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Wishes and Wellingtons #2
Crime and Carpetbags
From award-winning author Julie Berry comes the second installment in the fantastically adventurous Wishes and Wellingtons series, in which our heroine, Maeve Merritt, embarks on a magic-powered and most dangerous quest to help her friends Now that Maeve Merritt has surrendered Mermeros, the djinni she found in a sardine can, she expects her life in London will be dull as dirt. But villains from Maeve's previous escapades are still searching for the djinni, now in the hands of Mr. Poindexter, the adoptive father of Maeve's friend Tommy. When Mr. Poindexter tries to use one of his wishes, he and Mermeros go missing—and without a guardian, Tom will be forced back to the orphanage. With the help of magical flying carpetbags, Maeve, Tom, and their friend Alice soar off to find Mr. Poindexter and that rascal, Mermeros, before the djinni's fabled wishes fall into the wrong hands.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 22, 2023
Here we find Maeve, Alice, Tom, and a few adults on a marvelous trip to behold the wonders of the Crystal Palace.
Soon after that, Tom's new father disappears, and the kids begin a desperate search that involves them soaring through the air perched atop a magic carpetbags, which sounds W-A-Y more comfortable than riding a broomstick!
This go-round featured much less of Mermeros, the obnoxious-but-highly-entertaining djinni, than the previous outing, though perhaps he is best taken in small doses. For a brief moment near the end of the book, it appears as though Maeve has been able to touch whatever he has that passes for a heart, so I'm quite interested to see what happens in the next adventure.
AND, bonus points for the author's use of the word popinjay .
Soon after that, Tom's new father disappears, and the kids begin a desperate search that involves them soaring through the air perched atop a magic carpetbags, which sounds W-A-Y more comfortable than riding a broomstick!
This go-round featured much less of Mermeros, the obnoxious-but-highly-entertaining djinni, than the previous outing, though perhaps he is best taken in small doses. For a brief moment near the end of the book, it appears as though Maeve has been able to touch whatever he has that passes for a heart, so I'm quite interested to see what happens in the next adventure.
AND, bonus points for the author's use of the word popinjay .
October 26, 2021
This is a Middle Grade with a lot of Magic and fun, and this is the second book in the Wishes and Wellingtons series. I loved the characters in this book, and the magic in this book was cute and fun. The mystery was fun, and that was a lot of action in this book. I did feel that it took a little bit for this book to get going. I did feel there was also some funny parts in this book. This is a great fun middle grade book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Sourcebooks Young Readers) or author (Julie Berry) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 28, 2021
Oh please don't let this be the last book! I thoroughly enjoyed this series thus far.
February 17, 2023
The first one still has my heart but a great middle childhood series. Thinking about getting if for my upper elementary section for my school.
November 3, 2024
Another light and breezy adventure with Maeve & Co. I just loved Maeve's father in this one.
But as I’m Maeve’s father, I think I’m better off escorting her into trouble, where I can at least keep an eye on her. Heaven knows she’ll find her way into the thick of trouble, with or without my help.
But as I’m Maeve’s father, I think I’m better off escorting her into trouble, where I can at least keep an eye on her. Heaven knows she’ll find her way into the thick of trouble, with or without my help.
October 9, 2024
To be honest, this is a 4.5 stars. I kinda miss Mermeros, and the interaction has significantly reduced, however the new elements of the story more than made up for it.
August 30, 2023
This was a fun next book in the series. I listened to it in between other books that became available to check out and was able to keep up with the story. I will continue the series.
May 3, 2023
Maeve is enjoying life with Alice and having school with a private tutor (well, mostly...learning Greek isn't as fun as she imagined). She's also so happy to see Tom so happy with his new dad, Mr. Poindexter. Now that she has some time on her hands she's trying to play matchmaker for her beloved sister Polly whose suitor seems to need a little push. But while she's dabbling in matters of which she has no ken, someone kidnaps Mr. Poindexter, obviously trying to get their hands on the djinni Mermeros. It's up to Maeve, Alice, Tom, and Maeve's father to track him down since they are the only ones who know about the djinni and fully understand what is going on.
Along the way in this adventure, Maeve, Alice, and Tom stumble across some carpetbags that are made out of an old magic carpet and Maeve discovers a talent for finding/waking up magical objects. The concept of riding carpetbags was a nice little twist for Julie Berry to dream up, and the personalities the bags each have make the story that much more amusing. I liked this story lots more than the first book in the series. It had less of the miserable boarding school vibe and more of magical mystery/adventure vibe and was way more fun. I like that Maeve's dad is in on the romp, as having a parent involved is so unusual for middle grade fiction adventures and shows that adventure can still be had with adults involved. Recommended to reimagined history and fantasy adventure fans, and of course, fans of precocious characters. I listened to much of this and really enjoyed the voices the narrator does for the audiobook.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content (other than a kiss in a wedding, and Polly getting a little kiss from her suitor). Violence is threatened and someone is even pushed off a high ledge, but thanks to magical intervention no one is hurt.
