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Poison Apple #3
Miss Fortune
Poison Apple Books: Thrilling. Bone-chilling. These books have bite!
Zoe’s never been superstitious, so when she and her best friend Mia have their fortunes read at a carnival, she doesn’t take it seriously. In fact, Zoe mocks the fortune-teller. But the woman gives Zoe a necklace to seal her fortune, and as soon as Zoe puts it on, unexplained things begin to happen to her. Her bike spins out of control, a fire starts in the oven when it isn’t on, and Zoe begins receiving threatening texts and emails. The necklace must be cursed! But when Zoe and Mia return to the site of the carnival, it’s gone! Can they break the curse before something terrible happens?
Zoe’s never been superstitious, so when she and her best friend Mia have their fortunes read at a carnival, she doesn’t take it seriously. In fact, Zoe mocks the fortune-teller. But the woman gives Zoe a necklace to seal her fortune, and as soon as Zoe puts it on, unexplained things begin to happen to her. Her bike spins out of control, a fire starts in the oven when it isn’t on, and Zoe begins receiving threatening texts and emails. The necklace must be cursed! But when Zoe and Mia return to the site of the carnival, it’s gone! Can they break the curse before something terrible happens?
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 4, 2010
I have not read any other books in the Poison Apple series, and at the very beginning I could tell I was coming into an ongoing story because the characters were mentioned in a kind of haphazard way, like I should have been familiar with them already. It doesn't keep you from reading them out of order, though, as this story focused mainly on two characters, Zoe and Mia.
This was a little creepy in places and the stress of the main character really came through well. There was not a lot of silly detective work, but stuff you could actually see two kids doing. (I'm not sure how old they were supposed to be - if it was mentioned, I missed it.) The suspense level was good, with a little supernatural thrown in. Very entertaining!
Product Description
Zoe’s never been superstitious, so when she and her best friend Mia have their fortunes read at a carnival, she doesn’t take it seriously. In fact, Zoe mocks the fortune-teller. But the woman gives Zoe a necklace to seal her fortune, and as soon as Zoe puts it on, unexplained things begin to happen to her. Her bike spins out of control, a fire starts in the oven when it isn’t on, and Zoe begins receiving threatening texts and emails. The necklace must be cursed! But when Zoe and Mia return to the site of the carnival, it’s gone! Can they break the curse before something terrible happens?
This was a little creepy in places and the stress of the main character really came through well. There was not a lot of silly detective work, but stuff you could actually see two kids doing. (I'm not sure how old they were supposed to be - if it was mentioned, I missed it.) The suspense level was good, with a little supernatural thrown in. Very entertaining!
Product Description
Zoe’s never been superstitious, so when she and her best friend Mia have their fortunes read at a carnival, she doesn’t take it seriously. In fact, Zoe mocks the fortune-teller. But the woman gives Zoe a necklace to seal her fortune, and as soon as Zoe puts it on, unexplained things begin to happen to her. Her bike spins out of control, a fire starts in the oven when it isn’t on, and Zoe begins receiving threatening texts and emails. The necklace must be cursed! But when Zoe and Mia return to the site of the carnival, it’s gone! Can they break the curse before something terrible happens?
December 19, 2016
At the start of this book, Zoe, her best friend, Mia, her crush, Noah, and some other friends are having a great time at the carnival. Noah even wins Zoe a stuffed animal and admits to liking her too! Before Mia and Zoe leave for the night, though, they stop and have their fortunes told by a fortune teller named Serafina, who predicts nothing but darkness for poor Zoe. When she gives her a necklace to seal her fortune, Serafina goes into a strange trance and begins speaking Italian in a terrible, frightening voice. From then on, Zoe is under a curse that ruins everything from her bicycle to her chances of dating Noah.
This was another really suspenseful book, but it wasn't as scary as The Dead End. The cursed necklace which has such a strong hold over Zoe is a powerful object, but I never lost hope that she and Mia would find a way to defeat it. I couldn't help but be reminded slightly of the horcrux Ron destroys in the final Harry Potter book, except the horcrux had more power over Ron's thoughts, while this necklace merely messed with Zoe's luck. While the necklace wreaks a lot of havoc in Zoe's life, by far its most memorable effect was the way it caused Zoe's phone to call Noah's house a million times. I can think of nothing more horrifying for a teenage girl than to have her crush misunderstand her intentions or think she is obsessive. What a great way to add conflict to the story.
I also really liked that the girls use the library to research the curse's history. The librarian in this book is kind of a stereotype, but it seemed like the girls, at least, knew the value of their local library and considered it as a reasonable source of help for their situation. In the end, the steps the girls take to break the curse are somewhat predictable and contrived, which detracts from the book slightly, but besides that, I think it's another great horror story that combines supernatural elements with the everyday concerns of middle school girls.
