Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for this arc.

Robin Steven’s does it again! This is another great instalment to a fantastic series.

A fitting conclusion to the series featuring some fun mini mysteries. I enjoyed the ones with daisy and hazel and the junior Pinkertons the best- I’m not a huge fan of May but her story was there to introduce her for the next series. Overall the book was a great addition to the series and wrapped everything up nicely- although it would have been nice to read about Beanie and Kitty!

Once Upon A Crime is an enjoyable addition to the world of Wells and Wong. Packed with short stories, this book is perfect for all Detective Society fans as they await for Stevens’ next adventures following Hazel’s younger sister. I think it would be more enjoyable to read this if you had read the Murder Most Unladylike series, but it’s a good introduction to the writing of Robin Stevens otherwise.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

A short story collection following the fabulous Detective Society and friends. Two previously published stories, The Case of the Missing Treasure and The Case of the Drowned Pearl, are joined by four brand new short stories in this fabulous collection of secret mysteries. The Case of the Second Scream follows Daisy and Hazel as they return from their exploits in Hong Kong. The Case of the Uninvited Guest sees Uncle Felix and Aunt Lucy’s wedding crashed by a mysterious guest who seems to be some sort of threat. In the Hound of Weston School we get an insight into the Junior Pinkerton’s lives at school. Lastly, The Case of the Deadly Flat gives a further introduction to May Wong who will soon be the star of her own mystery series.

Last year, I devoured all of the Murder Most Unladylike Series and I absolutely loved it. Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are two of my favourite characters and I liken the first book to Malory Towers with murder. It’s just completely fabulous, so obviously I had to read this short story collection as the last of the Detective Society. I had only previously read one of these short stories (The Case of the Drowned Pearl), so most were brand new to me. I am completely terrible at picking up on clues and unravelling plots, although I love to try so I definitely didn’t manage to work out any of the culprits as I read. These stories were great fun! I particularly enjoyed seeing the Junior Pinkertons at work in The Hounds of Weston School and seeing more from behind the scenes of Alexander’s point of view.

Another highlight was The Case of the Deadly Flat as we got to explore more from May Wong who will be back in her brand new series next year! The character of May is completely splendid as Daisy would put it. She is fun and quick witted and animated – I can tell that her series is going to be excellent with her desire to solve any mystery that comes her way. It was also nice to see the contrast between her and Rose who provided some balance to May’s energy with her slower and more thoughtful perspective.

A firm 5 out of 5 stars to this fun collection of detective stories.

I'm heartbroken! This is officially the final books in Robin Stevens' Deepdean series- Wells and Wong are officially grown and the mantle has been passed to Hazel's younger sister May, though we won't get to read about her adventures until 2022! This book is comprised of several short stories, some of which have already been published elsewhere. It's therefore inaccessible to those who aren't familiar with Stevens' series (though anyone who picks it up will immediately get a sense of her writing style and the period of history she vividly brings to life) I will admit I'm not a big crime reader, and struggle to even see the dots that Wells and Wong connect so easily. I read these books for the historical detail, language, and Stevens' commitment to inclusivity. The Junior Pinkerton's take on the Hound of the Baskervilles looks at the issue of race in Edwardian Britain, amongst the middle/upper classes and the 'downstairs' staff- as well as giving readers a harrowing look at British boarding school culture (Deepdean is a paradise compared to the boy's school) In The Case of the Drowned Pearl, we feel Hazel's dismay when the British Seaside fails to compare with Hong Kong. Uncle Felix and Aunt Lucy's wedding takes place immediately before the events of Death in the Spotlight, where Daisy comes to terms with her sexuality for the first time, and provides some much-needed backstory (I can't be the only one who wondered why on earth Aunt Lucy signed the girls up for a theatre program, of all things) Finally, we get a first-person introduction to May Wong (the tiny pirate-turned-detective) and her mild older sister, who will both feature in Stevens' second series, set shortly after the outbreak of WWII. Stevens' is clearly not averse to tackling hard subjects- I live in hope that we'll get a full-length novel about the original Detective Society's adventures in fascist Spain.

What is not to love about a set of short stories from Robin Stevens. Even if you haven't read the series featuring Daisy and Hazel, these short stories are enjoyable, thrilling and exciting. They introduce you to the characters, their detective society as well as George and Alexander, their competing detective agency.

Some of these stories have been previously published as World Book Day books and are included so all readers have the opportunity to enjoy them.

I must admit I haven't read all the Daisy and Hazel books but this has certainly inspired me to start at the beginning and work my way through!

A brilliant set of stories!

I was really looking forward to this collection of short stories to complement the Murder Most Unladylike series and was not disappointed.

Daisy and Hazel's adventures are always compelling and I love the dynamic between the detective duo. Here we are also treated to a story from the Junior Pinkertons based around a mystery at their boarding school and from Hazel's little sister, May Wong, who knows there is something amiss with their neighbour's sudden death; I am now really looking forward to the next series from Robin Stevens where May will have a starring role.

I really enjoyed all the stories in this collection. It is a great companion for all Murder Most Unladylike fans, but you could easily pick it up without having read any of the others. I will definitely be recommending this to my pupils at school, many of whom are already avid readers of this series.

Very enjoyable set of short stories set in between the main books in the series. I thought it was a fun extra, and anyone who has read the series will enjoy the extra mysteries - especially as some were referenced in the series but not in any detail. Also quite enjoyed the story featuring May - who will feature in Robin Stevens's new series.