Along the way in this adventure, Maeve, Alice, and Tom stumble across some carpetbags that are made out of an old magic carpet and Maeve discovers a talent for finding/waking up magical objects. The concept of riding carpetbags was a nice little twist for Julie Berry to dream up, and the personalities the bags each have make the story that much more amusing. I liked this story lots more than the first book in the series. It had less of the miserable boarding school vibe and more of magical mystery/adventure vibe and was way more fun. I like that Maeve's dad is in on the romp, as having a parent involved is so unusual for middle grade fiction adventures and shows that adventure can still be had with adults involved. Recommended to reimagined history and fantasy adventure fans, and of course, fans of precocious characters. I listened to much of this and really enjoyed the voices the narrator does for the audiobook.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content (other than a kiss in a wedding, and Polly getting a little kiss from her suitor). Violence is threatened and someone is even pushed off a high ledge, but thanks to magical intervention no one is hurt.
August 28, 2021
I liked this second book in the Wishes and Wellingtons series even better than the first. Now we know and care about the characters; there is less time spent on set-up and more on adventure and mystery. Berry seems to have found a perfect blend of magic within a realistic historical setting (England in 1897) for middle grade readers. While the book ends with most details nicely wrapped up, there is space for Maeve and her friends to have more adventures with Mermeros the djinni (and all those trying to get their hands on his wishes.) I do hope we get to spend more time with them.
March 7, 2022
Maeve's talents for finding both trouble and magic continue to keep her busy. While she gave up the djinni at the end of her last adventure, unscrupulous folk are still seeking him. She'll have to save the day, and Tom's new dad, without an all-powerful djinni at her side. But her more mundane allies are pretty powerful in their own ways. Another delight from Julie Berry!
January 16, 2026
I have around three hours of this audiobook left, but I’m sorry - it’s a DNF for me. While I thought the first book had a lot of loose threads and random details that didn’t make much sense, this second book is absolutely unbearable to the point of being stupid. I actually felt frustrated for a few hours after pausing, seriously wondering why the author wrote it this way and why a publisher would release it. I’m sorry if my words are harsh, but it feels like the author underestimates the intelligence of the readers.
If you don’t mind spoilers, read on to see if you agree:
I honestly couldn't care less how the story unfolds because it is just ridiculously illogical.
If you don’t mind spoilers, read on to see if you agree:
I honestly couldn't care less how the story unfolds because it is just ridiculously illogical.
February 9, 2026
I discovered this series quite by chance as I saw the second book on a display at the library and was captivated by the title and cover art. I tracked down the first book, and my oldest and I dove into a read-aloud and we both really enjoyed it and promptly read all three. As a whole, the series is well-written, immersing the reader in the turn-of-the-century London era (it’s a historical fiction / fantasy) and has excellent characterization (even the adult characters feel three-dimensional, which is not often the case with middle grade). So enjoyable! Maeve has such a wonderful voice for the narration, she is humorous and spunky without being precocious, and I appreciate that she learns and grows throughout the series. Alice feels like the Dianna Barry to her Anne and Thomas becomes such a good friend to them (not just a pesky boy but a true kindred spirit) and is also allowed to have his own character arc that is so fulfilling. Mermeros the djinnis is a curmudgeonly hoot and he, too, evolves as the series progresses – I love this because he could have been a caricature and he ends up having his own evolution!
My primary criticism is that, while the pacing itself is fairly smooth throughout, the fantasy element is uneven at times. In the first book, it’s full-on djinnis and visit to the desert looking for a magic portal and encountering some supernatural beings. It was very Indiana Jones-esque in that regard, an adventure where you blend the history with the fantastical. However, the second two books are much tamer in regard to the supernatural elements; indeed, flying carpetbags and an enchanted mirror are about the extent (other than the djinni who is a character throughout the series) and, if you were looking for the swashbuckling and fantastical, is probably a bit of a let-down after the first book (I know it was for my son; but he liked the characters enough he wanted to keep reading). Personally, I like character-driven stories and enjoyed our cast so much (and, frankly, was perfectly happy to leave supernatural scaries behind) that I enjoyed the rest of the series, too. The second book is my favorite because I love the Crystal Palace elements and I felt it was the best mystery. The third book seemed a bit of a stretch at times on the mystery, but I really enjoyed the girls college aspect and science elements and especially appreciate that the author chose to feature real-life men who supported higher education for women (Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics -- the author’s note is about him and his work.) Kudos for including Author’s Notes, complete with suggestions for further reading.
