This absolutely spectacular story is about an extraordinary 12-year-old lady’s maid (yes, REALLY!) named Ivy Pocket who was abandoned in Paris by her mistress, Countess Carbunkle, on account of her poor conduct. Having only the sum of one pound to her name, poverty is knocking on Ivy’s doorstep, until she is summoned to the bed of the dying Duchess of Trinity who promises her the sum of £500 if she delivers the priceless Clock Diamond to a rich and revolting aristocrat named Matilda Butterfield at her birthday ball. But with one strict rule: Ivy must never try on the diamond…
On her journey, Ivy meets strange and fantastical characters. There is the poor writer Miss Always, whom Ivy thinks is quite a “dear” (but is she really?); Miss Frost, whom Ivy thinks is quite “beastly” (but is she?); the anxious and worried Rebecca; and horrible, evil hooded creatures called Locks who only do the bidding of the Gatekeeper…
Some of these characters help Ivy on her quest, while others try to prevent her from delivering the Clock Diamond and claiming her reward.
I just couldn’t stop reading Anyone But Ivy Pocket. Each page was filled with excitement, mystery and mayhem. The plot has a mix of danger, adventure and intrigue and raises so many questions: is Ivy really who she thinks she is, how does Ivy speak to the dead, and will Ivy find out who Miss Always is before it’s too late?
My favourite character was the quirky, witty, and hilarious Ivy Pocket who always thought she was bringing order and cheer wherever she went, but in fact she was bringing just the opposite! For example, when Ivy smothered cheesecake all over Lady Elizabeth’s skin because she thought she was saving “Old Walnut Head’s” skin or when she tried to relieve Countess Carbunkle of brain fever at a French dinner party by dunking her head in fruit punch.
Caleb Krisp has a vivid and imaginative writing style and a great sense of humour. I found it very interesting and was pleasantly surprised to find that a male author could write so brilliantly about a 12-year-old lady’s maid.
I would recommend this book to all children aged 9 and above, especially if you like spooky stories, filled ,with mystery, adventure and fun.
Anyone But Ivy Pocket kept me engrossed until the very end and beyond. I think Caleb Krisp is a wonderful author, and I can’t wait to read more of his books. He has in me a fan for life!
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