Books like 'Dreadful Acts'
Readers who enjoyed Dreadful Acts by Philip Ardagh & David Roberts also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy action / adventure comedy mystery humor historical-fiction children absurdism gothic
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The Good, The Bad and The History by Jodi Taylor
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSt Mary's is under investigation. Their director has been shot and Max is Number One Suspect. Can things get any worse? We all know the answer to that one.Max needs to get away - fast - and a Brilliant Idea soon leads her to a full-scale uprising in twentieth-century China. If she can come by a historical treasure or two in the process, even better. That is, if she makes it out alive...Categorized as:
historical-fiction humor time-travel fantasy fiction audiobook historical action-adventure -
![Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones]()
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 80 ratingsAn alternative cover for this ISBN can be found hereSophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady... -
![The Fall of the House of Cabal by Jonathan L. Howard]()
The Fall of the House of Cabal by Jonathan L. Howard
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsJohannes Cabal, a necromancer of some little infamy, has come into possession of a vital clue that may lead him to his ultimate goal: a cure for death. The path is vague, however, and certainly treacherous as it takes him into strange territories that, quite literally, no one has ever seen before...Categorized as:
gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![The Brothers Cabal by Jonathan L. Howard]()
The Brothers Cabal by Jonathan L. Howard
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsHorst Cabal has risen from the dead. Again. Horst, the most affable vampire one is ever likely to meet, is resurrected by an occult conspiracy that wants him as a general in a monstrous army. Their plan: to create a country of horrors, a supernatural homeland. As Horst sees the lengths to which they are prepared to go and the evil they cultivate, he realizes that he cannot fight them alone...Categorized as:
family gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook -
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![Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug]()
Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsIn the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone... -
![The Interrupted Tale by Maryrose Wood, Katherine Kellgren]()
The Interrupted Tale by Maryrose Wood, Katherine Kellgren
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFans of Lemony Snicket and the Mysterious Benedict Society books will devour the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, about a governess and her three charges--children who have been raised by wolves. In The Interrupted Tale, the fourth title in the acclaimed and hilarious mystery series, Miss Penelope Lumley's sixteenth birthday is not quite sweet...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction humor action-adventure alpha-mc animals audiobook -
![The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud, Simon Jones]()
The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud, Simon Jones
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsIt is 950 B.C.E., and King Solomon rules Jerusalem with a steely hand; a hand on which gleams a magic ring of immense and unforgiving power. Solomon has just begun work on his marvelous temple, charging Khaba, a formidable magician in his royal court, to oversee its construction. The workforce is an ill-behaved bunch of demons, a particularly unruly djinni named Bartimaeus among them... -
![Magic Ahoy! by Caroline Carlson]()
Magic Ahoy! by Caroline Carlson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHilary Westfield is a pirate. In fact, she’s the Terror of the Southlands! She’s daring, brave, fearless, and . . . in a rut. Maybe she hasn’t found any treasure lately. And maybe she isn’t fighting off as many scallywags as she’d like... -
![The Long-Lost Home by Maryrose Wood]()
The Long-Lost Home by Maryrose Wood
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsUnhappy Penelope Lumley is trapped in unhappy Plinkst! Even the beets for which Plinkst is inexplicably famous fail to grow in this utterly miserable Russian village... -
![Manalive by G.K. Chesterton]()
Manalive by G.K. Chesterton
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPerhaps the most light-hearted of all Chesterton's "serious" works, Manalive pits a group of disillusioned young people against Mr. Innocent Smith, a bubbly, high-spirited gentleman who literally falls into their midst. Later accused of murder and denounced for philandering everywhere he goes, Smith prompts his newfound acquaintances to recognize an important idea in most unexpected ways...Categorized as:
historical-fiction humor 20th-century action-adventure adult audiobook book christian -
![Unlocking the Spell by E.D. Baker]()
Unlocking the Spell by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNow that Annie has helped her sister Gwendolyn (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) wake up from the 100-year curse by finding her beloved prince, you would think that things would get back to normal. Think again! That beloved prince, Beldegard, is stuck in the body of a bear and the only way that Annie can be free of the two irritating lovebirds is to help-by finding the evil dwarf who cast the spell... -
![The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker]()
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake... -
![Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp]()
