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Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl: Ghosts in the Closet
She sees ghosts…but are they malevolent or friendly?
Poor little rich girl Violet Yorke has seen ghosts for as long as she can remember, but no one believes her.
Not stodgy Grandmother, who took charge of the heiress after her parents were killed in a failed robbery. Nor kind-hearted Aunt Nanette, or Uncle Bertie, a charming rogue. Not even the patient Hugo Hewitt, Violet’s godfather and trustee of her vast fortune.
Everyone dismissed the child’s insistence about ghosts as a harmless eccentricity—until the night her bedroom caught fire. Violet was promptly sent overseas, fueling her anger and resentment.
Two years later, a rebellious twelve-year-old Violet is on her way back to Manhattan on the doomed Titanic. As the ship sinks into the deep Atlantic Ocean, she’s put in a lifeboat by an apparition who rescued her from the clutches of a jewel thief. Presumed lost at sea, Violet shocks everyone by crashing her own funeral.
Following Violet’s recovery, Grandmother has grand high society designs for the girl, but Violet has other ideas. She’s determined to uncover the secret of what really happened to her parents. Then there’s the mystery of the moon-faced boy at gloomy Dunham Hall and his connection to the ghost on Titanic. Also hot on Violet’s trail is the jewel thief, the specter of her murdered governess, and a vengeful ghost lurking in Violet’s childhood home.
Being a poor little rich girl in 1912 Gotham isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in this delightfully dark and droll supernatural historical fantasy.
Poor little rich girl Violet Yorke has seen ghosts for as long as she can remember, but no one believes her.
Not stodgy Grandmother, who took charge of the heiress after her parents were killed in a failed robbery. Nor kind-hearted Aunt Nanette, or Uncle Bertie, a charming rogue. Not even the patient Hugo Hewitt, Violet’s godfather and trustee of her vast fortune.
Everyone dismissed the child’s insistence about ghosts as a harmless eccentricity—until the night her bedroom caught fire. Violet was promptly sent overseas, fueling her anger and resentment.
Two years later, a rebellious twelve-year-old Violet is on her way back to Manhattan on the doomed Titanic. As the ship sinks into the deep Atlantic Ocean, she’s put in a lifeboat by an apparition who rescued her from the clutches of a jewel thief. Presumed lost at sea, Violet shocks everyone by crashing her own funeral.
Following Violet’s recovery, Grandmother has grand high society designs for the girl, but Violet has other ideas. She’s determined to uncover the secret of what really happened to her parents. Then there’s the mystery of the moon-faced boy at gloomy Dunham Hall and his connection to the ghost on Titanic. Also hot on Violet’s trail is the jewel thief, the specter of her murdered governess, and a vengeful ghost lurking in Violet’s childhood home.
Being a poor little rich girl in 1912 Gotham isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in this delightfully dark and droll supernatural historical fantasy.
- GenresMiddle GradeParanormal
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
16 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
P.J. McIlvaine
6 books90 followersPJ McIlvaine is a prolific author/screenwriter/writer/journalist.
PJ's middle-grade supernatural historical mystery adventure VIOLET YORKE, GILDED GIRL: GHOSTS IN THE CLOSET (Darkstroke Books, April 2022) is about a poor little rich girl in NYC 1912 who sees ghosts.
From Bloodhound Books, A GOOD MAN, a twisty, gritty adult contemporary psych thriller in the vein of SUCCESSION, BIG LITTLE LIES, and THE UNDOING.
THE CURIOUS CONUNDRUM OF CHARLEMAGNE CROSSE (Orange Blossom Books), is a young adult alternate history set in Victorian London.
PJ’s picture book LITTLE LENA AND THE BIG TABLE (June 2019, Big Belly Book Co.), with illustrations by Leila Nabih, is about a determined little girl tired of eating with her annoying cousins at the kid’s table, only to discover that the big table isn’t much better.
PJ's new picture book is NO SUCH THINGS AS DRAGONS (Roan & Weatherford), a zany romp about a new student who defies expectations about friendship.
PJ is also a co-host and founding member of #PBPitch, the premiere Twitter pitch party for picture book creators.
PJ has been published in numerous outlets including The New York Times and Newsday, and is a regular contributor for The Children’s Book Insider newsletter (paid firewall), writing about the path to publication and interviews with established and debut kid lit authors.
PJ lives on Long Island with her family and fur baby Luna.
PJ’s social media links:
PJ’s website: https://pjmacwriter.com
Twitter: @pjmcilvaine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pj.mcilvaine
Instagram: @pjmcilvaine
PJ's middle-grade supernatural historical mystery adventure VIOLET YORKE, GILDED GIRL: GHOSTS IN THE CLOSET (Darkstroke Books, April 2022) is about a poor little rich girl in NYC 1912 who sees ghosts.
From Bloodhound Books, A GOOD MAN, a twisty, gritty adult contemporary psych thriller in the vein of SUCCESSION, BIG LITTLE LIES, and THE UNDOING.
THE CURIOUS CONUNDRUM OF CHARLEMAGNE CROSSE (Orange Blossom Books), is a young adult alternate history set in Victorian London.
PJ’s picture book LITTLE LENA AND THE BIG TABLE (June 2019, Big Belly Book Co.), with illustrations by Leila Nabih, is about a determined little girl tired of eating with her annoying cousins at the kid’s table, only to discover that the big table isn’t much better.
PJ's new picture book is NO SUCH THINGS AS DRAGONS (Roan & Weatherford), a zany romp about a new student who defies expectations about friendship.
PJ is also a co-host and founding member of #PBPitch, the premiere Twitter pitch party for picture book creators.
PJ has been published in numerous outlets including The New York Times and Newsday, and is a regular contributor for The Children’s Book Insider newsletter (paid firewall), writing about the path to publication and interviews with established and debut kid lit authors.
PJ lives on Long Island with her family and fur baby Luna.
