What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of the Snakestone
Zélie is often accused of being a witch, but she doesn’t believe in magic. Until Jules climbs up from the reeking Parisian sewer and hands Zélie the golden locket he discovered there. The locket once held the magical Snakestone, and Zélie knows that if she can find the stone, she might also find her missing father.
But a dangerous secret society are equally desperate to get their hands on the Snakestone and its powers. With their lives under threat, Zélie and Jules embark on a desperate hunt for the treasure, facing ancient riddles, a mysterious circus, and the miles of murky tunnels that twist beneath the ancient city above…
But a dangerous secret society are equally desperate to get their hands on the Snakestone and its powers. With their lives under threat, Zélie and Jules embark on a desperate hunt for the treasure, facing ancient riddles, a mysterious circus, and the miles of murky tunnels that twist beneath the ancient city above…
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2024
18 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Piu DasGupta
2 books14 followersPiu DasGupta is the author of dark, twisty, Gothic books of fiction for children, teens, and adults.
Her debut Middle Grade novel, SECRETS OF THE SNAKESTONE, is released on 14th March 2024 with Nosy Crow.
Piu lives in Paris, France, with her family and two cats.
Her debut Middle Grade novel, SECRETS OF THE SNAKESTONE, is released on 14th March 2024 with Nosy Crow.
Piu lives in Paris, France, with her family and two cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 10, 2024
Publication Date: 14th March 2024
3.5 stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and entertaining
1895, Paris
Zelie Dutta is not a witch, even if she is accused of being one. However, a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with Jules, a sewer cleaner boy who found a gold locket. This locket once held the (in)famous Snakestone, the one Zelie needs to find her father.
However, the quest is far from easy, with a dangerous brother society wanting the same magical stone. Time is running out, and Zelie has to use all their talents to stay alive and find her father. Can she do it?
The story comes in Zelie (mostly) and Jules’ third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
How can I resist a book that has Indian characters? And, of course, the vibrant cover grabbed my attention. This one connects colonial India and France (Paris) with magic, science, mystery, adventure, steampunk, and loads of danger.
The narration is fast-paced, so much so that we don’t get time to breathe before Zelie is off on another adventure. This suits her character, as she is a bundle of energy, ready to jump, leap, and rush (for different reasons). However, there isn’t much time for anything else, be it character development or detailed world-building.
The book starts with Zelie being called a witch. We see how the fellow maids in the house are wary of her for belonging to another race and most importantly, because her eyes are of a different color. Zelie has heterochromia, where the color of each eye is different.
Jules is a sewer boy, twelve years or so. He is not eager to help Zelie but agrees eventually. There were instances when I liked Jules more than our MC. He is balanced and not prone to impulses like her. However, I didn’t find any mention of Zelie’s age. She should be around the same or a year younger, based on my calculation. It’s hard to imagine the characters in such instances.
In a way, I like that Zelie is not perfect. She is judgmental, stubborn, reckless, and not someone who will listen to good advice. Despite that, I feel many young readers will connect to her determination to find her father and the risks she takes in the process. Her love for her family comes across very clearly. She is kind, which works in her favor.
The overall content is darkish but nothing too scary. There’s no time to feel scared with the girl racing off to a bigger danger. Sigh!
The book deals with themes like trust, friendships, family, greed (for fame and money), privilege, differences between rich and poor, etc. And oh, it puts forward two important questions - why do men’s dresses have buttons in the front and when women have to deal with buttons at the back, and why don't women’s dresses have pockets? So unfair, right?
Each chapter comes with a title, hinting at what’s to come. Some of these are spoilers, too. It won’t be a problem for all, but some readers won’t like it.
To summarize, Secrets of the Snakestone is an entertaining adventure set in the dark side of Paris. Despite the flaws, the book is a good read and should keep young ones hooked.
The Kindle version is okay, but the formatting is the best in the PDF.
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #SecretsOfTheSnakestone
**
P.S.: The author’s website has an animated version of the book’s cover. It is so cool!
https://www.piudasgupta.com/
3.5 stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and entertaining
1895, Paris
Zelie Dutta is not a witch, even if she is accused of being one. However, a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with Jules, a sewer cleaner boy who found a gold locket. This locket once held the (in)famous Snakestone, the one Zelie needs to find her father.
However, the quest is far from easy, with a dangerous brother society wanting the same magical stone. Time is running out, and Zelie has to use all their talents to stay alive and find her father. Can she do it?
The story comes in Zelie (mostly) and Jules’ third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
How can I resist a book that has Indian characters? And, of course, the vibrant cover grabbed my attention. This one connects colonial India and France (Paris) with magic, science, mystery, adventure, steampunk, and loads of danger.
The narration is fast-paced, so much so that we don’t get time to breathe before Zelie is off on another adventure. This suits her character, as she is a bundle of energy, ready to jump, leap, and rush (for different reasons). However, there isn’t much time for anything else, be it character development or detailed world-building.
The book starts with Zelie being called a witch. We see how the fellow maids in the house are wary of her for belonging to another race and most importantly, because her eyes are of a different color. Zelie has heterochromia, where the color of each eye is different.
Jules is a sewer boy, twelve years or so. He is not eager to help Zelie but agrees eventually. There were instances when I liked Jules more than our MC. He is balanced and not prone to impulses like her. However, I didn’t find any mention of Zelie’s age. She should be around the same or a year younger, based on my calculation. It’s hard to imagine the characters in such instances.
In a way, I like that Zelie is not perfect. She is judgmental, stubborn, reckless, and not someone who will listen to good advice. Despite that, I feel many young readers will connect to her determination to find her father and the risks she takes in the process. Her love for her family comes across very clearly. She is kind, which works in her favor.
The overall content is darkish but nothing too scary. There’s no time to feel scared with the girl racing off to a bigger danger. Sigh!
The book deals with themes like trust, friendships, family, greed (for fame and money), privilege, differences between rich and poor, etc. And oh, it puts forward two important questions - why do men’s dresses have buttons in the front and when women have to deal with buttons at the back, and why don't women’s dresses have pockets? So unfair, right?
Each chapter comes with a title, hinting at what’s to come. Some of these are spoilers, too. It won’t be a problem for all, but some readers won’t like it.
To summarize, Secrets of the Snakestone is an entertaining adventure set in the dark side of Paris. Despite the flaws, the book is a good read and should keep young ones hooked.
The Kindle version is okay, but the formatting is the best in the PDF.
Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #SecretsOfTheSnakestone
**
P.S.: The author’s website has an animated version of the book’s cover. It is so cool!
https://www.piudasgupta.com/
February 22, 2024
I think I would have been obsessed with this book if I read it as a kid! Full of mystery and riddles, this fun adventure follows Bengali Zélie Dutta who is trying to figure out what happened to her dad, and through that stumbles across a secret society, a colonial jewel, a sloth, and much much more.
March 8, 2024
I received a review copy of this book from Nosy Crow via NetGalley for which my thanks.
A cursed gemstone, a dark secret society, a colourful circus and a sweet sloth, all amidst nineteenth century Paris where a young Indian girl must find her missing father and solve the mystery of why she was so suddenly sent to Paris make Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu DasGupta an entertaining read full of mystery, adventure and some drama as well!
