Set in a girl’s boarding school, during the 1930’s, Daisy and Hazel set up a secret detective agency. Little did they know, they would soon have a crime to solve when one of their teachers is murdered! The school seems to be covering up the murder and explaining the teacher’s absence as resignation but Hazel knows otherwise, because she was the only one to witness the dead body.

I can totally see why this is being promoted as Enid Blyton meets Agatha Christie because that is exactly what it is. As the reader, you follow Hazel and Daisy as they try to solve who murdered Miss Bell and why. There are lots of twists and red herrings along the way and I didn’t guess the murderer until they were discovered.

I adored Hazel, but I wasn’t a fan of Daisy. I didn’t like the way she often treated Hazel, especially when they first met. Hazel is from Hong Kong and very much treated like a foreign girl. She already has a lot of self doubt and anxiety which isn’t helped by Daisy’s bullying seen in a form of friendship.

Even though the book is set in the 1930’s, it has quite a modern appeal, so I can see why the series is so popular. It was Cluedo but in plot format.

I am looking forward to reading more in the series. A fabulous start to a well lived middle grade series.

This was read as part of the #neglectedfaithfuls challenge organised by the amazing Audrey @hook.me.a.book

Thanks to @randomhousekids and @netgalley for the review copy.

The start of the must adorable middle grade detective series since Nancy Drew. It is full of charm and humour, and our main character friendship pair are an utter delight. Would recommend this for kids and adults alike. You will want to keep a cup of tea and some sweet treats close, as this book is full of temptation. With its page-turning plot and fabulous characters, you'll be seeking out the rest of the series before you know it!