I’d been meaning to read this series after hearing so many good things about Darlene Foster‘s Amanda books. I have to admit that I started with book ten as it intrigued me. So I now need to go back and read the earlier books, but you don’t have to have read the whole series to enjoy the book as a standalone. I’m sure it’s the same for the other books. So what’s it about? Here’s the blurb:
What could possibly go wrong on the magical Scottish Isle of Arran? It’s such a peaceful, charming place with castles, mountains, old graves and ancient standing stones.
Amanda Ross and Leah Anderson are visiting Aunt Jenny who owns an old house on the island. But something is not right. A mysterious woman, who seems to have stepped out of the past, keeps appearing, Leah’s father hasn’t contacted the family for some time, and Aunt Jenny’s house may have an uninvited guest.
Amanda is intrigued by this picturesque island, often called Little Scotland. She watches exciting sheepdog trials, attends a lively ceilidh, makes friends with the locals, and visits the mystical Holy Island. Join Amanda as she tries to solve the mystery of the strange woman and the disappearance of Leah’s father. Will the past catch up with the present?
My Review
As soon as I started the book I knew I was going to like Amanda. She’s inquisitive and clearly has a nose for a mystery. But she’s also kind and thoughtful. For those readers who haven’t been to this part of Scotland, Darlene makes them feel as if they’re right there. Her description is immersive and she also peppers the history of the place in an engaging, knowledgeable way.
Even though the book is aimed at middle grade readers, I was hooked and would thoroughly recommend.
Esther Chilton 
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