In the book we meet Zelie Dutta, a young girl from Bengal, working as a lady’s maid with the awful Madame Malaise. Because she has mismatched eyes, the other servants in the house see her as a witch, all too eager to blame not only all that goes wrong but their own mistakes on her as well. Zelie is not too sure why she was withdrawn from school and sent there in the first place for her father Robi’s story of owing the Malaises some money doesn’t ring true, and she knows there is more to it. When she meets a young sewer boy Jules who has found her father’s locket in a Paris sewer, thousands of miles from where it (and he) should be, she knows something is very wrong. With the initially reluctant Jules’ help, and her own resourcefulness, she sets off to solve the mystery, on the way encountering a dark society up to no good and sinister villains and uncovering various secrets while also rescuing a darling sloth on this adventure which takes them from the sewers and catacombs under Paris to secret lairs and a circus full of flamboyant characters.
This fast-paced and adventure-filled read was absolute good fun from start to finish and besides the mystery and quest elements also weaves in themes of family, friendship and trust, as also the important lesson of not judging people, much like books, by their ‘covers’.
The author packs in numerous shades and aspects into the story from the classic sensation-novel elements of cursed stones and mysterious societies (and of course, the ‘India’ connection) to riddles, steampunk, circuses and a very dramatic, film-like conclusion but without it feeling like too much. Additionally there are aspects of colonialism, prejudices, class elements and the setting itself which takes one mostly through the city’s underbelly.
Zelie makes for a great heroine, who while not faultless, is courageous, resourceful and determined, willing to go to any lengths to help those she loves. Her little pep talks to herself (mostly reiterating her various achievements, from doing away with a dangerous snake to beating her father at chess multiple times) are great fun, as is the inspiration she draws from the fictional character she enjoys reading about, Count Rodolphe (from The Mysteries of Paris by Eugene Sue, an actual book as the author points out in her afterword as are also some of the other historical elements woven in with the fictional). Jules too makes for a very likeable character, drawn into the mystery unwillingly but soon a valuable participant.
I loved that the animal characters too were different from the usual but felt ‘natural’ and not contrived whether it be Zelie’s ‘pet’ pigeon, Rodolphe or Jules’ pet snails, or even the sweet baby sloth they rescue along the way.
The ending keeps open possibilities for newer and further adventures, so if the author does decide to develop this into a series, there will be lots more fun to look out for.
4.5 stars
A cursed gemstone, a dark secret society, a colourful circus and a sweet sloth, all amidst nineteenth century Paris where a young Indian girl must find her missing father and solve the mystery of why she was so suddenly sent to Paris make Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu DasGupta an entertaining read full of mystery, adventure and some drama as well!
In the book we meet Zelie Dutta, a young girl from Bengal, working as a lady’s maid with the awful Madame Malaise. Because she has mismatched eyes, the other servants in the house see her as a witch, all too eager to blame not only all that goes wrong but their own mistakes on her as well. Zelie is not too sure why she was withdrawn from school and sent there in the first place for her father Robi’s story of owing the Malaises some money doesn’t ring true, and she knows there is more to it. When she meets a young sewer boy Jules who has found her father’s locket in a Paris sewer, thousands of miles from where it (and he) should be, she knows something is very wrong. With the initially reluctant Jules’ help, and her own resourcefulness, she sets off to solve the mystery, on the way encountering a dark society up to no good and sinister villains and uncovering various secrets while also rescuing a darling sloth on this adventure which takes them from the sewers and catacombs under Paris to secret lairs and a circus full of flamboyant characters.
This fast-paced and adventure-filled read was absolute good fun from start to finish and besides the mystery and quest elements also weaves in themes of family, friendship and trust, as also the important lesson of not judging people, much like books, by their ‘covers’.
The author packs in numerous shades and aspects into the story from the classic sensation-novel elements of cursed stones and mysterious societies (and of course, the ‘India’ connection) to riddles, steampunk, circuses and a very dramatic, film-like conclusion but without it feeling like too much. Additionally there are aspects of colonialism, prejudices, class elements and the setting itself which takes one mostly through the city’s underbelly.
Zelie makes for a great heroine, who while not faultless, is courageous, resourceful and determined, willing to go to any lengths to help those she loves. Her little pep talks to herself (mostly reiterating her various achievements, from doing away with a dangerous snake to beating her father at chess multiple times) are great fun, as is the inspiration she draws from the fictional character she enjoys reading about, Count Rodolphe (from The Mysteries of Paris by Eugene Sue, an actual book as the author points out in her afterword as are also some of the other historical elements woven in with the fictional). Jules too makes for a very likeable character, drawn into the mystery unwillingly but soon a valuable participant.
I loved that the animal characters too were different from the usual but felt ‘natural’ and not contrived whether it be Zelie’s ‘pet’ pigeon, Rodolphe or Jules’ pet snails, or even the sweet baby sloth they rescue along the way.
The ending keeps open possibilities for newer and further adventures, so if the author does decide to develop this into a series, there will be lots more fun to look out for.
4.5 stars
March 3, 2024
This remarkable MG story with that gorgeous cover takes readers to 19th century Paris, as plucky heroine Zélie tries to rescue her father from the clutches of a secret society. Unique and magical!
May 29, 2024
I really enjoyed Piu DasGupta’s Secrets of the Snakestone. It’s a total gallop from start to finish both above and below the streets of Paris.
A brilliant setting for a novel in both time and place. Paris, at the end of the nineteenth century, was a place of innovation and the creation of new social spaces- leading to new levels of decadence (in the pursuit of beauty and culture, of course…). For settings, we are spoiled: the iconic Rue Morgue, the Opéra, the circus, the railway are but some of the places we visit… above ground!
Many of these spaces remained a preserve of the rich until industrialisation eventually led to some social levelling. Our heroes belong at the other end of the social order. Zélie thrust by circumstance from her home in India into the service of the formidable Madame Malaise. Jules, a ‘sewer boy’ who does not realise the turn his life is about to take when he finds a curious golden locket under the Parisian streets.
Zélie provides a fascinating lens through which to view the city, also highlighting the trappings of colonialism which are everywhere- in physical form and exposed in the mindset of the more villainous characters.
Zélie is a fantastic lead: she is courageous in many ways, big and small. Whenever societal expectations or negative feelings are becoming a barrier, she lists off affirmations, which propel her forward and reveal more about her character and past adventures! It’s clearly not only in Paris that she’s found character and courage in spades! Jules, for his part, is the perfect foil to Zélie’s impulsivity while proving himself quite the young adventurer too.
From a Y6 teacher’s POV, I loved the signature use of simile- lots of which made me laugh. I enjoyed the peppering of French language and cultural allusions. I admired the way readers were nudged to understand the crimes of colonisers- (and of their beneficiaries in succeeding generations) helping children to come to some conclusions about European history.
Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the eARC. Publication date: 14th March, 2024.
