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Disney Descendants: School of Secrets #3
Ally's Mad Mystery
The School of Secrets series of chapter books continues the story of Mal and her friends, plus new Villain kids and Auradon kids introduced in the popular Wicked World short form videos. Enjoy these all-new tales of mystery, magic and adventure from the world of the hit movie Descendants!
185 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
103 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Brody
60 books2,811 followersJessica Brody is the author of more than 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults including The Geography of Lost Things, The Chaos of Standing Still, Amelia Gray is Almost Okay, A Week of Mondays, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, the Unremembered trilogy, and the System Divine trilogy which is a sci-fi reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, co-written with Joanne Rendell. She’s also the author of the #1 bestselling novel-writing guides, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel as well as several books based on popular Disney franchises like Descendants and LEGO Disney Princess. Jessica’s books have been translated and published in over 20 languages and several have been optioned for film and television. She’s the founder of the Writing Mastery Academy and lives with her husband and three dogs near Portland, OR.
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 13, 2020
Disney definitely knows how to milk its properties for all they're worth. Just look at all of the Lizzie McGuire tie-in products: books (including some original stories), CDs, DVDs, video games, board games...you name it!
Still, as a longtime fan of the Mouse's live-action productions, I gave this a shot...and I'm glad I did! A fun whodunit that harkens back to classic Disney, it's worth a read for any fan of the Descendants telefilms, especially since it's an all-new story, not just a mere novelization.
Still, as a longtime fan of the Mouse's live-action productions, I gave this a shot...and I'm glad I did! A fun whodunit that harkens back to classic Disney, it's worth a read for any fan of the Descendants telefilms, especially since it's an all-new story, not just a mere novelization.
April 3, 2017
Ally loves solving mysteries. Unfortunately, because she lives in Auradon, there aren’t a lot of mysteries to solve. When here friend, Jane’s watch gets stolen, however, no one believes Ally that there is a real mystery this time to solve. Can Ally find Jane’s watch and solve her first real mystery?
The characters are engaging and easy to relate to. The plot is well developed, engaging, and entertaining. This fun, quick read is perfect for reluctant readers and fans of Descendants and Disney Channel.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' "Weekly Reads with Elephant and Piggie, Descendants, Castle, and more" episode. For more book review, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
The characters are engaging and easy to relate to. The plot is well developed, engaging, and entertaining. This fun, quick read is perfect for reluctant readers and fans of Descendants and Disney Channel.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' "Weekly Reads with Elephant and Piggie, Descendants, Castle, and more" episode. For more book review, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
February 3, 2018
This was the 3rd book in the School of Secrets series and I enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite. I like Ally enough, but sometimes she was a little too spacey for me. Just like things in Wonderland, she is very illogical and she has her own way of doing things, but sometimes it was a little too much for me. But I liked the mystery and how she solved it, and I do love the Descendants world. This is a cute extra for people who enjoy Descendants and want to know a little bit more.
Thanks Katie for sending this to me!
Thanks Katie for sending this to me!
August 13, 2017
Ally's Mad Mystery was an exciting and fast paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat! There are so many twists and turns that left me guessing the whole time. I didn't figure out the answer to the mystery until Ally did Also it was nice to read a story about an Auradon kid rather than one of the Villain kids.
Before the story begins we get to read about the time Ally's mother showed her the pocket watch that is a family heirloom. Ally wants to keep the pocket watch but her mother says she can't have it until she is older so that it won't get broken. It is also revealed that Ally wants to be a detective one day but since there or no crimes in Auradon. It doesn't look like that will happen. Once we get to the main story we find out that everyone at Auradon is getting ready for spirit weekend. Ally is in charge of making food. When Ally goes back to her mother's tea shop, she finds the pocket watch and tries to clean it but her cat Dino ends up breaking the watch. When Ally returns to school with the cake she made, she realizes that she forgot the clotted cream and runs back to the shop to get some. Ally returns to find that her cake has been eaten. Ally tries to convince the other students to help her catch the thief but since she frequently jumps to conclusions without thinking things though no one believes her not even her best friend Jane. This story shows what happens when you "cry wolf" too many times. After the cake goes missing, Jane's watch gets stolen and the banners for ruined. Jane and Ally go on an adventure to find the culprit. This book has lots of Alice in Wonderland references. If you're an Alice in wonderland fan or a descendants fan, pick up this book!
