Une Mystérieuse Disparition

The Books of Elsewhere #4

by Jacqueline West

Le soir d'Halloween, Olive part à la chasse aux friandises avec ses amis Morton et Rutherford. Et à son retour... désastre : ses parents ont disparu ! La redoutable Annabelle McMartin aurait-elle trouvé un moyen de s'introduire dans la maison des secrets et de voler à Olive ce qu'elle a de plus cher ?

Heureusement, trois sorciers lui proposent de l'aider à retrouver ses parents : le célèbre professeur Widdecombe, sa femme Delora et leur neveu, le maladroit Walter. Mais depuis qu'elle habite une maison ensorcelée, Olive l'a bien compris : il ne faut jamais faire confiance aux premiers venus.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Magic, Childrens, Fiction, Paranormal

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2013

About the author

Jacqueline West on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacquel...

Jacqueline's blog: http://jacquelinewest.com/blog/

Reviews

[Karl Jorgenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For unclear reasons, a mystery book club decided to read a middle-grade mystery, so here we are. The story is charming and amusing, as Olive, assisted by formal, talking cats, searches for her missing parents. Olive can move in and out of paintings, and she suspects her nemesis may have hidden her parents there. The characters are vividly child-like, but in a Harry Potter way—too smart for their own good, and always one step ahead of the clueless adults. It’s a good idea to read the earlier books in the series first as this one assumes the reader knows about the magical spectacles, the nemesis and her powers, as well as other events and people. I would have loved this series when I was ten.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 3 stars

Cover continuity and normalcy = A+


"Would you like to see what has become of us by the end?" she breathed. "To see yourself as you truly are?"

What was left wasn't Ms. McMartin, or even an outline of Ms. McMartin. What was left was an inhuman, broken, withered thing. It was a thing so hideous that instead of fearing it, Olive felt nothing but pity.

This was the real Annabelle McMartin. Orphaned. Twisted. Deserted. Unloved.


So that happened. The one unexpected thing in a series that can at times be a tad predictable. For Annabelle McMartin to have lived to regret her choices in life and to have recognized truly what had led her there was a surprise. And then to see Olive find compassion for this woman who has in one incarnation tormented her for months; to choose to trust her and in doing so finally freeing herself of the painting-come-to-life version of Annabelle was a real growth in maturity for Olive.

Of course, Aldous himself is now loose to wreak havoc.

This time, Olive and Co. must rescue Olive's parents. Though it is the newly arrived Delcia and Doctor Widdecombe who are the abductors. Saw through them in a minute. Walter kept me guessing. (The magic "forgetting" cookies ensure that the parents don't know anything about the magical shenanigans.) Olive is growing - learning from her mistakes. Still impulsive, but determined to fix her mistakes, own up to her failures and keep moving with the support of her friends. Even when she has an arduous time trusting them.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited too long to review this. Oops, I'm on a school trip traveling throughout Europe so somehow I didn't find the time and have no regrets.

From what I remember, though, this book was better than the third one. My biggest complaint was that the plot twist, or the solution to the mystery, was laughably obvious. But that's okay; it's a children's book and I'm an adult. Olive, her kitty friends, and the other familiar characters are just as charming as ever. Like always, this book makes me want a cat really badly. I also have a better understanding of the magical family of baddies who lived in Olive's house years ago, and the new information presented was rather thought-provoking.

I want a Leopold for my very own. <3

Hopefully I'll get back to reviewing (and reading... oops) like a normal person very soon!

[Rosyel Sawali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice twist on this book. I really enjoy Olive, her friends & neighbors, & the three talking cats. Can't wait to read the last book in the series.

[Pumkin pie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was just really good and suspenseful

[maysri??? · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way Rutherford helps Olive when she's in trouble.

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am currently reading three children's book series --The Books of Elsewhere (five books total), the Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventures (four books), and the 100 Cupboards series (three books). This is my favourite series of the three.

I found that I got stymied in the second book of the 100 Cupboards series, even though I had really enjoyed the first book. The events were a little confusing and odd and slowed down the story rather than kept it going. The Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventures are good, but the characters in Elsewhere are more compelling, and I find that I want to know what happens to them more than the other characters in the other books....

In this book, Olive is worried about her decision to let her friend Morton out of the painting he is trapped in to enjoy Halloween. She knows that his days are filled with sameness -- nothing happens in the paintings as nothing can change there. But what if it's a bad idea to go to her school's party? What she doesn't know is that what is really dangerous is leaving her home unattended.

Again, while the bad guys of the story are obvious, the scenes and descriptions and characters are well written.

I have just started the fifth book and will be sad to say goodbye to Olive and Rutherford (even though I think that the representation of Olive's parents and the art teacher are a bit *much*).

[Milliebot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid book in the series about a girl whose house was previously owned by witches and contains living paintings. As I say every time, not enough illustrations. I love the style and they add to the book, especially during action scenes when things get a bit hectic - helps guide my mental images.

