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celestialwillow's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
rachaelbunny's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Child death, Outing, Homophobia, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Antisemitism
josworld96's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a while since I've been spending some time with Daisy and Hazel and I'm not entirely sure why. I guess it was because I was reading a few too many mystery and detective novels and at some point one needs something different. However, I was looking for a book with an academy setting and all of a sudden I stumbled upon this series again. Instantly I was looking forward to picking the series back up and to return to the school!
Although this book is written quite recently I love how it has the atmosphere of the older boarding school novels by Enid Blyton I loved so much as a kid. The classes of course are the same, since these books aren't taking place that much later, and even some of the stereotypes are the same. That gives the book something familiar, something cozy, the feeling of coming home. But, the murder mystery totally adds a new dimension to the story.
And I have to say that this murder mystery absolutely was a good one. I liked how the author took her time to describe the circumstances, how the school had changed and what could possibly lead to a crime this horrible. Since the author did her job so well, it was easy to believe that everyone could have done it. And along the way the characters are quite clever, really taking things seriously and not ignoring red flags or weird signs. I love that.
What I also love is that the author doesn't just write a whodunnit focussing on nothing but the murder case. She also makes time for character growth (well, growth...) and emotional issues the characters are struggling with. Not only our heroines, by the way, but also the side characters. And by portraying all those issues, Stevens manages to portray a honest and not always pretty picture of life right before the second world war broke out.
Although this book is written quite recently I love how it has the atmosphere of the older boarding school novels by Enid Blyton I loved so much as a kid. The classes of course are the same, since these books aren't taking place that much later, and even some of the stereotypes are the same. That gives the book something familiar, something cozy, the feeling of coming home. But, the murder mystery totally adds a new dimension to the story.
And I have to say that this murder mystery absolutely was a good one. I liked how the author took her time to describe the circumstances, how the school had changed and what could possibly lead to a crime this horrible. Since the author did her job so well, it was easy to believe that everyone could have done it. And along the way the characters are quite clever, really taking things seriously and not ignoring red flags or weird signs. I love that.
What I also love is that the author doesn't just write a whodunnit focussing on nothing but the murder case. She also makes time for character growth (well, growth...) and emotional issues the characters are struggling with. Not only our heroines, by the way, but also the side characters. And by portraying all those issues, Stevens manages to portray a honest and not always pretty picture of life right before the second world war broke out.
bergenslabben's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
mehsi's review
5.0
The girls are back, and this time we have a whole book about their boarding school: Deep Dean, again! I was delighted that we were back, don't get me wrong, I loved all the other books, but there is just something special about boarding school + mystery (+ murder).
Yes murder! Deep Dean has yet another murder, this time not a teacher, or a caretaker, this time it is a student. Who could have done it? One of her five friends (cohorts)? And who is telling all the secrets that Elizabeth kept?
It was all terribly exciting, and I had so much fun detecting next to Hazel (and also at times: Daisy). Trying to find out who did what and what had happened. Some stuff was quite easy to figure out (like the rake, the secret spreader, and some others), but some stuff was well hidden. Maybe if I re-read this book one day I will see the other hints to the stuff that I might have missed.
It also didn't make it easier that any of the 5 friends could have done it. They all had secrets, they all had something to protect. Now it was the question who was the one who had the most valuable secret.
The murder wasn't the only thing that was discussed and a big point though. We also have a shift between Daisy and Hazel. Hazel who has no clue, and Daisy being Daisy again (in other words insufferable, bossy, mean). And yes, I can imagine that Daisy might not be happy, but I felt that Daisy was a bit too selfish at times. Instead of just talking it over, instead of doing anything, she just got angry at Hazel, it took so long before something happened that made me love Daisy again.
Yes, Daisy was never truly my favourite character, but in this one I just wanted to stuff her full of bun break cookies until she popped. I have to say, and this may sound mean, but she sounded like Elizabeth at times. Maybe a little less mean, less inclined to abuse secrets, but still just as bossy, demanding, and seeing the world only through her eyes, thinking the world revolved around only herself.
