The girl and the ghost: Family secrets by Jacqueline Harvey

French chateaus, a first kiss, friends and cave paintings all combine with a ghostly touch in the second book in The Girl and the Ghost series. I loved the first book in the series, and this is equally delightful. Josephine (aka Jet) is feeling more at home in her new surroundings in France. The chateau she lives in has progressed in its restoration and she is looking forward to a visit from her friend Harriet (aka Hat) - but will Hat be able to communicate with Jet’s friend, the ghost Louis? Jet and Gabriel are also acknowledged for their solving of the art mystery from book 1 in the series. Her growing connection to Gabriel is giving her tingles. Her desire to find out more about her late mother also sets her on a strange path into the past. And Louis, the late Dauphin Prince, is joined by another mysterious figure from French history. And all the time it seems that the threats to their lives have not disappeared. 

Jacqueline Harvey has written a gentle mystery set within the wonders of French life and history. It also includes the naive delight of the coming-of-age growth of Jet and Gabriel. The ghosts are never scary, and their existence has unusual rules that are delightfully fascinating. I love Jacqueline Harvey’s ability to craft a story that is intelligent and mysterious but also totally appropriate for a pre-teen or early teen audience, with the introduction of a growing romance meaning the series can appeal to readers beyond pre-teen years and avoids the worst of teen angst. (A healthy relationship with a step-parent is also a pleasure to read.)

Themes: French history, Ghosts, Family, Friendship, Mystery, First romance, Pre-historic art, Palace of Versailles.

Carolyn Hull