PJ’s social media links:
PJ’s website: https://pjmacwriter.com
Twitter: @pjmcilvaine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pj.mcilvaine
Instagram: @pjmcilvaine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 19, 2022
This story was not what I expected it to be! I expected a dark, creepy mystery from the title and the cover. Instead, I found it a fun paranormal story about a very spunky young girl.
Violet Yorke, orphaned by the tragic killing of her parents during a robbery, was sent away to Europe two years ago. Violet was seen as a rebellious, petulant, and disobedient child mainly because she claimed to see ghosts.
Now she is making her way back to her grandmother’s Manhattan home after crossing the ocean on the ill-fated Titanic. Imagine her surprise when she arrives to find that her grandmother is holding a funeral for her! Violet was presumed to be one of those lost in the Titanic sinking.
With Violet back, a mystery ensues as to who helped her onto the lifeboat, for she was unconscious, so she remembers little. Someone was after her mother’s gems that Violet had with her. Whoever it was is still at large, and Violet may still be in danger.
Violet may only be twelve, but is sassy and clever, and wants to be believed. Many other great characters, human and specters alike, make the cast well-rounded.
Step back into New York 1912 with Violet and see if you can solve this spooky mystery.
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo for inviting me on this tour.
Violet Yorke, orphaned by the tragic killing of her parents during a robbery, was sent away to Europe two years ago. Violet was seen as a rebellious, petulant, and disobedient child mainly because she claimed to see ghosts.
Now she is making her way back to her grandmother’s Manhattan home after crossing the ocean on the ill-fated Titanic. Imagine her surprise when she arrives to find that her grandmother is holding a funeral for her! Violet was presumed to be one of those lost in the Titanic sinking.
With Violet back, a mystery ensues as to who helped her onto the lifeboat, for she was unconscious, so she remembers little. Someone was after her mother’s gems that Violet had with her. Whoever it was is still at large, and Violet may still be in danger.
Violet may only be twelve, but is sassy and clever, and wants to be believed. Many other great characters, human and specters alike, make the cast well-rounded.
Step back into New York 1912 with Violet and see if you can solve this spooky mystery.
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo for inviting me on this tour.
May 13, 2022
American history weaves with mystery and a pinch of the paranormal to form a gripping and intriguing read.
After a very adventurous trip with the Titanic, which left her a couple days in a hospital, Violet finally reaches her grandmother to find that they are in the middle of her, Violet's, funeral, since she was missing and presumed her dead. While Violet might have survived the historic wreck, she's wrapped into a deeper scheme, which has followed her since leaving the harbors of Europe. Not only does someone want her mother's jewels, but there's a murderer on the loose. Add a ghost, who may or may not have ill-intentions, and the mystery is anything but simple...as is the danger.
The blurb hooked me on this one, and I'm glad it did. The author does a wonderful job at bringing a historical time period to life, while creating a grabbing tale. The first pages already plunge into intrigue and adventure as Violet makes her way through a city alone, encounters her first dangers, and all of that to end up at a huge funeral. Even with all of this going on, the details of the historical setting are knitted in here and there. These portray life at the time without ever going into wordy descriptions, but rather, bring the details across right along with the quick-paced plot. Add that the characters each have enough back-story and depth to make them interesting, and this read packs quite a bit...especially since it remains under 150 pages.
I was surprised at how well this read rounds everything off while keeping to the length. There are quite a few characters, several sub-plots, and the mystery is definitely not easy to guess. Even Violet has enough personality to keep the reader invested. There was only one aspect which distracted me, and that was by no means enough to ruin the read.
When I picked this one up, I thought it was a stand-alone or first in a new series, but when I started reading, there were always bits and pieces mentioned about Violet's trip on the Titanic, and I was convinced that I'd misunderstood and, actually, was reading the 2nd or 3rd book in a series. I was still going to mention that this one works as a stand-alone, since it still flows well and isn't hard to follow. After reading it, I discovered that there aren't any other books leading up to it, and that this Titanic part of Violet's life really is only mentioned when necessary...which is too bad, since there are attacks, attempted kidnapping, disappearances, ghosts, unexplained happenings, and much more, which supposedly happens during that time. So, it always felt like a part of the story was missing...which, in a way, is positive because I did intend to go back and pick it up. Too bad that's not possible.
This is definitely a well-done read and will thrill mystery fans, who love historical settings. It's quick, hard to guess, and flips time back into a rich setting. I received an ARC and really enjoyed this one.
After a very adventurous trip with the Titanic, which left her a couple days in a hospital, Violet finally reaches her grandmother to find that they are in the middle of her, Violet's, funeral, since she was missing and presumed her dead. While Violet might have survived the historic wreck, she's wrapped into a deeper scheme, which has followed her since leaving the harbors of Europe. Not only does someone want her mother's jewels, but there's a murderer on the loose. Add a ghost, who may or may not have ill-intentions, and the mystery is anything but simple...as is the danger.
The blurb hooked me on this one, and I'm glad it did. The author does a wonderful job at bringing a historical time period to life, while creating a grabbing tale. The first pages already plunge into intrigue and adventure as Violet makes her way through a city alone, encounters her first dangers, and all of that to end up at a huge funeral. Even with all of this going on, the details of the historical setting are knitted in here and there. These portray life at the time without ever going into wordy descriptions, but rather, bring the details across right along with the quick-paced plot. Add that the characters each have enough back-story and depth to make them interesting, and this read packs quite a bit...especially since it remains under 150 pages.
I was surprised at how well this read rounds everything off while keeping to the length. There are quite a few characters, several sub-plots, and the mystery is definitely not easy to guess. Even Violet has enough personality to keep the reader invested. There was only one aspect which distracted me, and that was by no means enough to ruin the read.