Hazel is my favourite character, followed by Beanie. Hazel is just such a sweet, great girl. Who tries her best to do good at school, to ignore the mean words people often tell her because of her heritage. I also love how she likes bun breaks and eating food. And how she still does things even when they frighten her. Like climbing on top of the roof of the Deep Dean building. She did all that, and not many will do the same.
I also love how her brain works, how smart she is.
Beanie is just so much funny, and I love how energetic this girl is. Just like Hazel she is also brave, and will protect her friends (which was a totally great part). I hope to see more of her in the next books.
Another character I just couldn't stand was Binny. What a horrendous, shallow, bleh girl that is. :|
But other than that this book is stuffed to the brim with mystery, friendship, murder, secrets, and much much more, and I enjoyed it just so much.
One last thing, we already had a share of history being featured in this book, and this time we had the Nazi Germany part. It is 1933, Hitler is in charge and planning all sorts of things which in the end will lead to WWII. It was really interesting to see that interwoven with the characters (and one character especially).
All in all, this was one fun book to read, and I would highly recommend it to everyone looking for a great mystery (be sure to read the other books first though, otherwise you will miss certain things).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Yes murder! Deep Dean has yet another murder, this time not a teacher, or a caretaker, this time it is a student. Who could have done it? One of her five friends (cohorts)? And who is telling all the secrets that Elizabeth kept?
It was all terribly exciting, and I had so much fun detecting next to Hazel (and also at times: Daisy). Trying to find out who did what and what had happened. Some stuff was quite easy to figure out (like the rake, the secret spreader, and some others), but some stuff was well hidden. Maybe if I re-read this book one day I will see the other hints to the stuff that I might have missed.
It also didn't make it easier that any of the 5 friends could have done it. They all had secrets, they all had something to protect. Now it was the question who was the one who had the most valuable secret.
The murder wasn't the only thing that was discussed and a big point though. We also have a shift between Daisy and Hazel. Hazel who has no clue, and Daisy being Daisy again (in other words insufferable, bossy, mean). And yes, I can imagine that Daisy might not be happy, but I felt that Daisy was a bit too selfish at times. Instead of just talking it over, instead of doing anything, she just got angry at Hazel, it took so long before something happened that made me love Daisy again.
Yes, Daisy was never truly my favourite character, but in this one I just wanted to stuff her full of bun break cookies until she popped. I have to say, and this may sound mean, but she sounded like Elizabeth at times. Maybe a little less mean, less inclined to abuse secrets, but still just as bossy, demanding, and seeing the world only through her eyes, thinking the world revolved around only herself.
Hazel is my favourite character, followed by Beanie. Hazel is just such a sweet, great girl. Who tries her best to do good at school, to ignore the mean words people often tell her because of her heritage. I also love how she likes bun breaks and eating food. And how she still does things even when they frighten her. Like climbing on top of the roof of the Deep Dean building. She did all that, and not many will do the same.
I also love how her brain works, how smart she is.
Beanie is just so much funny, and I love how energetic this girl is. Just like Hazel she is also brave, and will protect her friends (which was a totally great part). I hope to see more of her in the next books.
Another character I just couldn't stand was Binny. What a horrendous, shallow, bleh girl that is. :|
But other than that this book is stuffed to the brim with mystery, friendship, murder, secrets, and much much more, and I enjoyed it just so much.
One last thing, we already had a share of history being featured in this book, and this time we had the Nazi Germany part. It is 1933, Hitler is in charge and planning all sorts of things which in the end will lead to WWII. It was really interesting to see that interwoven with the characters (and one character especially).
All in all, this was one fun book to read, and I would highly recommend it to everyone looking for a great mystery (be sure to read the other books first though, otherwise you will miss certain things).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
pinliepink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jessblibrarys's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
hannah_likestoread's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
mellymc's review
5.0
Another excellent case for the Detective Society. It's lovely to see the society expanding, although Wells&Wong remain the true detectives their dorm-mate assistants add a new dimension to this adventure. A jolly good read!