Overall, a delightful series!
My primary criticism is that, while the pacing itself is fairly smooth throughout, the fantasy element is uneven at times. In the first book, it’s full-on djinnis and visit to the desert looking for a magic portal and encountering some supernatural beings. It was very Indiana Jones-esque in that regard, an adventure where you blend the history with the fantastical. However, the second two books are much tamer in regard to the supernatural elements; indeed, flying carpetbags and an enchanted mirror are about the extent (other than the djinni who is a character throughout the series) and, if you were looking for the swashbuckling and fantastical, is probably a bit of a let-down after the first book (I know it was for my son; but he liked the characters enough he wanted to keep reading). Personally, I like character-driven stories and enjoyed our cast so much (and, frankly, was perfectly happy to leave supernatural scaries behind) that I enjoyed the rest of the series, too. The second book is my favorite because I love the Crystal Palace elements and I felt it was the best mystery. The third book seemed a bit of a stretch at times on the mystery, but I really enjoyed the girls college aspect and science elements and especially appreciate that the author chose to feature real-life men who supported higher education for women (Ernest Rutherford, the father of nuclear physics -- the author’s note is about him and his work.) Kudos for including Author’s Notes, complete with suggestions for further reading.
Overall, a delightful series!
May 21, 2026
Maeve is grateful to be taken in by Alice to pursue her education under personal tutelage from Mr. Abernathy... well, except for the steady stream of Latin and Greek verb conjugations. Their dear friend Tom is settling into his new home with his adopted father, Mr. Poindexter, and learning the photography trade as his apprentice. Maeve knows well:
"Wishes are a dangerous business."
And so, her latest deepest desire is to see her beloved sister Polly happily engaged to the local constable Matthew Hopewood. Polly seems besotted and Matthew seems tongue twisted and shy. Maeve decides to move things along. When Mr. Poindexter announces that he's won tickets to see the Crystal Palace exhibition, Maeve suggests they expand the group, not so subtly inviting Polly and then insisting that constable Hopewood join their numbers as well. Everyone knows it's a ruse but no one seems to mind as the destination is so tempting.
In the meantime, Maeve and Alice are studying one afternoon when they get a visit from Baroness Gabrielle aka Mrs. Gruboil aka the soup cook from the orphanage that stole the sacred sardine tin containing Mermeros! She's trying to warn Alice's grandparents that Maeve is "no good" and at the same time find out what happened to the djinni.
Maeve gets spooked. On her day trip to the Crystal Palace she shares everything with Mr. Poindexter and warns him to keep his sardines safe. Not that he needs telling. He's a cautious man. But then... a couple days later he disappears! AND a woman from the orphanage shows up asking questions and threatens to take Tom back to the work house if his adopted father doesn't return in good time.
To their credit, It's up to Maeve, Alice, Tom, do try to involve the authorities, but you can only do so much when no one believes you when you try to tell them the whole story, djinnis and villains and all!
While searching Mr. Poindexter's room for clues as to where he may have gone, Maeve discovers a pair of old carpet bags that turn out to be made from magic flying carpets, with personalities of playful (and disobedient!) puppies. Also, the bag creates a saddle like riding style far more comfortable!
I only wish (but not for the sake of one of my three wishes!) there was more Mermeros and Morris (that wise Owl) in this installment, but otherwise a very fun read. When Mermeros does finally make his show stopping appearance near the end of the book, he's as sardonic (must have been all the sardines?!) and amusing as ever. Maeve also intuits the perfect gift to give him, touching as no one has ever given him a gift before. (No one ever thinks to thank the djinni do they?! It's all take, take, take, and never give. For centuries. Must take the shine off dealing with humans, rather.)
Really looking forward to the next book. Berry has proven time and again that she excels with world building, creating believable characters with depth, and coming up with clever embroglios to drop them into. Plus empowering young girls. Plus she wove in her historical research of the Crystal Palace with a delicate touch, and included an interesting author's note on the topic at the end of the story. She's a new favorite.
"Wishes are a dangerous business."
And so, her latest deepest desire is to see her beloved sister Polly happily engaged to the local constable Matthew Hopewood. Polly seems besotted and Matthew seems tongue twisted and shy. Maeve decides to move things along. When Mr. Poindexter announces that he's won tickets to see the Crystal Palace exhibition, Maeve suggests they expand the group, not so subtly inviting Polly and then insisting that constable Hopewood join their numbers as well. Everyone knows it's a ruse but no one seems to mind as the destination is so tempting.