This was another really suspenseful book, but it wasn't as scary as The Dead End. The cursed necklace which has such a strong hold over Zoe is a powerful object, but I never lost hope that she and Mia would find a way to defeat it. I couldn't help but be reminded slightly of the horcrux Ron destroys in the final Harry Potter book, except the horcrux had more power over Ron's thoughts, while this necklace merely messed with Zoe's luck. While the necklace wreaks a lot of havoc in Zoe's life, by far its most memorable effect was the way it caused Zoe's phone to call Noah's house a million times. I can think of nothing more horrifying for a teenage girl than to have her crush misunderstand her intentions or think she is obsessive. What a great way to add conflict to the story.
I also really liked that the girls use the library to research the curse's history. The librarian in this book is kind of a stereotype, but it seemed like the girls, at least, knew the value of their local library and considered it as a reasonable source of help for their situation. In the end, the steps the girls take to break the curse are somewhat predictable and contrived, which detracts from the book slightly, but besides that, I think it's another great horror story that combines supernatural elements with the everyday concerns of middle school girls.
October 14, 2015
Miss Fortune is about a girl named zoe and her best friend Mia. They go to a carnival with a couple friends. Zoe has a crush on a boy named Noah, Noah gives Zoe his number and soon there other friends including Noah had to leave. The carnival was still open for a few more minutes and they still wanted to do something in those last few minutes a lady standing next to a tent and asked if they wanted their fortune read and that she would give them for free. Zoe and Mia agreed and they were given fortunes and Mia's was something she verly wanted to here and Zoe was being annoying and her fortune was much more dark and scary after that strange things started happening like bad thing to Zoe had the fortune been?
I recommend this book to anyone who likes spooky stories strang magic of looking for a change from other books. I think this book would be reasonable for 4th graders and up because it's a great children's book with a little spice. My favorite parts of this book is the beginning, the end, and all the pats with magic witchcraft because I find it interesting.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes spooky stories strang magic of looking for a change from other books. I think this book would be reasonable for 4th graders and up because it's a great children's book with a little spice. My favorite parts of this book is the beginning, the end, and all the pats with magic witchcraft because I find it interesting.
February 4, 2012
Great story! Probably my second favorite Poison Apple book, after Midnight Howl. Midnight Howl was real juicy and full. This one had a really happy ending, and the great thing was, you could tell that it had a happy ending! Some Poison Apple books are so scary, that when you reach the end, you're so scared that you didn't realize it was happy... Even though all Poison Apple books have happy endings. Well, er, um, at least I think so.
August 19, 2018
This girl gets cursed at a carnival and her friend helps her to get the curse removed before her life is ruined. RIP her crush's call history because one of the side effects is her phone calling him repeatedly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2011
i think this is a cool book
June 20, 2015
Poison Apple books are sooo good, I can never put them down!
Read
January 30, 2025this book is terrifying
i dont remember why
but i remember reading it a long time ago
it haunted me for ages
i dont remember why
but i remember reading it a long time ago
it haunted me for ages
January 8, 2023
This third book in the new series, Poison Apple Books from Scholastic, is darker and a little more sinister than the first two offerings. These books are geared for readers who enjoyed the softer and gentler Candy Apple Books but are looking to read something with a little more edge. They are not as dark as what their older siblings or parents might be reading. Brandi Dougherty winds a wonderful tale of friendship and mayhem as Young Zoe is cursed by a fortune teller at a carnival and her whole life starts turning upside-down.
Zoe goes to the fair with her friends as a group one evening. Everything seems to be going perfectly; the boy she likes has asked for her number and won her a giant bear. But while leaving the fair they notice a fortune teller and Mia and Zoe have their fortunes told. Mia's is nice and encouraging but Zoe's is dark and scary. But that just seems to be the beginning of her problems. Soon she is accident prone, her cell phone and computer both seem possessed and things keep getting worse. She soon realizes she is under a curse, and she and Mia must find a way to break the curse.
This story is very engaging - almost addictive. The reader finds himself wondering what can go wrong next, and can Zoe and Mia find a way not only to lift the curse but to make things right for those affected by the blowback from the curse. It is well written, and the characters so well written, we can only hope to encounter Mia and Zoe again in a future book in the series.
Zoe goes to the fair with her friends as a group one evening. Everything seems to be going perfectly; the boy she likes has asked for her number and won her a giant bear. But while leaving the fair they notice a fortune teller and Mia and Zoe have their fortunes told. Mia's is nice and encouraging but Zoe's is dark and scary. But that just seems to be the beginning of her problems. Soon she is accident prone, her cell phone and computer both seem possessed and things keep getting worse. She soon realizes she is under a curse, and she and Mia must find a way to break the curse.
This story is very engaging - almost addictive. The reader finds himself wondering what can go wrong next, and can Zoe and Mia find a way not only to lift the curse but to make things right for those affected by the blowback from the curse. It is well written, and the characters so well written, we can only hope to encounter Mia and Zoe again in a future book in the series.
April 26, 2021
Summary: This is a book about two friends who go to a carnival and get their fortune read but then bad things begin to happen. Whenever they try to go back the lady is no longer there and it goes through the bad things that happen and what they try to do to break the "curse".
Reaction: I really enjoyed these series whenever I was younger so whenever I decided to read it again I was excited. I think it is an easy read as well as entertaining. I have always been into mystery or mysterious books and I think this book is definitely that.
Use it in the Classroom: I would allow my students to read this book and give it to a student who is more advanced in their readings. I think it could be easy but also challenge them to read a longer book.
Reaction: I really enjoyed these series whenever I was younger so whenever I decided to read it again I was excited. I think it is an easy read as well as entertaining. I have always been into mystery or mysterious books and I think this book is definitely that.
Use it in the Classroom: I would allow my students to read this book and give it to a student who is more advanced in their readings. I think it could be easy but also challenge them to read a longer book.
August 3, 2025
I picked this up and read it in a day because my last book was a bit heavy so I wanted something light, I used to love these books growing up and found this book at my local library(it was the only poison apple book they had so Im gonna have to go to the bookstore to find them if I want more, but thats okay because i have like four of them at home) this wasnt my favorite of the series byt it was pretty good and I enjoyed the nostalgia rush, give this a try if you like spooky children's stories
November 29, 2021
This book definitely took me back to my childhood! I think these books are timeless; I’ve been able to enjoy them at any age. I really liked the characters and although I felt some things were a little predictable, I understand that I’m not the target audience for this book. That’s why it’s getting five stars for my nostalgia!
November 22, 2022
This was one of the first books I read before I realized I love to read! I was hooked and now I own the complete poison apple series. This book is full of adventure, friendship, and spooky vibes. I remember I could vividly imagine the scenes in my head.
August 27, 2025
I wasn't really into this story - I think in a sense it got really repetitive as the universe found more and more ways to target Zoe, and everyone else (minus Mia) just kept not believing her. The story starts with the curse and then ends as soon as it's over.
August 2, 2017
I like reading these just for quick fun but this one seemed so unbeliveable it just was not as good as some of the others.
August 9, 2018
I think I'm too old for this now. Everything is told instead of showed D:.
December 7, 2018
okurfkmhihmgfmmhmhk,mfmkigmj,mhimfm,f kjmrhkhmkmkkfm,kfmhko,,h,rgkmkrr
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June 21, 2019
V (age 7) loved this and recommended it to me. I don't love my elementary schooler reading books that feature crushes as important plot points. Otherwise, it was fine.
Read
May 18, 2021I loved it. Very clever and spooky. Nice twist. But it had a nice ending.
August 29, 2021
Fun series and stories of unique tale.
September 1, 2021
This book actually terrified me as a child, one of the books that I could not bring myself to reread
December 20, 2021
I love it
January 26, 2023
Eh its cute. had some creepy moments but overall a 2 outta 5 . highly predictable....
June 9, 2023
This is a not-too-scary book that has two girls solving the problem of a curse. 4th grade reading level, interest approximately ages 8-12.
April 9, 2024
It was a cute story, it was not what I thought it was going to be about but I still liked
August 2, 2025
don't remember much of this book but for sure i remember really enjoying it! i always thought the play on words in the title was so smart
July 24, 2011
Miss Fortune by Brandi Dougherty is a book in the Poison Apple series, a paranormal version of the Candy Apple series.
Zoe Coulter goes to a carnival with her friends, including her best friend, Mia Wang, and her crush, Noah. Eventually, Zoe gets to spend some time with Noah and is excited when Noah asks for her phone number. She thinks her night can’t get any better…and it doesn’t. It gets worse…way worse.
Zoe and Mia are the only ones from their group that is still in the carnival. When they start to leave, Great Serafina, a fortune teller, tells them she’ll give them a free fortune reading. They end up following her back to her tent. Zoe immediately thinks that Great Serafina is a joke and does nothing but laugh and make comments when Mia has her reading. Mia gets a great reading, so Zoe starts to think it might be okay until she receives news that bad things will happen to her. She quickly gets defensive and asks why Mia had a great reading while she gets a bad one.