When I picked this one up, I thought it was a stand-alone or first in a new series, but when I started reading, there were always bits and pieces mentioned about Violet's trip on the Titanic, and I was convinced that I'd misunderstood and, actually, was reading the 2nd or 3rd book in a series. I was still going to mention that this one works as a stand-alone, since it still flows well and isn't hard to follow. After reading it, I discovered that there aren't any other books leading up to it, and that this Titanic part of Violet's life really is only mentioned when necessary...which is too bad, since there are attacks, attempted kidnapping, disappearances, ghosts, unexplained happenings, and much more, which supposedly happens during that time. So, it always felt like a part of the story was missing...which, in a way, is positive because I did intend to go back and pick it up. Too bad that's not possible.
This is definitely a well-done read and will thrill mystery fans, who love historical settings. It's quick, hard to guess, and flips time back into a rich setting. I received an ARC and really enjoyed this one.
May 18, 2022
This was definitely a book that I wish I could’ve read when I was younger! Violet is such a fun character with a spunky attitude…oh, and she sees ghosts. 👀
This is a short read that is targeted for a younger audience than me at the ripe old age of 30. (I’m kidding, I know 30 isn’t old. I just can’t believe I’m not still 17!) The writing was great and captured the essence of living in the time of the Titanic. I do wish that the Titanic scenes were mentioned more throughout the story because the ones that were mentioned were so captivating!
The ghosts were the real highlight of the story for me. I had myself wondering who was real and who was a paranormal being (apparently the ridiculous amount of thrillers that I’ve read have made me suspicious of every character all the time).
Overall, I enjoyed this one and read it in one sitting! If you know any readers in middle school (or you’re young at heart!) don’t hesitate to pick this one up!
I received this book for free as part of an Instagram book tour.
This is a short read that is targeted for a younger audience than me at the ripe old age of 30. (I’m kidding, I know 30 isn’t old. I just can’t believe I’m not still 17!) The writing was great and captured the essence of living in the time of the Titanic. I do wish that the Titanic scenes were mentioned more throughout the story because the ones that were mentioned were so captivating!
The ghosts were the real highlight of the story for me. I had myself wondering who was real and who was a paranormal being (apparently the ridiculous amount of thrillers that I’ve read have made me suspicious of every character all the time).
Overall, I enjoyed this one and read it in one sitting! If you know any readers in middle school (or you’re young at heart!) don’t hesitate to pick this one up!
I received this book for free as part of an Instagram book tour.
May 17, 2022
Whenever I read a middle grade novel as an adult, a part of me is sad that the book didn’t exist when I was younger! Violet Yorke definitely would have been my jam when I was a young reader and I am happy to report that I still enjoyed it as an adult.
Set in NYC in 1912 during the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic, 12 year old Violet Yorke literally stumbles into her own funeral. Having been presumed dead as a passenger on the vessel, she starts to piece together her new life in the wake of tragedy.
At only 150 pages, this book covers so much ground. I am not huge on paranormal elements in fiction but I was pleasantly surprised with how well @pjmcilvaine handled the storytelling! As the story ends in a “To Be Continued” I can only assume there will be more to young Violet Yorke’s journey…
Set in NYC in 1912 during the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic, 12 year old Violet Yorke literally stumbles into her own funeral. Having been presumed dead as a passenger on the vessel, she starts to piece together her new life in the wake of tragedy.
At only 150 pages, this book covers so much ground. I am not huge on paranormal elements in fiction but I was pleasantly surprised with how well @pjmcilvaine handled the storytelling! As the story ends in a “To Be Continued” I can only assume there will be more to young Violet Yorke’s journey…
May 19, 2022
History, mystery and ghosts..oh my
Violet is an orphan, living with her grandma and you guessed it, she can see ghosts.
The story takes place in the early 1900s and I loved the tie in to The Titanic.
It was a perfect historical paranormal mystery for middle graders. As with any good middle grade book, important life lessons are weaved into the story.
The ghosts were spooky but not scary, perfect for the target age group.
Violet is an orphan, living with her grandma and you guessed it, she can see ghosts.
The story takes place in the early 1900s and I loved the tie in to The Titanic.
It was a perfect historical paranormal mystery for middle graders. As with any good middle grade book, important life lessons are weaved into the story.
The ghosts were spooky but not scary, perfect for the target age group.
May 6, 2022
Well now that was fun. 3.5 stars rounded up.
A quick read about a young orphan living with her grandmother….and she sees ghosts.
Violet was on her voyage trip home on the Titanic when disaster struck. She escapes from the hospital days later just to find her family and the community in the middle of her very own funeral. Violet is left to unravel the mystery of how her travel companion told everyone she died, discover the truth behind her parents murder, find the thief who stole her mothers jewels, and unravel who the little boy was she saw in a dilapidated house. Was he a ghost, or was he real?
This book kept me guessing as to who did what pretty much the entire time. It was a very quick read, and light. Just enough detail to imagine everything unravel without making the ghost story too heavy. This books is perfect for middle grade readers or young adult…..obviously older too since I enjoyed it!
A quick read about a young orphan living with her grandmother….and she sees ghosts.
Violet was on her voyage trip home on the Titanic when disaster struck. She escapes from the hospital days later just to find her family and the community in the middle of her very own funeral. Violet is left to unravel the mystery of how her travel companion told everyone she died, discover the truth behind her parents murder, find the thief who stole her mothers jewels, and unravel who the little boy was she saw in a dilapidated house. Was he a ghost, or was he real?
This book kept me guessing as to who did what pretty much the entire time. It was a very quick read, and light. Just enough detail to imagine everything unravel without making the ghost story too heavy. This books is perfect for middle grade readers or young adult…..obviously older too since I enjoyed it!
May 22, 2022
Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl: Ghosts in the Closet by PJ McIlvaine is a clever middle grade book with an ending that leaves the reader wanting more!
