Reviewed by Cat for TeensReadToo.com

Having graduated a year early from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, fifteen-year-old Penelope Lumley is off to interview for a governess position at Ashton Place. After a rushed meeting with Lady Constance, Penelope is shocked to discover three dirty, wild-haired children howling in the stables.

Much to his bride of six month's consternation, Lord Ashton discovered the feral group while hunting the woods of his vast estate and decided to keep them. Now, Penelope must draw upon every ounce of ingenuity and skill at her disposal in order to civilize the incorrigible trio.

Successful teen author Maryrose Wood makes her middle-grade debut with a charming, lighthearted Victorian mystery featuring a heroine brimming with intelligent gumption and a supporting cast that is (respectively) endearing, humorous, fluttery, pompous, and downright vexing. By juxtaposing the historical circumstances and details with examples from contemporary life, Ms. Wood gives young readers easily identifiable touchstones for reference.

All in all, a winning combo that has me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

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The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood was such a fun book to read. Or, well, in my case a wonderful listening experience. Katherine Kellgren does an amazing job narrating the story. Initially, I didn't know what the story would be about at all. In fact, I hadn't even read the summary. Yes, I admit it. The only reason I added this book to my 'to-read' list was because of the title and super cute cover.

The Mysterious Howling tells the story of brilliant fifteen-year-old governess, Miss Penelope Lumley. Penelope has just graduated from Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and is about to embark on a new journey to Ashton Place. Upon her arrival at Ashton Place, Penelope has an awkward and somewhat rushed interview with the Lady of Ashton Place, Lady Constance, and she gets the job! Later that day, Penelope makes a shocking discovery. In the stables of Ashton Place, Penelope, discovers three unkempt wild children howling like wolves. These three wild children were to become Penelope's newest pupils.

This first book in the series does a wonderful job introducing a fantastic set of characters. Although I must admit I'm not too fond of the Lady and Lord of Ashton Place. I loved Penelope and the children. Oh, they were the best part! Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia, known as the Incorrigibles, were so much fun and I kinda wish I could adopt them. The Incorrigibles were found in the woods by the Lord of Ashton Place and they were apparently raised by wolves!

I'm anxious to start reading The Hidden Gallery, book two in the series. There is so much mystery surrounding the children. I want to know where they came from. Where and who are their parents. But most of all, I want to know who is hiding in the fourth floor of Ashton Place. I need book two now. Preferably in audiobook, narrated by the talented Katherine Kellgren.

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This is the first in the series of the "Incorrigible Children" and it is a delightful start to an enchanting series that is written for children but as an adult, I enjoy immensely. There are many adventures and mysteries which our young heroine as governess of 4 children raised by wolves gets involved in. As far as I can tell, there are several titles and the author is still writing.

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