Just So Stories

Penguin Random House

October 2023

• ISBN: 9781761048944
• Imprint: Puffin
• RRP: $16.99

It has been a while since we’ve had the pleasure of a new Alice-Miranda story, understandably as Jacqueline has been busy with other projects (successfully so I might add!!), and we all know that the A-M fans, young and old (yes, Tiarna G, I am looking at you!) are going to explode with delight at this new one. And with perfect timing, as it’s a gift that will thrill any reader on Xmas Day (if it lasts that long under the tree or delivered in a stocking!).

Everyone’s favourite tiny schoolgirl with the extraordinarily long name is all set for Christmas. All her friends are invited for a pre-Christmas week at her lovely home – except for snarky Caprice, who has been even more painful than usual and is going to the family villa in Tuscany, supposedly. But, as it always turns out, the best-laid plans gang oft awry. Caprice’s famous chef mum can’t take her to Italy after all, at least, not for a few days and plans to leave her at school.

Alice-Miranda, naturally, is too kind-hearted to allow this to happen, and even though her bestie Millie is still always at loggerheads with Caprice, a compromise is reached and the snooty show-off joins the rest of the gang at Highton Hall.

That’s not the only hiccup to the Christmas preparations however. Kennington’s, along with other stores, have had mystery disappearances of stock, local teen Ellie is battling feeling the pain of poverty and isolation, expensive outdoor Xmas decorations are being stolen and then, there is the strange family secret to unravel.

This is one convoluted mystery, or rather several mysteries, for A-M, but she doggedly works through it step-by-step, and as always, with the support of her friends and family. Jacqueline’s cheeky insertion of references to her other characters and narratives e.g., Kensy and Max, and Clementine Rose, are very fun – I’m expecting the next book to include glorious Gloria, of course *grin*.

As anyone could guess, this is every bit as good as Jacqueline’s other books. We have all come to expect the highest quality from this author. And the popularity of Alice-Miranda remains undiminished, over a decade since our first introduction. Put this one on your shopping list for the kiddos in your personal circle, spend the last bit of your library budget and buy the usual several copies.

It’s the big thumbs up from me, and it was so much fun to re-visit with Alice-Miranda and Co. Thanks, Jacqueline for some more joy!