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Scarlet and Ivy #4

The Lights Under the Lake

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The fourth unputdownable mystery in the thrilling and bestselling SCARLET AND IVY series, perfect for fans of MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE, SINCLAIR’S MYSTERIES and THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL.

Scarlet and Ivy’s school trip takes a turn for the worse as another mystery begins to unfold…

It’s summer, and the students of Rookwood School are thrilled to learn of a special trip to Shady Pines Hotel on the shores of Lake Seren. But the old hotel and the waters of the lake are covering up dark secrets. And when mysterious things start happening to hotel guests, it seems that a malicious new threat is haunting Scarlet and Ivy. Locals say that at night you can hear the ringing of the church bells and see lights under the lake. Could it be troubled souls buried in the flooded graveyard who are no longer at rest…?

Discover the complete SCARLET AND IVY series, with six mesmerising mysteries to dive into.

‘A true page-turning, nail-biting mystery’ Guardian Children’s Reviews on SCARLET AND IVY

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2017

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1317 people want to read

About the author

Sophie Cleverly

14 books501 followers
Sophie Cleverly was born in Bath in 1989. She studied for a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing For Young People. She is the author of the SCARLET AND IVY series and THE VIOLET VEIL MYSTERIES, which are published in English by HarperCollins worldwide and are being translated into many different languages.

Aside from writing, she can often be found blogging about symphonic metal, watching fantastical TV and struggling to find her way out of her ever-increasing pile of books.

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5 stars
1,824 (60%)
4 stars
779 (26%)
3 stars
316 (10%)
2 stars
56 (1%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
214 reviews
July 27, 2024
AHHHHHHHHHHHH
honestly my least fav in the series
but bc it wasnt set in rookwood that shi jst made it creeepier
Profile Image for Bernadette.
68 reviews31 followers
January 29, 2018
First, I would like to admit my defeat to Sophie Cleverly on tricking me into thinking Scarlet and Ivy was going to be a trilogy and then pulling a fourth book out of nowhere. I was played.

Moving on, The Lights Under the Lake was just as exciting and thrilling as the three books previous. It was also nice to have a break from Rookwood and see Scarlet, Ivy, Ariadne, and Rose interacting outside of the dark and oppressive walls of the school. Moreover, Cleverly answered the mystery of Rose in an exciting and mysterious way that kept me interested in the story to the end.

Ariadne remains my favorite character, with her kind and loving, happy-go-lucky attitude that is combined with humor and ever-surprising detective skills. I appreciate how Cleverly makes sure that every event that happens to Scarlet and Ivy has an believable and real effect on the twins; for example, Scarlet will always go back to her time in the asylum, which makes her brashness and recklessness have a check, making her not seem so unstoppable. Moreover, it affects the way she views other people's issues or her own abilities to do certain tasks. The same goes with Ivy. Near the concluding chapters of "The Lights Under the Lake", Ivy thinks she has lost Scarlet yet again, and the way Cleverly describes that is so strong that you can definitely feel the emotion. The difference between that raw hurt and fear, and the numb sadness we knew in Ivy in the first book is so accurately portrayed.

Overall, I enjoyed the fourth installment, even though I didn't expect it. Cleverly is talented and creates compelling stories about girls being girls. I still appreciate that there has never been any male characters thrown in to create drama. It's not until I think about it afterwards that I notice the lack of male characters, but it never makes the books feel like they're missing something. The book is about girls solving mysteries; it's about sisterhood and friendship; and all of that Cleverly easily accomplishes it without the typical romantic relationship dramas.
Profile Image for Hadis.
66 reviews19 followers
January 15, 2022
با اینکه از اول داستان میتونم نصف مظنونارو تشخیص بدم و هیجانش یکم میره...
ولی دنیای این دوتا خواهر جاییه که با تمام سختی هاای که داره دوست داشتم توش باشم و چیزایی هستن در اطرافم که هروقت میبینمشون به قشنگ ترین حالت ممکن منتقل میشم تو کتاب و این اتفاق به این وضوح برای من خیلی نادره🙂🙂🙂
سوفی عزیزمم ممنون😍🧡
Profile Image for Gouri Verma.
139 reviews
July 8, 2021
THE ENDING?!!!!??!!! LOVED ITTTT!!!!!!! Sophie Cleverly is my new favourite author!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I can’t digest the fact that they were evil….😶

So t first of all….5 starts for the starting and 5 stars for the brillant ending….and give as many stars as you want for all the brilliant plots twists, the atmosphere and the lovely writing style!!!!💕💕

The atmosphere was damm good!!!!!! Nature , birds , rain, lakes, etc….I loved it!!!!❤️ The good thing is the book sets in a beautiful hotel and I love it!!!

