Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
34(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Gilda enrolls in a private school. She is completely determined to discover the secrets of the ghost who haunts the halls.


I was really disappointed. There was truly no mention of Gilda's cousin from San Francisco. She had become friends with this cousin in the first book. However, Gilda's other friend Wendy does make an appearance. And Gilda is in top form.


At this point, I did get somewhat annoyed with the way Gilda is characterized as a psychic detective. In my opinion, she's more like a ghost detective. There is no real psychic ability that I can observe. Nevertheless, she is still an enjoyable character.

July 15,2025
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This book was truly an excellent one and it was very well-connected to the first one.

It had a somewhat exaggerated aspect with all the "It's a ghost" kind of elements, yet I really enjoyed it regardless.

The mystery part within the book was something that I truly liked.

I would highly recommend this book to almost anyone who has a penchant for mysteries or abnormal phenomena.

[http://www.gildajoyce.com/] This website might offer more information about the author or other related works.

Overall, it's a great read that combines mystery and the supernatural in an engaging way.

Whether you're a seasoned mystery lover or just looking for something different to read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

You might find yourself getting lost in its pages and eagerly turning each one to uncover the next clue in the mystery.

So, give it a try and see for yourself how captivating this book can be.
July 15,2025
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Speaking as a bookseller with twenty-four years of experience (and a huge fan), I must say that Jennifer Allison's Gilda Joyce novels are my absolute top choice when it comes to recommending books for clever girls. And let's face it, the market for books targeted at clever girls is, without a doubt, the largest girl market on the planet. Just putting that out there.


I have a particular soft spot for the scenes where Gilda taps out letters to her deceased father on his old typewriter. What an ingenious concept! The combination of first-person journal entries and third-person narration is both complex and yet flows as smoothly as butter. It really adds depth and authenticity to the story.


Folks, Allison's prose is simply outstanding! Her writing is engaging, vivid, and truly captivating. Don't make the mistake of missing out on this amazing series. It's a must-read for any clever girl (or anyone who loves a great book).

July 15,2025
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Tried to listen to the 2nd book in the series and I still am not impressed.

It might get a giggle out of a juvenile reader, but anyone more sophisticated will probably not enjoy this series. I like my heroines to be sassy, but the black humor doesn't amuse me. The humor, mystery and paranormal parts all fail to deliver.

I wish the author had researched the Catholic girls school background just a little. The prayers weren't right and there were none of the inside jokes that could've amused Catholic school alumni. All it would've taken was an afternoon with an alumni telling you stories or proofreading the story and giving input.

Figured the mystery out during the flashback in the first chapter, so the rest of the book was more irritating than enlightening. The flow of the language in the book is descriptive and entertaining, but I couldn't enjoy any of the characters.

Gilda is too arrogant and glory-seeking to be endearing. None of the other characters had many positive traits, except for Gilda's best friend, Wendy, who is barely in the book.

I think Gilda Joyce stories would be more interesting if they had more paranormal activity, instead of hinting or imagining things. I don't believe that Gilda is psychic and it is just another thing she is outspoken, but delusional about.

The book also had some other issues. For example, the ending was quite horrible. You can bully someone, haze them and taunt them into a situation dangerous enough that they died and you get suspended from school for a week?!!! I couldn't figure out how the book was going to end, but this was unacceptable. And this is why I am abandoning this series after reading the first book and listening to the second one.

However, there were a few parts that I did like. My favorite parts of the book involved the psychic maintenance worker. But overall, the negatives outweighed the positives for me.
July 15,2025
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2.5 stars.

I am an avid reader of kidlit and usually find great pleasure in it. However, this particular book never truly managed to capture my interest.

The writing is of a decent standard, and the plot is well-structured. But for some reason, it just didn't click with me.

That being said, depending on the individual young reader's preferences, I might still consider recommending it.

Some children might be more drawn to its story and characters than I was.

Perhaps they will find the elements that I missed and have a more enjoyable reading experience.

But for me, unfortunately, it simply didn't live up to my expectations.

I'm sure there are other kidlit books out there that will better suit my taste and provide the kind of engaging and delightful reading experience that I'm looking for.
July 15,2025
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At first, this book seemed really boring.

The story didn't seem to go anywhere, and I almost put it down.

However, as I continued reading, everything changed.

By the end, it had become so interesting that I couldn't put it down.

The characters had developed, and the plot had thickened.

It was like a completely different book.

One of the characters, Priscilla, was really spoiled.

She always got what she wanted and never had to work for anything.

This made her a bit of an unlikable character at times.

But as the story progressed, we saw a different side of her.

We saw that she was capable of growth and change.

In the end, I was really glad that I had stuck with the book.

It was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone.
July 15,2025
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Gilda did not disappoint in the second part either, although the first one was simply the first and better for me (so take my rating as 4.5*).

