, as a middle school teacher, I have a pretty good idea of how they speak. Perhaps British children are different in their manner of thinking? The story did start to get more interesting later on, so it redeemed itself somewhat. I found that I did care what happened by the end, so I liked it well enough by then to warrant 3 stars.
December 4, 2016
What a gripping read! I found myself wanting to keep turning page after page to find out what happens next! Kelpie's have always interested me growing up and being able to read another story about one had me giddy! I received this book through Goodreads First Reads and was very glad I did!:)
November 15, 2013
Awesome! Review to come soon!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews