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bookb1itch's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This series of books was in my school library before I was and I often wondered at a series about murder for tweens. Finally, I got around to listening to it, and I feel Stevens has a real knack for presenting a murder mystery as a tutorial for readers new to the genre. Some of the themes would appear to be inappropriate for young readers (infidelity, unmarried teacher having a baby - around WWI, adoption of said baby, teen suicide, and of course murder) but they are handled simply and without unnecessarily gory details. At present, one of my more mature 11yo students is reading this, on the understanding that she will return it if anything is too confronting. I'm curious as to what she will think.
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol, and Suicide
Minor: Pregnancy and Racism
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
This is a fun romp of a middle grade detective story, and it was an enjoyable ride. I enjoyed seeing where Robin Stevens took her two girl detectives on this adventure. I was pleased that Hazel, one of the two main characters in this novel (our narrator, no less), was from Hong Kong, and yet I was also annoyed at the casual racism peppered in here and there throughout the book. It was not in a large quantity of the book, it is probably historically accurate (the book is set in the 1930's), and Hazel does complain to herself about it to indicate to the reader that it's not okay behavior, but I still didn't like that part.
Daisy, the other main character, was also hard to like at times. Sometimes I enjoyed her character a lot, and other times she was a bully and I wanted nothing to do with her. I'm very torn on my opinion of Daisy, and she's probably the reason I won't be continuing with the series.
Overall, though, this is a fun read, with a twisty enough mystery that readers (especially in the target age range) can have fun with the reveals.
Daisy, the other main character, was also hard to like at times. Sometimes I enjoyed her character a lot, and other times she was a bully and I wanted nothing to do with her. I'm very torn on my opinion of Daisy, and she's probably the reason I won't be continuing with the series.
Overall, though, this is a fun read, with a twisty enough mystery that readers (especially in the target age range) can have fun with the reveals.
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, Alcohol, and Violence
Minor: Racism and Vomit
patchy_at_best's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Alcohol, Vomit, Child death, Death, and Blood
mollymoo1234's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this book the plot is just constantly twisted and the characters are all so individual and adorable especially Beanie she’s my favourite hope you enjoy the book xx
Moderate: Racism, Death, Murder, and Suicide
Minor: Animal death, Vomit, Blood, and Alcohol
neonthenerd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Vomit, and Violence
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, and Fatphobia
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