The Girl In the Ghost: Grand Opening is the delightful third book in the Girl in the Ghost series by Jacqueline Harvey. The story follows Josephine (Jet) as her family prepares for the long-awaited opening of their chateau-turned-hotel in France. However, the grand opening soon takes an unexpected turn. A series of mysterious events threaten to derail the grand opening, leading Jet to suspect that these incidents are not simple accidents, but acts of deliberate sabotage.
Before everything is turned to chaos, Jet must figure out who is behind the sabotage - all the while navigating her budding romance with Gabriel and protecting her precious locket (also home to her ghost companion Louis). As tensions rise, Jet begins to fear that her old enemy, Anastasia, may be behind it all.
With the help of her ghostly best friend Louis and her furry companions Daisy and Tiger, she must solve the mystery before the everything falls apart.
As with anything written by Jacqueline, this book was an absolute delight. As an avid reader of Alice Miranda growing up, it was wonderful to revisit Jacqueline’s storytelling as an adult and find it equally as engaging and compelling as I did as a young tween! Set in regional France, the story is full of french charm and now has me longing for a French holiday and a pain au chocolat.
This book is the perfect balance between mystery, family and romance. The suspense made the book a real page turner and Jet's relationships with her family, friends and pets gave the story so much warmth! The romance was also subtle and age appropriate - adding a sweet touch to the book. The cast of characters is another highlight, adding lots of humour and heart - my personal favourite being Tiger, the mischievous ginger kitten who reminds me greatly of my own crazy cat!
I highly recommend this series to all children and readers of any age who are looking for a light mystery which offers the perfect escape from real life. I, as well as many young readers are already counting down the days for book four to be released.
Congratulations Jacqueline on another wonderful release.
Title: The Girl and the Ghost: Grand Opening (Book 3)
Author: Jacqueline Harvey
Publisher: Penguin, $16.99
Publication Date: 19 May 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761349430
For ages: 9+
Type: Middle Grade fiction