This time, the fourteen-year-old parapsychological sleuth goes to a private girls' school (but not a boarding school), which is full of wealthy daughters and their extravagances. Gilda gets a scholarship there thanks to her mother's friend, whom however Gilda cannot stand. She will accept this challenge only and only because there is a spirit of a drowned girl haunting the school.

Gilda launches the investigation and, as is her good habit, she sticks her nose where she shouldn't and where it is sometimes quite hot. She writes for the school newspaper, directs a fantastic theatrical performance and still searches in the artificially built ruins of castles.

The result is fast-paced action with sometimes predictable continuation, yet it is well-written and readable until the last line. The chapters are interspersed with letters that Gilda writes to her deceased father, which move the plot or give an insight into Gilda's thoughts and feelings.

For fans of Sleuth Gilda, an absolute must!
July 15,2025
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I truly wish that the Gilda Joyce series had a greater reputation in the realm of horror.

Despite being targeted at children, it manages to stand on its own.

Every installment of Gilda Joyce is an absolute delight, especially when I have a longing for a comforting read.

Allison's remarkable talent for penning the thoughts and emotions of a teenage girl is like a delicious cherry on top of an already scrumptious sundae.

The series has so much to offer, with its engaging plots, relatable characters, and spooky atmosphere.

It's a shame that it doesn't receive the recognition it deserves in the wider horror community.

I hope that more people will discover and appreciate the Gilda Joyce series for the wonderful and unique horror experience it provides.

Whether you're a fan of horror or just looking for a great read, give Gilda Joyce a chance and you won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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The original article is not provided, so I can't rewrite and expand it specifically. However, I can give you a general example to show you how to do it.

Let's assume the original article is: "I like reading. It helps me relax and gain knowledge."

Here is the rewritten and expanded version:

I have a great passion for reading.

It is not just a hobby for me, but a way of life.

Whenever I pick up a book, I am immediately transported to a different world, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Reading allows me to relax and unwind, while also expanding my knowledge and视野.

It exposes me to different ideas, cultures, and perspectives, which enriches my understanding of the world around me.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction book, I always find something valuable and enjoyable in the pages.

In short, reading is an essential part of my life, and I will continue to cherish this wonderful activity.
July 15,2025
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Gilda Joyce, the psychic investigator, makes a triumphant return in this captivating comic mystery. Set in a luxurious Catholic girls' school where she is a new scholarship student, Our Lady of Sorrows seems to be haunted by the ghost of a student who drowned three years ago.

Gilda's interactions with the headmistress, a charming teacher, and a clique of popular senior girls land her in a precarious situation. She might solve the mystery, but at the cost of her own safety. Meanwhile, she's not too keen on her widowed mother's unemployed boyfriend.

Gilda is a verbose, hilarious, and engaging character. Her self-confidence and fearlessness are more like Nancy Drew than Sammy Keyes. And, similar to the classic old series mysteries, this one has an exaggerated sense of reality that typically works wonders.

Occasionally, the blend of humor and spookiness doesn't quite gel, and the anti-hazing plot, while worthwhile, is a bit too didactic. More often than not, however, this is an enthralling story brimming with surprises and suspense.
July 15,2025
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Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator is an endearing and captivating character. She is a scrappy, irreverent, and sassy 13-year-old with a unique charm.

Not afraid to use her brains and self-proclaimed psychic talent, Gilda takes on mysteries that come her way. She still misses her recently deceased father and connects with him through frequent letters. However, she is most annoyed with her mom's new boyfriend, Brad Squib.

Brad gets Gilda into an elite all-girls school, Our Lady of Sorrows, which she initially resents as she doesn't want to leave her best friend Wendy Choy. But her attitude changes when she discovers a mysterious secret surrounding the school.

Three years ago, a girl drowned under curious circumstances. Gilda is determined to solve the mystery, and her psychic abilities, which manifest through dreams providing clues, come in handy.

Using her insightful instincts and a cool head, Gilda eventually uncovers the truth about the dead girl, Delores Lambert. Just when she expects to be hailed as a hero, the real fun begins.

Gilda is a no-nonsense girl who doesn't shy away from setbacks or threats. She is a thinker, doer, and go-getter. Her brassiness and determination make her a character you can't help but root for.

I'm sure when you pick up a copy of Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake by Jennifer Allison, you'll be hooked from the start and find it hard to put down as the mystery unfolds.
July 15,2025
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This is truly a childhood favorite that has withstood the test of time!

Gilda is an incredibly funny and likable character, whose antics and charm draw you in from the very beginning. The mystery at the heart of the story is super intriguing, keeping you on the edge of your seat and eager to discover the truth.

Moreover, upon rereading this book, I was struck by just how much depth these stories really have. There are hidden layers and subtleties that I may have missed as a child, but which now add a whole new dimension to the reading experience.

Gilda Joyce will always hold a special place in my heart, and I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking read. Forever Gilda Joyce!
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