Elizabeth and Zenobia
Jessica Miller
Timid Elizabeth and her unusual and fearless friend Zenobia arrive at Witheringe House, the old manor where Elizabeth’s father and he beloved sister Tourmaline lived as children. Zenobia loves it—she’s convinced it’s haunted and is eager to make contact with a spirit presence. Elizabeth is relieved when her efforts seem to come to nothing.
But strange things begin to happen at Witheringe House, especially in the East Wing, where Elizabeth and Zenobia have been forbidden to explore.
Why do the flowers and vines on the wallpaper in the nursery seem to be alive? Could it have something to do with the strange book that tells a different story after midnight? And what really happened to Tourmaline all those years ago?
Elizabeth and Zenobia is a wonderfully mysterious middle-grade adventure story about friendship and courage and the power of imagination.
REVIEWS
‘The books I loved as a child, and the children’s books I’m drawn to as an adult reader of children’s books, often have some kind of dark or gothic element. For a certain type of reader, there’s lots of pleasure in reading about things that are mysterious, or creepy, or even downright scary.’ Read a Q&A on Number 3 Chiller
andElizabeth and Zenobia
‘A lonely girl, a creepy house, spirit presences and long-ago mysteries—I’m completely in love with this novel.’
‘By the time I reached the end of the book my heart was racing and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I loved Elizabeth and Zenobia. It’s the perfect book for 12-year-old readers (and maybe some very brave 11-year-olds) who are looking for a simple, good-old-fashioned scary manor mystery.’
‘This deliciously scary thriller will delight readers who are not afraid to be afraid, who like to feel a frisson of fear every now and then’
‘A wonderfully crafted adventure mystery.‘
‘I found myself thinking about this book for days after I read it…This would be a wonderful book to hand to children who are imaginative and creative.’
‘An entertaining and engrossing adventure for upper primary readers who will enjoy some scary moments, and can watch Elizabeth’s growing self-confidence.’
‘A delightfully creepy and imaginative story, but also holds an undercurrent of an adult story about an abandoned husband and daughter.’
‘Things do get a bit scary near the end. Then they get a bit lovely. Zenobia, in all her gruesome glory, is a wonderful character and the story has just the right amount of horror for young readers to handle.’
‘Elizabeth and Zenobia is basically a tiny middle grade novel stuffed full to the brim with everything exciting and magical that you can think of. It has one of the most glorious book covers I’ve ever set eyes on, which also perfectly suits the story inside.‘
‘Elizabeth and Zenobia brought back all the excitement I experienced when I first read The Secret Garden, but with a little extra fear! I loved reading it and it’s perfect for all brave souls aged 9 and up.’
