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Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #5
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity
What is Amateur Detective Myrtle Hardcastle to do when her beloved governess inherits an estate on a Scottish island? Why, find a haunted brooch, break an ancient curse, and catch a murderer, of course!
When her governess inherits an estate on a Scottish island, amateur detective Myrtle Hardcastle couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, the ancestral castle is both run-down and haunted. Ghostly moans echo in the walls, and there are rumors of a cursed treasure lost on the island—an ancient silver brooch that may have cost the former lord his life. But who had the motive, means, and opportunity to kill him? And could this Scottish trip mean the end of Myrtle's plans to get her father and governess together?
Then Myrtle's investigation stirs a villain out of hiding. The estate’s boat is stolen, so there’s no escape from the island. Myrtle is forced to play a deadly game, hunting for the brooch with a thief breathing down her neck—someone who will stop at nothing to get the treasure, even if it means murder.
When her governess inherits an estate on a Scottish island, amateur detective Myrtle Hardcastle couldn't be more excited. Unfortunately, the ancestral castle is both run-down and haunted. Ghostly moans echo in the walls, and there are rumors of a cursed treasure lost on the island—an ancient silver brooch that may have cost the former lord his life. But who had the motive, means, and opportunity to kill him? And could this Scottish trip mean the end of Myrtle's plans to get her father and governess together?
Then Myrtle's investigation stirs a villain out of hiding. The estate’s boat is stolen, so there’s no escape from the island. Myrtle is forced to play a deadly game, hunting for the brooch with a thief breathing down her neck—someone who will stop at nothing to get the treasure, even if it means murder.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
15 people are currently reading
4391 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth C. Bunce
14 books861 followersElizabeth C. Bunce is the Edgar Award-winning author of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery series, beginning with Premeditated Myrtle, an Edgar Allan Poe "Edgar" Award Winner, a Society of Midland Authors Honoree, a Library of Congress 2021 Book Festival Selection, Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the Year, Indie Next Pick, and finalist for both the Agatha Award and Anthony Award. Her series continues in How to Get Away with Myrtle (a #1 Amazon New Release) and Cold-Blooded Myrtle, also an Edgar Award finalist, an Agatha Award finalist, and Anthony Award finalist, as well as a Kirkus Top 10 Best Book of the Year, Indie Next Pick, a Silver Falchion Award finalist, and
Wall Street Journal
holiday guide pick. The series' fourth book, In Myrtle Peril, has garnered Elizabeth's third Anthony Award nomination and third Agatha Award nomination, and in 2023 look for the fifth book in the series, Myrtle, Means, & Opportunity! Her first novel, A Curse Dark as Gold, won the inaugural William C. Morris Award for a young adult debut novel and was named a Smithsonian Notable Book and an Amelia Bloomer Project selection. Her high fantasy Thief Errant series includes the novels StarCrossed, A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best book, and Liar's Moon, one of Kirkus Blog's Favorite YA Novels of 2011. StarCrossed and A Curse Dark as Gold have appeared on Oprah's Kids Reading List. Premeditated Myrtle was named both a Best Children's/YAA BookPage Best Book and to A Mighty Girl's Books of the Year. Her novels have been named to the ALA's Best Fiction for Young Adults list, and she is a four-time Kansas Notable Book winner. An accomplished needlewoman and historical costumer, Elizabeth lives in the Midwest with her husband, her cats, and a boggart who steals books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 22, 2023
Our favorite juvenile detective is off to Scotland with Miss Judson, Cook, and Peony. They will find themselves on a somewhat remote island with a murder mystery to solve and treasure to find. Dear reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the gorgeous setting midst "loch and quay." Myrtle was her resourceful and precocious self. Miss Judson has some new prospects in her future. Will that little box ever make its way out of Mr. Hardcastle's desk? Cook was an I deniable asset on the expedition. They could not have managed without her. Peony was unremarkable and a bit disappointing. There are plenty of dogs on the island to add to the pet quota. Enjoyed the locked room vibes, but not my favorite of the series. The Scottish speak was a bit overwhelming. Might work better on audio. The Scottish lexicon is also helpful. See if you can spot the term that doesn't belong. Heres a hint, dear reader: it rhymes with Boo.
Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
2.5 stars ✨ Secular Middle-Grade - Historical Mystery
Oh, Myrtle! What an adventure these five books have been and while there might be another Myrtle book someday, I can honestly say that I’m not mad with the series ending here and would almost prefer it.
This narrator for this series really is top notch in my opinion, every character sounded different where towards the end you could place each one without the name being said. The Scottish accents the narrator did were great! And much needed as I struggled when trying to read them much like Myrtle did as she heard them. I think I would have enjoyed the book less if I had to decode everything the Scottish clan was saying—which they all talked, a lot.
This really has been such a fun series. Very victorian and very intriguing. The writing style is great as well because of the added footnotes and Myrtle breaking the fourth wall by saying “Dear Reader,” to give us extra information. This series is not one I would recommend for sensitive middle-grade readers, but older preteens who like mysteries and murders are okay with the family may really enjoy this series. Some language here and there throughout the series.
Unlike the prior books where when a dashed word appears in the book and the audiobook narrator does it like a skip, in this book’s audiobook the actual word was said despite it being dashed out in the physical book. I still hold to the belief that words like “damned”—or the dashed out version of it—shouldn’t be used in a middle-grade book.
I wasn’t sure how the ghost element of this book would go, but I was pleasantly surprised that the author kept it with science and Myrtle (who doesn’t believe in ghosts at all) determined to find out if there are mortals behind these “ghost” sightings. Until an event at the very end of this book, it’s all looked upon as unreal, more about that in the content section below. I did dock half a star because of it.
I will continue to say that this isn’t a series I would hand over to an eight-year-old because murder in middle-grade books make me, quite frankly, uncomfortable. I would definitely mark this as Upper Middle-Grade and would only suggest it if the reader has been exposed to topics found in this series before. So, I guess you could say I would recommend it for older readers as a fun romp, but for younger ones with caveats because of the language from adults and God’s name being taken throughout the series also by adults (both which were very unnecessary, in my honest opinion). Those warnings aside, this has been such a fun series and one I’ve looked forward to the next book and quickly reading (listening) to it soon.
Main Content-
Spiritual
The Estate that Miss Judson has inherited (in Scotland) is known to be haunted and ghosts roam the place, this is major part of the book as Myrtle hears many ghost-like noises/wails and sees white cloths around the house appearing to be specters, but as she doesn’t believe in ghosts and is determined to figure the cause of these sightings (going on ghost-hunts) and there’s many mentions of and talks about it all; A superstitious character wails and moans about the ghosts at the Hall and Myrtle quickly tells her that there’s no such thing as ghosts (as “there was no scientific proof validating the existence—or, rather, the supposed supernatural nature—of apparitions, specters, or hauntings, despite having some other eminent minds on the case.*” (the footnote leads to Arthur Conan Doyle being one for studying the paranormal); *Spoilers but notes about the “ghosts”* ; Myrtle finds plans for a Ghost Detector with the note saying “researchers theorize Special Disturbances produce Electro-Magnetic fields.” and Myrtle and the others use it, but find no “disturbances”; Myrtle wonders if a certain place still has “spectral defenders” and what those defenders were defending against; It’s noted by Myrtle that Miss Judson taps a paper as if “she could receive ghostly messages from the beyond via Morse code”.
Myrtle wonders if there is a family chapel on the island (to store a dead body) and looks around for stained-glass windows or a stone cross, but there’s no confirmation that there is one; A woman says “God rest her soul” when referring to a deceased person; A man refers to his place in Scotland as his “scrap o’heaven”.
A superstitious woman makes a “curious gesture with her left hand--akin to crossing herself” when talking about ghosts; A woman says she’s burned a dead man’s shoes so his soul can be released “otherwise he’ll [haunt] the place”.
A few mentions of keeping vigil over a dead body; A few mentions of the monster of Loch Ness; A couple mentions of an Italian monk; A couple mentions of someone making an “unholy racket”; A mention of a Roman goddess; A mention of Greek mythology and a story about the underworld.
In the author’s notes, she comments that “The nineteenth century was a period of vigorous scientific innovation. Scientists investigated every aspect of the natural world—and the supernatural world. With the aid of new technologies like electricity and electromagnets, telegraphy and radio, and sound recording, researchers were inspired to take a scientific approach to the study of paranormal phenomena like ghosts. Groups such as the Society for Psychical Research (spr.ac.uk), of which Arthur Conan Doyle was indeed a member, brought together scholars from all disciplines to investigate hauntings, spirit mediums, and psychic encounters. Some claims were readily debunked. Others remained unexplained. Although the organization, and others like it, continues its work to this day, it’s safe to say that no universally satisfactory conclusion regarding the existence or nature of ghosts has yet been reached.”
Negative:
Like with the prior Myrtle books, she gets involved with solving murders and finding the murderers and this book is no different (this includes her theories on what could have happened and her touching one to move it, a couple sentences in describing it); Myrtle comes across 2 murdered bodies, both stabbed (an example of how a body is described is quoted below); Myrtle wonders a couple of times if another is leading her and a group to their doom or to a place that no one will be able to find their bodies;
“And lying facedown in the dry pond was a man in a dark blue suit. Dumbfounded, Miss Judson and I stood there staring. … Protruding from a tiny slit in the back of his jacket was a very small, very sharp, very deadly knife. … I carefully approached the body. [The victim] lay in a shallow grave of debris, which would all need to be sorted through for evidence: dead leaf from twig from tangle of ivy. He wore old, muddy boots that didn’t match his suit. One arm was beneath him, the other by his side, palm upward on the dirty stones. It was clean and unblemished—no injuries suggested he’d fought back against his attacker—so perhaps the killer had sneaked up on him unawares. I tried to recall how tall he’d been, to estimate the height of the assailant. The knife appeared to be at a fairly straight angle, but only precise measurements would tell for sure. … His bluish fingers uncurled and something rolled out of his hand—something shiny and round: a silver emblem encircled by a strap. A clan badge.”
Being kidnapped, knocked unconscious, being locked in a fire/smoke, & being threatened with a knife (all up to a few sentences); Receiving threatening notes (including one that supposed to look like dripping blood); A woman is slapped by another (to get her to snap out of her panic).
All about and many, many mentions of the murders, the bodies, possible murders, murderers/killings, how they happened, and why they happened, and other crimes; Mentions of wars, battles, & rebellions/uprisings; Mentions of attacks, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & needing stitches (up to a couple sentences); Mentions of thieves, stealing, attempts of both, & stolen items; Mentions of a fire/smoke & an arsonist; Mentions of kidnappings/abductions & being held prisoner; Mentions of a couple men hurting/hunting animals for their enjoyment when another says that hunting is a sport and should only be following the foxes (calling the others’ traps and shooting barbaric and cruel); Mentions of mounted animal heads and spoils of a hunting lodge being displayed; Mentions of Myrtle’s concern over a Carnivorous Deer (which she is concerned might get her); Mentions of pranks (including ones at a boarding school); Mentions of rumors; A few mentions of the death of Myrtle’s mum; A few mentions of a mother dying in labor & the husband leaving his children due to not being able to be without her (never returning for them); A few mentions of vandalism; A few mentions of alcohol (including Miss Judson downing a swing of whisky after an injury which Myrtle notes she does like “a stolid old sailor”); A few mentions of a chamber pot (which Myrtle is embarrassed to need); A couple mentions of a young boy running away from school (with no consequences); A couple mentions of a possible robbery; A couple mentions of lies; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of a dog’s grief over his owner passing away; A mention of rebels being executed; A mention of a man’s father leaving him and his mother when he was a child.
Language:
Two ‘d—n’/‘d—ed’ are written out just as so and the narrator pronounces them fully as ‘damn/damned’; Miss Judson yells out the word “Salopard!” (bastard) in French (which Myrtle notes is a French word she is definitely not supposed to know) when being mugged; Miss Judson also yells out “Oh, mon dieu!” (Oh, my god) at bad news and it’s added that “A rapid string of French words unsuitable for publication followed”; Someone else yells out “wha the deil” (what the devil) and another “good heavens”; One person calls another a “pain-in-the-bahootie (booty)”; A couple mentions of curses being said or invectives in another language being aimed at someone; There’s a bit of sass/sarcasm coming from Myrtle towards others (including Miss Judson, usually when her efforts or theories are brushed off).
Sexual:
Seeing an adult couple share a kiss (twice); A woman says another is not a man’s “bygotten” (illegitimate child) and won’t have rumors spreading about it; A couple mentions of a man making eyes at a woman.
(See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4 and
Book 5)
Oh, Myrtle! What an adventure these five books have been and while there might be another Myrtle book someday, I can honestly say that I’m not mad with the series ending here and would almost prefer it.
This narrator for this series really is top notch in my opinion, every character sounded different where towards the end you could place each one without the name being said. The Scottish accents the narrator did were great! And much needed as I struggled when trying to read them much like Myrtle did as she heard them. I think I would have enjoyed the book less if I had to decode everything the Scottish clan was saying—which they all talked, a lot.
This really has been such a fun series. Very victorian and very intriguing. The writing style is great as well because of the added footnotes and Myrtle breaking the fourth wall by saying “Dear Reader,” to give us extra information. This series is not one I would recommend for sensitive middle-grade readers, but older preteens who like mysteries and murders are okay with the family may really enjoy this series. Some language here and there throughout the series.
Unlike the prior books where when a dashed word appears in the book and the audiobook narrator does it like a skip, in this book’s audiobook the actual word was said despite it being dashed out in the physical book. I still hold to the belief that words like “damned”—or the dashed out version of it—shouldn’t be used in a middle-grade book.
I wasn’t sure how the ghost element of this book would go, but I was pleasantly surprised that the author kept it with science and Myrtle (who doesn’t believe in ghosts at all) determined to find out if there are mortals behind these “ghost” sightings. Until an event at the very end of this book, it’s all looked upon as unreal, more about that in the content section below. I did dock half a star because of it.
I will continue to say that this isn’t a series I would hand over to an eight-year-old because murder in middle-grade books make me, quite frankly, uncomfortable. I would definitely mark this as Upper Middle-Grade and would only suggest it if the reader has been exposed to topics found in this series before. So, I guess you could say I would recommend it for older readers as a fun romp, but for younger ones with caveats because of the language from adults and God’s name being taken throughout the series also by adults (both which were very unnecessary, in my honest opinion). Those warnings aside, this has been such a fun series and one I’ve looked forward to the next book and quickly reading (listening) to it soon.
Main Content-
Spiritual
The Estate that Miss Judson has inherited (in Scotland) is known to be haunted and ghosts roam the place, this is major part of the book as Myrtle hears many ghost-like noises/wails and sees white cloths around the house appearing to be specters, but as she doesn’t believe in ghosts and is determined to figure the cause of these sightings (going on ghost-hunts) and there’s many mentions of and talks about it all; A superstitious character wails and moans about the ghosts at the Hall and Myrtle quickly tells her that there’s no such thing as ghosts (as “there was no scientific proof validating the existence—or, rather, the supposed supernatural nature—of apparitions, specters, or hauntings, despite having some other eminent minds on the case.*” (the footnote leads to Arthur Conan Doyle being one for studying the paranormal); *Spoilers but notes about the “ghosts”* ; Myrtle finds plans for a Ghost Detector with the note saying “researchers theorize Special Disturbances produce Electro-Magnetic fields.” and Myrtle and the others use it, but find no “disturbances”; Myrtle wonders if a certain place still has “spectral defenders” and what those defenders were defending against; It’s noted by Myrtle that Miss Judson taps a paper as if “she could receive ghostly messages from the beyond via Morse code”.
Myrtle wonders if there is a family chapel on the island (to store a dead body) and looks around for stained-glass windows or a stone cross, but there’s no confirmation that there is one; A woman says “God rest her soul” when referring to a deceased person; A man refers to his place in Scotland as his “scrap o’heaven”.
A superstitious woman makes a “curious gesture with her left hand--akin to crossing herself” when talking about ghosts; A woman says she’s burned a dead man’s shoes so his soul can be released “otherwise he’ll [haunt] the place”.
A few mentions of keeping vigil over a dead body; A few mentions of the monster of Loch Ness; A couple mentions of an Italian monk; A couple mentions of someone making an “unholy racket”; A mention of a Roman goddess; A mention of Greek mythology and a story about the underworld.
In the author’s notes, she comments that “The nineteenth century was a period of vigorous scientific innovation. Scientists investigated every aspect of the natural world—and the supernatural world. With the aid of new technologies like electricity and electromagnets, telegraphy and radio, and sound recording, researchers were inspired to take a scientific approach to the study of paranormal phenomena like ghosts. Groups such as the Society for Psychical Research (spr.ac.uk), of which Arthur Conan Doyle was indeed a member, brought together scholars from all disciplines to investigate hauntings, spirit mediums, and psychic encounters. Some claims were readily debunked. Others remained unexplained. Although the organization, and others like it, continues its work to this day, it’s safe to say that no universally satisfactory conclusion regarding the existence or nature of ghosts has yet been reached.”
Negative:
Like with the prior Myrtle books, she gets involved with solving murders and finding the murderers and this book is no different (this includes her theories on what could have happened and her touching one to move it, a couple sentences in describing it); Myrtle comes across 2 murdered bodies, both stabbed (an example of how a body is described is quoted below); Myrtle wonders a couple of times if another is leading her and a group to their doom or to a place that no one will be able to find their bodies;
“And lying facedown in the dry pond was a man in a dark blue suit. Dumbfounded, Miss Judson and I stood there staring. … Protruding from a tiny slit in the back of his jacket was a very small, very sharp, very deadly knife. … I carefully approached the body. [The victim] lay in a shallow grave of debris, which would all need to be sorted through for evidence: dead leaf from twig from tangle of ivy. He wore old, muddy boots that didn’t match his suit. One arm was beneath him, the other by his side, palm upward on the dirty stones. It was clean and unblemished—no injuries suggested he’d fought back against his attacker—so perhaps the killer had sneaked up on him unawares. I tried to recall how tall he’d been, to estimate the height of the assailant. The knife appeared to be at a fairly straight angle, but only precise measurements would tell for sure. … His bluish fingers uncurled and something rolled out of his hand—something shiny and round: a silver emblem encircled by a strap. A clan badge.”
Being kidnapped, knocked unconscious, being locked in a fire/smoke, & being threatened with a knife (all up to a few sentences); Receiving threatening notes (including one that supposed to look like dripping blood); A woman is slapped by another (to get her to snap out of her panic).
All about and many, many mentions of the murders, the bodies, possible murders, murderers/killings, how they happened, and why they happened, and other crimes; Mentions of wars, battles, & rebellions/uprisings; Mentions of attacks, injuries, pain, blood/bleeding, & needing stitches (up to a couple sentences); Mentions of thieves, stealing, attempts of both, & stolen items; Mentions of a fire/smoke & an arsonist; Mentions of kidnappings/abductions & being held prisoner; Mentions of a couple men hurting/hunting animals for their enjoyment when another says that hunting is a sport and should only be following the foxes (calling the others’ traps and shooting barbaric and cruel); Mentions of mounted animal heads and spoils of a hunting lodge being displayed; Mentions of Myrtle’s concern over a Carnivorous Deer (which she is concerned might get her); Mentions of pranks (including ones at a boarding school); Mentions of rumors; A few mentions of the death of Myrtle’s mum; A few mentions of a mother dying in labor & the husband leaving his children due to not being able to be without her (never returning for them); A few mentions of vandalism; A few mentions of alcohol (including Miss Judson downing a swing of whisky after an injury which Myrtle notes she does like “a stolid old sailor”); A few mentions of a chamber pot (which Myrtle is embarrassed to need); A couple mentions of a young boy running away from school (with no consequences); A couple mentions of a possible robbery; A couple mentions of lies; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of a dog’s grief over his owner passing away; A mention of rebels being executed; A mention of a man’s father leaving him and his mother when he was a child.
Language:
Two ‘d—n’/‘d—ed’ are written out just as so and the narrator pronounces them fully as ‘damn/damned’; Miss Judson yells out the word “Salopard!” (bastard) in French (which Myrtle notes is a French word she is definitely not supposed to know) when being mugged; Miss Judson also yells out “Oh, mon dieu!” (Oh, my god) at bad news and it’s added that “A rapid string of French words unsuitable for publication followed”; Someone else yells out “wha the deil” (what the devil) and another “good heavens”; One person calls another a “pain-in-the-bahootie (booty)”; A couple mentions of curses being said or invectives in another language being aimed at someone; There’s a bit of sass/sarcasm coming from Myrtle towards others (including Miss Judson, usually when her efforts or theories are brushed off).
Sexual:
Seeing an adult couple share a kiss (twice); A woman says another is not a man’s “bygotten” (illegitimate child) and won’t have rumors spreading about it; A couple mentions of a man making eyes at a woman.
(See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4 and
Book 5)
October 26, 2023
Myrtle and Miss Judson are traveling to Scotland to inspect the estate which Miss Judson has just inherited from her great-uncle. There are rumors of ghosts around the estate, and a long-lost treasure of the MacJudd clan. Myrtle's detective skills are called upon when a man is discovered dead in the pond. Since the estate is located on a remote island, the police will not arrive for several days, so Myrtle must uncover evidence and follow the clues herself.
The mystery plot is excellent as Myrtle follows the clues, sorting out the facts from the red herrings. Everyone seems to be hiding something or lying about something, but which are innocent lies told to cover up embarrassment or fear, and which are covering up a murder?
The Scottish setting is so wonderful! I really loved the Scottish characters with their strong brogue. Myrtle and Miss Judson are immediately immersed into the rich Scottish culture as Miss Judson discovers her clan heritage.
I love how humorous the writing is! There is a lot of witty dialogue, and cute aside comments to the reader. It’s hilarious and wonderful!
The character development is absolutely phenomenal. Each book in the series seems to focus on Myrtle's relationship with one of the other characters, and in this book it is Myrtle and Miss Judson. They have always been very close, but their trust is really challenged in this book, as Myrtle is afraid that she will lose Miss Judson. Brilliant writing!
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I’m so sad that this is the last book in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The mystery plot is excellent as Myrtle follows the clues, sorting out the facts from the red herrings. Everyone seems to be hiding something or lying about something, but which are innocent lies told to cover up embarrassment or fear, and which are covering up a murder?
The Scottish setting is so wonderful! I really loved the Scottish characters with their strong brogue. Myrtle and Miss Judson are immediately immersed into the rich Scottish culture as Miss Judson discovers her clan heritage.
I love how humorous the writing is! There is a lot of witty dialogue, and cute aside comments to the reader. It’s hilarious and wonderful!
The character development is absolutely phenomenal. Each book in the series seems to focus on Myrtle's relationship with one of the other characters, and in this book it is Myrtle and Miss Judson. They have always been very close, but their trust is really challenged in this book, as Myrtle is afraid that she will lose Miss Judson. Brilliant writing!
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. I’m so sad that this is the last book in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 19, 2023
This series has been on the biggest [and best] surprise reads for me this year. I knew nothing except that it was children's - middle grade and that they are historical mysteries. What I didn't know what that I was about to dive into one of the BEST CMG historical mysteries that I have read in a very long time [I will say that Myrtle reminds me of Flavia, though those are not kids books, and that is one of the highest compliments I can pay Myrtle] and I have just been blown away by the writing, the settings, the mysteries and the characters, and the newest book in the series was no different, with the exception that it really was the best of the series.
Miss Judson has inherited land in Scotland from someone she doesn't even know [its weird how family works sometimes] and so she and Myrtle [along with Cook and Peony, because there was NO WAY Peony was staying home - SHE is one of the best characters ever] head off to Scotland and a V E R Y remote island and a castle and a mystery that keeps taunting them [and us, the reader] until you are at the edge of your seat and hanging on by fingertips until the reveal and end. And what a glorious end that was. SO satisfying.
I do have to give props to the narrator Bethan Rose Young - she has truly added to the story and with this one, she had quite the job; and English accent can be tough enough, but add in Scottish [the characters spoke both english Scots and Scottish - there is a lovely explanation at the end of the book that was very illuminating] and a narrator has quite the job and she handles it fantastically. She is amazing and I look forward to listening to her again and again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth C. Bunce, and Algonquin Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Miss Judson has inherited land in Scotland from someone she doesn't even know [its weird how family works sometimes] and so she and Myrtle [along with Cook and Peony, because there was NO WAY Peony was staying home - SHE is one of the best characters ever] head off to Scotland and a V E R Y remote island and a castle and a mystery that keeps taunting them [and us, the reader] until you are at the edge of your seat and hanging on by fingertips until the reveal and end. And what a glorious end that was. SO satisfying.
I do have to give props to the narrator Bethan Rose Young - she has truly added to the story and with this one, she had quite the job; and English accent can be tough enough, but add in Scottish [the characters spoke both english Scots and Scottish - there is a lovely explanation at the end of the book that was very illuminating] and a narrator has quite the job and she handles it fantastically. She is amazing and I look forward to listening to her again and again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth C. Bunce, and Algonquin Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2025
Starring Miss Judson
At the end of Elizabeth C. Bunce's In Myrtle Peril Myrtle (snooping in his desk) discovered hints that her father, Arthur Hardcastle, had secret plans that involved jewelry and boarding schools. In book 5, Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity, we find out almost immediately what those plans were. You've probably already figured it out.
The real action, however, kicks off when Miss Judson receives a thick letter telling her that she has inherited an estate in Scotland from a great-uncle she has never even heard of. Well, you know Miss Judson, so you know that she immediately decides to go there herself, to see this estate and decide what to do about it. She takes Myrtle along, of course, and (this was a bit of a surprise) also Cook. Arthur Hardcastle, having obligations, is not immediately free to accompany them.
The estate is located on the (fictional) island Dunfyne in (nonfictional) Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland and sports the ancestral mansion of Clan MacJudd (whose scion Miss Judson is), Rockfforde Hall. Dunfyne is isolated -- accessible only by boat, and without regular ferry service. We thus have something like a locked-room mystery, with everyone trapped on Dunfyne. There's a lost treasure to hunt for and, eventually, a murder or two to investigate.
Miss Judson has always been one of the principal characters of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries, but she is even more central to this one than to the previous ones. Of course, like all the novels, this one is narrated in the first person by Myrtle, so Miss Judson can't entirely hog the focus.
Bunce obviously has a lot of fun rendering Scots dialect. In fact, she ends with an appendix entitled "Hardcastle & Craig’s Brief Scots Lexicon" that contains, for instance, this entry
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity is, I think, the best of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries. The action is exciting, the mysteries are intriguing, and the action never lets up.
In her Acknowledgements Bunce writes
Blog review.
At the end of Elizabeth C. Bunce's In Myrtle Peril Myrtle (snooping in his desk) discovered hints that her father, Arthur Hardcastle, had secret plans that involved jewelry and boarding schools. In book 5, Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity, we find out almost immediately what those plans were. You've probably already figured it out.
The real action, however, kicks off when Miss Judson receives a thick letter telling her that she has inherited an estate in Scotland from a great-uncle she has never even heard of. Well, you know Miss Judson, so you know that she immediately decides to go there herself, to see this estate and decide what to do about it. She takes Myrtle along, of course, and (this was a bit of a surprise) also Cook. Arthur Hardcastle, having obligations, is not immediately free to accompany them.
The estate is located on the (fictional) island Dunfyne in (nonfictional) Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland and sports the ancestral mansion of Clan MacJudd (whose scion Miss Judson is), Rockfforde Hall. Dunfyne is isolated -- accessible only by boat, and without regular ferry service. We thus have something like a locked-room mystery, with everyone trapped on Dunfyne. There's a lost treasure to hunt for and, eventually, a murder or two to investigate.
Miss Judson has always been one of the principal characters of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries, but she is even more central to this one than to the previous ones. Of course, like all the novels, this one is narrated in the first person by Myrtle, so Miss Judson can't entirely hog the focus.
Bunce obviously has a lot of fun rendering Scots dialect. In fact, she ends with an appendix entitled "Hardcastle & Craig’s Brief Scots Lexicon" that contains, for instance, this entry
Scube Dubh (a mystery-solving Great Dane)That's just Bunce having a little fun. The term "scube dubh" does appear in the novel, but it refers to a shovel.
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity is, I think, the best of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries. The action is exciting, the mysteries are intriguing, and the action never lets up.
In her Acknowledgements Bunce writes
As always, my thanks and admiration go out to my amazing team at Algonquin Young Readers, all the folks who have contributed to bringing you five Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries (so far),hinting that more Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries may eventually be forthcoming. This one was published in 2023, so hope is not yet dead. If there is another, I will certainly read it.
Blog review.
February 6, 2024
Myrtle Hardcastle's beloved governess, Miss Judson, has just inherited an estate in Scotland! No one is more surprised than Miss Judson who never met or heard of this great-uncle. Myrtle's father sends Miss Judson to go settle her uncle's affairs forthwith but not without Myrtle as chaperone to ensure Miss Judson does NOT fall in love with Scotland for Father has a very special Item hidden in his drawer for Miss Judson when she returns. Cook comes along for the adventure as well and soon the trio are on their way. They arrive in Tirnabruaich to spend the night and meet with the solicitor, Mr. Macewan. Before they can find their way to the solicitor's office, Miss Judson is nearly robbed of her portmanteau! Luckily she can defend herself but the miscreant got away. The situation becomes more complicated by the minute as Mr. Macewan urges Miss Judson to sell, claiming it was her uncle's last wish. Yet Myrtle notices Mr. MacJudd's will was dated only a few months before he died so why would he make a new will only to sell off the estate? Myrtle begins to suspect Augustus MacJudd was murdered! When they finally make to to Rockfforde Hall, they discover a castle half in ruins, a suspicious and hostile housekeeper, a silly maid and one angry horsewoman! Not to mention eerie sounds that lead to claims of the house being haunted and ominous warnings that someone wants them gone. When Mr. Macewan fails to show up at Rockfforde Hall the next morning, the estate survey commences without him but then Myrtle discovers where Mr. Macewan actually is... Why is he dead on the estate? How did he get there? Who is the murderer and where did they go? Miss Judson is certain the murderer is one of them but the others think it must be an outsider. Myrtle must team up with an unexpected new friend to solve the mysteries of Rockfforde Hall!
This is the darkest, most twisty of all Myrtle's adventures thus far. It's a little Gothic, a little Christieesque, with a high body count (or suspected murder victim count) for a book intended for tween readers! I missed Swinborne and Myrtle's friends there. Her Observations are always funny and the footnotes make me laugh. I did get so caught up in this mystery I couldn't put it down though. The world building is excellent and I truly felt like I was Peony alongside Myrtle for this adventure. ("No!" says Peony) Some of the clues and red herrings were a little too obvious for an adult reader but the red herrings were actually really good ones. I did not fully put the whole picture together and thus was very surprised by the identity of a villain. I would have liked some follow up there at the end as to what happened and how much that person was involved. I cheered "woohoo" in the final scene but also know that Myrtle's life is about to change and possibly not for the better. I really liked the science featured in the story. I had no idea metal detectors were capable of being invented in 1894. I did know about ghosts and electrical currents.
As always, Myrtle is precocious. She acts as a law consultant for Miss Judson and stands up to the actual solicitor. She Observes people and her curiosity leads her to discover clues and red herrings. Sometimes she jumps to conclusions but mainly because the clues led her there. She does eventually figure things out correctly. Myrtle shows a very adult understanding of Uncle Augustus as the end though and I didn't think that explanation was necessary. It made the whole thing a bit of a let down. Peony is so ill-mannered! She sharpens her claws in the most inappropriate places. Of course when she does, it's because she's sniffed out a clue. Peony makes some new friends in this novel, both feline and canine!
Miss Judson is smart and capable but she's in over her head. She can't begin to understand the clans and the long history of her ancestral home. She never met her great-uncle or heard anything about this place so she's at a disadvantage. She has a lot on her plate and doesn't have as much time to explore and Observe as Myrtle does. Miss Judson has to use all her governessing skills to handle the estate business and figure out what to do with it, let alone deal with miscreants and murderers! Little is made of her mixed race background, except in one scene where I thought I picked up on racial tensions but it may have been intended as more Scottish vs. English. It's interesting how, in spite of her accent and skin color, the inhabitants of Rockfforde Hall see her as ENGLISH and therefore, an outsider. No one asks her about her thoughts, her intentions or future plans. No one wants to know anything about her. She's an outsider and therefore, unwanted. They all make assumptions and even believe she's a murderer! It's very unfortunate that Miss Judson assumes an air of authority at first. She does begin to understand and try to be sympathetic. We get hints as to what's in her heart after many years away from her home and her family.
Cook is a hoot. She arrives in her best frilly outfit but takes charge of fixing the kitchen at Rockfforde Hall. I did not remember or know that she had an engineering brain. She was born in the wrong century. 100 years later and she would have been a remarkable engineer. It's intuitive to her. She also spends time getting to know the cook, Mrs. Craig, which goes a long way towards the locals accepting the outlanders.
I do not trust Lt. Fitzhollis Smoot, Miss Judson's would-be rescuer. He's too smooth and too quick to appear charming to Miss Judson yet he dismisses Myrtle's request when she asks a direct question. He lies to her. I can tell he's lying. He also doesn't tell them anything they need to know and omits crucial information. Why? So he can be a knight in shining armor or because he wants to keep Miss Judson away from her inheritance? I also do not trust Mr. Macewan, the solicitor. I'm certain he was involved in the attempted robbery gone wrong. The phone call he receives pretty much announces it even if Myrtle can not hear the other end of the conversation. He seems eager to have Miss J sign papers without reading them or without even laying eyes on the estate. He is quick to push her into a hotel and doesn't tell her anything about how to get to the island (or not) and who is living at the Hall now. He doesn't share any personal stories of Miss Judson's uncle but tries to regale the mere females with stories of the past. Mr. Macewan screams shady to me! Sadly, his murder seems to confirm that. He was into something or perhaps he was innocent and merely stumbled onto something he wasn't meant to know about? I think he's eager to take charge and become the chieftain of his clan himself! If he can find the ancient broach that was hidden over a century ago, it would go a long way towards establishing his claim.
Jessie Craig has lived on the estate her whole life. She's extremely hostile to Miss J and Myrtle when they first arrive. Yes she's furious about something but that is beyond Miss J's control at the moment! Jessie, mistress of the hounds, seems to love the hounds more than people, which is understandable. She's devoted to those crazy dogs, knows them all by name and trains them to pick up scents but NOT kill the foxes. Jessie is one angry woman though and totally suspicious and dead set against Miss Judson without even knowing anything about her. Jessie is hiding some big secrets. I think she thought she was next in line to inherit. She loves Rockfforde with all her heart and is intimately acquainted with the land. It's her family who lives there and it's in her blood. IS she related to Uncle Augustus? I suspect she is. I think he loved her as a daughter and she thought she was going to inherit and that's why she's so antagonistic towards Miss Judson at first. Her character growth is good though. She's under a huge strain as scary events continue to plague Rockfforde. Does Jessie hold the key to the mystery?
Jessie's grandmother, Mrs. Craig, is even more hostile and cranky. She's one tough old lady and brooks no nonsense from anyone. She can handle things at Rockfforde on her own, thank you. She was devoted to the old Laird and maybe a little TOO much. This is a kids' book so don't go too far with that one. Actually do because I did and wasn't too too far off the mark. I was surprised that was even discussed! Mrs. Craig does seem to warm to Cook and even allows Cook to use her first name. It's Cook who is able to persuade Mrs. Craig to share what she knows about the past.
Muriel the maid seems a little more amenable to having a new Laird but she's very silly and superstitious. Muriel is convinced the Hall is haunted and truly believes in ghosts. She's very young and uneducated so I guess her superstitions make sense. She's not too bright either and sometimes does what she thinks is right without asking for (more logical) directions. Douglas Alastair Munro aka Mac is large but friendly. He's kind and gentle to Myrtle and Miss J. Mac is the first to explain how the Laird was a private man and kept his plans to himself, further complicating the mystery, mac is friendly though and seems to have a sense of humor. He is helpful when needed and the only one who seems to accept Miss Judson as the new Laird.
Myrtle's new friend, Gus, is cute. He's smart but not as curious as Myrtle. I kept willing him to investigate and then if he had, the plot would have concluded sooner. Gus prefers to read and research answers to his questions. Gus is not quite as cheeky as most boys his age but he is hiding from his family and scaring everyone with bagpipes and stealing food and candles. Gus is on the hunt for the long lost Jacobite broach, just as Mr. Macewan was. Gus isn't as unnaturally precocious and clever as Myrtle but he is a major character who helps move the story forward and solve some of the mysteries. It's good for him to have a friend like Myrtle to help guide him. Poor Gus is a little lost without his grandfather figure, Uncle Augustus. I had fun trying to figure out the riddle of the treasure hunt right alongside Gus and Myrtle. They're both more clever than I am.
Alan Balfour, factor of Rockfforde Hall is gone. Is he missing? Did he run off? Did he quit? Myrtle Observes clues that lead to her believing he did not leave permanently but did he leave on his own or did someone make him? He's a little bit suspicious but when someone finally reveals why he quarreled with the Laird, I knew what the Laird's comment meant and understood the argument. How sad. I'm not sure Alan is not a villain though but maybe for the best of intentions? Myrtle seems to want to like him and I do too. Everyone else loved him. Did he deceive them all?
Who is Fyne Fisheries? I would investigate that because I would expect the conglomerate is the one trying to scare Miss Judson into selling - cheap. The neighbor, Mr. Kirkpatrick, has to be involved. He would have a lot to gain by selling his land too. Even though he was seen leaving the island, that doesn't mean he's not behind the disturbances. What about Donal Airlie, his gillie? He seems knee deep in whatever is going on or at least involved in one incident. I think he's working for his employer to scare Miss Judson off so the land can be sold to Fyne Fisheries for their processing plant. Of course then Donal would be out of a job so maybe he's been paid well or promised payment when the land is sold and he thinks he'll be rich?
This was such a fun adventure and there is a hint that Myrtle may not be done Observing and solving crimes. I think there will be at least one more and I look forward to reading about Myrtle's next adventure.
Content:
murder
kidnapping
assault/possible attempted murder/mild violence
ghosts/"hauntings"/scary incidents
Jacobite rebellion mentioned
possible paranormal incidents
The hounds are very sweet, especially Cleveland. They're big and slobbery and probably shed a lot but goofy and loving. Cleveland is Peony's new sidekick. He helps her uncover clues. Minna is also a clever lass and happily goes off chasing a scent. It's not her fault the humans don't understand what she's trying to tell them. Minna is a heroine!
This is the darkest, most twisty of all Myrtle's adventures thus far. It's a little Gothic, a little Christieesque, with a high body count (or suspected murder victim count) for a book intended for tween readers! I missed Swinborne and Myrtle's friends there. Her Observations are always funny and the footnotes make me laugh. I did get so caught up in this mystery I couldn't put it down though. The world building is excellent and I truly felt like I was Peony alongside Myrtle for this adventure. ("No!" says Peony) Some of the clues and red herrings were a little too obvious for an adult reader but the red herrings were actually really good ones. I did not fully put the whole picture together and thus was very surprised by the identity of a villain. I would have liked some follow up there at the end as to what happened and how much that person was involved. I cheered "woohoo" in the final scene but also know that Myrtle's life is about to change and possibly not for the better. I really liked the science featured in the story. I had no idea metal detectors were capable of being invented in 1894. I did know about ghosts and electrical currents.
As always, Myrtle is precocious. She acts as a law consultant for Miss Judson and stands up to the actual solicitor. She Observes people and her curiosity leads her to discover clues and red herrings. Sometimes she jumps to conclusions but mainly because the clues led her there. She does eventually figure things out correctly. Myrtle shows a very adult understanding of Uncle Augustus as the end though and I didn't think that explanation was necessary. It made the whole thing a bit of a let down. Peony is so ill-mannered! She sharpens her claws in the most inappropriate places. Of course when she does, it's because she's sniffed out a clue. Peony makes some new friends in this novel, both feline and canine!
Miss Judson is smart and capable but she's in over her head. She can't begin to understand the clans and the long history of her ancestral home. She never met her great-uncle or heard anything about this place so she's at a disadvantage. She has a lot on her plate and doesn't have as much time to explore and Observe as Myrtle does. Miss Judson has to use all her governessing skills to handle the estate business and figure out what to do with it, let alone deal with miscreants and murderers! Little is made of her mixed race background, except in one scene where I thought I picked up on racial tensions but it may have been intended as more Scottish vs. English. It's interesting how, in spite of her accent and skin color, the inhabitants of Rockfforde Hall see her as ENGLISH and therefore, an outsider. No one asks her about her thoughts, her intentions or future plans. No one wants to know anything about her. She's an outsider and therefore, unwanted. They all make assumptions and even believe she's a murderer! It's very unfortunate that Miss Judson assumes an air of authority at first. She does begin to understand and try to be sympathetic. We get hints as to what's in her heart after many years away from her home and her family.
Cook is a hoot. She arrives in her best frilly outfit but takes charge of fixing the kitchen at Rockfforde Hall. I did not remember or know that she had an engineering brain. She was born in the wrong century. 100 years later and she would have been a remarkable engineer. It's intuitive to her. She also spends time getting to know the cook, Mrs. Craig, which goes a long way towards the locals accepting the outlanders.
I do not trust Lt. Fitzhollis Smoot, Miss Judson's would-be rescuer. He's too smooth and too quick to appear charming to Miss Judson yet he dismisses Myrtle's request when she asks a direct question. He lies to her. I can tell he's lying. He also doesn't tell them anything they need to know and omits crucial information. Why? So he can be a knight in shining armor or because he wants to keep Miss Judson away from her inheritance? I also do not trust Mr. Macewan, the solicitor. I'm certain he was involved in the attempted robbery gone wrong. The phone call he receives pretty much announces it even if Myrtle can not hear the other end of the conversation. He seems eager to have Miss J sign papers without reading them or without even laying eyes on the estate. He is quick to push her into a hotel and doesn't tell her anything about how to get to the island (or not) and who is living at the Hall now. He doesn't share any personal stories of Miss Judson's uncle but tries to regale the mere females with stories of the past. Mr. Macewan screams shady to me! Sadly, his murder seems to confirm that. He was into something or perhaps he was innocent and merely stumbled onto something he wasn't meant to know about? I think he's eager to take charge and become the chieftain of his clan himself! If he can find the ancient broach that was hidden over a century ago, it would go a long way towards establishing his claim.
Jessie Craig has lived on the estate her whole life. She's extremely hostile to Miss J and Myrtle when they first arrive. Yes she's furious about something but that is beyond Miss J's control at the moment! Jessie, mistress of the hounds, seems to love the hounds more than people, which is understandable. She's devoted to those crazy dogs, knows them all by name and trains them to pick up scents but NOT kill the foxes. Jessie is one angry woman though and totally suspicious and dead set against Miss Judson without even knowing anything about her. Jessie is hiding some big secrets. I think she thought she was next in line to inherit. She loves Rockfforde with all her heart and is intimately acquainted with the land. It's her family who lives there and it's in her blood. IS she related to Uncle Augustus? I suspect she is. I think he loved her as a daughter and she thought she was going to inherit and that's why she's so antagonistic towards Miss Judson at first. Her character growth is good though. She's under a huge strain as scary events continue to plague Rockfforde. Does Jessie hold the key to the mystery?
Jessie's grandmother, Mrs. Craig, is even more hostile and cranky. She's one tough old lady and brooks no nonsense from anyone. She can handle things at Rockfforde on her own, thank you. She was devoted to the old Laird and maybe a little TOO much. This is a kids' book so don't go too far with that one. Actually do because I did and wasn't too too far off the mark. I was surprised that was even discussed! Mrs. Craig does seem to warm to Cook and even allows Cook to use her first name. It's Cook who is able to persuade Mrs. Craig to share what she knows about the past.
Muriel the maid seems a little more amenable to having a new Laird but she's very silly and superstitious. Muriel is convinced the Hall is haunted and truly believes in ghosts. She's very young and uneducated so I guess her superstitions make sense. She's not too bright either and sometimes does what she thinks is right without asking for (more logical) directions. Douglas Alastair Munro aka Mac is large but friendly. He's kind and gentle to Myrtle and Miss J. Mac is the first to explain how the Laird was a private man and kept his plans to himself, further complicating the mystery, mac is friendly though and seems to have a sense of humor. He is helpful when needed and the only one who seems to accept Miss Judson as the new Laird.
Myrtle's new friend, Gus, is cute. He's smart but not as curious as Myrtle. I kept willing him to investigate and then if he had, the plot would have concluded sooner. Gus prefers to read and research answers to his questions. Gus is not quite as cheeky as most boys his age but he is hiding from his family and scaring everyone with bagpipes and stealing food and candles. Gus is on the hunt for the long lost Jacobite broach, just as Mr. Macewan was. Gus isn't as unnaturally precocious and clever as Myrtle but he is a major character who helps move the story forward and solve some of the mysteries. It's good for him to have a friend like Myrtle to help guide him. Poor Gus is a little lost without his grandfather figure, Uncle Augustus. I had fun trying to figure out the riddle of the treasure hunt right alongside Gus and Myrtle. They're both more clever than I am.
Alan Balfour, factor of Rockfforde Hall is gone. Is he missing? Did he run off? Did he quit? Myrtle Observes clues that lead to her believing he did not leave permanently but did he leave on his own or did someone make him? He's a little bit suspicious but when someone finally reveals why he quarreled with the Laird, I knew what the Laird's comment meant and understood the argument. How sad. I'm not sure Alan is not a villain though but maybe for the best of intentions? Myrtle seems to want to like him and I do too. Everyone else loved him. Did he deceive them all?
Who is Fyne Fisheries? I would investigate that because I would expect the conglomerate is the one trying to scare Miss Judson into selling - cheap. The neighbor, Mr. Kirkpatrick, has to be involved. He would have a lot to gain by selling his land too. Even though he was seen leaving the island, that doesn't mean he's not behind the disturbances. What about Donal Airlie, his gillie? He seems knee deep in whatever is going on or at least involved in one incident. I think he's working for his employer to scare Miss Judson off so the land can be sold to Fyne Fisheries for their processing plant. Of course then Donal would be out of a job so maybe he's been paid well or promised payment when the land is sold and he thinks he'll be rich?
This was such a fun adventure and there is a hint that Myrtle may not be done Observing and solving crimes. I think there will be at least one more and I look forward to reading about Myrtle's next adventure.
Content:
murder
kidnapping
assault/possible attempted murder/mild violence
ghosts/"hauntings"/scary incidents
Jacobite rebellion mentioned
possible paranormal incidents
The hounds are very sweet, especially Cleveland. They're big and slobbery and probably shed a lot but goofy and loving. Cleveland is Peony's new sidekick. He helps her uncover clues. Minna is also a clever lass and happily goes off chasing a scent. It's not her fault the humans don't understand what she's trying to tell them. Minna is a heroine!
August 29, 2023
This series is one of my favorites.
Myrtle is fantastic. Her character voice is brilliant, and I love the footnotes sprinkled throughout the novel. I also really love how her character has developed and grown over the series so far.
As always, the side characters shine as well. There are a number of new characters, as Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity takes place in Scotland, but some old friends from Swinburne appear as well. Honestly, Bunce does a wonderful job with her characters.
Like I said above, there are several Scottish characters, and Bunce writes their dialogue with a Scottish accent. I liked how that added to the mood and setting, though there were a few times when I had to slow down reading and figure out what they were saying. 😂
Like with the rest of Myrtle's books, you can expect some twists and turns that will keep you wondering what will happen next to Myrtle and company. The ending is such that Bunce could end the series here, but I sincerely hope that she doesn't. Besides, the ending also has hints of what might be next for Myrtle, in my opinion.
Another satisfying Myrtle mystery that has me waiting for the next one.
Cautions: one bleeped-out swear word; brief, non-graphic violence *
*It's been a little bit since I finished Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity, so I may have forgotten a caution
(I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Myrtle is fantastic. Her character voice is brilliant, and I love the footnotes sprinkled throughout the novel. I also really love how her character has developed and grown over the series so far.
As always, the side characters shine as well. There are a number of new characters, as Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity takes place in Scotland, but some old friends from Swinburne appear as well. Honestly, Bunce does a wonderful job with her characters.
Like I said above, there are several Scottish characters, and Bunce writes their dialogue with a Scottish accent. I liked how that added to the mood and setting, though there were a few times when I had to slow down reading and figure out what they were saying. 😂
Like with the rest of Myrtle's books, you can expect some twists and turns that will keep you wondering what will happen next to Myrtle and company. The ending is such that Bunce could end the series here, but I sincerely hope that she doesn't. Besides, the ending also has hints of what might be next for Myrtle, in my opinion.
Another satisfying Myrtle mystery that has me waiting for the next one.
Cautions: one bleeped-out swear word; brief, non-graphic violence *
*It's been a little bit since I finished Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity, so I may have forgotten a caution
(I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
February 19, 2024
I love these books. They are so much fun! I hope there are more in this series. I would definitely read these again. I love Myrtle and all the characters. 5/5 stars.
September 6, 2023
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central
Our intrepid investigator Myrtle Hardcastle is back, as her governess, Ada Judson gets a letter that she has inherited a Scottish estate from an Uncle, Angus McJudd. Her English father and mother, who is from New Guinea where the parents both live, want her to go to Scotland to investigate. Since Mytle's lawyer father is very close to proposing to Ada, he sends Myrtle with her to keep an eye on things under the guise of learning in a new environment. Because of her past investigations (Premeditated Myrtle, How to Get Away with Myrtle, Cold-Blooded Myrtle, and In Myrtle Peril), Mytle suspects foul play, especially when the advent of Miss Judson, Cook, and Myrtle causes some consternation among the staff at the estate. Jessie Craig, the Mistress of the Hounds, resents their presence, her grandmother, Mrs. Craig isn't wild about having to feed them, and the lawyer, Mr. Macewan, is surprised that they came. He thought they would sell Rockfford to Fyne Fisheries and be done with the place. The only ally they seem to have is Lt. Smoot, a policeman who personally helps them get to the island. The house is run down, there's no money for upkeep, and there's a lot of mystery surrounding the fishery, as well as a historic broach, the finding of which is supposed to help the McJudd estate. When Mr. Macewan is found murdered in a pond, Myrtle is not surprised. A neighbor, Kirkpatrick, is also trying to buy the estate, and when a pin with his clan symbol is found on Macewan's body, it doesn't look good, especially when it turns out that he's also been trying to pressure Jessie to marry him. The run down house has a lot of rooms in which to hide, and there are also rumors of ghosts. One of these "ghosts" turns out to be Gus, Jessie's brother, who is not supposed to be on the island. Will Myrtle be able to use all of her skills to unravel the mysteries and find a solution so that Miss Judson can come back to be in England with her and her father?
There are some rhymed clues, a treasure map, and a lot of good sleuthing for readers who like to try to figure out the mystery for themselves, and the suspense holds until the very end of the book. While some of the plot elements are wrapped up nicely, there is plenty of room for a sequel when the group returns to England, having secured the future of Rockfford.
Fans of classic mysteries by Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers, or of modern books set during the past, like The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Flavia de Luce, #1) by Alan Bradley or Robin Stevens Wells and Wongs mysteries, will adore this deep dive into mysterious happenings, suspicious will changes, and moldering, remote estates. Bunce does modernize the characters by making Myrtle interested in science, and adding some diversity to the cast with Miss Judson's New Guinean background.
While I personally loved this series, there is a LOT of Scottish dialect in this that 10-14 year olds might find difficult to navigate, although there is a helpful glossary at the end of the book. If you have a strong reader who likes a bit of murder and can handle the vocabulary in phrases like (page 237 of the ARC) "After a brief but marginally revivifying nap made somewhat less restful by an awkward profusion of canine and feline limbs poking into various human orifices..." this is a great choice.
Ms. Yingling
Our intrepid investigator Myrtle Hardcastle is back, as her governess, Ada Judson gets a letter that she has inherited a Scottish estate from an Uncle, Angus McJudd. Her English father and mother, who is from New Guinea where the parents both live, want her to go to Scotland to investigate. Since Mytle's lawyer father is very close to proposing to Ada, he sends Myrtle with her to keep an eye on things under the guise of learning in a new environment. Because of her past investigations (Premeditated Myrtle, How to Get Away with Myrtle, Cold-Blooded Myrtle, and In Myrtle Peril), Mytle suspects foul play, especially when the advent of Miss Judson, Cook, and Myrtle causes some consternation among the staff at the estate. Jessie Craig, the Mistress of the Hounds, resents their presence, her grandmother, Mrs. Craig isn't wild about having to feed them, and the lawyer, Mr. Macewan, is surprised that they came. He thought they would sell Rockfford to Fyne Fisheries and be done with the place. The only ally they seem to have is Lt. Smoot, a policeman who personally helps them get to the island. The house is run down, there's no money for upkeep, and there's a lot of mystery surrounding the fishery, as well as a historic broach, the finding of which is supposed to help the McJudd estate. When Mr. Macewan is found murdered in a pond, Myrtle is not surprised. A neighbor, Kirkpatrick, is also trying to buy the estate, and when a pin with his clan symbol is found on Macewan's body, it doesn't look good, especially when it turns out that he's also been trying to pressure Jessie to marry him. The run down house has a lot of rooms in which to hide, and there are also rumors of ghosts. One of these "ghosts" turns out to be Gus, Jessie's brother, who is not supposed to be on the island. Will Myrtle be able to use all of her skills to unravel the mysteries and find a solution so that Miss Judson can come back to be in England with her and her father?
There are some rhymed clues, a treasure map, and a lot of good sleuthing for readers who like to try to figure out the mystery for themselves, and the suspense holds until the very end of the book. While some of the plot elements are wrapped up nicely, there is plenty of room for a sequel when the group returns to England, having secured the future of Rockfford.
Fans of classic mysteries by Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers, or of modern books set during the past, like The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Flavia de Luce, #1) by Alan Bradley or Robin Stevens Wells and Wongs mysteries, will adore this deep dive into mysterious happenings, suspicious will changes, and moldering, remote estates. Bunce does modernize the characters by making Myrtle interested in science, and adding some diversity to the cast with Miss Judson's New Guinean background.
While I personally loved this series, there is a LOT of Scottish dialect in this that 10-14 year olds might find difficult to navigate, although there is a helpful glossary at the end of the book. If you have a strong reader who likes a bit of murder and can handle the vocabulary in phrases like (page 237 of the ARC) "After a brief but marginally revivifying nap made somewhat less restful by an awkward profusion of canine and feline limbs poking into various human orifices..." this is a great choice.
Ms. Yingling
September 20, 2023
I was super stoked to receive an ARC of Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity. It is a deliciously wonderful tale about a serious of disappearances and murders in Scotland by Elizabeth Bunce. I absolutely loved this story; starting with the descriptions of the surroundings of the crumbling estate and home, the carnivorous deer, lovable pack of dogs, Peony the cat, all the other animals, but most importantly all the eccentric, hilarious characters. I enjoyed learning more about Miss Judson and her family. With the touches of romance, whimsy, wild situations, and some of the best dialogue (whether Myrtle's talking to herself or someone else) in any murder mystery I’ve read (right up there with Flavia de Luce) it’s no surprise the readers keep coming back. I was laughing out loud so much and intrigued by what was going to happen next I couldn’t put the book down. If you your murder with a side of humor look no further than the latest Myrtle Hardcastle mystery.
October 22, 2023
One of my most recommended middle grade series for all ages! I went into this one having sworn I had read somewhere it was going to be the last in the series but reading the final pages… I think it isn’t over just yet!
Thank goodness.
This one was a lot of fun! Traveling with Miss Judson to a recently inherited Scottish Estate that is rumored to harbor ghosts and long lost treasure. A man is discovered dead by a pond and who else but Myrtle to solve the case of not only the body but also the lost treasure.
I would love to hear this one on audio. Not only do you get a good description of the isolated Scottish island the estate is on but you get the characters with a strong accent.
I really enjoyed this one and I hope to hear soon on when the next book will be set to publish!
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy!
Thank goodness.
This one was a lot of fun! Traveling with Miss Judson to a recently inherited Scottish Estate that is rumored to harbor ghosts and long lost treasure. A man is discovered dead by a pond and who else but Myrtle to solve the case of not only the body but also the lost treasure.
I would love to hear this one on audio. Not only do you get a good description of the isolated Scottish island the estate is on but you get the characters with a strong accent.
I really enjoyed this one and I hope to hear soon on when the next book will be set to publish!
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy!
September 20, 2023
I see why other adult friends have raved about this series. I really enjoyed the book. The time period and governess aspect. Mystery and intrigue with a child sleuth wise beyond her years. The budding romance between the governess and Myrtle’s father adds a hopeful element to the series.
I thought the book was well written and engaging. I do think it is better enjoyed by advanced or older jv readers due to the Scottish dialect. When I was in junior high I remember being introduced to Agatha Christie. This book brought back fond memories. While this style book isn’t for every reader, based on content it is definitely something I would feel comfortable recommending to any young library patron. The extra bonus was finding out the author lives in my area:)
Thank you Net Galley and Algonquin for the ARC copy!
I thought the book was well written and engaging. I do think it is better enjoyed by advanced or older jv readers due to the Scottish dialect. When I was in junior high I remember being introduced to Agatha Christie. This book brought back fond memories. While this style book isn’t for every reader, based on content it is definitely something I would feel comfortable recommending to any young library patron. The extra bonus was finding out the author lives in my area:)
Thank you Net Galley and Algonquin for the ARC copy!
December 1, 2023
I love this book series (despite not being a child, in age) but I didn't enjoy this one.
This book was not easy to read with all the Scottish characters dialogue. It was unnecessarily cumbersome to continually "translate." I've read books in the past that handled this better.
This book was not easy to read with all the Scottish characters dialogue. It was unnecessarily cumbersome to continually "translate." I've read books in the past that handled this better.
October 24, 2023
It was very satisfying to review the 5th Myrtle Hardcastle book as I had the privilege of reviewing the first two books of the series as well. From the first chapter of book 1, I knew Myrtle was destined for literary greatness. And book 5 did not disappoint!
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity finds our young heroine packing for an excursion. Her governess, Miss Judson, had just been informed that she was heiress to an estate in Scotland and Myrtle will be accompanying her. From the moment they arrive, it becomes clear that someone does not want Miss Judson to inherit.
Miss Judson's uncle had died unexpectedly and Myrtle (of course) suspected foul play. The plot thickens as the body count increases and within the labyrinthine halls of the estate, Myrtle makes some surprising discoveries. As she and Miss Judson get closer to the truth, sinister forces continue working against them. But Miss Judson and Myrtle are not ones to back down from mystery or manipulation and they continue trying to discover the truth behind the mysterious happenings on the estate.
The book offers stunning descriptions of Scotland's natural beauty and readers will pick up a nice assortment of Scottish vernacular (the author very helpfully provided a glossary at the back for translation). As Myrtle and Miss Judson peel back the layers of intrigue, readers will be taken on a wild ride through (possibly) haunted halls to solve clues for the ultimate treasure hunt: finding a part of the clan's ancestral history.
As the familial ties are revealed, Myrtle appreciates even more how much Miss Judson means to her and she hopes that she will not lose her governess to the charms of Scotland. I highly recommend this vocabulary-building, puzzle-solving mystery. While some characters do get killed, descriptions are not gory or overly detailed. Myrtle Hardcastle is a young sleuth worth meeting and I hope her adventures continue for many more books!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are mine alone.
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity finds our young heroine packing for an excursion. Her governess, Miss Judson, had just been informed that she was heiress to an estate in Scotland and Myrtle will be accompanying her. From the moment they arrive, it becomes clear that someone does not want Miss Judson to inherit.
Miss Judson's uncle had died unexpectedly and Myrtle (of course) suspected foul play. The plot thickens as the body count increases and within the labyrinthine halls of the estate, Myrtle makes some surprising discoveries. As she and Miss Judson get closer to the truth, sinister forces continue working against them. But Miss Judson and Myrtle are not ones to back down from mystery or manipulation and they continue trying to discover the truth behind the mysterious happenings on the estate.
The book offers stunning descriptions of Scotland's natural beauty and readers will pick up a nice assortment of Scottish vernacular (the author very helpfully provided a glossary at the back for translation). As Myrtle and Miss Judson peel back the layers of intrigue, readers will be taken on a wild ride through (possibly) haunted halls to solve clues for the ultimate treasure hunt: finding a part of the clan's ancestral history.
As the familial ties are revealed, Myrtle appreciates even more how much Miss Judson means to her and she hopes that she will not lose her governess to the charms of Scotland. I highly recommend this vocabulary-building, puzzle-solving mystery. While some characters do get killed, descriptions are not gory or overly detailed. Myrtle Hardcastle is a young sleuth worth meeting and I hope her adventures continue for many more books!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received and the opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 24, 2024
An out-of-the-blue inheritance takes Myrtle and governess Miss Ada Judson to Scotland where a dead laird sets the stage for a mystery about a missing highland clan's brooch, a family curse, and ghostly lights at night. Tackling industrialization, traditional ways of island life, and suspicious neighbors, Myrtle fears that her beloved Miss Judson and her father will never get together now that Miss Judson is an heiress. The thick Scottish dialect is a treat to read.
November 13, 2023
Y’all there’s a new Myrtle book (the last Myrtle book??? *sad face*) and I could not have been more excited to read it!!!
When I say this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, I mean it!! (And my aunt’s as well! She’s already asked me several times if I’ve finished reading so she can borrow it, haha.) This series has my whole heart!!
I wish it had existed when I was a kid but I’m so glad I get to enjoy it now!! If you’re looking for an EXCELLENT middle grade mystery series, I cannot recommend this one enough!
This was such a fun entry. I loved the location shift to Scotland and following the adventure there (and trying to keep up with the thick accents!). The characters are all so fun (I’m so glad my fav, Mr Blakeney, eventually showed up *wink*), the “ghost story” was fascinating and the mystery was excellent, as always!!
I just enjoyed this so much and I loved being back in this world! I so hope this is not the end because I want to live in this world forever!
Thank you so much to Algonquin Young Readers for sending me a lovely finished copy!!
When I say this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, I mean it!! (And my aunt’s as well! She’s already asked me several times if I’ve finished reading so she can borrow it, haha.) This series has my whole heart!!
I wish it had existed when I was a kid but I’m so glad I get to enjoy it now!! If you’re looking for an EXCELLENT middle grade mystery series, I cannot recommend this one enough!
This was such a fun entry. I loved the location shift to Scotland and following the adventure there (and trying to keep up with the thick accents!). The characters are all so fun (I’m so glad my fav, Mr Blakeney, eventually showed up *wink*), the “ghost story” was fascinating and the mystery was excellent, as always!!
I just enjoyed this so much and I loved being back in this world! I so hope this is not the end because I want to live in this world forever!
Thank you so much to Algonquin Young Readers for sending me a lovely finished copy!!
December 2, 2023
Myrtle does it again! I just adore this middle grade series and this installment is one of my favorites so far! I love the Scottish setting and accents, plus getting more information on Miss Judson's background. Also, there is more than a nod to Stevenson's Kidnapped. I just read that book earlier this year, so that was a really fun addition that gave some clues to the some of the mystery.
October 18, 2023
Review: This book was absolutely wonderful! My heart felt so full after finishing it. I loved getting to read about all the characters who returned in this book, and getting to meet all the new ones, as well. The mystery was really well written, and while I figured out part of it, I didn’t guess everything, which is always fun in a mystery novel. The setting was fantastic. And the ending!! I had such a big smile on my face, with a certain event that happened (no spoilers, but I think avid fans of the series will be as happy as I was while reading.) at the end. I would happily read many more Myrtle books! Overall, I loved MYRTLE, MEANS, AND OPPORTUNITY, and I highly recommend the Myrtle Hardcastle series to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, with wonderful characters!
I received an ARC from the publisher.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
October 22, 2023
I hope this series goes on forever. Every time, it's both familiar and new, which is a very fine line to walk as a novelist. As a reader, I love a good mystery series that the whole family can enjoy. As a teacher, I love that we always find so much varied vocabulary to discuss as a class. This book in particular is full of Scottish dialects that will be fun to parse together.
December 16, 2023
Myrtle is on the case in Scotland! What a fun setting for a brand new adventure for Myrtle, Miss Judson and Peony. The mystery of this one was interesting and made me laugh several times. Good read!
January 8, 2024
I don't know if this should get 3 or 4 stars. I was fighting holiday craziness, then a reading slump, then a stomach bug, and I was not enjoying this the way I expected to.
November 2, 2023
Amazing! Loved the change in setting
June 6, 2023
Myrtle Hardcastle's amazing governess, Miss Judson has received a mysterious telegram. She has apparently inherited an manor (!) in Scotland (!!) from a previously unknown relative. Myrtle, Miss Judson, Cook and Peony the cat set off to figure out what is actually going on. Adventures ensue, including an appalling number of dead bodies, ghostly appearances and a very large number of hounds. Myrtle manages her usual stealthy unraveling of clues, but will she manage to stop Miss Judson from falling in love with Scotland?
Elizabeth Bunce has done her usual delightful job with this 5th Myrtle Hardcastle mystery. Myrtle is 12, exceedingly bright, and utterly unwilling to fit into the mold of a late 19th century "young lady". Miss Judson is always a reliably stable character. In this installment of the series, Bunce has a great deal of fun with very broad Scottish accents. If there is an audio book of this, it would be an absolute hoot to listen to. Along with the charming regulars in the series, the move to Scotland introduces some memorable new characters. I am hoping that Mac, Jessie, Mrs Craig and Gus (along with the hounds, of course) will get to stick around for future installments.
There is a lot for Myrtle to figure out in this story. The author uses the mystery to delve into unconventional family relationships, and this is something that many middle-grade readers will relate to and enjoy. An added bonus is discovering where the expression "Red Herring" came from. Bunce ties it all up with an exceedingly satisfying ending. This series, and this book in particular, would be a great way to introduce middle grade readers to the cozy mystery form. If students enjoy Enola Holmes, Myrtle would be someone they might like to meet.
Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the e-arc, in exchange for an honest review
Elizabeth Bunce has done her usual delightful job with this 5th Myrtle Hardcastle mystery. Myrtle is 12, exceedingly bright, and utterly unwilling to fit into the mold of a late 19th century "young lady". Miss Judson is always a reliably stable character. In this installment of the series, Bunce has a great deal of fun with very broad Scottish accents. If there is an audio book of this, it would be an absolute hoot to listen to. Along with the charming regulars in the series, the move to Scotland introduces some memorable new characters. I am hoping that Mac, Jessie, Mrs Craig and Gus (along with the hounds, of course) will get to stick around for future installments.
There is a lot for Myrtle to figure out in this story. The author uses the mystery to delve into unconventional family relationships, and this is something that many middle-grade readers will relate to and enjoy. An added bonus is discovering where the expression "Red Herring" came from. Bunce ties it all up with an exceedingly satisfying ending. This series, and this book in particular, would be a great way to introduce middle grade readers to the cozy mystery form. If students enjoy Enola Holmes, Myrtle would be someone they might like to meet.
Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the e-arc, in exchange for an honest review
July 26, 2023
It would be a shame if this one, perhaps the final one (the ending made me feel as if it could possibly be), was not as well-written as the others. But, I found myself enjoying it just as much as all the rest.
The Myrtle Hardcastle series is always done with a dash of humor and a heavy dose of adventure that is certain to delight middle-grade readers. If I were still in the age range for the target audience, I would have desperately wanted to be friends with Myrtle, by her side solving mysteries. I'd cozy right up on the couch with these books, and they'd be a series I would return to as an adult to read and delight in again.
Unfortunately, I am only getting to enjoy these as an adult. So, I think back to what 12 year old Sarah would rate them, and I score them accordingly.
This book takes Myrtle on a trip to Scotland, to solve the case of a missing heirloom and, of course, a murder or two. She is accompanied by her usual stalwart companions, and makes new friends along the way. In typical fashion, she is clever but flawed, curious to a fault, and dealing with changes that she is not ready for.
If this is the final book in the series, I wish she had been back in London for it, perhaps joined with characters from earlier books. I am not sure all the side-plots were taken care of, which gives me hope for another book in the series. I am by no means saying there has been a definitive end to them, but the ending...it just felt like it could be that way.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and Elizabeth C. Bunce for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Myrtle Hardcastle series is always done with a dash of humor and a heavy dose of adventure that is certain to delight middle-grade readers. If I were still in the age range for the target audience, I would have desperately wanted to be friends with Myrtle, by her side solving mysteries. I'd cozy right up on the couch with these books, and they'd be a series I would return to as an adult to read and delight in again.
Unfortunately, I am only getting to enjoy these as an adult. So, I think back to what 12 year old Sarah would rate them, and I score them accordingly.
This book takes Myrtle on a trip to Scotland, to solve the case of a missing heirloom and, of course, a murder or two. She is accompanied by her usual stalwart companions, and makes new friends along the way. In typical fashion, she is clever but flawed, curious to a fault, and dealing with changes that she is not ready for.
If this is the final book in the series, I wish she had been back in London for it, perhaps joined with characters from earlier books. I am not sure all the side-plots were taken care of, which gives me hope for another book in the series. I am by no means saying there has been a definitive end to them, but the ending...it just felt like it could be that way.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and Elizabeth C. Bunce for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2023
Sigh. I read this book in one day and now will have to wait for another as this one won't even be published until October 2023. (Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an eARC.) The book starts with a mystery from the first sentence, as Miss Judson does not know the uncle who apparently died and left her a Scottish estate. This is only the first of twists and turns navigated by characters both familiar and new. Besides the many mysteries that are uncovered (including a murder and possibly more than one), Myrtle needs to find a way to keep Miss Judson from actually falling in love with Scotland. Readers who haven't read the earlier series entries will easily follow the plot, but I highly recommend they read others in the series first to appreciate the relationships between characters. All's well that ends well, although I'm glad to say there is plenty of room for more Myrtle adventures.
April 20, 2023
When Miss Judson unexpectedly inherits property in Scotland, Myrtle, Peony & Cook accompany her to inspect the property and to investigate what they assume is a murder. The unwelcoming house staff are all natural suspects and as people keep dying, a treasure hunt is also underway, making Myrtle sure that solving one mystery will solve the other. I adore Myrtle and Bunce has created another mystery worthy of her devoted readers--something unlike her other books and challenging to boot. I do think young readers may have some trouble with the Scottish accented words, but there's a helpful glossary at the end and the language actually does come into play as part of the solving of the crimes. There's a lovely and satisfying end to this book, though I hope it's not the end of the series. Review from e-galley.
September 1, 2023
Oh, my, what has Myrtle got into this time! An isolated Scottish island with nasty neighbors, scheming lawyers, surly servants, eerie ghosts, ancient riddles, and a growing number of corpses! Will the new laird (Miss Judson) and her capable charge run back to England? Can't, someone sunk the boat! Things look dire, but an inquiring young lady of quality is sure to sort things out.
I think this may be my favorite Myrtle yet. Unfortunately, it feels like this may be the last Myrtle unless the series takes a new direction. If not, it's been a joyful experience spending time with her.
I think this may be my favorite Myrtle yet. Unfortunately, it feels like this may be the last Myrtle unless the series takes a new direction. If not, it's been a joyful experience spending time with her.
December 18, 2023
Miss Judson is quite shocked to learn that she's inherited a castle in Scotland and is now a Laird. She never met this great-uncle McJudd, and there's a big mystery as to why she inherited the land and not her father. She, Myrtle, Cook, and Peony head off to figure out just what is going on and check out this new inheritance. The mystery deepens as they arrive at the castle on a remote island. The solicitor is shocked she came and thought she was just going to sell the land, the staff at the castle wasn't expecting her and are very secretive, there are strange sounds in the house, possible ghost sightings, one of the staff members is missing, a treasure hunt for a family brooch gets thrown in the mix, and then people start showing up dead. What is going on and can Myrtle get Miss Judson's attention away from collapsing roofs and dilapidated chimneys long enough to solve the murders and find the treasure?
It took me a little while to get into this one for some reason (I think it was mainly because I had a headache more than the story). Once my headache went away and the treasure hunt plus multiple murders occurred I was fully invested. I liked the atmosphere of a crumbling castle with secret passages on a remote island in a loch. The new characters get slow reveals of whether they are trustworthy or not, which just ups the suspense and definitely kept me guessing as to who done it. There's a younger new character who is a great companion and fellow investigator for Myrtle (which is good since Miss Judson is a bit distracted much of the time...that was the part I missed in this story, less of Miss Judson as a sidekick). Peony is still there to provide commentary and is joined by local Calpurrnia and many hounds. There's a lot of Scots vocabulary used by the locals, but a guide to their meanings is provided in the back of the book. I liked the inclusion even if it makes the reading a little more challenging, it definitely helps with engulfing the reader in the setting. The end of this book includes an event we've been waiting for for a while . A delightful gothic mystery in a very moody setting that was most satisfactory. Now to wait for the next Myrtle adventure.
Notes on content: One minor swear in French, no other swears. No sexual content beyond a kiss. There are 3 deaths, the gory details are kept to an extreme minimum. Possible haunting of the house is .
It took me a little while to get into this one for some reason (I think it was mainly because I had a headache more than the story). Once my headache went away and the treasure hunt plus multiple murders occurred I was fully invested. I liked the atmosphere of a crumbling castle with secret passages on a remote island in a loch. The new characters get slow reveals of whether they are trustworthy or not, which just ups the suspense and definitely kept me guessing as to who done it. There's a younger new character who is a great companion and fellow investigator for Myrtle (which is good since Miss Judson is a bit distracted much of the time...that was the part I missed in this story, less of Miss Judson as a sidekick). Peony is still there to provide commentary and is joined by local Calpurrnia and many hounds. There's a lot of Scots vocabulary used by the locals, but a guide to their meanings is provided in the back of the book. I liked the inclusion even if it makes the reading a little more challenging, it definitely helps with engulfing the reader in the setting. The end of this book includes an event we've been waiting for for a while . A delightful gothic mystery in a very moody setting that was most satisfactory. Now to wait for the next Myrtle adventure.
Notes on content: One minor swear in French, no other swears. No sexual content beyond a kiss. There are 3 deaths, the gory details are kept to an extreme minimum. Possible haunting of the house is .
April 8, 2025
I LOVED this book. I knew I would love it, but I thought it was the last book in the series so I put off reading it for a little while. On the last page it says "The End...or is it?" (or something like that), and I would absolutely love more books in this series, so I guess we will see!
In this one, Miss Judson surprise inherits an entire Scottish estate and becomes the leader of the clan MacJudd. So of course, she has to go see it in person and brings Myrtle along with her. The estate is on a secluded island that is hard to get to and the people still living there are skeptical of the new "Laird." They don't want to let them know about the strange goings-on there, but when a murder occurs, they all need to work together to figure out what is going on.
I have such a great love for these recurring characters - Myrtle, her dad, Miss Judson, Mr Blakeney, Peony, but we got so many new characters in this one that immediately found their way into my heart as well. I loved them all - Ms Craig, Jessie, Mac, Gus, and the hounds.
I absolutely loved the plot. I love books set in Scotland and I loved the setting of the old estate on the secluded island. I was never bored and I was so excited to see what was going to happen next that I just wanted to devour the whole thing.
The writing style was amazing, as always. Myrtle's voice is so childlike, but also so smart. I loved the footnotes. All the Scottish characters' dialogue was written how Scottish sounds - like "nae" instead of "no" (I don't know if they actually spell things this way), so it went back and forth between me really being able to imagine these characters speaking in a thick Scottish accent, and that one word that I couldn't figure out what actual word it was, so it took me out of the story a little bit. This happened especially when we were first introduced to the characters, and by the end, it was easier to say the words in my head.
The whodunit was clever and well explained. The end wrapped up so well that I can see this being the last book in the series, but will always hope it isn't.
The enjoyment was just so high with this book and the series in general that I really hope someday Myrtle has even more adventures!
In this one, Miss Judson surprise inherits an entire Scottish estate and becomes the leader of the clan MacJudd. So of course, she has to go see it in person and brings Myrtle along with her. The estate is on a secluded island that is hard to get to and the people still living there are skeptical of the new "Laird." They don't want to let them know about the strange goings-on there, but when a murder occurs, they all need to work together to figure out what is going on.
I have such a great love for these recurring characters - Myrtle, her dad, Miss Judson, Mr Blakeney, Peony, but we got so many new characters in this one that immediately found their way into my heart as well. I loved them all - Ms Craig, Jessie, Mac, Gus, and the hounds.
I absolutely loved the plot. I love books set in Scotland and I loved the setting of the old estate on the secluded island. I was never bored and I was so excited to see what was going to happen next that I just wanted to devour the whole thing.
The writing style was amazing, as always. Myrtle's voice is so childlike, but also so smart. I loved the footnotes. All the Scottish characters' dialogue was written how Scottish sounds - like "nae" instead of "no" (I don't know if they actually spell things this way), so it went back and forth between me really being able to imagine these characters speaking in a thick Scottish accent, and that one word that I couldn't figure out what actual word it was, so it took me out of the story a little bit. This happened especially when we were first introduced to the characters, and by the end, it was easier to say the words in my head.
The whodunit was clever and well explained. The end wrapped up so well that I can see this being the last book in the series, but will always hope it isn't.
The enjoyment was just so high with this book and the series in general that I really hope someday Myrtle has even more adventures!
September 1, 2025
In the Victorian era, Myrtle is ecstatic that her father is about to propose to her beloved governess, Miss Jacobson. But wouldn't you know it, just then Miss Jacobson, through a great uncle she never knew, inherited an estate in Scotland. On an island! On the one hand, exciting! On the other hand, who would leave an estate in Scotland to marry a Swinburne solicitor? Myrtle decides she needs to go along with her governess to see the lay of the land and make sure Miss Jacobson doesn't get too attached. From the minute they get to Scotland, though, things go wrong. There's an attempted robbery, the solicitor is clearly unhappy to see them and keeps trying to get Miss Jacobson to sign the estate over to a fish factory, they discover there's no boat to the island, and when they finally get there, no one wants them there and there's no plumbing. Agh! But there is plenty of mystery for Myrtle to pursue. What's up with all the ghostly noises and apparitions at night? Did the laird really die of natural causes? What happened to the ancient, valuable family brooch he was searching for? Who's that boy hiding in the library? And then, to cap it all off, there's a murder. Of course. And the island's boat has vanished, so they're all trapped. On the plus side, the manor has secret passages! Myrtle dives in with gusto, but the murderer is not messing around...
This is a fun series, and I love Scottish isles so was delighted to have a mystery set there. And the narrator of the audiobook did the Scottish accents well. There were unfortunately too many characters for me to keep track of, especially all the men (I couldn't remember who was who from one chapter to the next). I enjoyed the treasure hunt and secret passages, of course, and Myrtle's new acolyte and co-conspirator, Gus. While I appreciated that Miss Jacobson was multiracial (her mother being Black, I think), I thought it was aspirational that no one really mentioned it, even in the wilds of Scotland in the 1800s. Having read about how abominably the first Black children on Orkney were treated in the 1970s (I think), it didn't seem believable that no one in Victorian Scotland was racist. But overall, a fun adventure mystery, with bonus tartan.
This is a fun series, and I love Scottish isles so was delighted to have a mystery set there. And the narrator of the audiobook did the Scottish accents well. There were unfortunately too many characters for me to keep track of, especially all the men (I couldn't remember who was who from one chapter to the next). I enjoyed the treasure hunt and secret passages, of course, and Myrtle's new acolyte and co-conspirator, Gus. While I appreciated that Miss Jacobson was multiracial (her mother being Black, I think), I thought it was aspirational that no one really mentioned it, even in the wilds of Scotland in the 1800s. Having read about how abominably the first Black children on Orkney were treated in the 1970s (I think), it didn't seem believable that no one in Victorian Scotland was racist. But overall, a fun adventure mystery, with bonus tartan.
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