Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery

Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor #2

by Ally Carter

Five orphans. Two sword-wielding vigilantes. One mansion. No rules.
April thought she had her happy ending. After all, she has her new house and new friends and new guardian. But she also has a very big new secret.
The kids of Winterborne House are the only ones who know that Gabriel Winterborne—famous billionaire and terrible cook—is really a sword-wielding vigilante.
What they don’t know is that he’s not the only one.
When a masked figure breaks in, looking for something—or someone—it’s clear that Gabriel has met his match, and now no one is safe. April and her friends will have to solve a decades-old mystery in order to hang on to the most important thing in the world: each other.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Adventure, Audiobook, Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary

342 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2021

About the author

Ally Carter writes books about sneaky people and movies about Christmas. She is the New York Times Best-selling author of the Gallagher Girls, Heist Society, and Embassy Row series for teens as well as WINTERBORNE HOME FOR VENGEANCE AND VALOR for younger readers. Her books have been published all over the world, in over twenty languages.

She encourages you to visit her online at allycarter.com and embassyrowbooks.com.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it about spies and dangerous mysteries that gets my heart pumping? (It's called suspense, Lindsey) Once I refreshed myself on the characters and plot from the prior book, I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this sequel. I’m very much looking forward to the next book.

As far as content and recommend ages goes, I stand by my comments from the first book: As far as content goes, I don’t think I would let a sensitive 12year old read it, but I found all the content to be fine for those a bit older or those used to reading secular fiction.

But I’d also like to add that this may be a hard story for adoptees or those in foster care to read. April really, really, really struggles with the thoughts that everyone leaves her (or will leave her without looking back) and frankly, the thoughts that she doesn’t matter. It was heartbreaking to read her distress over this. The reunion she’s always hoped for was completely *not* what she’s been anticipating and the only adult she’s cared about is MIA. I see why she’s upset and bitter, because it can be a common feeling for those in similar situations to April’s, but it might be too much (or triggering) for those who are/have been in those same situations. It depends on the child/teen/adult, though, of course.


Content:
A few mentions of prayers/praying; A few mentions of ghosts and supernatural legends; A mention of thanking the good Lord every day.
Minor cussing (such as 'blasted', 'bloody', 'heck', 'geez', 'oh my gosh', 'screwup, 'shut up', and 'stupid') are all said; Mentions of adults cussing (never written out, though one is cut off ("[someone] covering their...rear ends"); Eye rolling & sarcasm; Being chased by bad guys, injuries, & pain; Being drugged; Many mentions of injuries, being shot at/gunfire, being stabbed, blood/bleeding, etc. (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of murders & killing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of fires; Mentions of lies/lying; A few mentions of Girl Scouts.
A couple mentions of testosterone; A couple mentions of butts.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was even better than the 1st book! I absolutely loved this! I can’t say much since it’s the 2nd book, but it had everything I loved about the 1st book plus so much more. The friendship dynamic is even stronger than ever w/this amazing found family. These characters have my heart. Colin & Gabriel especially. Gabriel w/his growling, tough exterior & broken heart. Colin w/his witty banter & calling girls “love”. Sadie is pretty hilarious herself lol When she brought Schrödinger's cat into a conversation, I laughed so hard-I thought The Big Bang Theory would be the only place I ever heard about that!😆 April very much has my heart too of course. She’s such a firecracker. I’m always rooting for her. There was so much danger & adventure in this. So fast paced w/all the action & suspense. & so many twists! I loved every moment of this book, & read it so fast. These are not only full of danger & suspense, but of family & friendship..they leave you w/the most heartwarming feelings. The big scene at the end was AMAZING! Some of the best lines! The ending was perfect. I don’t know if there will be more, but I really hope so. The ending is great & no cliffhangers, but there are still some unanswered questions & some loose ends that need tied up..plus I just WANT more lol Highly recommend! Absolutely beautiful covers by Flavia Sorrentino too!💜

[charlotte, · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my blog.

Rep: Black character

CWs: mentions of past child abuse

Galley provided by publisher

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call Ally Carter’s Winterborne Home series probably my favourite series of hers ever. I mean, I’ve enjoyed every one of her books that I’ve read, sure, but none of them have quite hit from the very first book like this series has.

And Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery is no different.

