Artful Antics at St Bride's is the fourth Gemma Lamb cozy mystery by Debbie Young. Released 29th July 2023 by Boldwood Books it's 226 pages (electronic) and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is a fun, sweetly humorous, character driven "school-time" cozy set in a girls' school at an undisclosed fictive locale somewhere in the Cotswolds. All the staff (even the school cat) are harboring secrets. English teacher (and amateur sleuth) Gemma is up to hear ears with stress when her school flat is wrecked in a natural disaster, mysterious benefactors aren't on the up and up, and McPhee (the school cat) has gone missing.

Four stars. The language is clean and there's no questionable content. There's a sweetly nostalgic Enid Blyton vibe. With four books extant in the series (all available on kindle unlimited), it would be a good candidate for a long weekend binge or buddy read. It's nice to find a nice "safe" well written cozy series to enjoy, and this is a humorous, gently written one.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

Gemma Lamb is back at St Bride’s in her fourth adventure, along with Joe, Oriana, Hairnet, the Bursar – all the old favourites.

As this is a series, I would recommend reading in order to find out how Gemma ended up at St Bride’s boarding school for girls and to see the development of her relationships with the staff there (along with a few surprising revelations about said staff!). That said though, none of the backstory is really necessary to enjoy this gentle school-based mystery in its own right.

The main plot features a sullen new girl with strange family circumstances and the usual desperate need for funding at the school – due to a collapsed roof this time – requiring the girls to get creative (and artistic, as you can tell from the title) to try to raise some funds. Add in a splash of romance with Joe, some humour – I do have a soft spot for Max Security – and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a lovely, quick and easy read that would be suitable for mystery lovers tween-aged upward (no sex, violence or bad language… just pure, clean family fun!).

The comparisons to both St Trinian’s and Mallory Towers are very appropriate, as staff and girls get into scrapes and hi-jinks, so for fans of those classics there is a pleasant sheen of nostalgia over these stories as well, even though they have a fresh style of their own.

I confess that I am now thoroughly obsessed with St Bride’s and fully intend to read every single book in this series! I need to know whether Gemma and Joe ever make things work with their work-life balance, whether Oriana ever lands a millionaire and whether the library, art block and sports department ever do manage to get fully-funded! I’ll keep you posted as I find out…

This was a really fun cozy mystery. I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, though. Anticipating the next volume eagerly!

This cosy mystery by Debbie Young is a simple, sweet and pleasant read. It is unusual that a book's blurb ends up being an accurate description as is the case with Artful Antics at St. Bride's.
For those who would have read the previous 3 books, things are going pretty well for the other teachers. The school girls are actually quite entertaining and feel like real students. The mystery is extremely predictable and I knew what was going on by the first 30% of the book. It didn't ruin the reading experience because the highlight is the Slice of life English countryside presented.
For those fed up with cosy mysteries but still loving the concept, I think that this book can be a great refreshment.

♦️Gemma Lamb works as an English teacher at St. Bride's School, a boarding school in Cotswolds. When the school reopens after half term, upon entering her accomodation, she realizes that the roof has been destroyed by storms and needs repair before it can be fit for living. The school headmistress, Miss Harnett asks the students to set up businesses, whose profit can be utilised to repair the roof of the teachers' accommodation. When a new girl, Frieda joins the school, Gemma realizes that everything about her seems odd. Her sponsor, Mr. Goldsman-Coutts, who claims to be a businessman seems to have very little idea about his field inspite of being filthy rich. Her father, Mr. Ehrlich has no sense of road rules inspite of being a driver. Why is Frieda not ready to reveal her nationality? Where is Miss Harnett's cat, McPhee? Is Mr. Goldsman-Coutts involved in some illegal money-making? Will it jeopardize the school's reputation? How will Gemma get the answer to these questions?

💥It is the fourth book in the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series by the author. Though I did not read any other books in the series, I did not have any issue in understanding the plot. Thus, it can also be read as a stand alone. I really loved the setting of the story, which gives an idea about the life at a boarding school both for the teachers and the students. The picturesque description of the landscape and the old school building was mesmerizing. The mystery element and the way everything turned out at the end deserves praise.

💥Gemma Lamb is the narrator and the protagonist of the story. She teaches English in the school and is in a relationship with Joe, the sports teacher. Though it's not been a year that she has joined the school, she has helped in solving other mysteries related to this school with her wit. This time too, she tries to unearth the mystery revolving around Freida with a bit of help from a friend and her colleagues.

💥I love cozy mysteries and this was not an exception. There is suspense, romance , humour and many other things that one can ask for. So, mystery lovers can definitely check this out.
        I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the DRC.

As a new author to me I found Artful Antic at St Bride’s a really engaging story that was an excellent gentle read that held my interest as any good cosy mystery should. I have not read the other 3 books in this series however I think it does work well as a standalone. I might actually go and read the others now though.

Sometimes I just like a great easy read that I can just sit back and enjoy and this book certainly fits that bill. If you’ve never tried a cosy mystery then this series would be a great place to start. Full of fun, highly likeable characters and an engaging story, full of intrigue that keeps you guessing. A perfect cosy mystery.

As an English teacher who grew up wishing she could go to Mallory Towers, this is the perfect mystery series for me!

I love the idea of an expensive and elusive but sometimes slightly bonkers boarding school.

This term starts with a disaster as the roof of the stately home is leaking, and Gemma and Orianna are forced to leave their staff apartments and move into the former scullery maid rooms. With funds ending low, they need to come up with a plan to rebuild the roof.

There’s also a mystery new pupil, Frieda, whose father appears to be a chauffeur/gardener and whose fees are being sponsored by a mysterious millionaire who has bought Torrid Manor, a nearby crumbling mansion.

As the girls create their own businesses, Gemma sets out to unravel the mystery of a millionaire who appears to know little about the world of business and a chauffeur who drives like a learner.

There is so much warmth and good humour in this book. The dialogue is fizzy and genuinely funny – the scenes with the girls will make you smile!

I confess that I did work out some of the ‘what’ of the mystery, but the ‘why’ kept me guessing, and it was fun to see how everything would finally be revealed.

This is a quick cosy read that is perfect for a rainy summer afternoon. St Brides would make a great TV series. This series is on my auto buy list, and I look forward to Gemma and the team’s next adventure.

"Artful Antics at St Bride's" by Debbie Young is a delightful and charming addition to the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series. English teacher Gemma Lamb finds herself in a series of hilarious and unpredictable situations when her school flat is damaged by storms, prompting the eccentric headmistress, Hairnet, to devise a unique solution. The girls must create their own businesses to fund the repairs, leading to a chain of comical misadventures.

The arrival of the bossy new girl, Frieda Ehrlich, sponsored by a mysterious local tycoon with dubious origins, adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the story. Concerned for the school's reputation, Gemma enlists the help of an old friend to investigate the tycoon's background, putting her budding romance with sports teacher Joe Spryke at risk. The plot skillfully weaves together humorous incidents, romance, and sleuthing, keeping readers engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Debbie Young's writing exudes warmth and wit, and her characters are endearing and well-developed. Gemma's determination and intelligence shine through as she endeavors to unravel the mysteries surrounding Frieda and her enigmatic sponsor. The camaraderie among the school's staff and students adds depth to the narrative, making it a joy to immerse oneself in the world of St Bride's.

"Artful Antics at St Bride's" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of St Trinian's and those who enjoyed reading Malory Towers during their youth. The story's nostalgic charm and whimsical tone will resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are a long-time follower of Gemma Lamb's adventures or a newcomer to the series, this book offers a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and heartwarming moments.

With its engaging plot and lovable characters, "Artful Antics at St Bride's" is a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts and anyone seeking a lighthearted and captivating escape into the world of a charming English boarding school. I gladly award this book four stars and wholeheartedly recommend it to all readers looking for a delightful and entertaining read.

