This story, 49th in the original editions, is one of the better ones, in my view. Len, Con and Margot Maynard are now sixteen. The book is about them primarily, in the context of a term that's filled with dramatic situations, mostly featuring one or more of the triplets.

Each incident makes interesting reading, and I liked seeing the different characters of the three. They’re realistically flawed; but all, in their different ways, likeable. Perhaps there is too much drama for one term; chapter after chapter gives more excitement. There’s very little about ordinary Chalet School life; it’s a background to the triplets’ lives, but I like the change of pace. However, those who are not fans of the Maynards may find it dull.

As a piece of mid-century social history I think this series has tremendous value, even though it focuses on the upper middle classes, and an idealised school system. Still, Brent-Dyer doesn't hide the tragedies that struck all too often, and there's one particularly sad story that develops towards the end.

Best read as part of the series, although it could stand alone. Probably appeals most to voracious readers aged around 12-14, and their parents and grandparents who remember the series with fondness from their youth. ( )