In the meantime, Maeve and Alice are studying one afternoon when they get a visit from Baroness Gabrielle aka Mrs. Gruboil aka the soup cook from the orphanage that stole the sacred sardine tin containing Mermeros! She's trying to warn Alice's grandparents that Maeve is "no good" and at the same time find out what happened to the djinni.
Maeve gets spooked. On her day trip to the Crystal Palace she shares everything with Mr. Poindexter and warns him to keep his sardines safe. Not that he needs telling. He's a cautious man. But then... a couple days later he disappears! AND a woman from the orphanage shows up asking questions and threatens to take Tom back to the work house if his adopted father doesn't return in good time.
To their credit, It's up to Maeve, Alice, Tom, do try to involve the authorities, but you can only do so much when no one believes you when you try to tell them the whole story, djinnis and villains and all!
While searching Mr. Poindexter's room for clues as to where he may have gone, Maeve discovers a pair of old carpet bags that turn out to be made from magic flying carpets, with personalities of playful (and disobedient!) puppies. Also, the bag creates a saddle like riding style far more comfortable!
I only wish (but not for the sake of one of my three wishes!) there was more Mermeros and Morris (that wise Owl) in this installment, but otherwise a very fun read. When Mermeros does finally make his show stopping appearance near the end of the book, he's as sardonic (must have been all the sardines?!) and amusing as ever. Maeve also intuits the perfect gift to give him, touching as no one has ever given him a gift before. (No one ever thinks to thank the djinni do they?! It's all take, take, take, and never give. For centuries. Must take the shine off dealing with humans, rather.)
Really looking forward to the next book. Berry has proven time and again that she excels with world building, creating believable characters with depth, and coming up with clever embroglios to drop them into. Plus empowering young girls. Plus she wove in her historical research of the Crystal Palace with a delicate touch, and included an interesting author's note on the topic at the end of the story. She's a new favorite.
April 24, 2023
This was a good book, but I must admit it wasn't as exciting as the first. In the first novel, there were so many different villains and I was very impressed overall with how Maeve handled and outsmarted them all. However, in this book, there was only one main villain, and Maeve kept making slapdash decisions that helped him get away. Not only Maeve, but even the adults who were trying to help her! At one point, the villain managed to lock them all up in a room by simply asking them to wait in there!
I'm also starting to get a little disheartened at Maeve's "I'm not like other girls" attitude. I noticed it in the first book, but I thought it would be something she would grow out of. And yet it still goes unchecked even after the second book. I really thought children's fiction has evolved out of this trope. I understand that the Victorian era was one of the least egalitarian societies and there really wasn't a lot of options for women, but Maeve is downright disdainful of anything resembling traditional femininity. I think the story could at least make her realize why so many girls at that time were "obsessed" with marriage and appearances. The only thing that alleviates this is that Maeve's best friend, Alice, is traditionally feminine.
I was also hoping we'd get to see more of what happened with Mermeros' father, whose storyline abruptly ended in the first book, but he didn't make an appearance here either.
I'm also starting to get a little disheartened at Maeve's "I'm not like other girls" attitude. I noticed it in the first book, but I thought it would be something she would grow out of. And yet it still goes unchecked even after the second book. I really thought children's fiction has evolved out of this trope. I understand that the Victorian era was one of the least egalitarian societies and there really wasn't a lot of options for women, but Maeve is downright disdainful of anything resembling traditional femininity. I think the story could at least make her realize why so many girls at that time were "obsessed" with marriage and appearances. The only thing that alleviates this is that Maeve's best friend, Alice, is traditionally feminine.
I was also hoping we'd get to see more of what happened with Mermeros' father, whose storyline abruptly ended in the first book, but he didn't make an appearance here either.
August 12, 2023
Maeve, Tommy, and Alice are back in another adventure. Tommy has been adopted by Mr. Pointdexter. Maeve and Alice are studying at her grandparents house. When Tommy’s dad unexpectedly goes missing, the three must go on an adventure again they find that Murmurous, the genie, is also missing. They come across multiple crimes and some flying carpetbags to help them along the way. I love that the story is told through Maves perspective she has such a carefree and wild voice. The narrator of the of the audiobooks perfectly captures that young carefree feeling. I really enjoyed listening to this book with my nephew.
November 28, 2021
I was so excited to see the sequel of Julie Berry's book on Audible 😁 I enjoyed the first book so I binge-listened the sequel. The plot was action-packed and I loved the storyline. It was so fun to listen to and the shenanigans Maeve gets up to this time are intense. They have to rescue Tom's father from a mean academic. One thing I absolutely love is how supportive Maeve's dad is of her and he always believes her no matter how bizarre her story sounds. I think this is a great book for kids and MG readers and I highly recommend this series!