The plot of this book is sliiiightly darker, though not as dark as I'd like. I had to roll my eyes at the latest villains because they were incredibly obvious, though not to our heroine Olive. For me, that was frustrating, but to a younger reader it might not seem so clear. It does also reflect a lot on Olive's insecurities throughout the book, as she's always questioning her thoughts or second-guessing herself, so I understand why she might trust people who seem evil to an outside observer. I am still enjoying her character development, but hoping that in the last book she truly gains confidence.

[~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

we lost the plot a bit here but thats okay!!!

[Duchess Natalia of the Northern Lights in the sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing I feel kinda bad for walter poor poor, sad walter.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

In volume four of Jacqueline West’s middle grade fantasy fiction series, THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE: THE STRANGERS, Olive, Morton, Rutherford and the three cats are back at it to fend off the young Annabelle McMartin and her ruthless grandfather, Aldous.

This time, they have help! Moving into the old Niven’s house are friends of Rutherford’s aunt, Mrs. Dewey. The strangers are advanced in spell casting and in warding off dark magic. The neighbors vow to help Olive find her parents when they go missing and to cast out evil Annabelle once and for all. With many suspects and oddities lurking about, it’s hard for Olive to know who or what to trust.

West is a master of word usage in her descriptions of characters, setting, plot, and action. Middle grade readers will learn a plethora of new and exciting words, along with detailed imagery to guide their imaginations in picturing every scene in vivid detail.

THE STRANGERS is loaded with suspense and page-turning intrigue. Her story and plot are unique, and her characters have no part of a cookie-cutter mold. This is a flat-out exciting series where there is a clear distinction between good and evil in the main characters and the plot, and yet where character flaws come to light. The difference between the good and evil—the good characters work out their flaws and grow into better versions of themselves. Whereas the evil characters grow darker from their greed and selfish interests.

Parents Beware: THE STRANGERS contain darker themes, magic, and demon-like creatures. Think mid-series Harry Potter. So, this isn’t a happy, light-hearted tale. If you’re okay with Harry Potter, you shouldn’t have a problem with this book series. However, if dark magic, sorcery, and the dead coming to life bother you and/or your middle grade reader, you may want to take a pass on this series.

THE STRANGERS could easily be a 5-star rating. However, given the dark themes and the understanding that some parents and/or younger readers may be uncomfortable with such darker themes, I gave it a 4-star rating.

[Kristie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the Books of Elsewhere series. The quirky characters make the books really fun. I like that Olive is an introvert who struggles to make friends at school. I love that her parents are huge math nerds and keep making math references about everything. They're always counting things, calculating things, and estimating the percentage of things. I like Rutherford, the neighbor boy, who talks really fast and intellectually for his age. And I liked the new character, Walter, who was introduced in this book. I've been listening to the audiobooks and the narrator does a great job of doing the different characters. Oh, I almost forgot the cats! I love Harvey and his pretending that he's Agent 1-800, or Sir Walter Raleigh, or some other equally funny historical character. And Leopold with his British-guard/soldier mentality.

I couldn't decide between giving these books 4 or 5 stars. It did bug me a little bit how the author spent the first part of the book explaining what happened in the previous books. I know that books in other series do this, but for some reason, it stands out more in these books. Other than that, I really liked this book and this series.

[eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

This was another really solid addition to the series! I enjoyed reading it very much. I have to say that even I didn't suspect some of the plot twists and plot points and I am excited about that because I love being surprised with books. Plot wise, this might be the best in the series (from what I've read) with the new characters, and Annabelle being out, and the shades from the house... It's all very interesting. The ending was also very satisfying and it got to wrap up most of the plot points that could've been open ended and it only leaves one thing to be finalized in the last book (and it's a good thing to be last tbh). Olive also finally has control over the house, her parents are safe and happy, and now Walter joins the little group of Olive, the cats, and Rutherford! Also, someone tell me why I feel like Leopold always goes through the most? I just want to give him infinite head pats. Oh also, Walter? Yes!! You go! Congrats on your powers babe. Anyways, as always I highly recommend this series to everyone whether you're 11 or 111. The writing, magic, plot, and characters are all great. :)

[Steph Lovelady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading this series to my then eleven year old last summer and we set it aside but returned to it this summer. I'm glad we did. The idea of taking Morton out of the painted world into the real world (so he can enjoy Halloween, but he ends up staying out longer), the peril Olive's parents face, and the introduction of three new characters all help keep the story interesting. Now Olive and Morton are in somewhat parallel situations, which helps her empathize more deeply with his plight, and as always when new people are drawn to Olive and her house, not everyone is what they seem and she has to figure out whom to trust. There's some growth for Olive and one of the villains becomes more three-dimensional. The ending is satisfying, while leaving a couple more important tasks for Olive and her friends to tackle in the fifth and final book in the series.

[Lady Bouse II · Rating 4 out of 5]

"HOUSES ARE GOOD at keeping secrets." 🏚



Spoilers beyond this point 👉

The series is finally really enjoyable! Olive while no less impulsive finally seems to be showing growth. Even after being terrorized by Annabelle since she moved in she trusted her and helped her move on. I keep waiting for Ms. Teedlebaum to be our twist character being puppeted the entire time! I keep waiting for it!