The first book introduced us to the characters as they came to live at the Winterborne Home. And then followed it up with the mystery of the whereabouts of Gabriel Winterborne. The second book twists the mysteries deeper. The kids and Gabriel are on their own — Mr Smithers is on holiday and Izzy has… gone somewhere none of them know. But then all sorts of happenings start, from a break-in, to the arrival of child protection services, and the disappearance of Gabriel (again).

Obviously, central to the plot is the found family relationship, and that’s probably why I love this whole series so much. It is, at heart, about finding a family that may not be blood family, and finding love. And, yeah, the plots are great too, but they’re almost secondary to that theme of love (in the best way possible, of course).

But this book does also move things along, plotwise. As much as I say the best part is the love, I would struggle if there wasn’t a plot to carry that. And the plot here does, as Ally Carter so often manages, drive the story along and open up new questions as you go.

All of which to say, I cannot wait for the third book in this series.

[rachel, x · Rating 5 out of 5]

#1) Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valour ★★★★★

nothing makes me sob like a middle grade about found family ✌️

➸ Trigger warnings for parental abandonment (on-page, recounted & discussed), experiences in orphanages, group homes, and foster care discussed including child abuse & neglect, drugging, blood depiction, physical injury including gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and a sprained ankle, death of a mother & father recounted, murder & attempted murder, gun violence, sword violence & stabbing, fire (on-page & recounted), boating accident recounted, explosion, home invasion, kidnapping & attempted kidnapping, and disappearance & presumed death of a loved one.

▷ Representation: Sadie (sc) is Black.

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[Sunny (Gilbert’s Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was…absolutely fantastic and I’m kind of upset I didn’t read this sooner.

First off, what is it with grumpy old men that feel the need to protect the main characters that make me just absolutely love the book?

Anyway, that was an amazing book and I wish I hadn’t read this at midnight so I could comprehend it better. Man, I really need to start reading more middle grade because this was just amazing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there won’t be more books in this series, I genuinely don’t know what I’ll do. SO. GOOD. As always, of course.

[Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the feels. Stress being the foremost. I realize it's a thriller, but pulling out CPS in chapter one is over the top in my book. Maybe CPS isn't super scary for the target audience, but as a parent reading this it was slightly terrifying. The plot is full if twists and heartwarming family moments. I just about cried at one point. I look forward to the continuation of this series.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!
I so enjoyed reading this, it had plenty of action, humor, and emotion. The kids are sweet and smart and have formed a great familial bond with each other and their guardian Gabriel. As much as the kids can sometimes act older than their ages, there are also times where they become children again and just need someone to love them.

The pacing of this is well done and there's always a mystery to solve. I liked finding out more of April's parents and her connection to the Winterbornes. April has changed over these books and instead of wanting a parent she doesn't remember to come for her, she's realized that she has family in the other kids. The found family aspect made me so happy and I liked seeing everyone work together.

I hope there will be another book since not everything is resolved in the end. I'll be (somewhat) patiently waiting for news!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for the copy.

[Kaity ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was great, but this one was AMAZING! I felt like it had a lot more Gallagher Girls/ Embassy Row vibes, and I absolutely LOVED all the twists and turns and intertwining plots. I am so excited to find out what happens next and also WHAT IS THE INSTITUTE IS IT ZACH'S SCHOOL I NEED TO KNOW IF THIS IS VICE PRESIDENT MCHENRY VERSE ALLY?!!?!?!????

Full review to be published closer to the publication date on kaitplusbooks.com!

5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, please, let there be more books in this series.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are weird and I think I've reached my suspension of disbelief threshold with them.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action-packed story that was hard to put down. I really enjoyed it despite being over two decades past the target audience. Looking forward to seeing where the series heads.

[Ry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh, I really hope there is a book 3! She can't leave us hanging in some parts! lol

[Layla Crowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional rollercoaster.

Sincerely hope that this has a sequel as there is so much more story to tell and mysteries to be solved!

[reading with rylanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the sequel to Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor, April is finally getting used to having people she loves and can rely on. The peace doesn’t last long before April and her friends are thrown back into a dangerous world, trying to find Gabriel Winterborne, who has once again gone missing, and finding out the truth about April’s parents.