4.5/5 Stars
4.5/5 Stars
July 16, 2022
The Wishes and Wellingtons series is amazing - snarky, big-hearted Maeve reads like if Anne of Green Gables or A Little Princess were magic - except told in contemporary language.
This really is one of those series it's best to read in order. Maeve is back with more intrigue around Mermeros (this would be a firm five stars if he'd made more than just a few cameos), biting social commentary about Victorian London, and her chaotic-good escapades to improve the lot of others around her.
Looking forward for #3!
This really is one of those series it's best to read in order. Maeve is back with more intrigue around Mermeros (this would be a firm five stars if he'd made more than just a few cameos), biting social commentary about Victorian London, and her chaotic-good escapades to improve the lot of others around her.
Looking forward for #3!
December 5, 2024
This book is utterly delightful. Mauve is her same delightful self, back for a second adventure with her friends and family. I love how Berry weaves mundane, everyday moments (a sister courting, lessons, etc.) in with magic carpetbags and genies and cross-country adventures. The action moves smoothly and in the most engaging manner throughout the entire book, and it’s all sprinkled in with Mauve’s wonderfully sassy inner/outer dialogue. I’m also convinced that Jayne Entwistle was not only the best narrator for this series, but also truly the only one. Cannot recommend this book highly enough!
March 2, 2022
Book two continues the story and adds new villains and adventures. Readers even see more magical items assist Maeve, Tom and Alice. They work together to rescue Tom's father after an evil professor kidnaps him to get the djinni. More of their families are drawn in as the rescue attempts create other challenges along the way.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the antics and laugh at the glitches.
Middle grade readers will appreciate the antics and laugh at the glitches.
May 24, 2022
WISHES AND WELLINGTONS kept me royally entertained and CRIME AND CARPETBAGS continued the enchanting story quite wonderfully. The characters are delightful, both the familiar and the new (the carpetbags!). There's plenty of action and mystery to keep the plot exciting. As always, Berry's prose is engaging, upbeat, humorous, and just fun. I love this series and can't wait for more.
If I could, I would give this book 4 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If I could, I would give this book 4 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
December 3, 2021
I too, want a flying carpetbag to travel at breakneck speeds to my desired locations. Plucky heroine, fun, and loyal companions. Set in the late Victorian age with magical artifacts ready for the hunt. What's not to love in this series? My only regret is the long inevitable wait for the next book I have condemned myself to.
January 17, 2023
Another fun fantasy read with excellent characters. The narration on this one seemed slow and ponderous - it almost made me fall asleep! For the first time ever, I sped up the speed on Audible and that made it MUCH better! I have no idea why someone would read a young adult fantasy frolic in a slow and ponderous way.
September 13, 2024
A fun read! With this book, I am adding Julie Berry to my list of authors that can be relied upon to provide an intelligent and entertaining read. The appearance of London’s Crystal Palace as a setting in the novel and the author’s note about the evolution of mass entertainment venues were an added bonus.
June 24, 2025
Author Berry transports readers back in time with another fantasy set during Victorian times grounded by real historical research and uplifted by magical whimsy. Audio performer Entwistle matches these nostalgic tones for a fast-paced satisfying sequel. Note: book 2 in a trilogy, must be read in pub order or you’ll miss out on all the fun!
May 13, 2021
Loveable characters you can't help but want to know better in a classic mystery style hunt involving good and selfish (slightly evil, but more egotistical) villains. A worthy sequel to the first book in the series. Magic and hijinks abound.
August 3, 2021
I love how playful and imaginative this book is, and how I can play the audiobook aloud in the car and it is appropriate for my kids to overhear, which is definitely a plus at this point in my life trajectory. I just didn't think it was quite as good as the first one in the series.
October 20, 2021
I greedily devoured this adventure in one sitting!! I haven't read about a more loveable threesome since Harry Hermione and Ron..this story has the perfect amount of characters to root for and dispise and who can resist a djinni in a fish tin and all his powers!! Julie Berry has done again...
February 11, 2023
It has been a few years since I listened Wishes and Wellingtons which I found delightful. Now Maeve, Alice, Tommy and Mermeros the djinni are back. I found this equally entertaining as the first book. The narrator does a terrific job.
May 21, 2021
A most delightful and enjoyable little read (actually - it's an Audible Original and I LOVE the narrator)!
June 16, 2021
Charming. I appreciate the the author doesn't do the formulaic thing. I enjoyed it about as much as I enjoyed the first in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews