The Girl and the Ghost by Jacqueline Harvey (Penguin)
Twelve-year-old Josephine, along with her dad and stepmother, has moved to France to renovate a crumbling château. While exploring their new home, Josephine discovers a beautiful silver locket. When she figures out how to unlock it, out pops a ghost – none other than Louis, the dauphin of France from 1790.
The two form a close and touching friendship, though Josephine keeps him a secret – after all, who would believe she’s talking to a ghost? Enter Gabriel: the local baker’s grandson. He’s fourteen, charming, and knows how to bake! Josephine is smitten, and the feeling seems mutual.
Together, the trio uncover a mystery involving the castle next door. Are the inhabitants dangerous criminals? What connection do they have to the Prime Minister? Why does Josephine bear a striking resemblance to Louis’s long-lost love, Madeleine? And what secrets surround Josephine’s birth mother, who once lived in this very region?
Having just returned from my own research trip to France, I could vividly picture the ancient towns and architecture described in the story. The fields of yellow rapeseed, the medieval streets, and – don’t get me started – the cakes in the boulangeries. I’ve tasted mille-feuille myself – oh là là – they are divine.
Jacqueline Harvey beautifully captures the essence of France through her descriptions of the setting, buildings, and food. I found myself instantly connecting with Josephine – she dreams of becoming an author, and what’s not to like about that? The supporting characters are warm and likable (with the exception of the suspicious neighbours – but no spoilers here). The narrative is interspersed with email letters Josephine writes to a friend, cleverly used to reveal backstory and deepen character insights.
Also included in the story are charming black and white drawings from illustrator Anne Yi. She is an illustrator and animation artist based in Sydney. She has also illustrated various children’s books including Jacqueline’s bestselling Alice Miranda series.
I was surprised the novel was written in the present tense. It took a little getting used to, as most storytelling traditions favour the past tense – it tends to feel more natural and reflective. Present tense can bring immediacy and a sense of being “in the moment,” but it can also make it trickier to weave in exposition and emotional depth (which explains the use of the letters). However, as this is a story aimed at young readers, the choice makes sense – many are more open to experimental narrative styles.
This is a delightful blend of mystery, history, friendship, and just a hint of romance. A heartwarming read with a ghostly twist, The Girl and the Ghost will appeal to young readers who enjoy stories with atmosphere, secrets, and a dash of magic.
Read an extract here. Listen to an audio version extract here.
Jacqueline Harvey is the author of the popular Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose, Kensy and Max and Will and Woof series, which have sold almost two million copies in Australia alone. In 2022, she released a picture book ‘That Cat’, illustrated by one of her former students, Kate Isobel Scott. The pair has since gone on to publish ‘The Daring Tale of Gloria the Great’ and the ‘Kevin the Sheep’ series. Jacqueline’s books have received numerous shortlistings and awards while her picture book, ‘The Sound of the Sea’ was a CBCA Honour Book. Jacqueline lives between Sydney, Australia, and Queenstown, New Zealand. The first book in her new middle grade series ‘The Girl and Ghost’ launched on 29 April 2025.
ISBN: 9781761349409 (paperback) 9781760149741 (ebook) 9781761353956 (audio book)
RRP $21.00 (paperback NZ), $16.99 (audiobook), $12.99 (ebook)
Reviewed by Maria Gill
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