It is a work of historical fiction mixed with a considerable amount of historical fact!
It isn't long since Josephine (called Jet), and her family made the move from Australia to an old chateau in France.
Her dad Matt and step-mother Ellie, fulfilled Jet's longing to live in the country where her deceased mother was born.
She is eager to explore and learn what she can about her.
The renovations have progressed, and the chateau is almost totally refurbished. So no diary entries or story writing has been undertaken by Jet for a
while due to the upheaval of setting up their new lives.The fact that she and the gorgeous Gabriel helped catch a ring of art thieves secretly living in the chateau next door, seems to be story enough for the budding writer.
For the moment!
Her increasing friendship with Louis, the eleven-year-old ghost Prince, son of Marie Antoinette, whom she released from inside a golden locket, seems to be absorbing her far too much.
Not everyone can see Louis. Only believers and Daisy, Jet's dog.
Another ghost comes into view beside Louis, and a new adventure begins.
It’s Madame Bertin, Marie Antoinette’s dressmaker, who hasn’t crossed over yet and hopes to find a way to do so.
Things are stirred up between Jet and Gabriel, when he challenges her about her uncommon behaviour. This distraction occurs at times when she is focused on the conversations and questions of Louis and Madame Bertin.
She is forced to tell him everything with unexpected results.
Surprising revelations turn things around. Jet’s search for information about her mother’s life in France, which began in that area, is fruitful, but not sufficient. Too many loose ends are left hanging from the details she has uncovered.
A reward of thousands of euros come to Jet and Gabriel, for being instrumental for the restoration of the Mona Lisa and the other priceless stolen paintings.
Harriet, Jet’s best friend, at last comes to visit. A non- believer in ghosts, she is unable to grasp the concept of Jet’s relationship with Louis.
News spreads that Anastasia Ivanoff, the evil art thief, has escaped while being transported to a prison away from the others of her group, specifically, her mother.
Her power reaches beyond bars. Others are more than willing to do her bidding.
Traps have been laid.
Jet, Gabriel and Harriet are lured to a complex maze of caves from which escape is almost impossible.
How can they find a way out when every hope seems lost?
This is a thrilling series with lots of diverging sub-stories, propelled by a well-crafted parade of characters. Mind-expanding descriptions of French culture and scintillating history combine with the descriptions of the action taking place.
A fantastic read, totally engrossing. I can't wait for Book 3! Due out soon.
Title: The Girl and the Ghost Bk 2: Family Secrets
Author/Illustrator: Jacqueline Harvey
Publisher: , $16.99
Publication Date: 16 October 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761349416
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
