As a lover of fashion, my daughter was very much drawn to this book because it's full of decadence and style. The descriptions of the luxurious department store are particularly evocative of a different era and the reader is immediately drawn into this world.
Well written and researched, the tale keeps its readers on their toes with constant twists, double-crossings, surprises and danger by the bucketful. The ending in particular is extremely pacey and action-packed.
I particular loved the bit where Sophie escapes a locked room using the newspaper under the door trick because this was a trick (in games only!) we used to do as kids. I also liked the fleeting villain, the Baron, and how his identity is not revealed. I'm guessing he reappears in later books. I for one, have a sneaking suspicion that he is... Better not say!
Great story, full of wonderful characters. Kids (especially girls) will love it!
