Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake facts for kids
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| Author | Jennifer Allison |
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| Illustrator | Greg Swearingen |
| Cover artist | Jay Cooper (design) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Gilda Joyce |
| Genre | Children's Mystery novel |
| Published | 2006 Dutton Children's Books |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 334 pp |
| Preceded by | Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator |
| Followed by | Gilda Joyce: The Ghost Sonata |
Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake is an exciting mystery novel written by Jennifer Allison. It was published in 2006 by Dutton Children's Books. This book is the second in the popular Gilda Joyce series.
Contents
Unraveling the Mystery: The Plot
When Gilda Joyce, a self-proclaimed psychic investigator, earns a scholarship, her life takes an unexpected turn. She gets to attend Our Lady of Sorrows, a private high school for Catholic girls. Soon after arriving, Gilda learns about a sad event from the past. A girl named Dolores Lambert drowned in the lake near the school a few years ago.
Dolores Lambert's Mysterious Drowning
The story of Dolores's death is puzzling. Some people say she walked blindfolded onto thin ice on Thanksgiving eve, trying to get home. But Gilda suspects something more. She believes someone might have pushed Dolores or tricked her into walking on the dangerous ice. Gilda, being a determined investigator, decides to find out the truth.
Gilda's Investigation and Discoveries
Gilda starts her own investigation. She listens carefully to conversations and sometimes sneaks into places she shouldn't. Her detective work leads her to a secret society called "The Ladies of the Lake." She discovers that three students, Danielle Menory, Priscilla Barkley, and Nikki Grimaldi, were members of this group.
The Secret Society's Initiation
Gilda learns that Dolores's drowning happened during an initiation ceremony for The Ladies of the Lake. Dolores was blindfolded and had to find her way to the club's secret meeting place. Sadly, she accidentally wandered onto the lake's cracked ice and drowned. The girls involved eventually face consequences for their actions.
The Outcome for Gilda
Even though Gilda solves the mystery, there's a downside for her. Her scholarship to Our Lady of Sorrows is taken away. The book suggests this happened because she revealed the truth about the school's most respected students. It seems her grades were just an excuse.
Meet the Characters
- Gilda Joyce: She's a 13-year-old, self-proclaimed psychic investigator with short red hair. Gilda is a student, an exceptional writer, and very determined to solve mysteries.
- Wendy Choy: Gilda Joyce's best friend. Wendy attends a different school but is always there for Gilda.
- Dolores Lambert: The girl who tragically drowned at Our Lady of Sorrows. It is later revealed in the story that she is a ghost.
- Mrs. Joyce: Gilda's mother, who works as a nurse.
- Shirley McCraken: The strict Headmistress of Our Lady of Sorrows.
- Priscilla Barkley: A student at Our Lady of Sorrows and the "captain" or President of The Ladies of the Lake secret club. She was involved in the accidental drowning of Dolores.
- Danielle Menory: Another student and the Secretary of The Ladies of the Lake. She was also involved in Dolores's drowning and feels very guilty about it.
- Tiara: A girl who strongly believes the school is haunted and tries to convince everyone.
- Velma Underhill: A secretary who works at Our Lady of Sorrows.
- Mr. Pante: A teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows. Many girls in his class have crushes on him.
- Nikki Grimaldi: A student and the Activities Director of The Ladies of the Lake. She was also involved in Dolores's accidental drowning.
- Brad Squib: Mrs. Joyce's annoying boyfriend, who later becomes her ex-boyfriend.
- Stephen Joyce: Gilda's smart, but sometimes nerdy, brother.
Awards and Recognition
Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake has received notable recognition:
- 2007 Edgar Awards Nominee
- 2006 VOYA Top Shelf Fiction Selection for Middle School Readers