Poor little rich girl Violet Yorke sees ghosts, but no one believes her. Thinking she’s a rebellious and disobedient child, her family sends her off to Europe. Two years later, a now twelve-year-old Violet is voyaging back to NYC on the Titanic. As the Titanic goes down, a ghost saves her life - the same ghost who rescued Violet from the thief who was after her mother’s jewels. Having presumed Violet dead, her family is shocked when Violet crashes her own funeral. Violet’s grandmother, who took her in after her parents’ untimely death, has grand high society plans for Violet. However, Violet is determined to solve the mystery behind her parents’ death, the jewel thief, and the ghosts.
McIlvaine seamlessly wove together historical fiction, mystery, and paranormal elements in this delightful middle grade story! Violet was a smart, confident, and independent kid, and I enjoyed following her on her quest to solve the mystery! The early 1900s setting was fascinating, and I wish there had been even more information included about the Titanic and the Gilded Age. Even though there were ghosts, it was not scary. The ghosts actually added a fun and entertaining layer to this wonderful story! I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures with Violet!
*Thank you to the author and Let’s Talk Books Promo for my gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
Poor little rich girl Violet Yorke sees ghosts, but no one believes her. Thinking she’s a rebellious and disobedient child, her family sends her off to Europe. Two years later, a now twelve-year-old Violet is voyaging back to NYC on the Titanic. As the Titanic goes down, a ghost saves her life - the same ghost who rescued Violet from the thief who was after her mother’s jewels. Having presumed Violet dead, her family is shocked when Violet crashes her own funeral. Violet’s grandmother, who took her in after her parents’ untimely death, has grand high society plans for Violet. However, Violet is determined to solve the mystery behind her parents’ death, the jewel thief, and the ghosts.
McIlvaine seamlessly wove together historical fiction, mystery, and paranormal elements in this delightful middle grade story! Violet was a smart, confident, and independent kid, and I enjoyed following her on her quest to solve the mystery! The early 1900s setting was fascinating, and I wish there had been even more information included about the Titanic and the Gilded Age. Even though there were ghosts, it was not scary. The ghosts actually added a fun and entertaining layer to this wonderful story! I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures with Violet!
*Thank you to the author and Let’s Talk Books Promo for my gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2022
When I finally remembered that I was reading a Middle Age book my perspective changed!! Violet is an outspoken and independent young girl (11 years old) and survives the sinking of the Titanic. Nobody knows she has survived and when she finally makes it to her grandmother's house, crashig her own funeral, all sorts of family secrets and mysteries are uncovered - including Violet's escape from someone who tried to harm her on the Titanic!
There are ghosts and warm family interactions - all set against the Gilded Age in New York City - my favorite time period!
It's a great read for Middle Agers - a good story, mystery, history and a touch of a few love stories.
It's a quick read and will be satisfying to this audience - although I needed bit more depth - but the story is good - and it's a "to be continued...." so more to come!
Thank you @pjmcilvaine and @letstalkbookspromo for the opportunity to read this delightful story!
There are ghosts and warm family interactions - all set against the Gilded Age in New York City - my favorite time period!
It's a great read for Middle Agers - a good story, mystery, history and a touch of a few love stories.
It's a quick read and will be satisfying to this audience - although I needed bit more depth - but the story is good - and it's a "to be continued...." so more to come!
Thank you @pjmcilvaine and @letstalkbookspromo for the opportunity to read this delightful story!
May 20, 2022
Loved the Titanic connections. Middle grade first novel in a series that will undoubtedly be a lot of fun to continue reading!
April 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this YA ghost story. It was not as heavy on the ghosts as I thought it would be. The historical aspect of the Titantic was refreshing and helps introduce a new generation to the sad story. I enjoyed the sneak peak into the lives of the upper class.
As with any good thriller/mystery we are left wanting more ! Cannot wait to see what happens next.
As with any good thriller/mystery we are left wanting more ! Cannot wait to see what happens next.
August 20, 2022
After reading this ambitiously original middle-grade historical fantasy I still don’t believe in ghosts — but I definitely believe in Violet Yorke. She knows all the money in the world can’t buy her a normal childhood because despite having the former, she still lacks the latter.
Orphaned in infancy, Violet knows her grandmother loves her. But when she confides to the adults in her life about an unsettling ability to see ghosts Violet is (understandably) pooh-poohed, and fortune becomes frustration.
Evoking The Sixth Sense, it’s Eloise meets M. Night until grandma reaches her wit’s end, ships Violet to France and unwittingly ignites a chain of events that turn her granddaughter into a supernatural superstar.
Frustration becomes fortune as Violet learns to spin her curse into a gift.
She returns to New York and for once it’s everyone else who thinks they see a ghost. After surviving a trip on the actual Titanic, Violet (presumed dead) comes home just in time for her own funeral.
VIOLET YORKE is a darkly whimsical trip back in time with oodles of good-naturedly haunting fun. I dare you not to be captured by the unsinkable Gilded Girl who believes in ghosts; but not as much as she believes in herself.
Orphaned in infancy, Violet knows her grandmother loves her. But when she confides to the adults in her life about an unsettling ability to see ghosts Violet is (understandably) pooh-poohed, and fortune becomes frustration.
Evoking The Sixth Sense, it’s Eloise meets M. Night until grandma reaches her wit’s end, ships Violet to France and unwittingly ignites a chain of events that turn her granddaughter into a supernatural superstar.
Frustration becomes fortune as Violet learns to spin her curse into a gift.
She returns to New York and for once it’s everyone else who thinks they see a ghost. After surviving a trip on the actual Titanic, Violet (presumed dead) comes home just in time for her own funeral.
VIOLET YORKE is a darkly whimsical trip back in time with oodles of good-naturedly haunting fun. I dare you not to be captured by the unsinkable Gilded Girl who believes in ghosts; but not as much as she believes in herself.
April 24, 2022
Must read!!
Definitely a must read!! I couldn't put it down!!Thanks PJ for the amazing characters!! Violet is so much fun and wonderful!!
