New girls in school fiction are generally one of two types. The first type (the O’Sullivan Twins, Elizabeth Allen) do not want to go to school and are dragged there kicking and screaming, to cause as much havoc as possible before realizing how wonderful the school is and becoming model citizens. The second type are keen to get to school, having read stories of pillow fights and midnight feasts, and are of a sensible, jolly, glowing-cheeked disposition which means they will settle down immediately. Both types invariably become monitors, prefects and head girls. Darrell Rivers of Malory Towers is the second type. As is typical in school stories, the first of the series opens with the new girl on her way to school. Darrell is happy and excited as her parents drive her to Malory Towers, and we already know she will be A Good Egg.