So there were some new characters…and my favourite were “Mr. and Mrs.Moss”, they were really sweet…I also liked the hotel managers “Mr. and Mrs. Rudge” and Emma was really sweet too!!

Ofcourse, I loved Ariadne but I LOVED ROSE TOO!!!!! She acted really brave and showed the world her power!!!!!! And last but not the least…OFCOURSE!!! Scarlet and Ivy did a great job!!!❤️

I figured out all the plot twists😂😂😂😂 There was a traitor in this book….the person I suspected at first😁 But I loved it!!! Whenever Scalret and Ivy thinks that they are safe….something bad happens…. and they along with Ariadne and Rose….they fights it❤️

I loved it❤️
Go for it….
Profile Image for Sand-Witch.
156 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2017
Can I just say how much I love these books? In each book there is a new mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. I love the twins in these book and how they change throughout the books. Both of them are so different to each other and both perfect in their own way. The way they are best friends with each other is just so adorable. I enjoy reading about their adventures and how they discover the truth about haunted buildings and stuff. The best a mystery book can ever be written. Love it. The books are just so full of life and suspense. Amazing book. Recommend it to ages 9+
Profile Image for Abigail.
198 reviews45 followers
January 11, 2020
In m opinion this is one of the best books in the series so far! Nothing i predicted came true which meant it was such a gripping tale to read. Once again, the author Sophie Cleverly made the writing fun to read and made me want to read on.
Also, like in the last book 'The Dance in the Dark' the characters were realistic with realistic fears which made feel like i was really there watching them go through th the horrors in this book. If you're looking for a fun story i really recommend!
Profile Image for Annette.
3,831 reviews177 followers
January 26, 2021
It's hard to start my fourth review of this series. It's starting to feel like I'm saying the same thing about all the books. These books remind me so much of the series I used to love so much as a child, the boarding school stories, the twin stories, the triplet stories. I liked the adventure, I like the idea of an all girls boarding school and the eternal friendships, I liked the trouble and I most of all liked the mystery. And this series has all that.

For the first time in the series we get a change of scenery and it's actually quite nice, mostly because the place our girls, and their classmates, visit, is just as unique and atmospheric as the school. There is of course a terrifying story behind the lake, there are weird things happening in the hotel, that's not as high fashioned as they had thought it would be and apart from all the amazing adventures the girls are having it's also a little dangerous.

I like that mix. I like how there is time for pleasure, for swimming and horse riding and exploring, while there is also a lot going on and while there's always something happening to remind us that there is a mystery that needs to be solved. And this one was a good one! It answered some questions I was having for quite some time already and I really liked how everything fit in the end and how every piece of the puzzle fell into place.

I also think that it's becoming easier and easier to tell Scarlet and Ivy apart. It's not so much that they have another way of thinking, but it's more that they have another way of saying things, of doing things, of dealing with problems. And what I like is that we are shown that both of them are good at the right time. Sometimes we need Ivy's calm and carefulness and sometimes we need Scarlet's reckless, but firm approach.

I can't wait to read their next adventure!
Profile Image for Rogerio.
189 reviews
August 1, 2017
This is possibly the weakest of the 4 volumes so far. The school goes on a trip and although it is interesting to find out more about Rose, I found myself chained to that hotel by the lake and to a not so proactive Scarlet and Ivy. It all comes to very little in the end - reminds me of one of those vacation s from the famous 5 (Enid Blyton) where some adventures happen but all in all it sidesteps the main plot and course of the story. I was disappointed by this volume. It would have been best to close the loop with Scarlet and Ivy's mother.
Profile Image for Mollie Fredrickson.
51 reviews
October 4, 2021
With every instalment, I fall more and more in love with this series. The intricacies of the story and character back stories are so well thought out, exciting, and interesting, whilst still being believable. Regarding The Lights Under The Lake in particular, it was nice to change the scene a little with the story taking place on a school trip to Lake Seren. I also loved the development of the girls relationship/friendships, with us learning more about some characters unknown past.
Really another amazing chapter in the Scarlet & Ivy series. Another must read.
Profile Image for Isabella Harneiss.
9 reviews
April 29, 2019
Yes, I quite remember this one. Not gonna spoil anything, though.
I really liked this one more than others (although I gave them all five stars. If there was a 5 1/2 option, Id put that.) Scarlet becomes more likable in this (for me, at least. Don't worry, Ivy. I still love you.)
Profile Image for Sophia Luo.
116 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2017
This book was really amazing but not as good as the third book. I feel like this book is slower paced and less action packed than the other ones. Still, these books are amazing and spooky and scary and scrumptious and why isn't this book that popular? More people should read dis book. Just amazing.
Profile Image for Bev.
980 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2018
Somehow I had forgotten to review this one...

