The Mysterious Howling

The Mysterious Howling 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 young charges were found in the woods and raised by wolves, presenting her with an unprecedented teaching challenge. Miss Lumley undertakes the task of civilizing the children - Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia Incorrigible - while navigating the peculiarities of Ashton Place and its inhabitants. Her efforts to teach them proper behavior, Latin, and poetry are complicated by their wild instincts and the approaching holiday ball at the estate. The story combines elements of Gothic mystery and comedy as questions arise about the children's origins, the strange behaviors of Lord Ashton, and the secrets within the mansion's walls. Miss Lumley must balance her duties as governess with her growing curiosity about these mysteries. This first installment in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series explores themes of belonging, identity, and the nature of civilization versus wildness. The Victorian setting provides a framework for examining social expectations and the true meaning of proper upbringing.

Readers describe this as a quirky Victorian-era children's story that blends humor with mystery. The audiobook narration by Katherine Kellgren receives frequent mentions for bringing the characters to life. Likes: - Fast-paced plot with clever wordplay and vocabulary lessons woven in - Gothic atmosphere balanced with comedy - Strong character development of Miss Penelope Lumley - Appeals to both children and adults - Educational elements feel natural to the story Dislikes: - Some find the ending unsatisfying with too many unanswered questions - A few readers say the plot moves slowly in the middle sections - Young readers occasionally struggle with the Victorian language Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "Perfect for Lemony Snicket fans" appears in multiple reviews. Several readers note they immediately purchased the sequel after finishing. Parent reviewers frequently mention reading it together with children aged 8-12.

The Willoughbys by Lemony Snicket A group of old-fashioned children orchestrate a plan to become orphans while their new nanny helps transform their lives.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book One by Maryrose Wood A young governess discovers her three charges were raised by wolves and works to civilize them while uncovering the manor's secrets.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett A disagreeable orphan moves to a mansion on the moors and finds transformation through a hidden garden and unexpected friendships.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket Three resourceful orphans face a series of misfortunes while trying to escape their scheming guardian and uncover family secrets.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken Two young cousins must survive the machinations of their wicked governess when they are left alone in a mansion surrounded by wolves.

🐺 Author Maryrose Wood was inspired to write the series after learning about feral children cases throughout history, including the 1798 discovery of Victor of Aveyron in France. 🏰 The book's setting, Ashton Place, was partially influenced by classic Gothic novels and the grand English country houses featured in works like Jane Eyre. 📚 While writing the series, Wood conducted extensive research on Victorian etiquette, wolf behavior, and the history of governesses in 19th-century Britain. 🎭 Before becoming a novelist, Maryrose Wood was a theatrical actress and playwright in New York City for over ten years. 🌟 The book launched a successful six-part series called "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place," with the final installment published in 2018.