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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a while since I read the previous Myrtle mystery and that's mostly because the second book wasn't really my thing. I loved the first book, but for some reason the setting of the second book didn't really work for me. However, since both the fourth and fifth book have been ordered, I wanted to make sure I was all caught up and ready to dive into those new books as soon as they arrive (not that I ever do, but it's the thought that counts...).
This mystery was once more amazing and I'm really happy I didn't give up on this series after the second book. I loved the setting, I loved the atmosphere, I loved the characters and I loved how entwined the past and present mysteries were. I also liked how personal this case in a way was. And since even Myrtle didn't wanna automatically trust her mother, we couldn't do so either. No one is perfect, after all.
I also liked how this mystery allowed us to explore the city even more. Not just the part of the city above ground, but also the part of the city underground. Since this is a middle grade the descriptions aren't very lengthy and there is quite a lot we have to imagine ourselves and yet the descriptions we do get are more than enough to feel like wandering around alongside Myrtle, enjoying the Christmas vibe, the snow and all the people.
This case was also quite complicated and interesting and therefore it was hard to get a grasp on it for a long time. However, the closer I got to the finale of the book, the more I started to realize that there was only one person who had the knowledge, the means and the motive to have done it. I won't say that's a bad thing. It's always nice if things, especially in books like this, make sense and don't happen out of nowhere.
I'm already looking forward to diving into the next one!
This mystery was once more amazing and I'm really happy I didn't give up on this series after the second book. I loved the setting, I loved the atmosphere, I loved the characters and I loved how entwined the past and present mysteries were. I also liked how personal this case in a way was. And since even Myrtle didn't wanna automatically trust her mother, we couldn't do so either. No one is perfect, after all.
I also liked how this mystery allowed us to explore the city even more. Not just the part of the city above ground, but also the part of the city underground. Since this is a middle grade the descriptions aren't very lengthy and there is quite a lot we have to imagine ourselves and yet the descriptions we do get are more than enough to feel like wandering around alongside Myrtle, enjoying the Christmas vibe, the snow and all the people.
This case was also quite complicated and interesting and therefore it was hard to get a grasp on it for a long time. However, the closer I got to the finale of the book, the more I started to realize that there was only one person who had the knowledge, the means and the motive to have done it. I won't say that's a bad thing. It's always nice if things, especially in books like this, make sense and don't happen out of nowhere.
I'm already looking forward to diving into the next one!
llu343's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
anniejaneb's review
5.0
One totally unnecessary instance of “oh my god” in this book. Why??? Otherwise, we’ll written fiction for middle grades.
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
I've listened to all three (so far) books in the Myrtle Hardcastle series this year and it has been a delightful experience! The mysteries are funny, clever, entertaining, and just all kinds of enjoyable. Bethan Rose Young does an excellent job narrating. I love her.
Like the previous two books in the series, COLD-BLOODED MYRTLE offers up a cast of interesting, lovable characters; an intriguing, twisty mystery; and jaunty, well-written prose. The holiday setting makes the novel especially cozy. I loved the book, just as I have its predecessors. I can't wait for the next installment!
Like the previous two books in the series, COLD-BLOODED MYRTLE offers up a cast of interesting, lovable characters; an intriguing, twisty mystery; and jaunty, well-written prose. The holiday setting makes the novel especially cozy. I loved the book, just as I have its predecessors. I can't wait for the next installment!
abeckett's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
caitlin_lore's review
5.0
I was lucky enough to snag an early arc from @netgalley & @algonquinyr, and goodness me, this historical mystery series is just so fun!
I love Myrtle’s voice, her desire to solve investigations (proving that girls can!), & her deep love for her friends and family. Her newest case has me clamoring for Christmas, and this is a mystery that reminds me how much I love to curl up with cozies during the Christmas season.
In this newest adventure, Myrtle once again is thrust into a murder investigation, only this time it’s more dangerous as she’s on the trail of a serial killer in her hometown. And this killer has a calling card.
Along with her governess Miss Judson, and some new friends, Myrtle dives into the dangerous case, uncovering a secret society as well as some other secrets along the way, hoping to wrap it all up before Christmas morning.
If you haven’t discovered Myrtle Hardcastle yet, I highly recommend jumping in with book one PREMEDITATED MYRTLE (the titles ya’ll!!!) It will not disappoint, especially as it’s an Edgar Award winner! Myrtle is a really fun, adventurous, and SMART girl, and the perfect role model for young readers.
This is a great series for budding detectives, and a fabulous entry way into the world of mysteries.
I love Myrtle’s voice, her desire to solve investigations (proving that girls can!), & her deep love for her friends and family. Her newest case has me clamoring for Christmas, and this is a mystery that reminds me how much I love to curl up with cozies during the Christmas season.
In this newest adventure, Myrtle once again is thrust into a murder investigation, only this time it’s more dangerous as she’s on the trail of a serial killer in her hometown. And this killer has a calling card.
Along with her governess Miss Judson, and some new friends, Myrtle dives into the dangerous case, uncovering a secret society as well as some other secrets along the way, hoping to wrap it all up before Christmas morning.
If you haven’t discovered Myrtle Hardcastle yet, I highly recommend jumping in with book one PREMEDITATED MYRTLE (the titles ya’ll!!!) It will not disappoint, especially as it’s an Edgar Award winner! Myrtle is a really fun, adventurous, and SMART girl, and the perfect role model for young readers.
This is a great series for budding detectives, and a fabulous entry way into the world of mysteries.
rmpiano's review
4.0
Thought I had cleverly figured this one out at the beginning - I had not. Another good read in a solid, fun, feminist series. Especially like all of the strong women that the young Irrepressible Female has in her life to look up to, and how they are valued no matter their education or station.