After quickly making my way through the first book in this series and really enjoying it, I knew I needed to read this one as soon as possible! I loved getting to see April, her friends, and Gabriel during all of their adventures again. They stumbled into new mysteries that needed to be solved; their was never a dull moment with this group. I am not sure if there are plans to continue the series, but I am crossing my fingers that we get to see a third book announced soon because there is so much we still need to find out!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the ARC of Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery by Ally Carter!

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel was just as good as the first book, which we all know is rare!
Full of even more family secrets, adventure, and lots of heart.
This middle grade series is endearing and I plan on continuing even though my daughter is sadly outgrowing them (she's recently moved on to the Twilight series, so I'm not sure if she'll return for another Winterbourne).

[Annika Ringnalda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally Carter strikes again!!!!! UGH!!!! What is it with this series!?!?! Is it April, or Tim, or Violet, or Sadie? Or how about the absolute amazing ness that is Colin? I don’t wanna say I like these books more than Gallagher Girls but... I like these books more than Gallagher Girls. They are heartwarming, impossible to put down, and overall just SO GOOD! From a person who tends to like YA more than middle grade, these books are really something. Leave it to this book to pull me out of my reading slump, and suck me into reading it in one day. I’m just hoping and praying there’s a 3rd one, because while there’s no cliffhanger (😅), there are a couple loose ends and things in need of closure. Even if there isn’t going, this book was just too incredible to give anything less than five stars to.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was excellent. Loved it as much as the first book. The relationships between the kids are stronger than ever as they mesh into a family unit despite Gabriel’s surliness and overall lack of parenting. There are so many revelations, surprised, thrills, action, danger, on land and by sea, that it’s wonder the pages ever stopped moving. April, steadfast Tim, Violet, the amazing Sadie, the hilarious Colin, are such wonderful characters as they bond not only with each other but with Gabriel. After years in the system, they’ve finally found a home, unconventional though it may be, it’s home and they are family.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars.

This book was a massive sob-fest. April's stories from the foster system and inner thoughts about how she just wanted to be wanted absolutely BROKE me.

I don't know if there's supposed to further installations in this series, but if so, I'm holding out hope for a time jump in the next book.

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

trigger warning
kidnapping

Friends and guardians Mr. Smithers and Izzy are away, and only Gabriel is left of the adults of the Winterborne Home - will that be enough?

I was not aware that this is the second installment of a series as I requested this, however, I was able to get into the plot and I liked characters, setting and events so much I'll make sure to look up book one of the series.

Found family stories are fun, and this is a twist on superhero and spy novels which I like. We have a group of children who all have their own abilities and need to work together to save the day. Fast and easy and fun.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one was better than the first one! I didn't expect a kids book to give me all the feels and keep me on the edge of my seat, but wow! This was a winner! :)

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Can't wait to see if Ally Carter actually finishes this series....

Laura Knight Keating did a fine job narrating too. I wish she'd brush up on the accents though or just not do them.

[Terrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect listen to get me through a bunch of errands and tidying up.

[TrixieB · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: child endangerment, CPS

This is an excellent book! But you should read it with/before your child.

The adventure parts are not scary, but CPS is. So talk about it with your children to make sure they know they are safe.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. It was a nice easy read and I enjoyed the suspense near the end. It's just not my favorite of Ally Carter's books.

The first thing that put me off about this book was the beginning. We jumped straight into action with little time to catch up with the characters. There were also many sentences that sounded a little too forced, too enthusiastic. For example within the first few pages we read this scene (which I will cover with a spoiler for those who haven't read the first book.)
"What do you mean, gone?"
"What if he's not in his room because he's...you know...out there." Sadie jerked her head toward the windows. "What if he's...." she dropped her voice. "Sentineling?" .....
"I don't think so, Sade," Tim said.
And then Sadie proceeds to explain why she thought the Sentinel was an urban legend, but now she's not so sure, yadah, yadah.
This whole part just kind of felt kind of cringy. Because if you read the book before this one, then everything Sadie was saying should feel very obvious, and you might wonder why she just brings it up out of the blue like that.

Anyway. April is also just not my favorite heroine. She's not very consistent in character, and I don't know why, but she just rubs me wrong.

My one other chagrin is Colin. I like his character, I really do (well, not more than Tim. Tim is definitely my favorite.), but his accent drives me nuts. I know this is mainly my brain's fault. Colin is supposed to be British, but every time he calls someone "Love" I can't help but hear it in a southern drawl. My sister thinks I'm crazy, because to her that's part of what makes him so British in the book, but my brain won't turn off the southern accent.

Overall, I would recommend it if you read the previous book and are looking for a quick, easy read with some good suspense.

[Em (Diversify Your Shelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: CPS (child protection services), kids being taken away from guardians, abusive parents, PTSD

I WAS SO THRILLED TO GET THIS ON NETGALLEY! I absolutely adored the first book in this series and have been anxiously awaiting this one. It did not disappoint. This is a book about secrets, found family, and just general fun with a hint of mystery. I've seen some other reviewers denounce its status as 'Middle Grade' but this is an incredibly well-written book. The writing is clear but not condescending and the characters all have unique voices.

I zoomed through this book needing to know what happened but also knowing the sequel will likely not be out until next year.

The story surrounds April and her fellow foster kids and their guardian Gabriel (who is doing his best to take care of them but is both on his own and suffering from serious PTSD). It is a mix of adventure and mystery and is incredibly enchanting. It was such a pleasure to be with these characters again and seeing Sadie invent, Colin con, and April just generally get into trouble. There is no infighting between the kids: they all love each-other and respect that each of them have different skills and interests.

Gabriel wrestling with parenting alone is something that I imagine is quite topical for parents right now and shows that parents can mess up when under pressure and that the title 'parent' is based on actions and not bloodlines.

Truly a remarkable read.

[Bailie Smith-Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay y'all this book is 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏.
Ally Carter has been my favorite author since I was about 10 years old and I read the first Gallagher girl book. I'm almost 25 now and even her MG books are some of the best I've read recently.

April has been living at the Winterborne house for months now and its the closest she's ever come to a family. But with Smithers and Izzy gone, Gabriel Winterborne has taken over caring for April and the gang and its not going "well." Throughout the book, April learns more about her own biological family but realizes she has found people who love her in her friends and Gabriel and its *chef's kiss* cute. Love the found family vibes so much.

There is so much action and mayhem and mystery in this book so it definitely never gets boring. Its honestly pretty complicated and intense and I wouldn't be surprised if the actual audience for this book might get a little confused. Its still so good though! I was thinking how almost all of Ally's book contain a plot twist involving secret families or family secrets, and even with knowing that, I still didn't quite see all of the twists in this book coming, which is why I love her so much!

All in all, read this book. Whether you are a fifth grader or a teenager or adult, I highly recommend. Its just good writing and good plot twists and good fun. Thank you to Netgalley and HMH for the ARC!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two Winterborne books are...interesting. I enjoyed them, sure, but they are declared to be middle level grades. 7-9 grades or so. Wow. Really?? We have creepy bag guys, smooth,charming devils, dubious heroes, and children who have lead various states of horrific lives. We are to believe our heroine is 12. I know she grew up fast,but wow. We have some pretty adult themes in these books. No sex and drugs..well, one gets knocked out with a doctored water...but really take like that, but it is full of damaged people not always making the best choices.

So, do I object to that? Nope. Made the characters more interesting. I liked it, but just know it has some dark moments not usually found in a kid's book.

[Miss Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the ways in which the characters grew and bonded. The revelations of family and the wider conspiracy that ensnared the Winterborne family.

I am just so sorry that currently the series has been ended when there is so much left to explore.

Also, I never got to see Gabriel give April a hug. She needed a hug. Ally, how could you?

And just like that, April felt her heart break. She'd never mattered before, and it shouldn't have hurt, but it did. Because April didn't matter because of her laugh or her smile or her wit or her courage. April mattered because, when she was two, someone put a key around her neck and walked away. The girl with the key mattered to Gabriel Winterbourne. But April? April was just the thorn in his side.

[Del Feeny · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent sequel, that might have gone a bit deeper into some difficult subjects. April was dealing with heavy feelings of abandonment and disappointments. This series doesn't shy away from conversations regarding foster care, like forced separations and how the system often works against the kids.

These themes were neatly integrated into the thrilling plot, involving missing people, kidnappings, spies, and a lot of ingenuity from the kids. It was quite satisfying to get all the answers asked in the first book.

I noticed that the author kept explaining subtext a lot, which was a bit grading. But I do appreciate the intent for the younger readers.

Though a lot was wrapped up at the end, it didn't feel like a complete closer to me. I hope it means there will be another book.