Definitely a must read!! I couldn't put it down!!Thanks PJ for the amazing characters!! Violet is so much fun and wonderful!!
May 26, 2022
This story features a spunky main character, a paranormal aspect, and a couple of mysteries! There is even a Titanic tie-in! The author leaves a few loose ends that will lead to the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read it! I think this book would be a great read-aloud, a strong addition to a classroom library, or a fantastic summer read for a middle grade student!
This is the kind of story I would have loved as a preteen reader! Read this if you love mysteries, Titanic stories, and an aspect of the paranormal.
This is the kind of story I would have loved as a preteen reader! Read this if you love mysteries, Titanic stories, and an aspect of the paranormal.
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June 3, 2022Violet is wealthy beyond belief, but it hasn't bought her a charmed life. Her parents died when she was just an infant, and she went to live with her grandmother. But she sent Violet to relatives in France after an unfortunate incident and Violet's insistence that she sees ghosts. Finally, she is to return to New York, on the Titanic. Yep, she really does have almost no luck at all. She is presumed dead, and her family is about to mourn her loss. But Violet is no stranger to odd events and a man or was it a ghost, gets her safely into a lifeboat. She arrives at her own funeral and though everyone is stunned at the turn of events, they are overjoyed that she somehow survived.
Violet is a determined twelve-year-old, though like everyone else during this period of time, trapped by the norms of society. It doesn't stop her from trying to get to the bottom of several unusual events going on around her, she just is wiser and keeps her thoughts and secrets close. She doesn't want to be sent back to France! It becomes apparent that maybe she can't trust all of the adults charged with her care. What is her connection to the spirits, both good and evil that seem to always find her?
When I requested this book, I had no idea that the target reading age was 12-18. So, I thought I might have made a mistake, but I did not. The first book in a series ends with to be continued which reminded me so much of some of my earliest reads. At only 141 pages, I flew through this little piece of Violet's life and say it isn't going to take too long because I really want to see where the next book takes her. This was a look back in time to a much simpler and yet much more complicated way of life. Violet's grandmother getting her first car! The tragedy of all who perished on the Titanic. The unbreakable rules of class and society, and a little girl who just wants to live her life as she wants, not as her grandmother and society dictate.
Violet is a determined twelve-year-old, though like everyone else during this period of time, trapped by the norms of society. It doesn't stop her from trying to get to the bottom of several unusual events going on around her, she just is wiser and keeps her thoughts and secrets close. She doesn't want to be sent back to France! It becomes apparent that maybe she can't trust all of the adults charged with her care. What is her connection to the spirits, both good and evil that seem to always find her?
When I requested this book, I had no idea that the target reading age was 12-18. So, I thought I might have made a mistake, but I did not. The first book in a series ends with to be continued which reminded me so much of some of my earliest reads. At only 141 pages, I flew through this little piece of Violet's life and say it isn't going to take too long because I really want to see where the next book takes her. This was a look back in time to a much simpler and yet much more complicated way of life. Violet's grandmother getting her first car! The tragedy of all who perished on the Titanic. The unbreakable rules of class and society, and a little girl who just wants to live her life as she wants, not as her grandmother and society dictate.
August 20, 2022
After reading this ambitiously original middle-grade historical fantasy I still don’t believe in ghosts — but I definitely believe in Violet Yorke. She knows all the money in the world can’t buy her a normal childhood because despite having the former, she still lacks the latter.
Orphaned in infancy, Violet knows her grandmother loves her. But when she confides to the adults in her life about an unsettling ability to see ghosts Violet is (understandably) pooh-poohed, and fortune becomes frustration.
Evoking The Sixth Sense, it’s Eloise meets M. Night until grandma reaches her wit’s end, ships Violet to France and unwittingly ignites a chain of events that turn her granddaughter into a supernatural superstar.
Frustration becomes fortune as Violet learns to spin her curse into a gift.
She returns to New York and for once it’s everyone else who thinks they see a ghost. After surviving a trip on the actual Titanic, Violet (presumed dead) comes home just in time for her own funeral.
VIOLET YORKE is a darkly whimsical trip back in time with oodles of good-naturedly haunting fun. I dare you not to be captured by the unsinkable Gilded Girl who believes in ghosts; but not as much as she believes in herself.
Orphaned in infancy, Violet knows her grandmother loves her. But when she confides to the adults in her life about an unsettling ability to see ghosts Violet is (understandably) pooh-poohed, and fortune becomes frustration.
Evoking The Sixth Sense, it’s Eloise meets M. Night until grandma reaches her wit’s end, ships Violet to France and unwittingly ignites a chain of events that turn her granddaughter into a supernatural superstar.
Frustration becomes fortune as Violet learns to spin her curse into a gift.
She returns to New York and for once it’s everyone else who thinks they see a ghost. After surviving a trip on the actual Titanic, Violet (presumed dead) comes home just in time for her own funeral.
VIOLET YORKE is a darkly whimsical trip back in time with oodles of good-naturedly haunting fun. I dare you not to be captured by the unsinkable Gilded Girl who believes in ghosts; but not as much as she believes in herself.
June 1, 2022
I purchased this title during an Amazon sale to participate in a buddy read. Thank you to Berit at Let's Talk Books Promo for hosting the buddy read.
While I occasionally read middle-grade fiction, I had yet to read one quite like this! I would say it is best for "upper" or older middle grade readers due to the complexity, not just in subject matter but in vocabulary as well. There were one or two words that I am pretty sure I didn't encounter until high school though I read voraciously in my youth. What an excellent, organic way to stretch the abilities of young readers! As far as subject matter, the paranormal content wasn't too scary but the mystery does center around some heavy topics, such as unsolved murder and attempted kidnapping. The historical fiction aspect was very well done and impressive. If only I had had access to a novel this rich... I may have been more passionate about learning history.