It was nice to get away from Rockwood School for a bit and I enjoyed learning more about Rose and who she really is. This one is a bit slower than the others, but in the end I liked it a lot.
Profile Image for anna.
70 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2023
3.5 rounded down**

considering all of the books in this series so far have been pretty average, and nothing out of this world, i was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. it was very different to the other books in this series as well, which were getting a bit repetitive, so that made it even better, and as always, it was very quick, and easy to read
Profile Image for Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com.
2,219 reviews93 followers
February 7, 2019
#FirstLine ~ Scarlet and I were a team that couldn't be broken.

I have not read any of the other books in this series, which I will now go back and read after this fantastic story. I must see what else the girls did on their adventures. I loved this book from cover to cover. I adored the twins and their thirst for mystery and hunting for the truth. This book was sheer enjoyment and I was thoroughly entertained. Kids and parent will both love this book because there is depth in story and the characters are beautifully constructed. A hit!!!!!
15 reviews
November 24, 2021
I loved this book and it’s so awesome I just love it but it’s not as good as the first book
3 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2017
I pondered the question over and over again. What could possibly be better than the rest of the series? But once again Sophie Cleverly pulled it off

I cannot wait for the curse of the candlelight to come out!!!!
1 review
March 21, 2017
This is my favourite series and I really hope the author writes another one
48 reviews
October 9, 2019
This book sent shivers down my spine. Really good book.
Profile Image for Joey Susan.
1,245 reviews45 followers
February 24, 2025
The school is going on a trip to Lake Seren to stay at The Shady Pines Hotel, but almost instantly as they get there things that are strange start happening, we get left with the mysery of who is raiding the bedrooms and stealing things and who is turning on the waters and sneaking round the hotel in the middle of the night.

This was such a fun adventure, so many events happened throughout and the twists we got within it. I really enjoyed this one and loved that we were in a new location, though it made the story feel a little different as the setting wasn’t what we were used to but it was still really gripping and I loved reading it.

Following the girls adventure was great fun, they got to try some new sporting activities that they don’t normally get to experience and though they weren’t the most comfortable with them, they did them and learnt so much. I really enjoyed seeing them being bewildered by all the events going on, no one really knowing what was happening at all, but that yet again the twins and Ariadne can solve anything.

I really hated Elsie and Cassandra in this book they were honestly such horrific bullies and wouldn’t listen to anything anyone said, just dead set that they knew who and what was happening. I honestly couldn’t stand them at all, these prefect girls are the utter worst, they really think they are something special but they aren’t at all.

I enjoyed this so much and loved learning a little more about Rose within the story. A very good mystery, a very action packed adventure, a sweet group of friends who will defend each other to the earths and now in the next book in the series we will be back at Rookwood school.
16 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2020
Talk about ‘page-turner’!?? I could not put this book down, I’d finished this in just two days!! Partly because I was also tempted to read through the day. Usually I have a rule to only read at night or when I’m in bed, however, this was just such a great story!

This has a VERY satisfying ending, but with an ‘opening’ that makes you want to read on by CHOICE! (a different kind of thing altogether)

Ivy had a twin sister ‘Scarlet’, who dies mysteriously. Ivy is then, bizarrely, forced to take her place at the school where she was boarded – but it’s all cockeyed as to why she’s really there, and what actually happened to her sister. Instead she has to piece it together by locating portions of Scarlet’s diary from strange places. To say more would only serve to spoil the plot for those yet to read this riveting book, but it’s full of great characters that you won’t forget or get confused over, and they have substance so you always know who’s who – even those with smaller roles.

I LOVED this book, and unusual for me as l prefer romantic novels, will most definitely be reading the rest in the series.