Somebody Stop Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAre you ready for Ivy Pocket? The wickedly funny, completely unreliable maid of no importance returns—this time as a coffin maker’s daughter—in this action-packed sequel to Anyone but Ivy Pocket. School Library Journal says, “Fans of . . . Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events will love Ivy Pocket’s zany adventures...Categorized as:
children family gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure book children-books -
![River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland]()
River of Dreams by Lynn Kurland
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAisling of Bruadair is frantic to find both the truth about her future and a mercenary to save her country. When an offer of aid comes from an unexpected direction, she is relieved her quest is almost complete. But she soon realizes her task is far from over . . . and will include perils she never dreamed she would ever face... -
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![Gossip and Gorgons by Tilly Wallace]()
Gossip and Gorgons by Tilly Wallace
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne look could turn you to stone...The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with their host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae... -
![Rogue's Home by Hilari Bell]()
Rogue's Home by Hilari Bell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Boys Are Back!Sir Michael Sevenson and his squire, Fisk, can't seem to keep out of hot water. After five long years, Fisk has been called home to Ruesport to investigate who framed his sister Anna's husband, Max, as a blackmailer. Anna figures that Fisk, with his criminal past, is uniquely qualified to find out who set Max up...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction humor action-adventure animals anti-hero book children-books -
![The Story of the Stone by Barry Hughart]()
The Story of the Stone by Barry Hughart
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn the valley of Sorrows, a monk is brutally murdered for a worthless manuscript, and the abbot of the humble monastery calls upon Master Li and Number Ten Ox to investigate the seemingly senseless killing. The most likely suspect is the infamous Laughing Prince, founder of the valley, whose murderous frenzies have made him a legend... -
![Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher]()
Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBryony and her sisters have come down in the world. Their merchant father died trying to reclaim his fortune and left them to eke out a living in a village far from their home in the city. But when Bryony is caught in a snowstorm and takes refuge in an abandoned manor, she stumbles into a house full of dark enchantments... -
![The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain]()
The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsrelates the adventures of Satan, the sinless nephew of the biblical Satan, in Eseldorf, an Austrian village in the year 1702. Twain wrote this version between November 1897 and September 1900. "Eseldorf" is German for "Assville" or "Donkeytown"...Categorized as:
gothic historical-fiction humor 20th-century action-adventure adult anthologies audiobook -
![Magicians of Quality by Patricia C. Wrede, Caroline Stevermer]()
Magicians of Quality by Patricia C. Wrede, Caroline Stevermer
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor country-bred cousins Cecelia Rushton and Katherine Talgarth, something extraordinary is afoot besides the constant whirl of Regency balls - something Young Ladies of Quality rarely come in contact with: magic. Oh, not the mere love spells used by country folk, but real sorcery capable of thwarting ambitions and destroying life...Categorized as:
historical-fiction humor action-adventure alternate-history book comedy epistolary female-author -
![Sunset Specters by Gary Jonas]()
Sunset Specters by Gary Jonas
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA SORCERER SEEKING IMMORTALITY The powerful wizard, Henry Winslow, arrives in 1877 and sets out for the Barbary Coast in San Francisco to steal a bit of life energy from his parents before he can head to the 1920s to complete his immortality ritual... -
![Thraxas at the Races by Martin Scott]()
Thraxas at the Races by Martin Scott
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's a bad day for Thraxas when he's fined in court, then threatened by two old enemies – Rittius, head of Palace Security, and Glixius Dragon killer, a very unfriendly sorcerer. Thraxas is hired by his old army commander to locate a missing painting but everything goes wrong when the commander ends up dead... -
![Bubble in the Bathtub by Jo Nesbø]()
Bubble in the Bathtub by Jo Nesbø
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Fart Powder was such a successful invention that Doctor Proctor, Nilly, and Lisa couldn’t stop there. Next up: a time-travelling bathtub. You just hop in, lather up the Time Soap, and wish for where you’d like to go. Doctor Proctor has plans for this new invention. You see, he lost his true love years ago, when Juliette Margarine married an evil count... -
![Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans]()
Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA shooting star crashes to earth and changes Elliot's life forever. The star is Virgo - a young Zodiac goddess on a mission. When the pair accidentally unleash the wicked death daemon Thanatos, they turn to the old Olympian gods for help...Categorized as:
children family humor action-adventure ancient-civilization audiobook book children-books -
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![Renegade Magic by Stephanie Burgis]()
Renegade Magic by Stephanie Burgis