I would say that there seems to be room for either a prequel or sequel or both. Violet's experience upon Titanic would be an excellent basis for a prequel. And, as the murder case is unsolved at the conclusion of this novel, I would definitely welcome a sequel where Violet and her family solve the cold case.
While I occasionally read middle-grade fiction, I had yet to read one quite like this! I would say it is best for "upper" or older middle grade readers due to the complexity, not just in subject matter but in vocabulary as well. There were one or two words that I am pretty sure I didn't encounter until high school though I read voraciously in my youth. What an excellent, organic way to stretch the abilities of young readers! As far as subject matter, the paranormal content wasn't too scary but the mystery does center around some heavy topics, such as unsolved murder and attempted kidnapping. The historical fiction aspect was very well done and impressive. If only I had had access to a novel this rich... I may have been more passionate about learning history.
I would say that there seems to be room for either a prequel or sequel or both. Violet's experience upon Titanic would be an excellent basis for a prequel. And, as the murder case is unsolved at the conclusion of this novel, I would definitely welcome a sequel where Violet and her family solve the cold case.
June 4, 2022
I love to read all different genres and when this middle grade fiction book was sent to me I felt the pull of nostalgia. This is a book I would have loved in middle grade.
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Poor little rich girl Violet sees ghosts. Not a single soul believes her so she is sent away. Two years later she is headed home in April 1912. If you know anything about history you would know that is when the fated Titanic sunk in tragedy. When she makes it back to Manhattan she crashes her own funeral or is it?
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Historical fiction has always been a favorite of mine and this read so quick ending with a to be continued….those were three of my favorite words at the end of a book when I was younger. It means there is more and I am always in for continuing a story!
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Thank you @letstalkbookspromo for including me in this tour.
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Poor little rich girl Violet sees ghosts. Not a single soul believes her so she is sent away. Two years later she is headed home in April 1912. If you know anything about history you would know that is when the fated Titanic sunk in tragedy. When she makes it back to Manhattan she crashes her own funeral or is it?
.
Historical fiction has always been a favorite of mine and this read so quick ending with a to be continued….those were three of my favorite words at the end of a book when I was younger. It means there is more and I am always in for continuing a story!
.
Thank you @letstalkbookspromo for including me in this tour.
May 24, 2022
🚢Violet Yorke 🚢
Gilded Girl: Ghosts in the Closet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Short synopsis: Violet is returning to the US aboard the Titanic to live with her Grandmother, when she is saved by a ghost. Now she’s determined to figure out the mystery behind her parents death, and find a jewel thief.
My thoughts: This is a great middle grade read, with a fun paranormal element. Violet is a strong character who knows what she wants, and is determined to solve the mysteries. I really enjoyed reading about the early 1900s, the Titanic tie-in, and the early automobiles.
The story was a little disjointed at times, but I think it is written perfectly for a middle grade reader who doesn’t care for lots of details. I know when I was young I would have devoured this type of book! I can’t wait to share with my kids, and to see where the story goes from here.
Read if you’re a sucker for:
* Middle Grade series
* Ghosts stories
* Historical/paranormal/mystery fiction
* Strong-willed, independent protagonist
Thank you @pjmcilvaine and @letstalkbookspromo for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Grab your copy now!
QOTD: My kids are out of school for the summer next week. Drop some favorite kids/middle grade reads for me to keep them busy during their break!
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🏷: #reading #bookstagram #booklover #igreads #booknerd #bookaddict #bibliophile #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #readingtime #ilovebooks #booknerd #bookblogger #bookobsessed #bookishfeature #bookphotography #bookworm #reading #readinggoals #readinginmysparetime #BOTWxBS #summerreads #MayReading #middlegradereads #violetyork #letstalkbookspromo #middlegradebooks
Gilded Girl: Ghosts in the Closet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Short synopsis: Violet is returning to the US aboard the Titanic to live with her Grandmother, when she is saved by a ghost. Now she’s determined to figure out the mystery behind her parents death, and find a jewel thief.
My thoughts: This is a great middle grade read, with a fun paranormal element. Violet is a strong character who knows what she wants, and is determined to solve the mysteries. I really enjoyed reading about the early 1900s, the Titanic tie-in, and the early automobiles.
The story was a little disjointed at times, but I think it is written perfectly for a middle grade reader who doesn’t care for lots of details. I know when I was young I would have devoured this type of book! I can’t wait to share with my kids, and to see where the story goes from here.
Read if you’re a sucker for:
* Middle Grade series
* Ghosts stories
* Historical/paranormal/mystery fiction
* Strong-willed, independent protagonist
Thank you @pjmcilvaine and @letstalkbookspromo for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Grab your copy now!
QOTD: My kids are out of school for the summer next week. Drop some favorite kids/middle grade reads for me to keep them busy during their break!
•
•
•
🏷: #reading #bookstagram #booklover #igreads #booknerd #bookaddict #bibliophile #bookcommunity #booksofinstagram #readingtime #ilovebooks #booknerd #bookblogger #bookobsessed #bookishfeature #bookphotography #bookworm #reading #readinggoals #readinginmysparetime #BOTWxBS #summerreads #MayReading #middlegradereads #violetyork #letstalkbookspromo #middlegradebooks
June 4, 2022
This is a fun YA book. The main character, Violet was even on the Titanic. There is a mystery behind her parent's death, which will be continued in the next book. I received this book for free. If the next one was free I would carry on.
Violet can see ghosts. It makes me wonder about the 2 young men in her life and how they will handle that knowledge.
Violet can see ghosts. It makes me wonder about the 2 young men in her life and how they will handle that knowledge.
May 25, 2022
Fantastic middle grade read
This is a middle grade book and even though there are no more middle grade readers in my house, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to read this when I heard the words ghost and Titanic.
This is a great book for all those that love historical fiction mixed in with a little of the paranormal.