Before the story begins we get to read about the time Ally's mother showed her the pocket watch that is a family heirloom. Ally wants to keep the pocket watch but her mother says she can't have it until she is older so that it won't get broken. It is also revealed that Ally wants to be a detective one day but since there or no crimes in Auradon. It doesn't look like that will happen. Once we get to the main story we find out that everyone at Auradon is getting ready for spirit weekend. Ally is in charge of making food. When Ally goes back to her mother's tea shop, she finds the pocket watch and tries to clean it but her cat Dino ends up breaking the watch. When Ally returns to school with the cake she made, she realizes that she forgot the clotted cream and runs back to the shop to get some. Ally returns to find that her cake has been eaten. Ally tries to convince the other students to help her catch the thief but since she frequently jumps to conclusions without thinking things though no one believes her not even her best friend Jane. This story shows what happens when you "cry wolf" too many times. After the cake goes missing, Jane's watch gets stolen and the banners for ruined. Jane and Ally go on an adventure to find the culprit. This book has lots of Alice in Wonderland references. If you're an Alice in wonderland fan or a descendants fan, pick up this book!
August 12, 2019
Another mystery to solve!
I really don’t know why I read another one of these books, but this one was equally as good as the last one 😂
Ally is a quirky young lady, her mother being Alice from Alice in wonderland. She doesn’t really fit in at Auradon because their isn’t anything curious about the place and everyone is just ‘normal’. Her BFF is Jane from the movies who is The Fairy Godmothers child.
Desperate for a mystery, she tries to find things which are missing. She even accuses her friends Freddie and the other VKs of stealing cake and taking Jane’s watch. However, she is completely wrong about it and ends up looking like a complete failure.
After returning to her room and seeing Dino the cat, she finds her mother’s old pocket watch! Then idea hits Ally! It must be the White Rabbit causing problems.
Ally and Jane travel and discover that the rabbit was let out of wonderland as the watches ‘heartbeat’ has stopped. To send the rabbit back, one must solve the puzzle.
It turns out, all Ally had to do was to rewind the clock to send the White Rabbit home. Once she did this, everything was solved and Ally was the number one detective at Auradon!
The story was actually kinda of interesting as Ally isn’t a princess or a VK. Moreover, new characters such as the twins children and Dino made the book a lot more likeable. Moreover, it was really easy to pick up and read.
However, the story was a bit dull and it definitely wasn’t anything special for me!
3/5 Stars
Quick Note: I might read all of these now I’ve done two 😂
I really don’t know why I read another one of these books, but this one was equally as good as the last one 😂
Ally is a quirky young lady, her mother being Alice from Alice in wonderland. She doesn’t really fit in at Auradon because their isn’t anything curious about the place and everyone is just ‘normal’. Her BFF is Jane from the movies who is The Fairy Godmothers child.
Desperate for a mystery, she tries to find things which are missing. She even accuses her friends Freddie and the other VKs of stealing cake and taking Jane’s watch. However, she is completely wrong about it and ends up looking like a complete failure.
After returning to her room and seeing Dino the cat, she finds her mother’s old pocket watch! Then idea hits Ally! It must be the White Rabbit causing problems.
Ally and Jane travel and discover that the rabbit was let out of wonderland as the watches ‘heartbeat’ has stopped. To send the rabbit back, one must solve the puzzle.
It turns out, all Ally had to do was to rewind the clock to send the White Rabbit home. Once she did this, everything was solved and Ally was the number one detective at Auradon!
The story was actually kinda of interesting as Ally isn’t a princess or a VK. Moreover, new characters such as the twins children and Dino made the book a lot more likeable. Moreover, it was really easy to pick up and read.
However, the story was a bit dull and it definitely wasn’t anything special for me!
3/5 Stars
Quick Note: I might read all of these now I’ve done two 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 5, 2019The Book School Of Secrets Ally’s Mad Mystery By Jessica Brody is a fun mystery book about a girl named Ally who lives in Auradon. Ally wants to be a detective which is kind of hard, because apparently there aren’t any crimes in Auradon. Soon, strange things start happening, to be specific crimes start happening. To be clear Ally is Alice from Wonderland’s daughter, and she sees things differently. After many mistakes with different people, Ally finally figures out that it was the White Rabbit’s fault. Go on a “time” adventure with Ally to solve some Mad Mysteries.
February 28, 2023
I started reading this series with my daughter (6) since I thought it was a bigger stretch for her to read on her own (higher reading level, no pictures, more pages.) I got her started and she got invested in the characters and mystery. The chapters end on mild cliff-hangers and it was appropriate for an elementary schooler. Glad there is a series with these characters for this age range.
February 9, 2018
Will Ally solve the mystery of the cake, Jane's missing watch, the destroyed signs, and the ruined tourney field in time for the concert? Find out in this installment of Disney Descendants School of Secrets!
