Victoria Stitch: Bad and Glittering

Celestine and Victoria Stitch are twin sisters, born from a royal diamond, so they should be next in succession to the throne of Wiskling Wood. However, because of a flaw in the diamond it has been decreed that they will not inherit. Celestine is content with her lot and just wants to be a jeweller, but Victoria feels cheated and is determined to gain her inheritance regardless of how it is achieved. When a strange woman called Ursuline offers to help her with her quest, she willingly agrees. But then the Queen dies mysteriously and Victoria is put in prison, accused of murder. It is up to Celestine to find out the truth and hopefully save her sister from life in prison.

Fans of Amelia Fang and Isadora Moon who want to move on to something longer and slightly more challenging will love this book by the author of the latter series. Victoria Stitch is a fascinating character, because although she seems to be the darker of the twins, we also get a sense of her own vulnerability and her great love for her sister. The main characters are strong, despite the circumstances in which they find themselves and they learn that not everyone is to be trusted. As always, Harriet Muncaster has produced the illustrations for this book and she has given us some truly magical images, which contrast the two sisters, whilst still showing their similarities. This is a charming story about finding your real place in the world and the importance of family; it shows that we often love people in spite of some of their views and that there is a need to be understanding and supportive when they are having problems. This is the first book in what will hopefully be a new series and it is an absolute delight.