I hadn't read this series before but I am so glad I did, I love the St Trinians vibe. This book so easy to read and I flew through it in one afternoon. This is such a cozy, sweet series and I will definitely go back to read the previous books in this series. The characters are so well written and are a wonderful mix of quirky personalities and I can't wait to read more of their madcap adventures.

I've not really read many cozy mysteries but this one sounded interesting. I believe it is part of a series but I read it stand alone.

I loved that it was set in an English all girls boarding school and was full of so many quirky characters. I enjoyed some of the girls' fundraising suggestions when they were raising money to fix the roof.

I was intrigued by the mysterious girl who joined part way through term and kept trying to guess who her sponsor was. I was surprised when the truth came out.

This is a lovely easy book to read which I would recommend if you like a fun, cozy mystery.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachels Random Resources for my gifted ARC copy.

It’s February, the start of another half term at St. Bride’s Boarding School for Girls, and not a great one when Gemma and Oriana find their apartments uninhabitable due to a water leak from the crumbling roof of the old Grade I building. Repair costs that the poor old bursar, now revealed as Gemma’s biological father, will be unable to cover but he and headmistress The Hairnet have a cunning idea – this term’s Essential Skills Challenge will now be known as “Raise the Roof with Your New Business” and all profits will contribute. A new Germanic pupil, Frieda Ehrlich, joins the school, sponsored by a local business tycoon, but everyone thinks Sebastian Goldman-Coutts, Frieda’s sponsor who has recently moved into nearby decrepit Torrid Manor, is decidedly iffy. Hugely rich but no one knows how he makes his money. Even millionaire-mad Oriana has given him a wide berth. So when Gemma receives an invite to chaperone Frieda to the manor for dinner, she can’t wait to do some sleuthing and find out more about this mysterious man, aided and abetted by Oriana’s half-brother, journalist Oliver Galsworthy. Will the wonderfully entrepreneurial schoolgirls make enough money to fix the roof? Will Oliver get his “scoop”? And what’s the deal with Frieda’s father, Goldman-Coutts’ incredibly inept gardener and chauffeur? You’ll have to read the book to find out!!
The eccentric and rather splendid cast of staff, bringing back happy memories of the St. Trinian films, are all present and correct, including Hazel, Mavis, Gemma’s boyfriend PE teacher Joe Spryke (now officially male!), McPhee the wonderfully intuitive and empathetic school cat and Max Security, the omnipresent protection officer, in a new adventure in this cosy and very witty series oozing with humour and charm. It gets better and better with each new story and I do look forward to reading more about these incredibly likeable characters.

Artful Antics at St Bride's by Debbie Young

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When English teacher Gemma Lamb’s school flat is wrecked by storms, maverick headmistress Hairnet insists the girls must fund its repair by setting up their own businesses – the start of a series of hilarious unintended consequences. Meanwhile Gemma’s worries are compounded by the arrival of bossy new girl Frieda Ehrlich, sponsored by a mysterious local tycoon whose wealth is of dubious origins. Fearful for the school’s reputation, Gemma recruits an old friend to help investigate the tycoon’s credentials, jeopardising her romance with sports teacher Joe Spryke. What is Frieda hiding? Why is her sponsor living in a derelict manor house? Why is his chauffeur such a crazed driver? And what has become of McPhee, Hairnet’s precious black cat? With a little help from her friends, Gemma is determined to solve these mysteries, restore her flat and save the school. For anyone who loved St Trinian’s – old or new – or read Malory Towers as a kid. St Brides is the perfect read for you!

My Opinion

This is a nice, cosy mystery that I managed to read in one sitting. This is a wonderful series and so far I have really enjoyed every book I have read. When a new student arrives at St Bride's, Gemma's attention is grabbed by the address the new student's sponsor claims to be living at. Gemma feels the need to investigate and reaches out to an old friend for help.

This is a great addition to the series and whilst it could be read as a standalone, you would be missing out.

Rating: 4/5

A story set in St Bride's, a girls' boarding school,
Where Gemma Lamb is a teacher trying to be cool.
With friendships, romance and mystery
As well as a cat star, that's McPhee!

Returning from her half term holiday
Her water logged flat causes dismay.
St Bride's roof has sprung more than a leak
Now repair fundings they desperately seek!

A bossy, belligerent new pupil doesn't help at all,
Sponsored by a new local no one can recall.
Does the new girl also have secrets too?
Gemma determinedly seeks out every clue!

With fund raising antics and so much to do
Supporting students and seeking the next clue.
What is the mystery and is St Bride's in danger?
Who is this man - and his chauffeur who is stranger?

With mysteries growing, Gemma seeks to discover
Just what the business man is trying to keep undercover.
Is he really a wealthy tycoon or something dire?
Her sleuthing needs he sets on fire.

A cosy mystery with great characters, too,
A fun read I recommend to you.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Love the adventures at St Brides, and this one add to the cosy mystery series. Loved easing about the recurring characters and new. An easy and fast pace mystery to follow.

This book was like reading a Mallory Towers book which I still love and read occasionally. This was a lovely story and read as a stand alone book. I throughly enjoyed this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

It’s always good to be back with Gemma Lamb on another adventure at St Bride’s.
This one is all about a new pupil who comes with mystery! As usual Gemma is on the case and solves it along with all the loose ends being tied up. A good read with surprising results.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 4 in the St Brides cosy mystery series and just as good as the rest, a fabulous standalone too. Frieda starts at the school midterm and Gemma finds herself worrying about her and the possible disruption she’ll cause, she’s a bit blunt and doesn’t seem to like anything or anyone.

Meanwhile, part of the roof above Gemma and Olivier’s rooms has collapsed during the half term leaving the rooms soaked and uninhabitable. So the girls are encouraged to start businesses to raise funds to help repair the roof and redecorate the rooms.

Frieda seems to be hiding something and Gemma gets invited for dinner to the house her father and sponsor are staying in, a derelict Manor House near the school. Another weird evening ensues from this and causes Gemma to wonder who these people really are and what they’re hiding.

I nearly guessed what was going on but not quite, hints but not quite enough throughout the story tell the tale and leave you wondering too. Looking forward to the next instalment of this great cosy series.

This latest book about St Brides boarding school for girls is just as good as the previous ones. Frieda Echlich is the new girl who turns up this term and appears very bossy and looks down her nose at everyone and everything. Her sponsor is a tycoon who is living in the nearby derelict manor house but when googled no one can find out anything about him. All is not what it seems and they are obviously hiding something. Added to this the school roof needs replacing somewhat urgently so the girls are tasked with coming up with business ideas to raise funds. I find Debbie Young’s books easy to read and follow. There is enough backstory of each character in each book if you haven’t read any before, but I’d highly recommend you do as they are so good. Great characters and locations. Perfect for those who loved St Clare’s and Mallory Tower books, or any other similar ones. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

I never miss a chance to return to St. Brides if I can help it; the stories are always entertaining and original, and reminiscent of books I loved to read as a child (Malory Towers, St Clares etc) - and who can resist a stroll down memory lane?
With two storylines running alongside each other that provide both fun and mystery, my fourth visit to St Brides is as engaging as ever. The fun element comes as a result of some rather serious storms that have flooded parts of the school - primarily the teachers' accommodation. With funding always an issue, the students are encouraged to create small businesses to generate income while learning business skills. Some of their ideas are off the wall, yet others have a real chance of succeeding. That said, at times, these ideas result in some wonderfully, wacky scenarios that bring a lovely touch of humour to the story.
Mystery arrives at St Brides in the form of new student with a wealthy sponsor, whose background raises Gemma's suspicions - who is Frieda Ehrlich and why St Brides? Gemma's investigations expose a well-kept secret, one that is kept under wraps until the end and, as such, held my attention to the extent that I read this well-paced story in one afternoon.
With familiar and relateable characters, St Brides offers a cosy vibe with plenty of humour and a gentle and intriguing mystery.