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe feisty Kat Stephenson is back in the second installment of the Regency era magical trilogy Kirkus Reviews calls “enjoyable mayhem...Categorized as:
children family historical-fiction humor action-adventure alternate-history book comedy -
![The Unseen Guest by Maryrose Wood]()
The Unseen Guest by Maryrose Wood
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe third book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood, perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Trenton Lee Stewart has a brand-new look.Since returning from London, the three Incorrigible children and their plucky governess, Miss Penelope Lumley, have been exceedingly busy... -
![The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood]()
The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThanks to their plucky governess, Miss Penelope Lumley, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia are much more like children than wolf cubs now. They are accustomed to wearing clothes. They hardly ever howl at the moon. And for the most part, they resist the urge to chase squirrels up trees... -
![The Masquerades of Spring by Ben Aaronovitch]()
The Masquerades of Spring by Ben Aaronovitch
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMeet Augustus Berrycloth-Young—fop, flaneur, and Englishman abroad—as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps... -
![The Fear Institute by Jonathan L. Howard]()
The Fear Institute by Jonathan L. Howard
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJohannes Cabal and his rather inexact powers of necromancy are back once more. This time, his talents are purchased by The Fear Institute as they hunt for the Phobic Animus - the embodiment of fear...Categorized as:
gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton]()
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsEdward (long live the king) is the King of England. He’s also dying, which is inconvenient, as he’s only sixteen and he’d much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown…Jane (reads too many books) is Edward’s cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction humor action-adventure alternate-history animals audiobook book -
![Johannes Cabal the Detective by Jonathan L. Howard]()
Johannes Cabal the Detective by Jonathan L. Howard
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsJohannes Cabal is back -- a little older, a little wiser, but just as sharply funny, cuttingly sarcastic, and unexpectedly violent as ever. For necromancer Johannes Cabal, dealing with devils, demons and raising the dead is pretty much par for the course. But when his attempt to steal a rare book turns sour, he is faced by a far more terrifying entity -- politics... -
![The Hound of the D'Urbervilles by Kim Newman, Tom Hodgkins]()
The Hound of the D'Urbervilles by Kim Newman, Tom Hodgkins
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsImagine the twisted evil twins of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson and you have the dangerous duo of Professor James Moriarty—wily, snake-like, fiercely intelligent, terrifyingly unpredictable—and Colonel Sebastian Basher Moran—violent, politically incorrect, debauched. Together they run London crime, owning police and criminals alike...Categorized as:
gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history anthologies audiobook -
![Hell Breaks Loose by Derek Landy]()
Hell Breaks Loose by Derek Landy
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTravel back to 1703 with Skulduggery Pleasant in this standalone novel featuring all your favorite characters. So many enemies, so little time . . . Italy, 1703. As the war with Mevolent rages on, the Dead Men are dispatched to a walled town in the Tuscan hills – not to assassinate the Lord of the Dark Sorcerers, but to save him... -
![The Pirates! In an Adventure with Napoleon: A Novel by Gideon Defoe]()
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Napoleon: A Novel by Gideon Defoe
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Pirate Captain and his merry band of ne’er-do-wells face off against their toughest—but by no means their tallest—challenge yet. Crushed with disappointment at the Pirate of the Year Awards, our Pirate Captain decides that it’s time for a career change. And so with his loyal (if soon-to-be-dismayed) crew, he sets off for St... -
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![The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson]()
The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratings#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson meshes Jason Bourne and epic fantasy in this captivating adventure that throws an amnesiac wizard into time travel shenanigans—where his only hope of survival lies in recovering his missing memories.A man awakes in a clearing in what appears to be medieval England with no memory of who he is, where he came from, or why he is there... -
![The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee]()
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 70 ratingsHenry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men... -
![Flyte by Angie Sage, Mark Zug]()
Flyte by Angie Sage, Mark Zug
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsIt's been a year since Septimus Heap discovered his real family and true calling to be a wizard. As Apprentice to Extra Ordinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, he is learning the fine arts of Conjurations, Charms, and other Magyk, while Jenna is adapting to life as the Princess and enjoying the freedom of the Castle.But there is something sinister at work... -
![The Sign of the Nine by G.S. Denning]()
The Sign of the Nine by G.S. Denning