Great Serafina gets into a weird trance and puts a necklace around Zoe’s neck to “seal her fate”. Zoe and Mia scurry out. While Mia is staying at Zoe’s house for a sleepover, Zoe becomes worried about what had happened. Zoe did have good luck, but it quickly turns to bad luck. Will Zoe ever get rid of the curse?
I think this is my favorite Poison Apple book. At first, I liked Zoe, but I started not to like her when she was making fun of Great Serafina. At that point, I though she deserved the curse. It’s not smart to make fun of things or people for that matter. As her luck grew worse, I started to feel bad for her. This is a great addition to the Poison Apple series.
Zoe Coulter goes to a carnival with her friends, including her best friend, Mia Wang, and her crush, Noah. Eventually, Zoe gets to spend some time with Noah and is excited when Noah asks for her phone number. She thinks her night can’t get any better…and it doesn’t. It gets worse…way worse.
Zoe and Mia are the only ones from their group that is still in the carnival. When they start to leave, Great Serafina, a fortune teller, tells them she’ll give them a free fortune reading. They end up following her back to her tent. Zoe immediately thinks that Great Serafina is a joke and does nothing but laugh and make comments when Mia has her reading. Mia gets a great reading, so Zoe starts to think it might be okay until she receives news that bad things will happen to her. She quickly gets defensive and asks why Mia had a great reading while she gets a bad one.
Great Serafina gets into a weird trance and puts a necklace around Zoe’s neck to “seal her fate”. Zoe and Mia scurry out. While Mia is staying at Zoe’s house for a sleepover, Zoe becomes worried about what had happened. Zoe did have good luck, but it quickly turns to bad luck. Will Zoe ever get rid of the curse?
I think this is my favorite Poison Apple book. At first, I liked Zoe, but I started not to like her when she was making fun of Great Serafina. At that point, I though she deserved the curse. It’s not smart to make fun of things or people for that matter. As her luck grew worse, I started to feel bad for her. This is a great addition to the Poison Apple series.
May 31, 2011
Mia and Zoe are best friends who do it all together. They decide to attend a carnival with a group of friends, and before the night is over, one of their lives will be dramatically changed for the worst...that would be Zoe. You see, Zoe makes a mistake. While her friend Mia is having her fortune read, Zoe sort of/kind of makes fun of the fortune teller. Well, any good skeptic will know this is just not the best of plans, and soon Zoe finds that out, beginning the morning after the reading.
Strange, inexplicable things begin to happen to Zoe - making her feel out of control of everything. From minor accidents to one that almost ends her life, she realizes that she must somehow take control. With the help of her BFF Mia, the two embark on a journey to break the curse that seems to be haunting Zoe. The question is this: can they succeed before it's too late?
Brandi Dougherty creates two solid characters with Mia and Zoe; their friendship is believable, even if the rest of the plot is not. But overall this is a fun, fast read. If you enjoy spooky stories. If you enjoy a side of creep-fest with your plot. If you enjoy everything working out...well, I'll save that for you to find out - then you will enjoy this novel.
Strange, inexplicable things begin to happen to Zoe - making her feel out of control of everything. From minor accidents to one that almost ends her life, she realizes that she must somehow take control. With the help of her BFF Mia, the two embark on a journey to break the curse that seems to be haunting Zoe. The question is this: can they succeed before it's too late?
Brandi Dougherty creates two solid characters with Mia and Zoe; their friendship is believable, even if the rest of the plot is not. But overall this is a fun, fast read. If you enjoy spooky stories. If you enjoy a side of creep-fest with your plot. If you enjoy everything working out...well, I'll save that for you to find out - then you will enjoy this novel.
February 25, 2015
this book really scared me, and it is the only poison apple book that I have read that ever scared me. when I got it from my older sister, she also gave me a necklace. first i thought it was pretty nice, so i kept it with the rest of my necklaces. after I read the book, the snake eye necklace totally freaked me out. i almost threw it away because to me now it looks really creepy and i feel like i am cursed (which i'm not) i did not read it again but i believe if i read it again i will still freak out.
i kind of admire Zoe after the whole thing that happened because she had the courage to get rid of the snake eye and the curse but not just crying and not doing anything. she is really brave to sneak into the Great Serafina's tent and take Serafina's hair and the snake venom. still even if i was impressed of what Zoe could do, i still think she is kind of rude. i think that maybe if zoe did not mock Geat Serafina, it might not happen. also, mia is a really good BFF. she stood by Zoe when the whole event happened and she is not scared to help her. Zoe is really lucky to have a friend as good as her.
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