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Verity Sparks #2
Verity Sparks, Lost and Found
Melbourne. 1879. Verity Sparks has found her father. But she has lost her gift - the ability to find lost things. Papa Savinov, eager for Verity to become a proper lady, sends her to the exclusive boarding school Hilltop House. But Verity is more interested in solving the case of the missing Ecclethorpe heiress. As the investigation deepens, danger and intrigue grow closer. Will Verity's gift return before it's too late?
A fantastic new detective adventure story from Australian author Susan Green.
Verity Sparks is a likable and charismatic character who young girls will love to read about.
Readers who like The Agency series will love Verity Sparks, Lost and Found and its prequel The Truth About Verity Sparks.
A fantastic new detective adventure story from Australian author Susan Green.
Verity Sparks is a likable and charismatic character who young girls will love to read about.
Readers who like The Agency series will love Verity Sparks, Lost and Found and its prequel The Truth About Verity Sparks.
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Susan Green
82 books19 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 11, 2018
I have had this lovely book on my shelves for quite some time, but had never managed to find the time to read it. Being on a panel with Susan Green at the Bendigo Writers Festival gave me the impetus I needed (I always like to read the novels of people I share a stage with).
It is clear from the opening pages that I had begun reading the second in a series, which I never like to do. Susan Green does a great job of explaining back story without losing pace, however, and so I soon discovered that Verity Sparks had been abandoned as a baby on the steps of a church in London, had survived the mean streets of Victoiran London, and had a special pyschic gift called teleagtivism (the ability to find lost things) which had helped her find her father.
I was soon transported to Melbourne in 1879, where Verity Sparks is sent to a boarding school so that she can learn to become a lady. But her gift has deserted her, and some of the girls at the school are unkind to her. She misses her father, and the school has hidden secrets that Verity must uncover, not to mention the intriguing case of the missing Ecclethorpe heiress. Murders and mysteries abound, but luckily Verity’s gifts of observation and deduction are as sharp as ever.
This is a charming tale, a kind of psychic-detective-historical-melodrama mashup for younger readers, with a really engaging heroine.
It is clear from the opening pages that I had begun reading the second in a series, which I never like to do. Susan Green does a great job of explaining back story without losing pace, however, and so I soon discovered that Verity Sparks had been abandoned as a baby on the steps of a church in London, had survived the mean streets of Victoiran London, and had a special pyschic gift called teleagtivism (the ability to find lost things) which had helped her find her father.
I was soon transported to Melbourne in 1879, where Verity Sparks is sent to a boarding school so that she can learn to become a lady. But her gift has deserted her, and some of the girls at the school are unkind to her. She misses her father, and the school has hidden secrets that Verity must uncover, not to mention the intriguing case of the missing Ecclethorpe heiress. Murders and mysteries abound, but luckily Verity’s gifts of observation and deduction are as sharp as ever.
This is a charming tale, a kind of psychic-detective-historical-melodrama mashup for younger readers, with a really engaging heroine.
June 27, 2013
Not having read the first book in this series I was grateful for snippets filling in the background on Verity and Papa Savinov and her life prior to this story. Reading the first book would definitely be a better option for younger readers.
Having lost her gift of teleagtivism (the ability to find lost things) Verity wonders if it will ever come back, but she still has a remarkable memory and good powers of observation. Papa, trying to make her into a young lady, suggests no more detective work for Verity is the best thing and that Hightop House boarding is school a good idea. Although Verity is not convinced on either point she gives in.
Lottie becomes her new best friend at school, where Verity meets the bossy Jessie McGryll, the head girl and bully. Verity makes an enemy of Jessie by befriending Lottie and Connie. One of the teachers, Miss Deane, is searching for something and is threatened by the Colonel. Then treasured objects start to disappear from several girls. Using only powers of observation, Verity is able to uncover the culprit as well as a few other well kept secrets at the school.
Set back in Melbourne in 1879, the period and setting are well done. Verity is an engaging character. For those who have read the first book in the series, which I recommend you do, the reader wonders if Verity will regain her gift of teleagtivism. And also whether she can solve the case of the missing Ecclethorpe heiress. A fun, adventure story for those aged 9-12 year olds.
Having lost her gift of teleagtivism (the ability to find lost things) Verity wonders if it will ever come back, but she still has a remarkable memory and good powers of observation. Papa, trying to make her into a young lady, suggests no more detective work for Verity is the best thing and that Hightop House boarding is school a good idea. Although Verity is not convinced on either point she gives in.
Lottie becomes her new best friend at school, where Verity meets the bossy Jessie McGryll, the head girl and bully. Verity makes an enemy of Jessie by befriending Lottie and Connie. One of the teachers, Miss Deane, is searching for something and is threatened by the Colonel. Then treasured objects start to disappear from several girls. Using only powers of observation, Verity is able to uncover the culprit as well as a few other well kept secrets at the school.
Set back in Melbourne in 1879, the period and setting are well done. Verity is an engaging character. For those who have read the first book in the series, which I recommend you do, the reader wonders if Verity will regain her gift of teleagtivism. And also whether she can solve the case of the missing Ecclethorpe heiress. A fun, adventure story for those aged 9-12 year olds.
May 13, 2013
Really enjoyable mystery book for ages 10 up. This one is set locally for me too (mt Macedon) so that was a bonus. I have gotten used to the authors style of bouncing around from mystery to mystery and really found the style of writing relaxing and easy to get involved with. I also really like verity as a character, smart, thoughtful and doesn't wear a corset. (Book is set in 1879).
August 1, 2013
Verity Sparks is having new adventures in Australia. Some familiar faces here but also some new and strange characters are introduced.
It is a easy read and I was able to get through this fairly quickly. Sadly, most of the story doesn't take place at the school (like the blurb seems to suggest) but it is still a good book. Although, I think I prefer The Truth About Verity Sparks.
It is a easy read and I was able to get through this fairly quickly. Sadly, most of the story doesn't take place at the school (like the blurb seems to suggest) but it is still a good book. Although, I think I prefer The Truth About Verity Sparks.
May 24, 2013
An equally sweet, fun Verity Sparks story.
It felt a little rushed; and I personally think the two distinctive storylines could have been their own book. But overall, more characters that burst off the page with personality, and I'm crossing my fingers that this series continues!
It felt a little rushed; and I personally think the two distinctive storylines could have been their own book. But overall, more characters that burst off the page with personality, and I'm crossing my fingers that this series continues!
June 28, 2013
Another great book. I thought it had more intrigue than the first book. (The Truth About Verity Sparks) Would have to put it in the upper primary section of the library, because of some inappropriate language.
A book that is full of suspense and keeps you guessing!
A book that is full of suspense and keeps you guessing!
April 5, 2014
Lyn is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Lyn herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I will be rating this once the AAs are announced.
I will be rating this once the AAs are announced.
February 11, 2014
I raced thru this book and found it really enjoyable. I love children's Lit. and read a lot of it. This was a fun one about a young girl with odd powers who helps solve mysteries in 19th century colonial Australia. I am looking forward to the next one.
April 12, 2013
Review to be published in WA School Library Association journal.
January 11, 2015
I loved this book because it summed up the other book really well
It also had a lovely good ending
It also had a lovely good ending
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews