Customer Reviews

Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

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3 star:		(1)
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The Gilda Joyce books have now officially earned the coveted spot on my top shelf, beside such classics as 'The Prydain Chronicles', 'Lord of the Rings', 'The Underland Chronicles', and 'The Dark is Rising Sequence'. They just keep getting better and better, funnier and funnier. And 'The Ghost Sonata' is no different.

When her friend Wendy is chosen in a prestigious contest to go to Oxford, England, and compete in a piano competition, Gilda is thrilled. Due to a technicality, she's able to go along with Wendy -- as her page-turner. But something is wrong -- someone or something is slipping Wendy and the other competitors tarot cards bearing terrifying dooms upon them. To add to this, Wendy is hearing strange music in her head, and thinks she's either going insane or being haunted by a ghost: the ghost of a young boy named Charles Drummond, who had her number -- nine -- in the very same competition she is currently in, and who was a brilliant composer before his death at the age of fourteen -- a death that Gilda believes was not entirely accidental.

If there was one thing I wasn't thrilled about in this book, it was that Wendy gets nearly as much page time as Gilda, and while Wendy is a good character, she's not GILDA. There wasn't any less humor, though, and I understand why Wendy needed some scenes to herself. They were perfect complements to each other: Gilda the wacky, extremely eccentric one who enjoys telling people about her psychic investigative work, and Wendy, who is rational and smart and dry-humored.

Another excellent entry in the series. Highly recommended, and I can't wait for the next book.

Rating: Masterpiece

Gilda Joyce was a likable character from the very start. Anyone who read the first two books knows this, and was likely in need of a new fix of Gilda by the time this book came out, and "The Ghost Sonata" is the perfect addition to the series to quench our Gilda thirst. While Gilda's character remains consistent (as likable and as quirky), writer Jennifer Allison clearly evolves as a writer with each book she publishes. What we have here is a more mature book that still retains the almost childish outlook on the world that is a trademark to Gilda, self proclaimed "psychic investigator."

"The Ghost Sonata" is certainly greater than the two previous Gilda Joyce books in a number of ways; the mystery isn't as twisty and drawn out as it was in "The Ladies of the Lake", but it is infinitely more complex and, though this book is certainly aimed at the teenage audience, more adult in the way it is executed. There are big themes at work in this book, both in the major plot and each little intricate subplot. Each character, minor or major, has their own little inner demon or closeted skeleton and the things that happen, the way they deal, make for such poignant, real-life writing that it can literally bring a tear to your eye.

What I did miss from the beginning of the novel until around the middle was reading only through Gilda's point of view. If we had any glimpses into the POVs of a character other than Gilda in the first two books, it was a rare occurrence. However, Allison puts the character Wendy Choy, Gilda's best friend, as the main character of many chapters. Wendy is a great character, but she just can't match the charm of the protagonist... Come to think, who can? But luckily, the vast majority of the middle to the end of the book has Gilda at the forefront.

This is simply the book to get this summer if you want to read a tale that will make you laugh (a lot), actually frighten you (surprisingly often), and break your heart. I've read enough young adult books to promise that Gilda Joyce really is the best around, and the perfect answer to those still lamenting the end of the "Harry Potter" series. Only thing is, no one really knows about this series, and the reason why is beyond me, as this book deserves a classic rating.

10/10 Classic.

This was the best book in the series yet! I was a little disappointed in the first book, liked the second book, and completely fell in love with this one! A little creepy but very enthralling, spunky Gilda Joyce sets out once again to show the world what she can do, this time as a page-turner for her best friend, Wendy Choy, in a worldwide piano competition in Oxford, England. I loved Gilda's love affair with Julian, a hot British boy, and was sad but happy for Gilda when it was over, since it was obvious that in breaking up with him, she knew what was best for her.
My only piece of advice: go sprint to the library or a book store, check out or buy this book, and read it until your eyes hurt.

Fourteen-year-old Gilda Joyce has a passion for fashion, and a flair for the offbeat; so when she learns that her best friend, and expert pianist, Gwendolyn "Wendy" Choy, has been chosen to be a finalist in a piano competition, that will be held in Oxford, England, Gilda couldn't be more thrilled. Oxford is full of ghost stories, and, as a psychic investigator, Gilda is determined to experience one first-hand; which is why she will do anything in her power to snag a seat on the red eye headed for the British destination. Unfortunately, money is tight, and, seeing as how she gave up piano lessons after a few weeks, she certainly can't try to make her way into the competition, so she does the next best thing...Gilda offers her services as an experienced page turner, and voila! She's out of school for a week, and encountering her next, and very first European, adventure. Packing her pink umbrella, spidery false eyelashes, countless stilettos, her mod outfit, cat's-eye glasses, go-go boots, and an assortment of hats, Gilda couldn't be more thrilled to set off. Unfortunately, her excitement isn't shared by the pianist of the hour - Wendy. For weeks, Wendy has been having disturbing nightmares that have made it near impossible for her to sleep, let alone concentrate on being the best pianist she can be. But winning the competition would mean prestige for her family, as well as a nice chunk of change that Gilda has already begun spending in her mind. But as much as Gilda craves a purse full of money that will purchase her heart's desires, she can't help but sympathize with her closest pal, and feel the need to solve the mystery of Wendy's nightmares. But since arriving in England, Wendy's nightmares have taken an even more bizarre turn. Suddenly, she begins hearing strange piano music playing in the middle of the night, and both she and Gilda have spotted a male ghost, of about their age, traipsing around Oxford. Gilda knows that it's up to her to do a little investigating. But Wendy wants to help. So, waving goodbye to the grueling practice sessions, and extremely stiff competition awaiting her, Wendy trots along by Gilda's side, only to stumble upon an assortment of spooky occurrences that seem to sprout up in every corner. And, to make matters worse, Wendy isn't the only contestant in the competition who has fallen victim to "hauntings." Suddenly, many of the contestants begin receiving creepy tarot cards depicting scary images that have instilled a killer case of the nerves in each and every one of them. Gilda is convinced that a haunting is at hand, and knows that it will take each and every fiber of her psychic investigator skills to crack the case wide open before it's too late. But in between her investigation, and frequent clothes-changing sessions, Gilda begins to find herself falling for a lanky, cute British boy - who happens to be Wendy's competition - and can't help herself from indulging in a little one-on-one time with the accented chap. But if she doesn't keep her mind focused on the task at hand, she may just find herself on a trip back to the States...alone.

I fell in love with Gilda Joyce when Jennifer Allison released GILDA JOYCE, PSYCHIC INVESTIGATOR, and since then, have been unable to resist the quirky sleuth. The fact that, in GILDA JOYCE, THE GHOST SONATA takes place in the fabulous Oxford, England, however, only makes me love it even more. Gilda Joyce is her typical off-the-wall self in this delightful new installment. Stocking up on pill-box hats, wellies, go-go boots, and a variety of crazy colored wigs, Gilda presents herself in the fashion of a modern-day HARRIET THE SPY. Her frequent outfit changes, and daydreams involving a English boy with a crooked smile are humorous. However, Gilda never forgets her friends, and manages to stay on top of her investigation, even with the distraction of a cute. Wendy Choy, on the other hand, is a little more serious, and a lot less fun that Gilda. While this is the first time that readers really get the chance to learn a lot more about Wendy, it's hard to say that you are able to come away with a better understanding of her personality, as she wasn't herself within the pages of GILDA JOYCE, THE GHOST SONATA. Even so, Wendy still leaves an impression, albeit a bland one. Julian, the British boy who has caught Gilda's eye, is probably one of the more intriguing characters within this installment, as he maintains an aloof, careless air about him that intrigues you; while, at the same time, managing to come off as a con artist, of sorts. His various tall tales, and two-timing ways make you loathe him and love him at the same time, and truly make you wish for a chance to learn more about him in the future. Allison has done a wonderful job of showcasing the pain and suffering, along with the joy and happiness that comes along with being in a competition; and also introduces pushy stage mothers that will make you laugh and cry simultaneously as they embarrass themselves, and their children, throughout the story. A haunting story that chills you to the bone!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

I was thrilled when yet another Gilda Joyce novel came out. I loved the first two books and this one was like no other. I think this will thrill all audiences and put new ideas in perspective. Jennifer Allison has done it again along with the quirky personality of Gilda Joyce and will put her books in a whole new place.

The third book in the series, this is the best and funniest yet, as 14-year-old Gilda wangles a way to accompany her talented pianist friend, Wendy, to Oxford, England, for a virtuoso competition. Having read up on Brit-speak and English customs, the ever-confident Gilda is all set to have a great time in Oxford and solve any mysteries that call for her skills as a psychic investigator.

Soon, eerie things start happening, such as ominous tarot cards appearing to Wendy and other participants, strange coincidences involving the number 9 and Alice in Wonderland, and the normally rational, intelligent Wendy's experiencing of an apparent haunting by a mysterious melody and the ghost of a boy.

This paranormal mystery has fast pacing, a complex, intriguing plot, excellent characters, and plenty of humor. The series, which will appeal to both kids and adults, is especially recommended for fans of Harriet the Spy, and both Anglophiles and classical music lovers will find this particular installment just their cup of tea.

Yet this book can't get any better. Mystery, adventure, comedy... this book has it all! IF you're looking for a good read this is a way to go. It's about a girl named Gilda and her best friend Wendy. Wendy is chosen to go play in a piano competition in England. Gilda wants to come along and she finds a way to get there. As they go on the plane Gilda shows Wendy her reading of cards(like a fortune teller Gilda's into that she 's a "investigator") The reading turns out to be horrible and the tarot cards keep finding their way into Wendy's dorm room. The piano competition is tough, meanwhile Wendy thinks she going crazy. With a murder investigation near the end and a couple quirky mysteries 13 year old Gilda Joyce battles her way through the English world finding out that being an "investigator" can be scary sometimes!

If you liked the two books previous to Gilda Joyce- The Ghost Sonata, you'll enjoy this one just as much. It's a wonderful mystery that makes you laugh. Gilda's friend Wendy Choy is invited to a national piano competition in Endland, and Gilda just has to go. And of course, along the way she bumps into a mystery. Wendy hears creepy piano music at night, and Gilda sees a ghost! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The book, Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata, written by Jennifer Allison, is one of the best books I've ever read. It is about 14-year-old Gilda Joyce traveling to Oxford, England with her friend, Wendy. While Wendy practices for her piano recital, Gilda tries to solve a mystery using her psychic abilities.
Out of all 5 books in this series, I think this is my favorite one. I personally recommend that these books are more age appropriate for ages 12 and up because of some mild swearing. I'm 14 years old, and this series is by far one of my very favorites. If you like mystery and adventure, you will definitely like the Gilda Joyce series.

this book was so awesome i loved it ti was full of gohsts romance and different accents. would deffenitly reccomend this to everyone. i would say i got so scared i would keep my door open at nigh but got used to it. i would also deffinitly reccomend the first one too. so read it read it read it