The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place follows Miss Penelope Lumley, a fifteen-year-old graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, who accepts a position as governess at Ashton Place. Upon arrival, she discovers her three charges were found in the woods and raised by wolves. Miss Lumley must transform the children from their wild state into proper Victorian ladies and gentlemen, while navigating the peculiar atmosphere of Ashton Place. The children - Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia - retain their wolfish tendencies as they attempt to learn Latin, poetry, and proper manners. Questions arise about the children's origins and the true intentions of Lord Fredrick Ashton, who discovered them during a hunt. The story combines elements of Gothic mystery and comedy while exploring themes of education, identity, and what it means to be "civilized" in Victorian England. Through its blend of mystery and humor, the book examines how people adapt to new circumstances and questions conventional definitions of family. The narrative challenges assumptions about proper behavior and social expectations in ways that remain relevant to modern readers.

Readers describe this as a clever mystery with a Victorian gothic atmosphere and humor that appeals to both children and adults. The audiobook narration by Katherine Kellgren receives frequent praise. Readers liked: - Witty wordplay and literary references - Complex vocabulary that challenges young readers - The protagonist Miss Lumley's determined personality - Balance of mystery and comedy - Educational elements woven naturally into story Common criticisms: - Plot moves slowly in middle sections - Many questions left unanswered until later books - Some found the narrator's explanatory asides distracting Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Like Lemony Snicket meets Jane Eyre with a dash of Wolves of Willoughby Chase" - Goodreads reviewer Barnes & Noble readers rated it 4.3/5, with multiple reviews noting it works well as a family read-aloud.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket Three orphaned siblings face mysterious circumstances and a string of calamities while under the supervision of peculiar guardians.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Four gifted children infiltrate a suspicious boarding school on a secret mission while under the guidance of an eccentric benefactor.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry Four children scheme to become orphans and embark on an adventure with their new nanny in this Victorian literature parody.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken Two cousins must survive their cruel governess and rescue their family estate in an alternate version of Victorian England.

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson A group of magical creatures ventures from their hidden kingdom to London to rescue a kidnapped prince with the help of a kitchen boy.

🌟 Though the children in the book were raised by wolves, there are documented real-life cases of "feral children," including Kamala and Amala, two girls found in India in 1920 who had apparently been raised by wolves. 🌟 Author Maryrose Wood began her career as a Broadway performer and theatrical writer before turning to children's literature. 🌟 The Victorian governess theme in the book draws from classic literature, particularly "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë, though Wood gives the familiar trope a humorous twist. 🌟 The series incorporates elements of Gothic romance, mystery, and comedy—a combination that was rare in middle-grade literature when the book was published in 2010. 🌟 The book's protagonist, Miss Penelope Lumley, is named after Jane Austen's character Penelope Clay from "Persuasion," reflecting the author's love of classic literature.