Gilda Joyce #2

Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake

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Having earned a scholarship to a girls' private high school, self-proclaimed psychic investigator Gilda Joyce investigates the circumstances surrounding the drowning death of a student whose ghost supposedly haunts the campus.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2006

Series

This edition

Format
352 pages, Hardcover
Published
May 4, 2006 by Dutton Children's Books
ISBN
9780525476931
ASIN
0525476938
Language
English
Characters More characters

About the author

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Jennifer Allison is the author of the Edgar-nominated GILDA JOYCE: PSYCHIC INVESTIGATOR mystery series for readers age nine and up (www.gildajoyce.com). The first book in her new series, IGGY LOOMIS: SUPERKID IN TRAINING (www.iggyloomis.com), focuses on the sometimes stormy relationship between two brothers -- Daniel and his younger brother Iggy, who mysteriously develops strange superpowers. IGGY lOOMIS is a smart, funny read-aloud that will engage both avid and reluctant readers.

Ms. Allison holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.F.A. from American University. Her various careers have included work as a news reporter and high school English teacher. She has also held numerous odd jobs — piano player in a shopping mall, assembly-line worker for General Motors, waitress, preschool teacher — that have helped her generate ideas for characters and stories. Jennifer Allison currently lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
34(34%)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Superior second installment in the Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator series.

This tale, which I heard through audiobook, truly surprised me. The story unfolded at a faster pace, captivating my attention from start to finish. The main character, Gilda, was called out on her not-so-likable traits, making her a more complex and relatable character. Moreover, the spooky factor was off the charts throughout the entire book, from the very first chapter to the last.

As in her first GJ book, author Jennifer Allison fearlessly delves into themes such as mental illness, grief, societal stress, and peer pressure, despite her characters' young ages. She places her heroine right in the heart of these challenges, allowing readers to empathize with Gilda's struggles.

Gilda's triumph in solving her latest mystery is somewhat marred by her ego. She admits, heart-breakingly so, that her desire to be liked and admired by the popular older girls in the fancy private school she attends on scholarship clouds her judgment. Even after discovering that these girls are hiding a horrific secret and are willing to play dangerous games to keep it, Gilda still has to come to terms with her own need to belong rather than lead the lonely life of a quirky, determined, and justice-driven detective.

I'm now eager to move on to book 3 and see what new adventures and challenges await Gilda Joyce.
July 15,2025
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My first audiobook was truly iconic. It was when I was around 8 years old. I guess it was like the Nancy Drew for the Gen Z generation.

I remember devouring it. The moment I started listening, I was completely hooked. The narrator's voice brought the story to life in the most amazing way.

Every word, every sound effect, and every character's dialogue seemed to transport me into a different world. I couldn't get enough of it. I would listen to it over and over again, losing myself in the adventures and mysteries that unfolded.

That first audiobook had a profound impact on me. It sparked my love for stories and listening. It made me realize the power of words and how they could create vivid images and emotions in my mind.

Even now, when I think back to that time, I can still feel the excitement and joy that came with listening to that audiobook. It will always hold a special place in my heart as a cherished memory of my childhood.
July 15,2025
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My favorite out of all three!

I chose to listen to the book on CD, and the narrator was truly fabulous.

Gilda Joyce, who is now attending the private school Our Lady of Sorrows, is extremely determined to uncover what exactly happened to Dolores Lambert. Dolores died by drowning in the school lake during her freshman year.

Gilda firmly believes that three of her friends, who are now seniors, are somehow responsible for her death.

I really have a great affection for these books. Gilda is such a unique and interesting character.

This book is highly recommended for students in 4th grade and above. It offers an engaging story with mystery and adventure that can capture the attention and imagination of young readers.

The way the author develops the plot and the characters makes it a truly enjoyable read.

Whether you choose to read it in print or listen to it on CD, you are sure to have a great time with Gilda Joyce and her exciting investigations.

So, if you're looking for a good book to keep you entertained, give this one a try!

July 15,2025
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This is the second book I have read in the Gilda Joyce series, and I am completely hooked.

I truly enjoyed the first book, but I absolutely loved, loved, loved "The Ladies of the Lake." Gilda is an absolute HOOT! She has no "internal editor" and simply says whatever pops into her head, which often leads to disastrous yet humorous results.

In this latest installment of the series, Gilda has been accepted into the exclusive private school, Our Lady of the Lake. She wasn't overly excited about attending the school until she discovered that a student had drowned in the lake and there might be a paranormal mystery to solve. Additionally, Gilda is dealing with her mom's new boyfriend, and she is not at all happy about her mother dating.

If you have a penchant for spunky heroines, mysteries, and humor, then pick up your copy of Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake today! You won't be disappointed.

It's a thrilling and entertaining read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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It is truly very good. This story is about a tragic murder that took place during other girls' freshman year. They were the ones accountable for Dalores' death. They compelled the girl to perform a ritual, and she walked on the soft ice and plunged through. She drowned, and after some time, the policemen discovered her in the water. Gilda has a strong desire to go to Our Lady of Sorrows so that she can uncover who was behind this heinous act. The kids who were involved in it, except for one, feel extremely bad about what they did. They attempt to frighten Gilda away from this mystery. However, Gilda does not give up so easily. Everybody claims that you should never raise your voice around the dead.

July 15,2025
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Wow! This book was truly amazing! As I was reading, I could vividly imagine myself as a student at Our Lady of Sorrows, right there with Gilda. The setting was so well-described that it felt as if I was actually present in that school.


Learning about Dolores Lambert, the school's ghost who met such a tragic end at the age of 14, was really heart-wrenching. It turns out that a group of girls played a cruel trick on her. They told her that if she crossed a frozen lake, she would be accepted into their group. However, the girls knew full well that she would never make it across. Sadly, their prediction came true as she drowned in the cold water.


For three years, none of the girls said a word about what had happened. It wasn't until later in the book that Gilda managed to solve the mystery. The way the story unfolded was just captivating, and the overall book was simply fantastic. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read. :)

July 15,2025
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Gilda is an ordinary teenage girl who firmly believes that she has the ability to communicate with the deceased.

When she is transferred to a new school, she becomes resolute in uncovering the school's darkest mystery... could it be a planned murder? Nevertheless, this pursuit comes at a cost. She has to accuse numerous people and is also looked down upon by many.

However, in my opinion, this book is an extremely dull one. The so-called 'plot twists' are highly foreseeable, and the supposedly scary parts are actually not scary at all. Instead, they are rather comical. Therefore, I would definitely not recommend this book as a good read for anyone. It fails to engage the reader's interest and falls short in terms of both plot and atmosphere.

Overall, it is a disappointment and not worth the time and effort of reading.
July 15,2025
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You better watch out!

This book is not like any other. It has the power to make your soul come out and scream!!!!!

From the very first page, it grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. The words seem to leap off the page and into your mind, creating vivid images and intense emotions.

You'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, as you turn each page. The story will take you on a wild ride, filled with twists and turns that you'll never see coming.

So, if you're looking for a book that will truly震撼 your world, then look no further. This is the one that will make you feel things you never thought possible. But be warned, it's not for the faint of heart.
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