Bring me the head of Ivy Pocket by Caleb Krisp

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Ill. by John Kelly. Ivy Pocket series; book 3. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408858721
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Themes: Orphans and orphanages; Jewellery; Ghosts; Supernatural stories; Mystery and suspense stories; Ghosts; England - Social life and customs - 19th century. This is a fabulous conclusion to the Ivy Pocket series, here ghosts are laid to rest, answers to mysteries revealed and lost friends rescued. This feisty protagonist faces dangers head on, relying on her quick thinking, fighting skills, acerbic dialogue and fun disguises to rapidly race through across the country and into an alternate kingdom.
Ivy's final missions are difficult ones; she needs to rescue Anastasia Radcliff and young Rebecca Butterfield from dreadful circumstances. Of course, the evil henchwoman Miss Always and the creepy little Locks are chasing her across country, causing her trouble at every turn.
As Esmeralda Cabbage, Ivy returns to Butterfield Park, scene of a previously disastrous birthday party ready to confront Lady Butterfield, Countess Carbunkle and Estelle Dumbleby. Hidden beneath a secret passage in the ballroom is Anastasia's prison and Ivy is there to assist with her friend's escape. With the concerns about the Clock Diamond not working and her enemies closing in, Ivy's bold antics and her willingness to overstep the boundaries are fun to read. Ivy's exploits in the fantastical world of Prospa are intense as she confronts her nemesis, delves into the mystery of the Shadow and races against time to find the portal back into the real world.
John Kelly's comical drawings display some of Ivy's most intense scenes; the Countess and her headdress of peacock feathers in flames and Ivy's triumphant tea party are highlights.
Calvin Krisp's Bring me the head of Ivy Pocket will delight those readers who have enjoyed the exploits, adventures and quirky character of this fun female protagonist. This series is perfect for a Middle Primary class novel, as the author's humorous narrative is engagingly alliterative, deliciously descriptive and certainly attention grabbing.
Rhyllis Bignell