A brilliant setting for a novel in both time and place. Paris, at the end of the nineteenth century, was a place of innovation and the creation of new social spaces- leading to new levels of decadence (in the pursuit of beauty and culture, of course…). For settings, we are spoiled: the iconic Rue Morgue, the Opéra, the circus, the railway are but some of the places we visit… above ground!
Many of these spaces remained a preserve of the rich until industrialisation eventually led to some social levelling. Our heroes belong at the other end of the social order. Zélie thrust by circumstance from her home in India into the service of the formidable Madame Malaise. Jules, a ‘sewer boy’ who does not realise the turn his life is about to take when he finds a curious golden locket under the Parisian streets.
Zélie provides a fascinating lens through which to view the city, also highlighting the trappings of colonialism which are everywhere- in physical form and exposed in the mindset of the more villainous characters.
Zélie is a fantastic lead: she is courageous in many ways, big and small. Whenever societal expectations or negative feelings are becoming a barrier, she lists off affirmations, which propel her forward and reveal more about her character and past adventures! It’s clearly not only in Paris that she’s found character and courage in spades! Jules, for his part, is the perfect foil to Zélie’s impulsivity while proving himself quite the young adventurer too.
From a Y6 teacher’s POV, I loved the signature use of simile- lots of which made me laugh. I enjoyed the peppering of French language and cultural allusions. I admired the way readers were nudged to understand the crimes of colonisers- (and of their beneficiaries in succeeding generations) helping children to come to some conclusions about European history.
Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the eARC. Publication date: 14th March, 2024.
January 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed joining Zélie and Jules on their adventures and derring do. Although Jules is more reluctant than Zélie to place himself in danger, he is a good friend and wants to help. He tries to warn her that not everyone should be taken at their word but she ignores his pleas, which puts her in mortal danger more than once. I particularly enjoyed the internal, inspirational speeches Zélie gives herself when in need of a bit of extra bravery.
Set in the underbelly of Paris near the end of the 19th century and based on a colonial tale of a healing stone (with severe small print warnings), the story involves family separation and loss, subterfuge, circus acts, a secret society up to no good and a cast of diverse and often dastardly characters.
The main themes are friendship, trust, making the right choice, greed and power.
Thank you to the author for pointing out the absolute truth about pockets (severe lack of) in women’s clothes and the huge issue of back and front fastenings on clothing…how many items of men’s clothing need contortionist skills to fasten them? Exactly!
It has a book map (said in the same voice as “it has pockets”).
Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the eARC in exchange for this review. The book will be published on March 14th 2024.
Set in the underbelly of Paris near the end of the 19th century and based on a colonial tale of a healing stone (with severe small print warnings), the story involves family separation and loss, subterfuge, circus acts, a secret society up to no good and a cast of diverse and often dastardly characters.
The main themes are friendship, trust, making the right choice, greed and power.
Thank you to the author for pointing out the absolute truth about pockets (severe lack of) in women’s clothes and the huge issue of back and front fastenings on clothing…how many items of men’s clothing need contortionist skills to fasten them? Exactly!
It has a book map (said in the same voice as “it has pockets”).
Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the eARC in exchange for this review. The book will be published on March 14th 2024.
February 25, 2024
Inspired by the same legends that informed Wilkie Collins’s ‘The Moonstone’, ‘Secrets of the Snakestone’ is a thrilling, pitch-perfect middle grade adventure set in the streets and the sewers of Paris at the end of the nineteenth century.
Zélie has been sent away from her family in India to live in Paris and work as a maid. But when a boy appears out of the sewers with a mysterious locket belonging to her father, the two children are swept up in a breathtaking mystery involving a cursed stone, a dark secret society and a vibrant cast of circus performers. There is also, very importantly, a baby sloth.
Zélie is a brilliantly bold and audacious narrator, balanced by the more careful and considered character of Jules. I particularly loved the little pep talks that she gives herself throughout the book, whenever she’s feeling nervous or uncertain.
Though it has a historical setting, this story combines a classic feel with contemporary pacing. The action is fast and furious and I read it in one sitting, engaged all the way though.
I also have to mention the thoroughly eye-catching and enticing cover design – what an absolute triumph! Designed by Elisabetta Barbazza and illustrated by Helen Crawford-White.
This engaging, evocative adventure is perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Katherine Rundell’s ‘Rooftoppers’. I know it’s going to be popular in the library!
Thanks to Netgalley and Nosy Crow for the digital ARC.
Zélie has been sent away from her family in India to live in Paris and work as a maid. But when a boy appears out of the sewers with a mysterious locket belonging to her father, the two children are swept up in a breathtaking mystery involving a cursed stone, a dark secret society and a vibrant cast of circus performers. There is also, very importantly, a baby sloth.
Zélie is a brilliantly bold and audacious narrator, balanced by the more careful and considered character of Jules. I particularly loved the little pep talks that she gives herself throughout the book, whenever she’s feeling nervous or uncertain.
Though it has a historical setting, this story combines a classic feel with contemporary pacing. The action is fast and furious and I read it in one sitting, engaged all the way though.
I also have to mention the thoroughly eye-catching and enticing cover design – what an absolute triumph! Designed by Elisabetta Barbazza and illustrated by Helen Crawford-White.
This engaging, evocative adventure is perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Katherine Rundell’s ‘Rooftoppers’. I know it’s going to be popular in the library!
Thanks to Netgalley and Nosy Crow for the digital ARC.
December 18, 2023
Loved this magical adventure steam-punky book inspired by Indian colonial lore! Zélie is a kick-butt main character whom I'd follow anywhere – the list of cool things she can do actually made me lol in amazement. I especially loved her clever, action-packed quest through murky, underground Paris, solving riddles and exploring a weird circus while tracking down a famous cursed jewel to save her dad. And the stunning descriptions of Zélie's home in Calcutta simply took my breath away. This book is GREAT for kids looking for a cool twist in fantasy – it blends mystery and magic, hilarity and heartache, and in its heart sits coiled the perfectly creepy gem of truth.
December 13, 2023
Secrets of the snakestone is a historical tale with fantasy elements set in victorian France and aimed at Middle grade children.
It tells the tale of Zélie who an Indian girl who has been brought over to be the housemaid of a rich and rather horrible woman. Its a tale of magic, friendship, family and betrayal with hints at social injustice. it's a wonderful book with the odd joke that would appeal to the younger readers. Would like to see more from this author
It tells the tale of Zélie who an Indian girl who has been brought over to be the housemaid of a rich and rather horrible woman. Its a tale of magic, friendship, family and betrayal with hints at social injustice. it's a wonderful book with the odd joke that would appeal to the younger readers. Would like to see more from this author
August 29, 2025
I loved this story, read as an advance copy from NetGalley, and appreciated the consistent thread of duality throughout. The contrasts with regard to race, class, and opulence vs. the grit of life in poverty created a tension all on their own.
The sad start of this story, with Zelie being called out as a witch by people who see her as “other” belies the action-packed adventure the reader is about to experience! While it all felt a little implausible to me, the book is well suited for the “tween” age bracket, with themes may be a little dark or bold for 3-4th graders that could potentially fall into the younger end of the recommended 9-11 age range. I would expect mature 4th -6the graders to enjoy this without any fear.