Violet, a survivor of the Titanic through somewhat mysterious circumstances has found her way back to her grandmother’s estate in New York City.
Violet has several mysteries to solve. One being who is the man with the two colored eyes who keeps trying to snatch her. Also, who is the boy she saw in the window in a very run down mansion. Finally, what’s the real story behind her parents death.
Violet has plenty of spunk and the adults around her including my favorite character Vilolet’s godfather, Hugo Hewitt better keep up to keep Violet safe.
I forgot to mention the ghosts..Violet can see ghosts and they do play a part in the story.
I will definitely read the next Violet installment! She has me hooked and I haven’t been a middle grader since..well a LONG time!
This is a middle grade book and even though there are no more middle grade readers in my house, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to read this when I heard the words ghost and Titanic.
This is a great book for all those that love historical fiction mixed in with a little of the paranormal.
Violet, a survivor of the Titanic through somewhat mysterious circumstances has found her way back to her grandmother’s estate in New York City.
Violet has several mysteries to solve. One being who is the man with the two colored eyes who keeps trying to snatch her. Also, who is the boy she saw in the window in a very run down mansion. Finally, what’s the real story behind her parents death.
Violet has plenty of spunk and the adults around her including my favorite character Vilolet’s godfather, Hugo Hewitt better keep up to keep Violet safe.
I forgot to mention the ghosts..Violet can see ghosts and they do play a part in the story.
I will definitely read the next Violet installment! She has me hooked and I haven’t been a middle grader since..well a LONG time!
June 4, 2022
Thoughts :
This book was a great read and i was so excited throughout! The best part was that it has the Titanic period and everything is chaotic.
The book has ghosts but it's not at all a ghost story.. and it's really enjoyable, fun and interesting read. It is a very short book so go for it! 😊✨
This book was a great read and i was so excited throughout! The best part was that it has the Titanic period and everything is chaotic.
The book has ghosts but it's not at all a ghost story.. and it's really enjoyable, fun and interesting read. It is a very short book so go for it! 😊✨
June 4, 2022
This is a quick and fun middle grades book that mashes up historical fiction, mystery, and paranormal. It’ll hook the reader quickly.
August 24, 2022
I adored this debut middle school historical paranormal mystery. It is not too spooky for those that scare easily. It is full of charming characters and a good old fashion mystery with ghosts making this an enjoyable read for all ages.
May 26, 2022
This was a good middle grade read with a fun paranormal element to it. I really enjoyed reading about Violet and how determined she was to figure things out and to have her say. This is a book I would have loved when I was younger because it has buts of mystery, paranormal and a Titanic tie in that was interesting. The characters don't have much development and at times the story didn't seem to flow but I'm sure I wouldn't have noticed that as a middle grader. The book ends with "to be continued" so I'm interested to see where Violet goes next.
May 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this YA ghost story. The historical references to the Titanic will help kids learn about a sad tragedy in world events. Will look forward to the next.
June 3, 2022
𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴…𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺?
𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭!
What a great read, I loved Violet’s character and all her adventures chasing ghosts. Overall an entertaining and charming middle grade story!
Thank you Let’s Talk Book Promo for this tour invite.
𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲 by PJ McIlvaine Writes released April 4, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭!
What a great read, I loved Violet’s character and all her adventures chasing ghosts. Overall an entertaining and charming middle grade story!
Thank you Let’s Talk Book Promo for this tour invite.
𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲 by PJ McIlvaine Writes released April 4, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
May 25, 2022
I was given the chance to read this from @letstalkbookpromo @pjmcilvaine
It's not my normal type of book but I love the time period it's set in history. Violet is a spunky young lady who somehow survived the Titanic. She lives with grandmother & always seems to be up to something. Oh yeah, she also can see ghosts. The story is fast paced & kept my attention.
It's not my normal type of book but I love the time period it's set in history. Violet is a spunky young lady who somehow survived the Titanic. She lives with grandmother & always seems to be up to something. Oh yeah, she also can see ghosts. The story is fast paced & kept my attention.
May 30, 2022
My thoughts: dthis was a fun introduction to Violet’s life. I can see this being a fun series going forward for middle grade readers. Violet is a spunky, confident girl who can show people to stick up for what they believe in. I loved her! Thank you so much to @pjmcilvaine & @letstalkbookspromo for this one!
May 26, 2022
This was such a fun and entertaining ghost story. Loved that it was set during the time when Titanic sank! I devoured the book in less than an hour. Violet was a precocious and delightful child and I wanna read more about her. If you enjoy middlegrade books with a bit of supernatural twist, then pick up this book. It looks like it’s the first book in a series so we’d be embarking more journeys with Violet Yorke.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
February 23, 2023
Violet Yorke is precocious, orphaned heiress surrounded by secrets and spirits. With an attunement and affinity for the no-longer living, she navigates a historic shipwreck from England to New York, and finds herself embroiled in several curious mysteries among her remaining family. Every aspect of Violet’s life is amazing individually and on the whole – but what else would you expect from a 12-year-old girl?
“You can be a proper young lady and still have fun. There’s a time and place for everything.”
The time and place are 1912, Manhattan, New York. Young Violet has recently escaped a harrowing brush with death aboard the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic. Circumstances surrounding her rescue are as murky as the water the floated upon, but the young heiress survived her ordeal in time to return to her family – interrupting her own funeral in the process!
“I hope you don’t expect me to pay for this funeral. I didn’t even get to be buried.”
As a young ward of her grandmother – and surrounded by adults – Violet is treated as the young lady she is; on the cusp of adulthood, but still in need of a watchful eye. A very interesting dichotomy for a young lady to be so excited for car rides and puppies, while displaying an adult-like insight and empathy for others. Violet considers herself more than adult enough to hear the mysterious tale of her parents’ demise and can’t abide the subterfuge she feels is being perpetrated around her. Enlisting the aid of cub reporter, she seeks to discover the secrets others refuse to share with her.
