The Ivory Rose

The Ivory Rose by Belinda Murrell (Random House)

PB RRP $18.95

ISBN 978-1-7427-5071-2  

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

The Ivory Rose is a novel for middle school readers and its Murrell’s third time slip story. Following her other novels, Locket of Dreams and the Ruby Talisman, it involves an object that sends the character back in time.

This time, it’s Gemma’s turn to be thrown back into the past. Gemma’s babysitting Sammy who lives in Rosethorne, one of the famous Witches Houses in Sydney. Sammy reckons she can see a ghost girl named Georgie. Gemma thinks it’s just an imaginary friend until she meets Georgina in the flesh…back in 1895 when she touches a rose charm made of ivory.

Gemma discovers that sweet Georgina was murdered and it’s up to her to solve this mystery. She becomes an apprentice maidservant at the Rosethorne house, making new friends and discovering how much has changed since her present time. 

Murrell has picked another fascinating time, offering lots of information about the days of Old Sydney Town. Gemma finds out what kids do for fun, as well some of the added responsibilities that they had back then. It really puts her life in perspective. Murrell has done some great research to capture the language and feel of 1895. Plus the mystery of Georgina keeps ticking on until the end.

Fans of Murrell’s previous books will devour this thrilling ghost story and adventure. It’s a sweet and tender novel for ages 10 and up.