And our beloved cat trio ❤️

"Sweet dreams Olive, and don't worry, we'll be standing guard." 😻🥰😻🥰😻


Quotable Quotations 🗣📢

"Olive didn't want to feel less upset. An awful thing had just happened and she wanted to feel every last bit of its awfulness. Anything else would be pretend." 💔

"How did you die?"
"How do most 104 year old women die? Something gives out and then something else gives out and then something gives out that you really need and then it's over." 🤷‍♀️

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be impressed with this series. It is very readable, enjoyable and entertaining, and fairly fresh in its plots, storylines, and characters. For a series of books aimed at junior high and middle grade readers and listeners, it is relatively substantive in the ideas and situations that it grapples with. I would not classify it as "great literature," certainly, but it lands well above "pulp fiction." The Chronicles of Narnia or Prydain, it's not, but I'd compare it favorably to the books of Margaret Peterson Haddix, or perhaps to the Rick Riordan books (for a slightly younger audience). At any rate, my young listeners and I have been enjoying the series, and we are eagerly moving on to the fifth and final installment.

[Deborah Soszko · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the previous 3 books, this YA series continues to provide an exciting and ever-evolving storyline. The main character is slowly growing into herself with each new book, and both new and old characters provide great support and fun to the story. As an adult reader, my only complaints are that the similes provided always follow the "like a ...." format and have yet to introduce other styles of writing comparisons, and that the characters of her parents continue to provide only shallow, background plot. The parents are portrayed and perceived by the main character, Olive, as simultaneously intelligent and aloof, even amongst extraordinary circumstances, but I suppose that reflects the idea many teens/tweens have of their parents at such an age. It continues to be a fun read.

[Lasorcieredesmots · Rating 5 out of 5]

j’ai apprécié ce quatrième tome, où j’ai trouvé qu’Olive apprenait beaucoup sur la maison et sur elle-même. La présence d’Annabelle est vraiment intéressante et riche en informations. Olive doit encore apprendre à faire confiance et à ne pas se tromper de personne de confiance, mais elle a bien évolué. La maison se complexifie elle aussi, on découvre de nouvelles choses sur elle et elle reste un ennemi intéressant à suivre. Le roman se lit bien, et le suspens est bien dosé avec l’enlèvement des parents d’Olive. J’ai également aimé qu’on ait d’autres sorciers avec Olive. C’est un bon tome, dont je vous conseille la lecture.

https://lasorcieredesmots.wordpress.c...

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 4th instalment was the best in the series so far, in my opinion.

Olive’s parents are taken away on Halloween.

She thinks Annabelle McMartin has hidden them away and makes a deal, only to be tricked.

Olive meets some other witches who promise to help her but instead they call forth all the evil in the house, unleashing the shades.

The shades are searching for an heir to take over the house and they want Olive gone.

In the end, her parents return safely and Annabelle is no longer a threat.

One more book to go.

[Bebe Phramthong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Strangers is a great book about Olive and the halloween carnival and coming back to see her parents lost but then you will find the answer in the book what had happened to Olive's parents. I am looking forward to read book five "Still Life" it's so exciting and the best book I have ever read since I was born.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, nothing like not having electricity to get you reading!

I have been trying to read this for way too long. I just haven't been feeling this genre recently. Once I finally picked it up again with no distractions, it was really easy to zoom through this!

One of my favourite middle-grade reads. Enjoyable for all ages. This really sets up for the eventual ending in the next book, and I am very excited to see how it's done!

[Corey Naire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsome. Spectacular. Gives you goose bumps and makes you laugh. West has outdone her previos books and worked me into a frenzy when I lost the book halfway through. (Found it after 5 minutes of pure panic)

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets, secrets and maybe, traitors appear in this book. A group people move into the house next to her and they know about Olive's house. Should Olive trust them? This book is so great and you definitely have to read it.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good writing. Interesting story. Seems a little dark and creepy for the young audience that it's tailored to. But Tyler has done a fine job of writing it. Maybe I'll write for some kids but probably a bit much for mine.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put this series aside for a few months to read other books. But this one is an easy and fun series to come back to, and I enjoyed this book just as much as the others! Olive is still one of my favorite middle grade heroines and the cats are some of my all time favorite sidekicks!!

[leoniesbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai un peu plus aimé ce tome que les premiers, j'ai été plus surprise par les évènements ! Les personnages étaient solidaires, et le schéma de l'histoire a un peu changé !
Malgré cela, je recommande toujours cette série à un public plus jeune.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so well done. Makes me wish I wasn’t allergic to cats.
The first book in this series holds nostalgia for me from when I read it in middle school. But this one is my second favorite so far for sure.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still an adorable book, but I was less interested in this one. It felt slow and all over the place to me.

[Kevin Zwiefelhofer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are enemies in the mist, is Olive placing her trust in the wrong place...a good continuation of the series although perhaps not as good as the earlier books.

[Torrents · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad that Leopold and Walter got happy endings, they really deserved it. Walter and Morton’s relationship is so cute, they’re like brothers.