Refuge for Masterminds

April 1, 2017
In this third series outing, five young ladies with exceptional abilities continue to work together as British counterespionage agents during the Napoleonic wars. The plot kicks off as the cocky, white American inventor Alexander Sinclair prepares to sail his new warship to London to be used by the British navy against the French invasion. Lady Jane, a white Stranje House girl narrating in an Austen-esque tone, conveniently stumbles upon two spies conspiring in the dead of night, learning that they know of the existence of this secret military steamship. The ladies of Stranje House, along with Mr. Sinclair, concoct an ingenious idea to secretly smuggle the steamship into London under the watchful eyes of the enemy. As cover, headmistress Miss Stranje decides to host a coming-out ball for the young ladies in London so they can investigate and, hopefully, thwart any threats that might endanger England. Baldwin's evocation of this odd school of unusual girls falls flat with contrived romance narratives that play out predictably and characters that lack complexity. The plot is stretched thin as if in a war of its own, a narrative that cannot decide whether it's a romance or spy novel. The girls brood over their fates although they enjoy the luxury of servants and seamstresses. Moments of witty banter feel artificial, as does Lady Jane's secret, which is drawn out far too long for its revelation to be effective. The premise is fizzier than the execution. (Mystery/historical fiction. 12-18)

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June 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-Lady Jane Moore tells this third part of the ongoing series. The dialogue remains top-notch, and the plot moves quickly as adventures and excitement abound. The story begins at night, when Lady Jane (who calls herself "plain Jane") sees a cloaked girl running through the trees and follows her through the woods. She overhears plans to capture the boat Alexander has made for England. Unfortunately, Alexander picks that moment to sneak up on Lady Jane, and they are overheard by the enemy spies. Lady Jane strategizes ways to confound Napoleon's spies and ruin their plans. As the group figures out how to get Alexander's steamboat, Mary Isabella, to England's safely, Lady Jane is frantic to conceal her own secret. As events unfold, she might have to reveal her past-and the horrible consequences her secret holds. Will the girls of Stranje House still accept Lady Jane if her secret is discovered? Will they be able to protect Alexander and his ship from Napoleon's deadly spies? Fans of Celia Rees's Pirates! will enjoy this tale of action and derring-do. VERDICT An outstanding alternative history series entry and a must-have for teen libraries.-Cathleen Ash, Manor High School Library, TX

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