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The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place, by Julie Berry



From Goodreads: "There's a murderer on the loose—but that doesn't stop the girls of St. Etheldreda's from attempting to hide the death of their headmistress in this rollicking farce. 

The students of St. Etheldreda's School for Girls face a bothersome dilemma. Their irascible headmistress, Mrs. Plackett, and her surly brother, Mr. Godding, have been most inconveniently poisoned at Sunday dinner. Now the school will almost certainly be closed and the girls sent home—unless these seven very proper young ladies can hide the murders and convince their neighbors that nothing is wrong. 

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place is a smart, hilarious Victorian romp, full of outrageous plot twists, mistaken identities, and mysterious happenings."

 When Jessica Day George first reviewed this book on Goodreads, several months before it came out, I couldn't have been more excited. To me, a perfect book would be about a Victorian Girls Boarding School and include a murder mystery, and this one sounded particularly excellent.

 I was definitely not disappointed. In fact, The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place exceeded my expectations. The characters are varied and interesting, the plot is exciting and intriguing, and it's also very, very funny. This book is historical fiction at its best; interesting, all about people and places realistic to the time period, and focused on the characters, all without feeling like you're reading a disguised history lesson. I particularly appreciated the relationship between the girls, which adds a tender note to the story.

 If I had to choose one word to describe this book, that word would be brilliant. Between delightful characters, exciting plot twists, and spectacular writing, this book has already become a favorite.

 "'A toast,' Smooth Kitty cried, feeling almost giddy, 'to self-government. Saint Etheldreda's School for Young Ladies will be run by young ladies from this point forward. Hear, hear!' Great applause.

'To independence!' added Pocked Louise. 'No fussy old widows telling us when not to speak, and how to set the spoons when an Earl's niece comes to supper. And telling us to leave scientific experiment to the men.' Teacup toasts in support of Louise.

'To freedom!' chimed in Disgraceful Mary Jane. 'No curfews and evil eyes and lectures on morals and propriety.' Loud, if nervous, cheering.

'To womankind,' proclaimed Stout Alice. 'Each of us girls free to be what she wishes to be, without glum and crotchety Placketts trying to make us into what we're not.' Tremendous excitement.

'To sisterhood," said Dear Roberta, "and standing by each other, no matter what.'" 

 Until next time,

 Rachel

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