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“If you ever wondered how much better Sherlock would be if people could hurl hellfire at each other, well this one is for you.” Starburst Magazine on A Study in BrimstoneWarlock Holmes may have demons in his head, but now Dr. John Watson has a mummy in his bloodstream... -
![The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon]()
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom beloved Saturday Night Live alum Kate McKinnon comes a madcap new adventure about three sisters, a ravenous worm, and a mysterious mad scientist. So, you want to be a young mad scientist. Congratulations! Admitting it is the first step. The second step is reading the (definitely true) tale of the Porch sisters… Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch do not belong... -
![The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton]()
The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton
Rated: 3.95 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsJust when you thought it was safe to go back into the teahouse...Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis]()
Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsKatherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them... -
![With This Ring by Amanda Quick]()
With This Ring by Amanda Quick
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLeo Drake, the "Mad Monk of Monkcrest," is notoriously eccentric and unquestionably reclusive. But he is also a noted antiquities expert, which is why Beatrice Poole has demanded his reluctant assistance. The freethinking authoress of "horrid novels," Beatrice is searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure she suspects played a role in her uncle's death... -
![Anima Rising by Christopher Moore]()
Anima Rising by Christopher Moore
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore comes a hilariously deranged tale of a mad scientist, a famous painter, and an undead woman’s electrifying journey of self-discovery.Vienna, 1911. Gustav Klimt, the most famous painter in the Austrian Empire, the darling of Viennese society, spots a woman’s nude body in the Danube canal...Categorized as:
historical-fiction humor fantasy fiction audiobook historical comedy magical-realism -
![Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder by Jo Nesbø]()
Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder by Jo Nesbø
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBestselling Norwegian mystery author Jo Nesbø enters the world of children’s books with Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder, the first book in this very funny middle-grade series. Filled with magic, wit, and bathroom humor, Doctor Proctor will keep boys and girls laughing until the end... -
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![My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton]()
My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWelcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?⠀⠀Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court. Except when she's a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It's a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail.⠀⠀Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction humor action-adventure alternate-history audiobook book comedy -
![Anyone but Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp]()
Anyone but Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIvy Pocket is a twelve-year-old maid of no importance, with a very lofty opinion of herself. Dumped in Paris by the Countess Carbunkle, who would rather run away to South America than continue in Ivy's companionship, our young heroine (of sorts) finds herself with no money and no home to go to ... until she is summoned to the bedside of the dying Duchess of Trinity...Categorized as:
children family gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure book children-books -
![Wyrde and Wayward by Charlotte E. English]()
Wyrde and Wayward by Charlotte E. English
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratings‘If you had not already realised it, this is a very strange house you are come to.’ The Scions of the House of Werth are all born normal. It is what happens afterwards that sets them apart. It is not easy being the most supernatural family in England...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![A Night of Blacker Darkness: Being the Memoir of Frederick Whithers As Edited by Cecil G. Bagsworth III by Dan Wells]()
A Night of Blacker Darkness: Being the Memoir of Frederick Whithers As Edited by Cecil G. Bagsworth III by Dan Wells
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWrongly imprisoned, Frederick Whithers is desperate to commit the crime he's already being punished for: defrauding the bank out of a vast inheritance. He fakes his death to escape, but when he's seen climbing out of a coffin everyone assumes he's a vampire; when he shows none of the traditional vampire weaknesses, they decide he must be the most powerful vampire in the history of the world...Categorized as:
gothic historical-fiction humor action-adventure adult alternate-history audiobook book -
![Crane by Stacey Rourke]()
Crane by Stacey Rourke
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Horseman is unending, his presence shan’t lessen. If you break the curse, you become the legend. Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep... -
![The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood]()
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFound running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess...Categorized as:
children family gothic historical-fiction humor 21st-century action-adventure animals
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