Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

• November 2026
• ISBN: 9781761358913
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $16.99

To say all her fans are now completely invested in the ongoing developments with Jet, Gabriel and Louis, along with their friends and family would be somewhat of an understatement, so we are all excited at this week’s release of #4 in this new series by Jacqueline Harvey.

We know that the romance between Jet and Gabriel is gradually building and we know that Louis is reunited in spirit with his beloved Madeleine – and we definitely know that the villain in the piece, Anastasia Ivanoff, is still thirsting for revenge on the teens for foiling her art theft racket.

This is the most ‘fulsome’ episode yet with a whole bunch of new ghosts popping up, extending the family connections, fleshing out characters introduced previously as well as more unravellings in the whole drama with Anastasia.

Jet is off to Singapore with her newly found grandmother to visit her aunt, uncle and cousins. Gabriel is accompanying them with his grandfather. Of course, Louis comes along as well, which is probably just as well given almost immediately they meet up with the first of several Singaporean ghosts! Miss Ponti is not the friendly type and she is likely to be a real ‘hungry ghost‘ as per the famous annual festival.

But it turns out that some of her anger and antagonism is caused by the pain of losing not just her life but her entire known world and the inability to leave the plane, along with others. She also has knowledge or perhaps abilities is a better term that Louis can appreciate and use.Fortunately, for the visiting teens they are able to persuade her to help them, especially when Jet’s cousins are kidnapped by – yep, you guessed it.

Another ghost to enter the frame [pardon that pun but really it had to be done!] is Gaston Méliès, lesser known and less successful brother of Georges. No surprises that an old film projector and ancient reels of film were the impetus for Gaston’s arrival. But there’s another mystery to solve – and yet another grumpy ghost to placate.

And what on earth is going on with those neighbours? They are definitely not what – or who- they make out to be- oh and then there’s Sophie the housekeeper. She’s been a bit shifty as well but leave it to Jet to get to the bottom of that problem.

There really is a lot going on in this one but the avid readers will lap it all up and be thirsting for more. The characters we know are all so likeable and relatable, and the new ones who enter are just as fun. One super thing at least is the whole turn-around of Jet’s parents and their interactions with the ghostly crew now that they know of and accept their existences- or somewhat paranormal hoverings.

As I say, a lot going on in this new one which is full to the brim of fresh new intrigues and revelations – not to mention a few kisses, which I’m sure will give many readers that frisson of first love excitement. Jacqueline’s knowledge of her settings is genuine and it is only too apparent as she writes so easily about the places that feature such as Sarlat (Jet’s ‘home’ town) and of course, Singapore. It’s almost like virtual travel to read about these places from someone who knows them well.

We all know it doesn’t take any push from me because Jacqueline’s books just fly off the shelves but do yourself a favour and get this one before the end of the year so your kids have a chance to read it before school finishes. Of course, it would also make a well-received Xmas gift for a fan – and why not the previous 3 as well if a young reader in your circle is the right age for this charming series. A spirited and exciting 5 👻👻👻👻👻again for Jet, Gabriel and Louis!!