January 18, 2021
I liked this book. Ally and her friend Jane go on an adventure after the white rabbit comes and ruins festivities and events. Ally wants to have a mystery to solve, but whenever she thinks she solves a mystery, it turns out things aren't what she assumes. This is a great book.
October 27, 2022
Really, really liked. Very clean cut story. Only thing I didn't care for is how much the main character, Ally, jumps to conclusions. A bit much. Would definitely consider a reread in the future. Even considered reading other books in the series.
June 2, 2024
Overall a good book for kids. I thought Ally getting
into trouble, over and over was a bit much, but that is part of the story. There were some mistakes in the book (Janes missing watch is called a necklace), but my children really enjoyed it.
into trouble, over and over was a bit much, but that is part of the story. There were some mistakes in the book (Janes missing watch is called a necklace), but my children really enjoyed it.
October 20, 2017
Loved it. It was a very interesting book especially with Alice in wonderlands daughter. So ecited for book 4!!
November 16, 2017
I give this book five stars. It was really good. I highly recommend it!!!!!!!!!
January 18, 2018
Pretty good mystery book setup with clues and suspects, good for advanced third grade readers?
May 20, 2018
This book was so fun to read, and I enjoyed getting into Ally's head.
June 3, 2018
A sequel #3 I loved its a love the extra not same author but same world books.
August 29, 2018
I am a huge Disney fan. There was no way I was going to be able to resist reading this series. I am so not ashamed and so not disappointed. What an adorable read!
October 8, 2018
i think this book is awesome i have read before but my sister lost the book. i am doing this book on my reading fair progect now
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2019
Great book for Descendants fans of all ages.
February 1, 2020
I read this to my 6 year old daughter who loves anything Descendants. It was an enjoyable story about the daughter of Alice and Wonderland. My only wish was that it was longer and more developed.
March 27, 2020
I'm obsessed with alice in wonderland so you can already tell that I loved this book and would reread it over and over!!
September 24, 2020
3.5 stars.
May 7, 2021
I like that ally believe in herself and solved the mystery
June 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this so much. Ally and the concept of Wonderland is definitely a lost opportunity for the franchise. And I love Jane and Ally's relationship.
October 6, 2023
Este libro realmente asentó cosas que no me había imaginado del mundo de descendientes, realmente me gustó más de lo que esperaba
January 31, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this book. I honestly had no clue who stole the watch, ate the cake or ruined the banners.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2025
Ally’s Mad Mystery: Disney’s Descendants School of Secrets 2
In a flashback we see Ally admiring her mother’s pocket watch. But Alice tells her she can’t give it to her just yet. She’ll get it when she’s older. Ally wants to be a detective but when she thinks someone has graffitied Fairy Godmother’s wall it turns out to be a flop and she’s just asked Mal and Jay to paint her a mural. We see that Ally had made a lot of bad calls and she’s about to give up hope that there are any crimes in Auradon.
It’s Spirit Week and everyone is getting in the spirit. Ally is in charge of the food -that will be supplied from her mom’s tea-shop. Just an odd random question but I wonder who Ally’s father is. (The Hatter?) So she’s about to go deliver the food when she notices a catch in the floor and in it is the pocket watch. She accidently drops it but it’s still working. Dino -her cat- makes her drop it again and breaks it. She puts in her pocket with plans that maybe she can some how fix it later.
She delivers all the deserts- which how did she get all that food there with no car- and sets everything up. The piece de resistance is a huge carrot cake. She forgets the cream for the scones and heads back to the shop to get it. When she gets back the cake is gone. She looks around trying to figure out who the culprit is and finds the platter it was on-under the table.
She stops the dance and tries to tell them the cake was stolen, but they don’t pay her any attention and brush it off like someone probably just ate the cake. Ally knows better. She sees prints but they turn out to be a dead end and she thinks maybe Dude-Carlos dog- was the one that ate the cake.
Even though she’s upset with Jane for not taking up for her, later she passes Jane’s door and discovers that Jane placed her mother’s watch on her desk (that she loaned her) but its not there anymore. Jane is hesitant but finally spills that she saw a shadow pass by the door with something funny on its head and they start looking through the year book of all the girls with pony tails and come up short as to a motive.
After holes pop up all over the field Ally puts two and two together and thinks all this took place before the watch was broken if she fixes it things will go back and she thinks it’s the work of the March Hare. So they go to the part of town that all the Wonderland creatures end up. There the sons of Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum confirm that it’s the rabbit who was locked in the watch and when it broke he escaped.