The fast pace as Zelie and Jules race along the quest to find her father will keep the attention young readers, while the incorporation of unusual pets add a touch of whimsy. From cover to cover this is a fun book, laced with looming dangers that add a gothic sense of foreboding. While there is magic, it doesn’t overwhelm the story.
The rich descriptions of Paris in the late 19th century help to make the “historical” stand out in this fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed the depictions of some seedier elements. My absolute favorite thing about the book is that our heroine draws her strength and inspiration from a book- and it’s actually a real book, The Mysteries of Paris that also inspired Les Mis!
I wish that there had been some space to catch our breath as we raced along this journey. Those moments could have been used to give Zelie’s character a little more depth, but overall this is an excellent book. It’s clear to me that the author planned well and layered a lot of meaning into her narrative. For an upper 4th-6th grade range I would give this book four stars.
The sad start of this story, with Zelie being called out as a witch by people who see her as “other” belies the action-packed adventure the reader is about to experience! While it all felt a little implausible to me, the book is well suited for the “tween” age bracket, with themes may be a little dark or bold for 3-4th graders that could potentially fall into the younger end of the recommended 9-11 age range. I would expect mature 4th -6the graders to enjoy this without any fear.
The fast pace as Zelie and Jules race along the quest to find her father will keep the attention young readers, while the incorporation of unusual pets add a touch of whimsy. From cover to cover this is a fun book, laced with looming dangers that add a gothic sense of foreboding. While there is magic, it doesn’t overwhelm the story.
The rich descriptions of Paris in the late 19th century help to make the “historical” stand out in this fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed the depictions of some seedier elements. My absolute favorite thing about the book is that our heroine draws her strength and inspiration from a book- and it’s actually a real book, The Mysteries of Paris that also inspired Les Mis!
I wish that there had been some space to catch our breath as we raced along this journey. Those moments could have been used to give Zelie’s character a little more depth, but overall this is an excellent book. It’s clear to me that the author planned well and layered a lot of meaning into her narrative. For an upper 4th-6th grade range I would give this book four stars.
June 17, 2024
The blurb of this story promises an exciting mystery with plenty of danger and action. I absolutely wasn’t disappointed. I loved the settings above and below Paris. The mystery is really compelling and whisks the reader along with its fast-pace and plenty of adventure.
March 18, 2024
The plot
The prologue sees a rat run deep under the city of Paris, into the sewers, ending near where a man and boy work clearing a blockage. The rat sees a small gold object winking bright in the mucky water but is driven away by the sense of something "deep and slow and older than the city or the earth upon which it was built." Evil. The boy, Jules, spots the item; it's like two haves of a walnut held together with a clasp. A locket engraved with indecipherable symbols. It twitched in his hand like a living thing and gave off a sickly yellow-green glow. Pocketing it, he notes under which street, and possibly which house, the effluent has come from. There may be a reward for him if he returns it to the owner . . . .
Zélie Dutta has been sent by her father away from their home in the jungle south of Calcutta to live and work in Paris as a maid for Madame Malaise. She lives in an attic room shared with another maid called Blanche. The house was once the home of Doctor Malaise, discoverer of the cure for Blisterpox. The discovery had got the Doctor much fame and wealth, but he died a year later. He had been a member of a dark and decidedly dubious society called the Brotherhood of Blood. Readers will find out more about their dodgy dealings and wicked works later. Needless to say, it is not good.
Being a foreigner does not help Zélie, and the other staff are weary of her, more so as she has heterochromia – different coloured eyes. They attribute any accident in the grand house they live and work in on Rue Morgue to Zélie and call her a witch. Items being lost and stolen get blamed on her.
Of course, that is all rot, bigotry and covering up their own mistakes and shortcomings. Our protagonist doesn't understand why she had to travel abroad and come to this house to work. It could have something to do with her father having to borrow money and thus using her to repay the debt.
Whatever the reason, she wants to get home. But as the lady of the house reads her letters to her father, she can not write about the dire conditions. When her father does not respond to her letters after a few months, Zélie becomes very worried, heightening her desire to escape the house and France.
One day, on the way out to get some mercury-based powder for Madame's make-up, she bumps into the same sewer boy, Jules. He is holding the locket and is intent on finding an owner.
Zélie immediately recognises the locket as the one that her father used to wear around his neck. He would never speak of what it was or how he came by it, but he would never have given it up.
What I can and will say is that the locket used to house the Snakestone. The stone is cursed, like so many famous stones are reputed to be. And even though the stone brings long life, health and fortune to the possessor, it demands and exacts a terrible price – the loved ones of whoever holds the stone will die a horrible and unexplainable painful death. So why does Zélie's father have it, or at least have the locket? Could her mother have been killed by the curse?
Persuading Jules to take her to where he found it, she begins a search to understand why it is in Paris and what has happened to her Baba - her father.
Now, dear reader, the book escalates by many notches. In the search for the truth, Zélie and Jules find new allies, are betrayed, and get entangled with the 'Brotherhood of Blood'. They, too, and their sinister leader, are interested in the stone and, it seems, have a connection to Mr Dutta. What of Madame Malaise? Is she just a grieving widow? Then there are the circus folk Zélie visits. Could they be possible friends? With lives other than their own lives at risk, the story enters one captivating grand finale, which — did you really think I'd give that away?
Ultimately, everything in this adventure is intertwined, but not everything or everyone is as they seem. You now have the great fun, as we did, of finding out for yourselves.
What did we think?
A beautiful literary jewel, filled with adventure and a plot worthy of grander, classical novels. Steeped in the very essence of 1890's Parisian life, above and below ground, that leaps from the pages. Captivating and compelling from the first enigmatic page through until the very last. Sheer genius and not to be missed.
I haven't been hooked on a book so quickly or compelled to read on more than I was with this. That, indeed, is an excellent sign. What I found within was a delightful plot that entertained and provided oodles of character, adventure, suspense, heroines and villains, dark and sinister, spangly and exotic, all sewn deftly together with lyrical expertise and a hint of magic.
It is very much of the same sort of magic Wilkie Collins infused into the classic, The Moonstone, which was written in the same era and has enthralled children and adults alike ever since.
Finally, we loved the quote from Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo, about the sewers under Paris. That sets a flavour, a tone, at the beginning of the book that lasts throughout.
The prologue sees a rat run deep under the city of Paris, into the sewers, ending near where a man and boy work clearing a blockage. The rat sees a small gold object winking bright in the mucky water but is driven away by the sense of something "deep and slow and older than the city or the earth upon which it was built." Evil. The boy, Jules, spots the item; it's like two haves of a walnut held together with a clasp. A locket engraved with indecipherable symbols. It twitched in his hand like a living thing and gave off a sickly yellow-green glow. Pocketing it, he notes under which street, and possibly which house, the effluent has come from. There may be a reward for him if he returns it to the owner . . . .
Zélie Dutta has been sent by her father away from their home in the jungle south of Calcutta to live and work in Paris as a maid for Madame Malaise. She lives in an attic room shared with another maid called Blanche. The house was once the home of Doctor Malaise, discoverer of the cure for Blisterpox. The discovery had got the Doctor much fame and wealth, but he died a year later. He had been a member of a dark and decidedly dubious society called the Brotherhood of Blood. Readers will find out more about their dodgy dealings and wicked works later. Needless to say, it is not good.
