The Secrets of Blackwheat Manor by Gloria T. August

I want to start this review by saying I read it over New Years Eve. I started reading a little bit and thought I’d get done later this week, but I couldn’t put it down.

The stories about Olive and Violet Bright, the namesakes of the book, and how along with their friend Jack, a mischievous but intelligent young man, and Judith, a mute child they help raise, they come upon a plot for a few ne’er-do-wells to steal silkworms and manufacture gold. Given how little I know about the genre, I’d say it’s a little reminiscent of the Hardy Boys and Scooby Doo how they unravel the mystery and defeat the antagonists.

I don’t usually read books for children (Middle Grade or Young Adult), but the author has done a fantastic job of writing a fascinating story that is also extremely educational. I can imagine a parent reading it to a young child or a slightly older one reading it on their own and learning all about Edwardian England and some more advanced concepts that stimulate critical reading and understanding in kids.