The Murmuring Mirror is the fifth instalment in Eleanor Dixon’s Amberwood Ballet School series, and it is an absolute delight from start to finish. For those already invested in Lauren and her world, this book will not disappoint — and for newcomers, it serves as a compelling reminder of just how much this series has to offer.
The Author weaves together ballet ambition, ghostly mystery and the very real emotional landscape of teenage friendships with impressive skill. The premise — an audition for a prestigious New York summer school, a haunted mirror with a tragic past, and a ballet that seems to draw its dancers toward something long buried in history — is irresistible, and the author handles each strand with confidence. The pacing is excellent throughout, the dialogue feels natural and age-appropriate, and the new characters introduced this time around slot into the established world seamlessly and credibly.
What continues to set this series apart is the depth of its relationships. Having followed Lauren and her friends across five books, there is a genuine warmth and investment in watching those bonds grow, deepen and occasionally fray under pressure. Dixon strikes a well-judged balance between the very relatable tensions of teenage life — rivalry, loyalty, friendship tested — and the supernatural mystery at the story’s heart, never allowing one to overwhelm the other.
It is worth noting that whilst this is a book aimed at readers aged nine to twelve, it is entirely capable of holding the attention of an adult reader. Engaging, atmospheric and genuinely entertaining, The Murmuring Mirror was consumed in a single sitting — always the mark of a story doing something right.
A thoroughly satisfying addition to a wonderful series.
I award 5 stars.