They find the watch maker who fixes the watch. But when they get back nothings changed. Ally figures out that by turning the hands back in reverse to the exact time the watch stopped she can reverse the events. This fixes everything and she’s on her way to becoming a detective
My Thoughts:
Ally finally solves a mystery and a good one at that. But I have questions. Maybe the book said or maybe it skipped over this but what did the Rabbit to do get locked up in the clock? When I try to think back to the story of Alice and Wonderland wasn’t, he the one at the table at the tea-party? He wasn’t really all that memorable. But wait or was he the one that lead Alice down the rabbit hole? And still I don’t remember him ever having any other crime other than being time conscious. Why would he -well eat the cake is pretty explanatory if he was locked in a pocket watch for ain’t no telling how long- and maybe he’s obsessed with watches but tear up a football field. Unless wherever he was locked up he went stir crazy and it messed up his head and just started going wild when he got out. That’s why I REALLY wish they would have included that or even Ally coming face to face with him and having him explain himself. The Wonderland town wasn’t nearly as interesting as the original. I was looking forward to reading about but it was like “Oh! Is that all!”. The story was ok but not the best one I’ve read in the series.
Rating: 5
In a flashback we see Ally admiring her mother’s pocket watch. But Alice tells her she can’t give it to her just yet. She’ll get it when she’s older. Ally wants to be a detective but when she thinks someone has graffitied Fairy Godmother’s wall it turns out to be a flop and she’s just asked Mal and Jay to paint her a mural. We see that Ally had made a lot of bad calls and she’s about to give up hope that there are any crimes in Auradon.
It’s Spirit Week and everyone is getting in the spirit. Ally is in charge of the food -that will be supplied from her mom’s tea-shop. Just an odd random question but I wonder who Ally’s father is. (The Hatter?) So she’s about to go deliver the food when she notices a catch in the floor and in it is the pocket watch. She accidently drops it but it’s still working. Dino -her cat- makes her drop it again and breaks it. She puts in her pocket with plans that maybe she can some how fix it later.
She delivers all the deserts- which how did she get all that food there with no car- and sets everything up. The piece de resistance is a huge carrot cake. She forgets the cream for the scones and heads back to the shop to get it. When she gets back the cake is gone. She looks around trying to figure out who the culprit is and finds the platter it was on-under the table.
She stops the dance and tries to tell them the cake was stolen, but they don’t pay her any attention and brush it off like someone probably just ate the cake. Ally knows better. She sees prints but they turn out to be a dead end and she thinks maybe Dude-Carlos dog- was the one that ate the cake.
Even though she’s upset with Jane for not taking up for her, later she passes Jane’s door and discovers that Jane placed her mother’s watch on her desk (that she loaned her) but its not there anymore. Jane is hesitant but finally spills that she saw a shadow pass by the door with something funny on its head and they start looking through the year book of all the girls with pony tails and come up short as to a motive.
After holes pop up all over the field Ally puts two and two together and thinks all this took place before the watch was broken if she fixes it things will go back and she thinks it’s the work of the March Hare. So they go to the part of town that all the Wonderland creatures end up. There the sons of Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum confirm that it’s the rabbit who was locked in the watch and when it broke he escaped.
They find the watch maker who fixes the watch. But when they get back nothings changed. Ally figures out that by turning the hands back in reverse to the exact time the watch stopped she can reverse the events. This fixes everything and she’s on her way to becoming a detective
My Thoughts:
Ally finally solves a mystery and a good one at that. But I have questions. Maybe the book said or maybe it skipped over this but what did the Rabbit to do get locked up in the clock? When I try to think back to the story of Alice and Wonderland wasn’t, he the one at the table at the tea-party? He wasn’t really all that memorable. But wait or was he the one that lead Alice down the rabbit hole? And still I don’t remember him ever having any other crime other than being time conscious. Why would he -well eat the cake is pretty explanatory if he was locked in a pocket watch for ain’t no telling how long- and maybe he’s obsessed with watches but tear up a football field. Unless wherever he was locked up he went stir crazy and it messed up his head and just started going wild when he got out. That’s why I REALLY wish they would have included that or even Ally coming face to face with him and having him explain himself. The Wonderland town wasn’t nearly as interesting as the original. I was looking forward to reading about but it was like “Oh! Is that all!”. The story was ok but not the best one I’ve read in the series.
Rating: 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2023
This was fine! Not much to say, it is a kids book, so I am definitely not the target demographic. Still enjoyable, though. 3 stars.
May 1, 2024
This is a very peculiar story. It is not my favorite, though I usually love odd characters—Luna Lovegood, Stargirl Caraway, etc—but I was happy to see the main VKs & Jane more than in the first three of the series!
April 7, 2017
I really enjoyed it. I love Alice in wonderland. I can't believe the hatter was selling socks... Lol that's so funny. The mystery really had me on my toes. Great book, easy to read and love the short chapters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews