56th in the original series, 60th in the Armada re-prints, some of which are abridged, but not - apparently - this one.

There are only two new girls in January: Samantha, who is 15, and Samaris, who is 13. Despite being different in almost every respect, they make friends and are involved in several escapades in this book.

It's rather similar to several others, and not particularly exciting. Not one of the author's best in my view, although there's quite a moving section outside the school when we see three-year-old Phil who is recovering from polio. Still, as with all this series it makes pleasant, nostalgic (if lightweight) reading for those of us who remember the Chalet School fondly from childhood. ( )

The latter part of the series is notoriously repetitive, but you just keep going to find out what happens to the main characters who continue throughout the entire series. Actually, this one was less repetitive that I was anticipating, with very little weight being given to the usual round of entertainments and inductions of new girls. The requisite new girls for the term are interesting and sufficiently engaging to hold interest. Also, this title really is worth reading for the sake of Joey's youngest daughter, Phil, the handling of whose illness becomes quite a fascinating focal point in the story. Nina Rutherford also makes a comeback but with little substance unfortunately. The book also ends intriguingly without mention of who wins the Nina Rutherford prizes... ( )