Being a foreigner does not help Zélie, and the other staff are weary of her, more so as she has heterochromia – different coloured eyes. They attribute any accident in the grand house they live and work in on Rue Morgue to Zélie and call her a witch. Items being lost and stolen get blamed on her.
Of course, that is all rot, bigotry and covering up their own mistakes and shortcomings. Our protagonist doesn't understand why she had to travel abroad and come to this house to work. It could have something to do with her father having to borrow money and thus using her to repay the debt.
Whatever the reason, she wants to get home. But as the lady of the house reads her letters to her father, she can not write about the dire conditions. When her father does not respond to her letters after a few months, Zélie becomes very worried, heightening her desire to escape the house and France.
One day, on the way out to get some mercury-based powder for Madame's make-up, she bumps into the same sewer boy, Jules. He is holding the locket and is intent on finding an owner.
Zélie immediately recognises the locket as the one that her father used to wear around his neck. He would never speak of what it was or how he came by it, but he would never have given it up.
What I can and will say is that the locket used to house the Snakestone. The stone is cursed, like so many famous stones are reputed to be. And even though the stone brings long life, health and fortune to the possessor, it demands and exacts a terrible price – the loved ones of whoever holds the stone will die a horrible and unexplainable painful death. So why does Zélie's father have it, or at least have the locket? Could her mother have been killed by the curse?
Persuading Jules to take her to where he found it, she begins a search to understand why it is in Paris and what has happened to her Baba - her father.
Now, dear reader, the book escalates by many notches. In the search for the truth, Zélie and Jules find new allies, are betrayed, and get entangled with the 'Brotherhood of Blood'. They, too, and their sinister leader, are interested in the stone and, it seems, have a connection to Mr Dutta. What of Madame Malaise? Is she just a grieving widow? Then there are the circus folk Zélie visits. Could they be possible friends? With lives other than their own lives at risk, the story enters one captivating grand finale, which — did you really think I'd give that away?
Ultimately, everything in this adventure is intertwined, but not everything or everyone is as they seem. You now have the great fun, as we did, of finding out for yourselves.
What did we think?
A beautiful literary jewel, filled with adventure and a plot worthy of grander, classical novels. Steeped in the very essence of 1890's Parisian life, above and below ground, that leaps from the pages. Captivating and compelling from the first enigmatic page through until the very last. Sheer genius and not to be missed.
I haven't been hooked on a book so quickly or compelled to read on more than I was with this. That, indeed, is an excellent sign. What I found within was a delightful plot that entertained and provided oodles of character, adventure, suspense, heroines and villains, dark and sinister, spangly and exotic, all sewn deftly together with lyrical expertise and a hint of magic.
It is very much of the same sort of magic Wilkie Collins infused into the classic, The Moonstone, which was written in the same era and has enthralled children and adults alike ever since.
Finally, we loved the quote from Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo, about the sewers under Paris. That sets a flavour, a tone, at the beginning of the book that lasts throughout.
September 29, 2025
DasGupta does an excellent job of evoking Paris in the late 19th century—both the glitter and the grime in her debut Middle-Grade novel, Secrets of the Snakestone. The contrast between the social stratification, the underworld of the sewers and catacombs, and the spectacle of circus life creates vivid, immersive environments. Zélie is a strong, resourceful heroine. She is not without flaws—stubbornness, a tendency to act first, think later—but those weaknesses make her more interesting and relatable. Her internal “pep talks” are charming and help flesh out her character in small, memorable ways. Jules is a good counter character to Jules. He is more cautious and rooted in his environment, but still brave. The narrative moves briskly, engaging middle-grade readers with plenty of mystery, danger, and action. The cursed object trope (the Snakestone), secret societies, riddles, and perilous sequences combine to make a propulsive plot. Beneath the adventure, the book engages with issues of colonialism, class, race, and “otherness.”
Zélie’s status as an outsider in Paris, her prejudice, and the contrast between her home in India and the French social structures are handled with care. The idea that power (whether magical or social) often comes at a cost is central. There are memorable side characters: circus folk, a secret society, a fortune teller, etc. Bonuses like a baby sloth (Titicaca) and the pigeon Rodolphe add warmth, humor, and whimsy. Secrets of the Snakestone is a lively and imaginative adventure that blends history, fantasy, and mystery. It’s powerful as a middle-grade novel that doesn’t shy away from darker themes—loss, prejudice, danger—but keeps hope, courage, and friendship at its core. Zélie’s character is compelling: she is brave, flawed, and determined, and her growth is satisfying. The richly drawn setting of Paris at the turn of the century, combined with exotic nods to India, makes for a globally inflected, atmospheric journey.
While it doesn’t completely reinvent the genre, it brings enough freshness—through its heroine, cultural perspective, and mix of folklore and historical detail—to make it stand out. It will likely be especially appealing to young readers who enjoy mysteries, historical settings, and slightly spooky magical elements.
Zélie’s status as an outsider in Paris, her prejudice, and the contrast between her home in India and the French social structures are handled with care. The idea that power (whether magical or social) often comes at a cost is central. There are memorable side characters: circus folk, a secret society, a fortune teller, etc. Bonuses like a baby sloth (Titicaca) and the pigeon Rodolphe add warmth, humor, and whimsy. Secrets of the Snakestone is a lively and imaginative adventure that blends history, fantasy, and mystery. It’s powerful as a middle-grade novel that doesn’t shy away from darker themes—loss, prejudice, danger—but keeps hope, courage, and friendship at its core. Zélie’s character is compelling: she is brave, flawed, and determined, and her growth is satisfying. The richly drawn setting of Paris at the turn of the century, combined with exotic nods to India, makes for a globally inflected, atmospheric journey.
While it doesn’t completely reinvent the genre, it brings enough freshness—through its heroine, cultural perspective, and mix of folklore and historical detail—to make it stand out. It will likely be especially appealing to young readers who enjoy mysteries, historical settings, and slightly spooky magical elements.
November 10, 2024
A breathtaking adventure that’s packed full of mystery and intrigue!
This story grips you from the opening pages by throwing you head-first into the action. And the fast pace continues to ramp up as the story progresses.
Zélie hates being a servant for Madame Malaise and is desperate to escape the confines of the attic on Rue Morgue in Paris. She was sent there by her father, to pay off a debt he owed. But her life is made miserable due to the rest of the household believing her to be a witch. When her father’s letters suddenly stop arriving, Zélie begins to worry that something untoward might have happened to him, further fuelling her desire to escape. But on the verge of running away, she bumps into sewer sweeper Jules, who’s clutching hold of her father’s locket… the one piece of jewellery that Zélie’s father never took off. Zélie eventually manages to persuade Jules to help her investigate her father’s disappearance. But it’s not long before they run into trouble themselves. The young children encounter all number of dangerous situations as their quest demands they seek the location of the mysterious Snakestone. But will they be able to find it in time?