Five stars from me!
5 reviews
February 10, 2023
Great for mystery lovers and/or anyone who wants a nice middle grade book with lots of twists and turns.
This has been one of my favourite books for years and I recommend it to anybody! It's the 4rth installment of the popular mystery series "Scarlet and Ivy" and even though it's a middle grade book I think everyone should get the chance to read it even if your already older then that.
The book is about the 2 main characters Scarlet and Ivy going on a school trip. It's the only book in the series that mainly takes place outside of rookwood, giving it a slightly different (but still amazing) feel. They share a room with their Bestfriend Aridane and the mysterious Rose at a lakeside hotel. In this book we find out more about Rose's puzzling past and about the hotel's history. I was delighted to find out that this book centers itself more around Rose as she is my favourite character!
In all, whether you're new to the series or have followed aloung since book 1, I recommend this book to anyone!
Profile Image for Amy (Golden Books Girl).
890 reviews17 followers
November 24, 2018
In the 4th book of the Scarlet and Ivy series, Sophie Cleverly managed to ensnare me completely from page 1. We follow the twins and some of their friends (and enemies) as they go on a school trip, where sinister incidents begin to take place and suspicion falls on Rose, who rarely speaks. The characters in these books just jump off the page (especially Scarlet, who I love) and I think they`re all well described and feel realistic whether they`re good, bad or in between. Another thing I was very impressed by was that it was really easy to tell whether it was Scarlet and Ivy speaking in the dual narrative without having to check, which I don`t find is often the case. I thought the mystery was excellent as I was initially incredibly smug as I thought the solution was obvious but Sophie Cleverly totally prove me wrong after some spectacular twists towards the end, which left me unable to put this down. I`m so excited to read the newly released the Curse in the Candlelight soon! 5/5
Profile Image for Glasdow Teacosy.
Author 2 books22 followers
April 20, 2020
★★★½ – I immensely enjoy this series, but I didn’t enjoy this particular volume as much as previous ones. I felt Scarlet and Ivy’s voices were so similar at times, I had to thumb back to the beginning of the chapter to see whose point of view I was reading. Rose’s character was inconsistent, with a complete personality change at the end. I also felt the two prefects were cartoonish.

Despite those niggles, I enjoyed the mysteries in this volume. Ghosts, thieves, and secret passages? What budding mystery lover wouldn’t eat these up‽ To introduce several red herrings for middle grade readers was aggressive. So many MG books have simplistic plots. It’s refreshing to read a layered mystery for young readers. I thought those individual plots developed well and had good resolutions. The main plot involving Rose felt a touch unfinished, but I know there are two more volumes awaiting me. I look forward to reading them.
Profile Image for Bebe Phramthong.
31 reviews
January 5, 2018
The twins Scarlet and Ivy Grey can’t wait to sign up for the school trip and getting away from lessons a few days. But nothing is as it seems; the creepy lakeside hotel and the deep waters of Lake Seren hide dark secrets. Precious things disappear from their rooms, a malicious force leaves a trail of destruction and mysteries start to the surface. If they ever hope to leave this place, the girls from Rookwood School must face the danger head on......

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

It is a wonderful book, and a little sad to know the truth about Rose...
A scary book indeed, so I recommend to read this book in the morning, I had goosebumps when I read it at night......
Anyways I would rate it a 1,000 stars if there was 1,000 stars for us to choose!

IN THE END YOU WILL BE WILLING FOR THE REST OF THE STORY TO BE CONTINUE......😂😁
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,067 reviews57 followers
December 18, 2018
I enjoyed the lights under the lake - it was good to get away from rookwood and do something a bit different.

I have to admit while I suspected the culprits from early on I didn’t have an idea as to motive until the girls started to put it together, which is always good for a mystery. And it was nice to see more of Rose.

I do dislike having quite so many horrible school kids in it though - the prefects in this case. It seemed unlikely that the teachers wouldn’t know more about what they were up to - especially in the forest with all the kids ganging up on rose.

But the local story element was nice too - and had a good resolution :)

Good solid fun, as usual.
666 reviews
June 13, 2019
My 9 yo & 10 yo liked this book, declaring it full of mystery and suspense. I also enjoyed reading this; although I pretty much figured out who the sketchy people were halfway through, the writer did a good job weaving her story. The narration alternating between the twins allowed us to see their contrasting personalities in addition to their differences in perception.

We probably should've started with the first book in the series, but we will definitely go back and rectify that!

The girls gave it 5 stars; I gave it 4.
6 reviews
October 14, 2020
this book is the best book in this series, they used al ot of technic and they didn't do too much dialog, and the flash bacvk and flash forword were at the spot the need to be.
the author didn't give to much plot twist at first but then surprised you with a lot of them in one chapter which is a really good technic in my opinion.
the book didn't get in place until page 1oo+ but the intro of the chare ter were really good.
the books plot twist were a little to much at the end which was surprising because it looked like the ending but it wasn't.
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