The Mysterious Howling

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1

By: Maryrose Wood

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 5 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Of especially naughty children, it is sometimes said: “They must have been raised by wolves.” The Incorrigible children actually were. Discovered in the forests of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must eliminate their canine tendencies.But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to civilize the Incorrigibles in time for Lady Constance’s holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

Penelope is no stranger to mystery, as her own origins are also cloaked in secrecy. But as Agatha Swanburne herself once said, “Things may happen for a reason, but that doesn’t mean we know what the reason is—at least, not yet.

©2010 Maryrose Wood (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Well done

This is a enlightening story very entertaining its worth a good 4 hours
….well done

love it so much! absolutely amazing!

the author weaves an incredible story with mystery, humor, and children raised by wolves. the narrator does amazing voices, makes it very clear who is talking, and puts emphasis on just the right phrases. love this audiobook!!!

Something different but yet a lot of fun.

Honestly I won't lie - I had a credit and wasn't sure what to spend it on. Katherine Kellgren is by far one of the best narrators out there and she really brings the story alive for me! Hence buying this based on that alone.
I tried the book but wasn't paying any attention on the 1st turn. And I somehow dismissed it as a bad buy. This had been sitting in my library for a good year before I gave it another try.
I am excited to see where the series goes. I was hoping it would finish after 3/4 books due to Katherine Kellgren's very sad and early passing. I really am one for continuity. But regardless, if all stories have the warmth, heart and adventure of the 1st I am sure I will continue regardless of the narrator.
My only semi-negative thing is this book doesn't feel like its for young kids, nor do I feel the material is strong enough for adults and I dunno if its structured at teens. You kinda just have to try it and see if its for you.

Classics in the making!

I had planned to write to encourage any adult who likes Joan Aiken, E.Nesbit, Monty Python (the videos), & T.Pratchett to try this superior series. It's not particularly like any of their works - well maybe Aiken's "Serial Garden" - but plays to the same part of the brain through its overall sense of the absurd and superior wordplay. Not sure how it would plan with most YA readers, but seems great for the 7-12 year old set - and their parents - since it works extremely well at both levels.
I'm afraid to give any details because almost anything I would say would be a spoiler - just trust me that by piling hackneyed formula upon formula, and throwing into this in a set of totally recognizable stereotypical characters, and a great deal of slowly unfolding - and growing as it unfolds - mystery, the author creates an amazing and extremely amusing jumble. The reader is perfect - ordinarily I prefer deeper-voiced narrators, but I can't imagine this book without her rendition of the heroine's thought processes and the wonderful "voices" of the children themselves. Can't wait for the next one in the series!

Cute, but predictable, children's story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book for children or young adults. The story has a resourceful heroine who is compassionate. The book does a pretty good job of teaching empathy without (generally) beating one over the head with its moral.

Any additional comments?

The book is clearly a starting of a series, with several cliches: an orphan with a mysterious past who is resourceful, clever and good; allusions to the children being related to their governess; rich people using children cold-heartedly for their own amusement; a secret that not even the main character knows, and mysteries within the house... If you dont mind the "formula" of the book, it is generally a clever book, and well performed.

Very enjoyable!

Both me and my 9 year old daughter enjoyed this story. She wants the next one.

Simply outstanding.

Listened to it on a rod trip. It completely held my entire family’s interest—me, my wife and kids 12, 10, 9 and 4. Excellently written and narrated.

BEST audiobook I've ever listened to!

Absolutely LOVED it! Great story. FANTASTIC voices bring characters to life. My kids and I enjoyed it together.

Very Entertaining!

A delightful story that pulls you in as you hear about the children that were found by the "finders-keepers" hunter who first discovers them. The young mistress of the house is terrified and a governess is hired. The newly trained but inexperienced governess who falls in love with these incorrigible children. I couldn't stop listening to their adventures and look forward to the next book!

Charming book for people who love books

Such an enjoyable listen for kids and adults. The wit, vocabulary and whimsy are just enchanting. It has a timeless feel , stretches young minds gently and just makes you giggle.