This book is extremely well written and whisks you through the streets and sewers of Paris with the promise of adventure and peril. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you entertained and engaged throughout — as well as some super riddles for you to unravel. I thoroughly recommend it to any child seeking a fast-paced thrill ride with the element of danger lurking around every corner. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Piu DasGupta comes up with next!
This story grips you from the opening pages by throwing you head-first into the action. And the fast pace continues to ramp up as the story progresses.
Zélie hates being a servant for Madame Malaise and is desperate to escape the confines of the attic on Rue Morgue in Paris. She was sent there by her father, to pay off a debt he owed. But her life is made miserable due to the rest of the household believing her to be a witch. When her father’s letters suddenly stop arriving, Zélie begins to worry that something untoward might have happened to him, further fuelling her desire to escape. But on the verge of running away, she bumps into sewer sweeper Jules, who’s clutching hold of her father’s locket… the one piece of jewellery that Zélie’s father never took off. Zélie eventually manages to persuade Jules to help her investigate her father’s disappearance. But it’s not long before they run into trouble themselves. The young children encounter all number of dangerous situations as their quest demands they seek the location of the mysterious Snakestone. But will they be able to find it in time?
This book is extremely well written and whisks you through the streets and sewers of Paris with the promise of adventure and peril. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you entertained and engaged throughout — as well as some super riddles for you to unravel. I thoroughly recommend it to any child seeking a fast-paced thrill ride with the element of danger lurking around every corner. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Piu DasGupta comes up with next!
April 17, 2024
Fizzing with adventure and danger, Secrets Of The Snakestone is one of my favourite reads this year.
The prologue shows us the glittering city of Paris before descending with the rats into the sewers and the catacombs. This theme of what lies beneath the surface – ‘never judge a book by its cover’ – is cleverly weaved throughout the story and feeds into Zelie’s emotional journey and the main mystery: what has become of Zelie Dutta’s father and why has she been sent to work as a maid in a city far from home?
When sewer sweeper Jules turns up at her door with a locket owned by Zelie’s father, she springs into action, but her investigations put them both in danger. The Brotherhood of Blood want the missing stone from the locket, and they will murder anyone to get it. Secrets and riddles pile up and all the while Zelie is horribly bullied by the cook and other servants at the house she works and lives at. They think she’s a witch because her eyes are different colours – a condition called heterochromia iridum. Zelie needs Jules and her friends from the Cirque Fantastique more than ever, not forgetting an amazing pigeon called Rudolphe who dumps on Zelie’s enemies and an adorable baby sloth called Titicaca.
The action builds to a crescendo with an enjoyably gory end for one particular baddie, and a very satisfying reveal. There’s also an epilogue which leads us back into the sewers and hints that a sequel might be on the cards. But you’d have to ask Madame Drusilla Weyrd at the Cirque Fantastique about that…
The prologue shows us the glittering city of Paris before descending with the rats into the sewers and the catacombs. This theme of what lies beneath the surface – ‘never judge a book by its cover’ – is cleverly weaved throughout the story and feeds into Zelie’s emotional journey and the main mystery: what has become of Zelie Dutta’s father and why has she been sent to work as a maid in a city far from home?
When sewer sweeper Jules turns up at her door with a locket owned by Zelie’s father, she springs into action, but her investigations put them both in danger. The Brotherhood of Blood want the missing stone from the locket, and they will murder anyone to get it. Secrets and riddles pile up and all the while Zelie is horribly bullied by the cook and other servants at the house she works and lives at. They think she’s a witch because her eyes are different colours – a condition called heterochromia iridum. Zelie needs Jules and her friends from the Cirque Fantastique more than ever, not forgetting an amazing pigeon called Rudolphe who dumps on Zelie’s enemies and an adorable baby sloth called Titicaca.
The action builds to a crescendo with an enjoyably gory end for one particular baddie, and a very satisfying reveal. There’s also an epilogue which leads us back into the sewers and hints that a sequel might be on the cards. But you’d have to ask Madame Drusilla Weyrd at the Cirque Fantastique about that…
September 24, 2025
For the past several years, Zélie Dutta has been serving the Malaise family in Paris as a way to repay her father’s debts. However, Zélie does not believe this is the real reason she is in Paris; when her letters to her father go unanswered for months and his treasured locket turns up unexpectedly in a Paris sewer, Zélie is determined to uncover what is really going on. Together with a sewer boy named Jules, Zélie bravely investigates the notorious Brotherhood of Blood in an effort to find out exactly what happened to her father and to hopefully save him from a terrible fate. This historical fiction, middle grade mystery transports readers back to 1895 Paris, where the sewers and catacombs are more highly frequented than one might imagine. Brief chapters and a high-stakes storyline propel the plot, keeping readers engaged even when the setting is likely unfamiliar. Recounted in the third person primarily from Zélie’s perspective, the story appropriately reflects Zélie’s inner turmoil by utilizing a blend of narrative text, dialogue, and occasional letters written to her father. As more truths come to light, the novel shifts from one featuring a mostly naïve young person to one in which the protagonists are both confident and well-equipped to succeed. Much like a version of The Da Vinci Code for young people, this novel incorporates secret societies, murder, and timeless legend into a story that is at once compelling and contemplative. This is a unique addition to library collections for mature middle grade readers with an interest in historical fiction and mysteries.
February 17, 2024
This is exactly the kind of book I would have ADORED as a 9-12 year old. It has all the good stuff that sparks a child’s imagination: riddles and secret passages, glamorous trapeze artists and fortune tellers, mystery and magical gemstones, real peril and genuinely scary baddies, plus a BABY SLOTH!!
Zélie has been sent from India to work in service in Victorian era Paris, where, with the help of sewer boy Jules, she tries to find a magical missing gemstone and solve the puzzle of why her father sent her to Paris, and more importantly, where he is now. The answers lie in a sinister secret society.
It's beautifully written and evocative — the cinematic opening sequence gently leading the reader to the action via a sewer rat and a night owl is reminiscent of Fiona Mozley — but it captures a feisty childlike spirit perfectly. I really loved the little pep talks Zélie gives herself when she needs to feel brave, like: “You have crushed the head of a poisonous cobra with your naked heel and you can lick your elbow. You can fart with your armpit and curse in three languages. You deserve better than this and you can escape.” They at once reveal her character, provide a tantalising glimpse into her previous life in Calcutta and gift young readers some sweet self-confidence prompts!
In all, Zélie’s adventure is every bit as special as the phenomenal cover suggests!
Zélie has been sent from India to work in service in Victorian era Paris, where, with the help of sewer boy Jules, she tries to find a magical missing gemstone and solve the puzzle of why her father sent her to Paris, and more importantly, where he is now. The answers lie in a sinister secret society.
It's beautifully written and evocative — the cinematic opening sequence gently leading the reader to the action via a sewer rat and a night owl is reminiscent of Fiona Mozley — but it captures a feisty childlike spirit perfectly. I really loved the little pep talks Zélie gives herself when she needs to feel brave, like: “You have crushed the head of a poisonous cobra with your naked heel and you can lick your elbow. You can fart with your armpit and curse in three languages. You deserve better than this and you can escape.” They at once reveal her character, provide a tantalising glimpse into her previous life in Calcutta and gift young readers some sweet self-confidence prompts!
In all, Zélie’s adventure is every bit as special as the phenomenal cover suggests!
March 1, 2024
I received an early e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets of the Snakestone is a really fun historical mystery middle-grade book, with a touch of fantasy.
Zelie is working as a maid for a French lady when her fathers locket (which he never takes off!) mysteriously turns up in Paris, even though he is supposed to be at home in Calcutta, India. With the help of a sewer boy, Jules, she goes on a fantastic adventure, uncovering secret after secret about the mysterious nature of the locket.
I really enjoyed this book! Zelie is a great main character in an interesting setting. Jules is also really fun and their friendship is great. I also really enjoyed Blanche's character arc. The circus folk are great, and I liked that the young main characters had some adults they could trust to help them. The Brotherhood of Blood was very interesting and I would have liked to have heard more about what they get up to!
The story was fast paced and easy to follow. It has a good amount of peril, without being too scary. It's perfect for the intended age range but also a very fun read for adults who love a good adventure :)
Secrets of the Snakestone is a really fun historical mystery middle-grade book, with a touch of fantasy.
Zelie is working as a maid for a French lady when her fathers locket (which he never takes off!) mysteriously turns up in Paris, even though he is supposed to be at home in Calcutta, India. With the help of a sewer boy, Jules, she goes on a fantastic adventure, uncovering secret after secret about the mysterious nature of the locket.
I really enjoyed this book! Zelie is a great main character in an interesting setting. Jules is also really fun and their friendship is great. I also really enjoyed Blanche's character arc. The circus folk are great, and I liked that the young main characters had some adults they could trust to help them. The Brotherhood of Blood was very interesting and I would have liked to have heard more about what they get up to!
The story was fast paced and easy to follow. It has a good amount of peril, without being too scary. It's perfect for the intended age range but also a very fun read for adults who love a good adventure :)
February 9, 2024
Set in Paris in the 19th Century, this rollicking tale based on an old story of a cursed gemstone stolen from India is full of twists and turns.
A long way from home and trying to make the best of living and working as a maid in the home of a haughty benefactor, Zélie makes an unlikely ally in a sewer boy called Jules.
Jules has somehow found Zélie's father's locket in the underground sewer tunnels, despite the man himself being thousands of miles away at home in India.
This discovery sets Zélie and Jules off on an adventure to work out what has happened, with lots of spooky gothic detail along the way. Themes of trust, friendship and self-belief weave through the book too.
This is a story pitched at middle grade - so 8 to 12 years old. I'd exercise caution at the lower end of that band due to the peril and violence, but it's a fantastic book especially if kids or adults alike have a taste for mystery and macabre!
The publisher sent me an advanced reader copy of this book for review but all opinions are my own.
A long way from home and trying to make the best of living and working as a maid in the home of a haughty benefactor, Zélie makes an unlikely ally in a sewer boy called Jules.
Jules has somehow found Zélie's father's locket in the underground sewer tunnels, despite the man himself being thousands of miles away at home in India.
This discovery sets Zélie and Jules off on an adventure to work out what has happened, with lots of spooky gothic detail along the way. Themes of trust, friendship and self-belief weave through the book too.
This is a story pitched at middle grade - so 8 to 12 years old. I'd exercise caution at the lower end of that band due to the peril and violence, but it's a fantastic book especially if kids or adults alike have a taste for mystery and macabre!
The publisher sent me an advanced reader copy of this book for review but all opinions are my own.
March 18, 2024
Ho scelto questo libro attirata dalla bellissima copertina, dall'ambientazione storica e dal titolo che evocava La pietra di luna di Wilkie Collins. Non ne sono rimasta per nulla delusa.
Zelia è una ragazzina bengalese che si ritrova a vivere come cameriera nella Parigi del XIX secolo. Che fine ha fatto suo padre? Perchè è stata allontanata dalla sua famiglia? Il mistero si infittisce quando Zelia incontra Jules, un ragazzo che ha trovato per caso un medaglione che apparteneva al padre della ragazza.
Pietre maledette, enigmi, società misteriose, un tocco di steampunk, un ritmo serrato e una protagonista accattivante rendono questo libro una lettura perfetta per ragazzi tra i 10 e i 13 anni.
Che sia l'inizio di una nuova serie?
I chose this book attracted by the beautiful cover, the historical setting and the title that evoked Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone. I was not disappointed at all.
Zelia is a Bengali girl who finds herself living as a maid in 19th century Paris. What has become of her father? Why is she estranged from her family? The mystery deepens when Zelia meets Jules, a boy who has found by chance a locket that belonged to the girl's father.
Cursed stones, puzzles, mysterious societies, a touch of steampunk, a fast pacing and a captivating heroine make this book a perfect reading for 10-13 year olds.
Could this be the start of a new series?
Zelia è una ragazzina bengalese che si ritrova a vivere come cameriera nella Parigi del XIX secolo. Che fine ha fatto suo padre? Perchè è stata allontanata dalla sua famiglia? Il mistero si infittisce quando Zelia incontra Jules, un ragazzo che ha trovato per caso un medaglione che apparteneva al padre della ragazza.
Pietre maledette, enigmi, società misteriose, un tocco di steampunk, un ritmo serrato e una protagonista accattivante rendono questo libro una lettura perfetta per ragazzi tra i 10 e i 13 anni.
Che sia l'inizio di una nuova serie?
I chose this book attracted by the beautiful cover, the historical setting and the title that evoked Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone. I was not disappointed at all.
Zelia is a Bengali girl who finds herself living as a maid in 19th century Paris. What has become of her father? Why is she estranged from her family? The mystery deepens when Zelia meets Jules, a boy who has found by chance a locket that belonged to the girl's father.
Cursed stones, puzzles, mysterious societies, a touch of steampunk, a fast pacing and a captivating heroine make this book a perfect reading for 10-13 year olds.
Could this be the start of a new series?
May 25, 2025
Thank you NetGalley! The story takes place in Paris I’m guessing around 1895. This is the year on the map at the beginning of the story and is otherwise not stated. A girl of indeterminate age named Zelie Dutta had been sent to Paris from her home in Calcutta with her father to work as a maid. When on an errand, she comes across a boy who quickly becomes her friend and ally. Jules Dubois works in the sewers beneath the city and has found Zelle’s father’s locket that he never took off. Embossed on the back reads the word Snakestone. Mystery, murder and revelations ensue. Although as a whole the story was good, for the age group it is designated for I feel the youngest readers of this age group would find it rather macabre in places and a bit slow paced with the intricacies of the plot being missed. Older readers may appreciate the horrors depicted and slow reveal of the storyline better.