“My godchild, if you haven’t already surmised, is rather headstrong. She requires a firm hand.”
Headstrong definitely describes young Violet. Firm in her convictions, she seeks out answers to questions she has. What really happened to my parents? Who was that rapscallion that accosted me aboard the ship? Who was the little boy in the window of the abandoned house up the street?
Uttering those words to Violet was like waving a red flag at a bull. She decided she’d have to find out more about Dunham Hall.
“Another of your ghosts? Good God, Violet! I thought we’d decided to put that all in the past.”
Ghosts. As in, plural. Violet has always had a sensitivity for the spirits, and we hear it caused several concerns among her family. Little would anyone know that those spirits have watched, protected, and cared for her along the way. Whether finding the thieves set upon acquiring her fortune, or the Samaritans saving her bacon, the ghosts have always shared their stories with Violet, knowing she’d protect them well.
“Bosh! The poor things are probably more afraid of us than we are of them. I don’t see why we can’t live together in harmony once we understand one another better.
Violet’s adventures are supervised by an intriguing cast of family and friends; Mr. Hewitt, trustee of her estate; Grandmother Olivia’s wards Nannette and Bertie, a young suffragette-wannabe, and her harmless rake brother; and even Great-Aunt Florence, the stodgy curmudgeon across the pond that Violet seeks her escape from. Each of these stalwarts has a hand in shaping Violet’s thoughts and actions. The author weaves in clue upon clue to Violet’s tale so seamlessly, the reader will be surprised at the ending. Certainly, we know in advance that Bertie’s gambling debts are the cause of missing funds. Of course, there will be mysterious gossip among the older and affluent friends of Grandmother, dropping nuggets and clues throughout. The story itself keeps the reader so engrossed that you don’t realize what you’ve been reading the whole time has set you up for an ending that you won’t see coming until it’s here.
Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl is a lovely period tale of a young miss in 1912. The settings, imagery, and even dialect all lend wonderful emotion to Violet’s story and add vibrance to the life she must lead. PJ McIlvaine does a wonderful job of drawing her readers into the world that Violet lives in and building strong kinship for a young girl who often is treated as older than her years. Such a simple nuance of a young lady receiving her first, chaste kiss from a boy reminds readers that although she seems older than her years, Violet is still a young lady seeking answers. The mystery of Violet’s parents is never fully satisfied yet enough of the questions asked are answered that you feel it was. An excellent set-up for a sequel.
*****
“Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl” by P. J. McIlvaine receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
“You can be a proper young lady and still have fun. There’s a time and place for everything.”
The time and place are 1912, Manhattan, New York. Young Violet has recently escaped a harrowing brush with death aboard the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic. Circumstances surrounding her rescue are as murky as the water the floated upon, but the young heiress survived her ordeal in time to return to her family – interrupting her own funeral in the process!
“I hope you don’t expect me to pay for this funeral. I didn’t even get to be buried.”
As a young ward of her grandmother – and surrounded by adults – Violet is treated as the young lady she is; on the cusp of adulthood, but still in need of a watchful eye. A very interesting dichotomy for a young lady to be so excited for car rides and puppies, while displaying an adult-like insight and empathy for others. Violet considers herself more than adult enough to hear the mysterious tale of her parents’ demise and can’t abide the subterfuge she feels is being perpetrated around her. Enlisting the aid of cub reporter, she seeks to discover the secrets others refuse to share with her.
“My godchild, if you haven’t already surmised, is rather headstrong. She requires a firm hand.”
Headstrong definitely describes young Violet. Firm in her convictions, she seeks out answers to questions she has. What really happened to my parents? Who was that rapscallion that accosted me aboard the ship? Who was the little boy in the window of the abandoned house up the street?
Uttering those words to Violet was like waving a red flag at a bull. She decided she’d have to find out more about Dunham Hall.
“Another of your ghosts? Good God, Violet! I thought we’d decided to put that all in the past.”
Ghosts. As in, plural. Violet has always had a sensitivity for the spirits, and we hear it caused several concerns among her family. Little would anyone know that those spirits have watched, protected, and cared for her along the way. Whether finding the thieves set upon acquiring her fortune, or the Samaritans saving her bacon, the ghosts have always shared their stories with Violet, knowing she’d protect them well.
“Bosh! The poor things are probably more afraid of us than we are of them. I don’t see why we can’t live together in harmony once we understand one another better.
Violet’s adventures are supervised by an intriguing cast of family and friends; Mr. Hewitt, trustee of her estate; Grandmother Olivia’s wards Nannette and Bertie, a young suffragette-wannabe, and her harmless rake brother; and even Great-Aunt Florence, the stodgy curmudgeon across the pond that Violet seeks her escape from. Each of these stalwarts has a hand in shaping Violet’s thoughts and actions. The author weaves in clue upon clue to Violet’s tale so seamlessly, the reader will be surprised at the ending. Certainly, we know in advance that Bertie’s gambling debts are the cause of missing funds. Of course, there will be mysterious gossip among the older and affluent friends of Grandmother, dropping nuggets and clues throughout. The story itself keeps the reader so engrossed that you don’t realize what you’ve been reading the whole time has set you up for an ending that you won’t see coming until it’s here.
Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl is a lovely period tale of a young miss in 1912. The settings, imagery, and even dialect all lend wonderful emotion to Violet’s story and add vibrance to the life she must lead. PJ McIlvaine does a wonderful job of drawing her readers into the world that Violet lives in and building strong kinship for a young girl who often is treated as older than her years. Such a simple nuance of a young lady receiving her first, chaste kiss from a boy reminds readers that although she seems older than her years, Violet is still a young lady seeking answers. The mystery of Violet’s parents is never fully satisfied yet enough of the questions asked are answered that you feel it was. An excellent set-up for a sequel.
*****
“Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl” by P. J. McIlvaine receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
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