The Violet Veil Mysteries: A case of misfortune by Sophie Cleverly

A Case of Misfortune is the 2nd book in the series, The Violet Veil Mysteries. It is a mystery/thriller set in Victorian England. Violet is the daughter of an undertaker and is aggrieved that she isn’t being considered for future work in the family business, just because she is a girl. Violet had great success solving a case in the first story, A Case of Grave Danger. So, she decides to quietly set up her own detective business and soon has a very interesting case to solve. This leads her to the Grecian Theatre which is owned by a family of Greek heritage. She and her offsider, Oliver, and dog, Bones, become friendly with the teenage children of the owners. Central to their inquiry is a fortune teller, Lady Athena, who is keeping the theatre afloat with packed audiences. But there is something very fishy about how her predictions come true.

This is a light humorous story with colourful characters and many twists, turns and even a murder. Violet has a 6th sense where she can communicate with ghosts, which enhances her ability to solve the mystery and adds interest. So does Bones' extraordinary ability to find people and places. I liked the choice of a Greek family and the way the author slipped in Greek language and customs. One of the teenagers, Eleni, had to use a wheelchair and the cheeky retorts she made when people asked her what happened to her were laugh out loud funny. Violet gets into a lot of trouble for her determination to be independent. Apart from this strong theme of ‘girls can do anything’ are themes of who can you trust, recognizing when you are wrong and the need for teamwork.  It would make a great read-aloud for year 4/5 children.

Themes: Strong female characters, Friendships, Trust, Cooperation.

Jo Marshall