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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I have kind of complex feelings about this one. On one hand, I thought the plot was really well done—it felt very much like a Christie novel but for a middle-grade audience. A Nancy Drew-esque but darker and more nuanced. So that part was incredible. I also really loved Hazel—I especially connected to her constant disappointment of missing out on food because of the investigation. That would honestly be me in this situation.
The thing that really disappointed me was the friendship between Hazel and Daisy. Daisy treats her awfully for like 95% of the book and Hazel is just like 'Yep, this one here is my best friend'. I want to continue with the series, so I hope Daisy becomes a better friend (and person in general!)
I have kind of complex feelings about this one. On one hand, I thought the plot was really well done—it felt very much like a Christie novel but for a middle-grade audience. A Nancy Drew-esque but darker and more nuanced. So that part was incredible. I also really loved Hazel—I especially connected to her constant disappointment of missing out on food because of the investigation. That would honestly be me in this situation.
The thing that really disappointed me was the friendship between Hazel and Daisy. Daisy treats her awfully for like 95% of the book and Hazel is just like 'Yep, this one here is my best friend'. I want to continue with the series, so I hope Daisy becomes a better friend (and person in general!)
A really enjoyable murder mystery that definitely shocked me! I could easily relate to the character of Hazel. Really good book, definitely worth the read!
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am always on the lookout for good mysteries for my middle school students and this one ticks all the boxes. While the English boarding school may be unfamiliar to many of my students, two smart girls problem solving is not. I liked the differences in personality in the main characters, Daisy and Hazel. There was the right amount of suspense and not too much mention of the actual murder so it wasn’t gory. Hazel’s obsession with cookies was admirable. Fans of old-fashioned type mysteries will enjoy this book. 6th grade and up.
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Nice mystery, but one of the main characters is blatantly racist, and the boarding school environment way too uncomfortable to read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Racism, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
This was SO much fun. Particularly loved how integral bun breaks and trips to the tea shop were to the Deepdean way of life.