A Case of Misfortune

Written by Sophie Cleverly

Narrated by Gemma Lawrence

The second title in this breakout new detective series, from the author of the spine-tingling Scarlet and Ivy series.

Violet Veil is ready for her next big case and with trouble afoot at the Grecian Theatre, Violet and her dog Bones are hot on the trail. But just who is the mysterious fortune-teller, Lady Athena, whose predictions keep coming true? Is it all just a case of smoke and mirrors? Or is there something more sinister going on…?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Jan 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9780008308032

Sophie Cleverly

Born in Bath, Sophie has a BA in Creative Writing and MA in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University. Her debut series, Scarlet and Ivy was reviewed as “A true page-turning, nail-biting mystery” by The Guardian Children’s Reviews. Now working as a full-time writer, Sophie lives with her husband and daughter in Wiltshire.

Reviews for A Case of Misfortune

[emma_manolis · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Last summer I actually enjoyed the first book of the Fame Games series. It was a good poolside read that required next to no concentration. I had decided I would read the next book and just now got around to it. Honestly, I wasn't missing much. This book really lacked substance and plot. (Two important elements to a good book.) If you enjoyed watching The Hills just to veg out, then you will probably enjoy this book because they are similar in the sense that really nothing happens. I think I'm done reading these books. Well, until I find myself wanting another poolside read, requiring zero concentration.

[wagrobanite-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Don't get me wrong, it's a good chick lot book and I'm glad how LC tries around some the characters but as usual, it's formulaic....

[abouttoread_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There is something about Conrad’s writing that just sucks me into her stories. I am happy to say that Starstruck was just good as The Fame Game and I am impressed with the growth we’ve seen in Madison’s character. There are far less reality TV driven scandals in this series than there were in L.A. Candy, which makes the two series similar, but also very different. While L.A. Candy is very much plot driven, The Fame Game is actually more character drivenMy favorite character in The Fame Game was Kate. She was so normal and down-to-earth that I thought she would be very similar to Jane—not so much. We see some definite changes in Kate’s character in Starstruck, and unfortunately I can’t say they were good changes. Madison, however, continued her growth from her L.A. Candy days.Madison is by far the most surprising part of this series. Anyone who has read L.A. Candy knows how hateful she was. Would anyone believe she is my favorite character in Starstruck? Making Madison more likable was brilliant and has added so much to Starstuck.While there was, of course, some level of drama, it didn’t feel that scandalous. There were a lot more shocking scenes in L.A. Candy & The Fame Game, but Starstruck felt like it was more about growing up, finding your place, and adjusting to the limelight. Even though Starstruck doesn’t have the same fame-grubbing, camera hogging quality that Lauren Conrad’s previous novels have, it is still an enjoyable read. Emphasizing the characters and down playing the drama is a new direction for Conrad’s novels, but I have to say that it works well. The next novel, Infamous, is expected to be released in June.

[shellypya · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Book 2 in The Fame Game series. Madison has taken the fall for her father's theft of a diamond necklace, so now she's doing community service for a pet shelter, where she's given the worst jobs. Her career is also suffering. Kate, experiencing stagefright, gets dangerously close to abusing prescription drugs, as does Gaby. Carmen is starting to make a name for herself as an actress but finds it difficult to get out from under her mother's shadow. And as always, realationships, or lack of, play a role in their lives.

[victoriagd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fowls Always do the UnexpectedThe Twins are back, and Eoin Colfer takes them on another chaotic adventure. It is not wise to anger dwarves, or the Fowl parents. Grounded after a fateful jet accident, Myles and Beckett are forced to forgo any of their normal deviances, and any contact with the fairy world. Except the fairy world has not forgotten about the Fowls. When Myles is kidnapped without his usual tech defenses, Beckett with the help of Lazuli impulsively run to Myles rescue. Together, the brothers have another fairy conflict to solve. Myles and Beckett are two very dissimilar characters, and these differences provide a fun counterpoint between book and active learning. Eoin Colfer does not underestimate the intelligence of his readers, as he in not afraid to use a variety of vocabulary and scientific concepts. With plenty of age appropriate kid jokes, and bathroom humor provided by Beckett. The brothers enthusiastically explore how to work together, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. While also encouraging and understanding their particularities. With the added bonus of a clever plot! Also, there are many references to Artemis from the perspective of the Fowl family. This is an exciting and unexpected addition to the LEP files.