November 20, 2025
This middle grade book was a lot of fun! I saw it on display in the children's room at the library and was drawn in by the incredible cover. I don't typically read kids' books, so I put zero pressure on myself to finish this. I was ready and willing to put it down at anytime, but it kept me turning the pages until the very end. Many chapters ended on a cliff-hanger (which another reviewer said is an "overused trick", but I think is a lot of fun, so bah humbug to them). There was action, adventure, mystery, riddles, a great setting (late 1800s Paris), a dash of magic, and a great cast of characters. I considered using this as a read aloud in my 3rd grade classroom, but ultimately decided against it because there are some pretty violent parts (including a few gruesome deaths). There is also a lot going on. There's quite a few of plot points to keep track of, and there were still some unanswered questions at the end (or, if those questions did get answered, I - an adult reader - missed the answers). But it was still an action-packed, entertaining read!
October 22, 2024
I've been sitting on this book for a while, planning to read it while I was in Paris. Paris didn't happen, but the book took me there anyway. In the delightful company of Zelie (a wonderfully quirky, fierce and fearless heroine) and her reluctant sidekick Jules, Secrets of the Snakestone delivers everything its gorgeous cover suggests: danger, intrigue, mystery and, of course, a baby sloth. Set in the streets and sewers of 19th century Paris, Zelie must race against time, not to mention the sinister Brotherhood of Blood, to find the long lost Snakestone and free her father. Along the way, Piu Dasgupta flawlessly balances magic and mystery and thrills with a deeper exploration of stereotypes, colonialism and friendship.
I now want a baby sloth, and also to get the image of scrabbling rat feet out of my brain.
A wonderful read for 9+ years.
I now want a baby sloth, and also to get the image of scrabbling rat feet out of my brain.
A wonderful read for 9+ years.
August 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this e-ARC.
If I read this novel as a child, I would be as absolutely obsessed with it as I was with A Little Princess, for similar reasons.
I'll be honest here: I was terribly ostracized as a child. I escaped the aching loneliness through books. The act of reading was a constant for me throughout my life. A Little Princess probably saved my life in my elementary school years. The suffering Sara Crewe endures was the mirror of my own life at the time. Naturally, I have cherished this book ever since.
I believe that Secrets of the Snakestone has the charm to be another favorite of mine. Zélie starts the book as an unwanted maid, her only companion a pigeon, reading a pilfered book of adventure for escapism. The adventure following the Snakestone's discovery provides something A Little Princess doesn't: living the adventure in one's beloved stories.
If I read this novel as a child, I would be as absolutely obsessed with it as I was with A Little Princess, for similar reasons.
I'll be honest here: I was terribly ostracized as a child. I escaped the aching loneliness through books. The act of reading was a constant for me throughout my life. A Little Princess probably saved my life in my elementary school years. The suffering Sara Crewe endures was the mirror of my own life at the time. Naturally, I have cherished this book ever since.
I believe that Secrets of the Snakestone has the charm to be another favorite of mine. Zélie starts the book as an unwanted maid, her only companion a pigeon, reading a pilfered book of adventure for escapism. The adventure following the Snakestone's discovery provides something A Little Princess doesn't: living the adventure in one's beloved stories.
December 23, 2025
The strength of this book was definitely in the setting. It feels really grounded, and the streets and tunnels of Paris become crystal clear in the reader's mind. The plot was also fun: some mystery, some action, and making friends along the way.
What fell flat about it to me was the characters. I didn't really grow particularly attached to any of them, and I didn't feel like any (including the main character) really had fully formed personalities. They all read as pretty one-note, which made it difficult to care as much about what was going on. For me I think if felt like the beginnings of a great book, the characters just needed a lot more development.
I still recommend it regardless, for readers 12-16 who like historical fiction with just the tiniest sprinkling of magic.
What fell flat about it to me was the characters. I didn't really grow particularly attached to any of them, and I didn't feel like any (including the main character) really had fully formed personalities. They all read as pretty one-note, which made it difficult to care as much about what was going on. For me I think if felt like the beginnings of a great book, the characters just needed a lot more development.
I still recommend it regardless, for readers 12-16 who like historical fiction with just the tiniest sprinkling of magic.
February 4, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley for an E-ARC of this book. 3.5 stars.
Generally well written though it does fall prey to some gender stereotypes which weren't necessary. Lots of peril and adventure and a great peak beneath the city of Paris including the catacombs and sewers!
A didactic tale that teaches us not to judge a book by its cover and that, in this case, the seemingly respectable, wealthy characters are actually the villains.
More sophisticated writing and less obvious plot transitions would have gained an additional star.
Overall a well paced, book suitable for pre teens.
Generally well written though it does fall prey to some gender stereotypes which weren't necessary. Lots of peril and adventure and a great peak beneath the city of Paris including the catacombs and sewers!
A didactic tale that teaches us not to judge a book by its cover and that, in this case, the seemingly respectable, wealthy characters are actually the villains.
More sophisticated writing and less obvious plot transitions would have gained an additional star.
Overall a well paced, book suitable for pre teens.
March 3, 2024
Actual rating 3.5
A middle grade historical mystery with fantasy elements set in 19th C Paris.
Zélie Dutta works as a housemaid when her father's locket turns up in the hands of a sewer worker Jules. Knowing something is wrong after not hearing from her father for two months Zélie and Jules set out in a mission to find him and the Snakestone missing from the locket.
They follow a trail round Paris including the catacombs coming across circus folk, the brotherhood of blood and a baby sloth!
great story younger me would of loved it!
A middle grade historical mystery with fantasy elements set in 19th C Paris.
Zélie Dutta works as a housemaid when her father's locket turns up in the hands of a sewer worker Jules. Knowing something is wrong after not hearing from her father for two months Zélie and Jules set out in a mission to find him and the Snakestone missing from the locket.
They follow a trail round Paris including the catacombs coming across circus folk, the brotherhood of blood and a baby sloth!
great story younger me would of loved it!
March 29, 2024
3.0
I wanted to read this book more (that cover!) but it ended up being a bit too much on the younger side of middle grade, at least more than I expected. Nothing wrong with that, as the outstanding reviews show, but it wasn't my favorite. My only actual criticism is that it used way too many cliffhangers at the end of chapters, which is a trick not to be overused. The baby sloth seemed also like a bit of an artificial add-on, just to increase the cuteness factor. I'm sure young audiences will love it though.
I wanted to read this book more (that cover!) but it ended up being a bit too much on the younger side of middle grade, at least more than I expected. Nothing wrong with that, as the outstanding reviews show, but it wasn't my favorite. My only actual criticism is that it used way too many cliffhangers at the end of chapters, which is a trick not to be overused. The baby sloth seemed also like a bit of an artificial add-on, just to increase the cuteness factor. I'm sure young audiences will love it though.
January 2, 2025
This book was really good.I really enjoyed the adventure and it was great to learn and see how life was for a person who was sent to a different country.I really enjoyed this book.My favourite part was when the father came to the shop in a black cloak to save the main character and that she unharmed.I really liked how this book ended to as it was happy to see the main girl going back to India with her father and friend Jules at the end of the book after gaining justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
While younger readers may enjoy this, as an older reader I felt there were a lot of unanswered questions and a bit too much going on? It felt like there were many side plots that were quickly answered but suddenly with no explanation.
I loved a lot of the elements and settings but generally this wasn’t for me
I loved a lot of the elements and settings but generally this wasn’t for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews