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Alice England Mysteries #1
The Deadly Daylight
12-year-old Alice has a hard time making friends. Maybe it's because she works in a funeral home and receives messages from the dead.
While the kids at school taunt her and call her “Alice in Zombieland," Alice England finds refuge at her father’s funeral home, where the dead tell her stories. As she arranges the deceased’s personal mementos, an item will hum with meaning–resonance–and Alice will see the story of their life.
When she "meets" George Devenish, a man who died of a rare sunlight allergy, Alice knows George was murdered. Her only leads are George’s niece, “Violet the Vampire,” who shares her uncle’s allergy and a friendly, but secretive boy named Cal.
As a determined Alice investigates, she is surprised to find Violet and Cal become more than just suspects, but allies—maybe even friends. However, Alice soon finds navigating her first real friendships might be harder than solving a murder.
Clever humor and twisty clues abound in this cozy middle grade mystery about a group of misfits finding courage in the truth and friendship in each other. Delightful, dark, and quirky, The Deadly Daylight is perfect for fans of Nancy Drew and Winterhouse.
While the kids at school taunt her and call her “Alice in Zombieland," Alice England finds refuge at her father’s funeral home, where the dead tell her stories. As she arranges the deceased’s personal mementos, an item will hum with meaning–resonance–and Alice will see the story of their life.
When she "meets" George Devenish, a man who died of a rare sunlight allergy, Alice knows George was murdered. Her only leads are George’s niece, “Violet the Vampire,” who shares her uncle’s allergy and a friendly, but secretive boy named Cal.
As a determined Alice investigates, she is surprised to find Violet and Cal become more than just suspects, but allies—maybe even friends. However, Alice soon finds navigating her first real friendships might be harder than solving a murder.
Clever humor and twisty clues abound in this cozy middle grade mystery about a group of misfits finding courage in the truth and friendship in each other. Delightful, dark, and quirky, The Deadly Daylight is perfect for fans of Nancy Drew and Winterhouse.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2022
3 people are currently reading
2312 people want to read
About the author
Ash Harrier
10 books33 followersAsh Harrier lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is an Ambassador for the Books in Homes Australia charity, which helps children in disadvantaged circumstances build their home libraries. Ash has a great fondness for puzzles, scientific facts, birds and the smell of dried tea. Some of her favourite pastimes are reading, daydreaming and spending time in the garden with her small flock of hens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 6, 2023
Great middle fiction detective mystery! Great characters and interesting aspects of the book such as sunlight allergies and embalming
August 30, 2022
✍️ Twelve year old Alice England lives with her dad in their family owned funeral home where she helps him out by arranging the coffins. When she comes upon the case of the late George Devenish who was allergic to sunlight, Alice is convinced there's more to his death than meets the eye so with the help of his niece Violet and a boy called Cal they decide to investigate what really happened.
I ADORED this middle grade mystery and can't wait for book two in the Alice England Mystery Series. The first thing that captured my interest was the delicate, smooth and eloquent writing style. I absolutely savoured in the original storyline and the well planned and intriguing characters specially Alice and her sweet, bold essence. It was packed with secrets and suspicions. I loved the setting of the story in a funeral home, it made for a macabre and quirky read. Highly recommend!
I ADORED this middle grade mystery and can't wait for book two in the Alice England Mystery Series. The first thing that captured my interest was the delicate, smooth and eloquent writing style. I absolutely savoured in the original storyline and the well planned and intriguing characters specially Alice and her sweet, bold essence. It was packed with secrets and suspicions. I loved the setting of the story in a funeral home, it made for a macabre and quirky read. Highly recommend!
June 29, 2024
Super fun cozy crime for the 10-12 year old set. Lots of life lessons packaged in a style reminiscent of Trixie Belden - all the adventures and stretching boundaries, except with broader and more complex characters.
June 10, 2024
Utterly brilliant and masterfully written. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I’d do so unreservedly.
I’d rank this one right up there with The Last Cuentista, in regards to writing style, pace, and overall plot execution.
I’d rank this one right up there with The Last Cuentista, in regards to writing style, pace, and overall plot execution.
March 8, 2024
This story, The Deadly Daylight, by Ash Harrier, is about two young girls in unique circumstances. Alice helps her dad who is an undertaker. The twelve year old has learned to apply makeup and the finishing touches to the clothing and decor of the deceased. Alice and her dad live in a combination house and family run funeral home. Oh, by the way, Alice can pick up information about the lives of the deceased from personal objects that she places on or with the bodies. Some personal items will give off a resonance that only Alice can feel, allowing her to see many aspects of the lives of the departed. Alice has not told anyone of this gift, not even her father. Alice has trouble connecting with other people her age. She is generally alone in school where she is often picked on and spends most of her time helping her dad. This may change when she meets a girl at school, who is being picked on by some of the same kids who have occasionally treated Alice badly. The girl is dressed in clothing that completely covers her skin from head to toe. She even wears a hat with a netting that protects her face. A teacher explains to Alice that the girl, Violet, has an allergy. If she is exposed to the ultraviolet light of the sun or from artificial sources, she will have a life threatening reaction. The two girls, thrown together by a caring teacher who recognizes their problems, slowly find their common ground. The two bond as they try to find out why Violet’s uncle , who had the same allergy as Violet, has died from over exposure to sunlight. It is mystery why he would allow himself to be caught out in the sun as he was well aware of the consequences. Has he committed suicide or has he died from misadventure? This book is age appropriate. I like that the author introduces words that may new to the reader and explains the meanings through the context of the story. The book also is good at showing the benefits of sharing your feelings with friends and understanding the differences of people we meet. Book provided for review by the publisher, Holiday House.
January 23, 2024
WHOOHOO!!!! I knew by the synopsis that I was going to love this book. Have you ever had that feeling? Keywords that work for me: funeral home, dead, investigate, clues. Give me those words in your blurb and I will trip over my feet to get my hands on your book.
**So, this book was originally published a few years back but is being rereleased in March, so thank you Edelweiss and Pantera Press for the e-arc! **
Alice is a precocious twelve-year-old girl who helps out in her dad's funeral parlor. Think Vada from My Girl except Alice is unafraid of the dead. She wants nothing more to take over the family business and is proud to say so. She befriends a girl named Violet who is allergic to sunlight and soon finds herself embroiled in an investigation over Violet's uncle. Alice can't let it go. She knows there's something suspicious about Uncle George's death and she's going to find out come heck or high water.
What I loved:
Alice's voice. She is mature for her age and highly intelligent. I love that she uses words and phrases kids her age don't usually use and she's unapologetic for it.
The mystery of Uncle George's death. There were so many moving parts that threw me off. It all came together beautifully.
Alice's dad. It's so nice to see supportive and kind parents.
Overall, I adored this book. I see that it's a series, so you know I'll be diving in and continuing Alice and Violet's adventures as soon as I can
**So, this book was originally published a few years back but is being rereleased in March, so thank you Edelweiss and Pantera Press for the e-arc! **
Alice is a precocious twelve-year-old girl who helps out in her dad's funeral parlor. Think Vada from My Girl except Alice is unafraid of the dead. She wants nothing more to take over the family business and is proud to say so. She befriends a girl named Violet who is allergic to sunlight and soon finds herself embroiled in an investigation over Violet's uncle. Alice can't let it go. She knows there's something suspicious about Uncle George's death and she's going to find out come heck or high water.
What I loved:
Alice's voice. She is mature for her age and highly intelligent. I love that she uses words and phrases kids her age don't usually use and she's unapologetic for it.
The mystery of Uncle George's death. There were so many moving parts that threw me off. It all came together beautifully.
Alice's dad. It's so nice to see supportive and kind parents.
Overall, I adored this book. I see that it's a series, so you know I'll be diving in and continuing Alice and Violet's adventures as soon as I can
July 22, 2025
alice was incredibly endearing! can’t wait for the next one
October 9, 2022
so much to like here: great characters, wonderful tone, solid mystery, a nice setting that i'm excited to see explored in sequels and themes. kidslit with clearly elaborated themes. woot woot
December 12, 2023
A fantastic story for any MG reader who likes mysteries or new words, and for anyone who knows what it is to be a little bit different.
September 9, 2022
I'm not even finished this book, but I can already tell that it's such a wonderful book. 5 stars, and I totally recommend it.
October 19, 2023
What a fun book! Also yay for autistic rep! And lovely trans rep too. I'd be glad to read more in the series.
May 30, 2025
Alice England lives in a funeral home with her father. Between helping him prepare bodies, and beside her weak leg, she’s just a normal girl who goes to school and dreams of taking over her father’s work. Except, Alice isn’t totally normal because she gets messages from the dead. 💀
There’s one dead man in particular she’s interested in, he’s a relative of Alice’s classmate and shares her condition of sunlight allergy. ☀️ So alongside her classmate ‘Violet the Vampire’, Alice started to investigate what happened the night Violets’ Uncle George died. 🪦
Review:
When I started this book I enjoyed the novelty of Alice with her respectful yet nonchalant attitude of caring after the dead (including helping them with makeup!) I also enjoyed how Alice was completely open, honest and intelligent, although it hurt her social chances at school. 😫
But what surprised me the most was how much I fell in love with this book the more I read it! It’s such a charming read, and Alice is totally the oddball friend we all want to have. She’s a bit like a more respectful ‘Wednesday’ from the Adam’s family. In her own way she’s a badass! 🙌
Then, when I thought that I couldn’t love this story any more, it mentioned bubble tea 😍
What a complete surprise this book was! Plus not only is there a sequel, but the threequel has just been released!🧋
I am so behind on this series and have a lot of catching up to do! 🤓 If you haven’t already, please pick up this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s one dead man in particular she’s interested in, he’s a relative of Alice’s classmate and shares her condition of sunlight allergy. ☀️ So alongside her classmate ‘Violet the Vampire’, Alice started to investigate what happened the night Violets’ Uncle George died. 🪦
Review:
When I started this book I enjoyed the novelty of Alice with her respectful yet nonchalant attitude of caring after the dead (including helping them with makeup!) I also enjoyed how Alice was completely open, honest and intelligent, although it hurt her social chances at school. 😫
But what surprised me the most was how much I fell in love with this book the more I read it! It’s such a charming read, and Alice is totally the oddball friend we all want to have. She’s a bit like a more respectful ‘Wednesday’ from the Adam’s family. In her own way she’s a badass! 🙌
Then, when I thought that I couldn’t love this story any more, it mentioned bubble tea 😍
What a complete surprise this book was! Plus not only is there a sequel, but the threequel has just been released!🧋
I am so behind on this series and have a lot of catching up to do! 🤓 If you haven’t already, please pick up this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2024
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via Holiday House.
When I read the synopsis, I knew that I’d love this book. Alice England, is a twelve year old girl who helps out in her dad’s funeral parlor learning how to apply makeup and the finishing touches to clothing of the deceased. She wants nothing more than to take over the family business, and she’s proud of that. Oh, and Alice can pick up on information of the deceased using personal objects that she places on or with the bodies.
Alice doesn’t share this information with anyone, not even her dad. She also has trouble connecting with her peers. She’s pretty much alone in school, where she’s often picked on. However, this could change when she meets Violet, who turns out is allergic to the sunlight and soon finds herself in the midst of an investigation regarding Violet’s uncle. Alice can’t seem to let it go, as she knows there’s something suspicious about Uncle George’s death, and she’ll go to any length to prove it.
Overall, I adored this book! I devoured it and it’s a perfect middle grade mystery, for any reader.
Thank you, Rockstar Book Tours, and Ash Harrier for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
When I read the synopsis, I knew that I’d love this book. Alice England, is a twelve year old girl who helps out in her dad’s funeral parlor learning how to apply makeup and the finishing touches to clothing of the deceased. She wants nothing more than to take over the family business, and she’s proud of that. Oh, and Alice can pick up on information of the deceased using personal objects that she places on or with the bodies.
Alice doesn’t share this information with anyone, not even her dad. She also has trouble connecting with her peers. She’s pretty much alone in school, where she’s often picked on. However, this could change when she meets Violet, who turns out is allergic to the sunlight and soon finds herself in the midst of an investigation regarding Violet’s uncle. Alice can’t seem to let it go, as she knows there’s something suspicious about Uncle George’s death, and she’ll go to any length to prove it.
Overall, I adored this book! I devoured it and it’s a perfect middle grade mystery, for any reader.
Thank you, Rockstar Book Tours, and Ash Harrier for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
December 21, 2024
I needed it to be a little tightened up for a middle grade mystery- it was spent too much time in situations where because Harrier creates two vivid characters Alice and Violet- I didn't need that much telling because I already know how Alice and Violet would react in the situations. So it felt needless in some spots and dragged the pacing of the mystery.
Alice is the daughter of a funeral home director who also can sense things from the items around the dead bodies. Violet has a severe light sensitivity that leads kids at school to call her Violet the Vampire. Her uncle actually died from the same illness however people say it was suicide but there's a suspicion that it could be murder. Thus the two team up and go on the hunt for justice.
It's quirky and cool and I LOVE that Harrier gives a shout out to Caitlin Doughty (LOVE HER) to help with elements of the funeral home, embalming, and dead bodies incorporated into the story.
The two characters are quite humorous in their precociousness which is entertaining throughout the mystery. Bullying be damned.
"You have a twin?" Violet glanced around as though she expected Alice's twin to pop out from behind a shrub. "Yes." Alice showed her the pendant on a chain around her neck. "This is Saint Cosmas. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian are the patron saints of twins. The Saint Damian one was supposed to be for my sister, but she died. Our umbilical cords were tangled around us both- my leg and Victoria's neck."
Alice is the daughter of a funeral home director who also can sense things from the items around the dead bodies. Violet has a severe light sensitivity that leads kids at school to call her Violet the Vampire. Her uncle actually died from the same illness however people say it was suicide but there's a suspicion that it could be murder. Thus the two team up and go on the hunt for justice.
It's quirky and cool and I LOVE that Harrier gives a shout out to Caitlin Doughty (LOVE HER) to help with elements of the funeral home, embalming, and dead bodies incorporated into the story.
The two characters are quite humorous in their precociousness which is entertaining throughout the mystery. Bullying be damned.
"You have a twin?" Violet glanced around as though she expected Alice's twin to pop out from behind a shrub. "Yes." Alice showed her the pendant on a chain around her neck. "This is Saint Cosmas. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian are the patron saints of twins. The Saint Damian one was supposed to be for my sister, but she died. Our umbilical cords were tangled around us both- my leg and Victoria's neck."
May 1, 2024
The other kids think Alice England is weird because she's a little tactless and also lives in a funeral home. They also think that Violet is weird because she always wears veils and gloves and never goes out in the sun. Eventually, the girls decide they're okay being weird together. But then Violet's uncle dies. Everyone says it's from natural causes, but Alice's supernatural intuition suggests otherwise, and Alice isn't going to rest until she gets to the bottom of things.
I love Alice. The way she talks and the way the narration describe her both work perfectly to create a character who understands the world a little differently than I, but this book invites me in so charmingly that it just makes sense. There's a bit of middle school drama, but it's handled well. I was unable to solve the mystery with the clues given, but the action and dialogue kept me wanting to turn pages. I hope the sequels come across the pond (from Australia) very soon!
I love Alice. The way she talks and the way the narration describe her both work perfectly to create a character who understands the world a little differently than I, but this book invites me in so charmingly that it just makes sense. There's a bit of middle school drama, but it's handled well. I was unable to solve the mystery with the clues given, but the action and dialogue kept me wanting to turn pages. I hope the sequels come across the pond (from Australia) very soon!
April 6, 2024
I adore books with British/Australian authors, windswept seaside settings, adorable narration, quirky characters, and a gentle sprinkling of supernatural. Alice England is 12. Her dad owns a funeral home. Alice works with the departed, helping to arrange meaningful artifacts for their funerals. Occasionally the artifact "resonates" for her and she actually "sees" episodes of the departed's life and how the objects were meaningful for her. Alice is smart as anything but given that she is socially awkward and has difficulties with peers, she is unselfconsciously on the spectrum. She is also utterly delightful and a fabulous coup of representation for autistic people as well as smart, determined girls with the conviction of their priorities. I loved everything about this... it answers my needs for more charming, English adventures with humor and excellent vocabulary.
March 14, 2024
So excited to be hosting a spot with @rockstarbooktours @holidayhouse @ashharrier for the opportunity to read and review this fun and entertaining book.
👧🏻 reviews: I had fun reading this funny and engaging book. According to the blurb and I agree that it does feel like reading Nancy Drew and a bit of Scooby Doo too. Alice sings to her own tune and she doesn’t mind what other people think of her. She’s in her own world while she was seeing and hearing things at her father’s funeral and mostly curious about George’s case. This is definitely entertaining, funny, quick read and mysterious for middle-graders to read. I enjoyed this so much and I recommend this to all readers who seek a funny and easy-read.
👧🏻 reviews: I had fun reading this funny and engaging book. According to the blurb and I agree that it does feel like reading Nancy Drew and a bit of Scooby Doo too. Alice sings to her own tune and she doesn’t mind what other people think of her. She’s in her own world while she was seeing and hearing things at her father’s funeral and mostly curious about George’s case. This is definitely entertaining, funny, quick read and mysterious for middle-graders to read. I enjoyed this so much and I recommend this to all readers who seek a funny and easy-read.
March 30, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I loved Alice, our quirky, intelligent, comfortable with who she is heroine. I liked the unique funeral home setting, the interesting behind the scenes information about what goes on with preparing our loved ones for their final rest, and Alice's positive, matter of fact attitude dealing with death. I liked how the developing friendship between Alice and Violet was a little rocky at times but continued to grow and that Cal ended up becoming part of their circle.
The mystery was perfectly paced, smoothly introducing facts and speculation up to the final resolution. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, will be watching for the next book in the series, and look forward to recommending it to our middle school readers.
The mystery was perfectly paced, smoothly introducing facts and speculation up to the final resolution. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, will be watching for the next book in the series, and look forward to recommending it to our middle school readers.
May 11, 2024
I learned about The Deadly Daylight from a YouTube middle grade recommendation video and I can see why the content creator liked it so much. The main character Alice England is unapologetically herself and it’s refreshing. Alice doesn’t always pick up on social cues but she’s a kind soul and a good friend. This book focuses on the death of a man with a severe sunlight allergy. When Alice becomes fiends with his niece who has the same allergy - Alice begins to wonder if his death was more than a tragic accident. This was such a great book! I’m glad to see this book is the first in a series. I’ve already purchased the next book in the series.
September 25, 2024
I haven't read that many MG novels by Australian authors so the language and maturity of the 12-year-old protagonist caught me a little off guard. I appreciated that Alice's new friends also reflected on her "talking weird" which (if I suspend disbelief) might be because she's working with her father in a funeral home and had to grow up quickly in a world of adults. The three main characters, Alice, Violet, and Cal, grew on me as I read. I'm glad I got past the first 30 pages where I wasn't sure I wanted to continue -- it's an intriguing concept, being allergic to sunlight. This was the first book I've seen on that topic. It's worth a read.
April 20, 2024
This was a fun read that kept me interested. I was interested in the who the killer was and in the victims illness. I also liked how all the characters were intertwined. Violet and Alice are not popular kids, and they make a bond that that is everlasting. Alice is fun because she works in the funeral home, and has some special abilities. I also really liked the secondary characters like Cal and Alice's dad. I can tell that there will be many more mysteries and adventures for these kids! I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however, all my opinions are my own.
December 17, 2024
I read this book in one sitting - and laughed out loud several times! Great middle grade mystery novel that I think many kids and adults will love.
I loved this novel - from Thaddeus, Alice's health conscious and supportive father, to the descriptions of funeral work and embalming, to Violet who is a great foil to Alice, and to Alice herself, a kid who is hilarious in her blunt statements and singleminded pursuit of justice. I look forward to the next mystery that Alice and her new friends tackle.
I loved this novel - from Thaddeus, Alice's health conscious and supportive father, to the descriptions of funeral work and embalming, to Violet who is a great foil to Alice, and to Alice herself, a kid who is hilarious in her blunt statements and singleminded pursuit of justice. I look forward to the next mystery that Alice and her new friends tackle.
January 19, 2024
Very much enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well-written, each with individual, interesting quirks. I especially loved the MC who has a no-nonsense straight-talking attitude to life which is endearing.
Thanks Ash Harrier for introducing us to Alice - Zombie Queen and Violet (ultra Violet). Two characters I’m looking forward to spending more time with in the next instalment l
Thanks Ash Harrier for introducing us to Alice - Zombie Queen and Violet (ultra Violet). Two characters I’m looking forward to spending more time with in the next instalment l
March 3, 2024
This book was so fun! Alice is a delightful and lovable character who stretches herself in just the right ways to make friends and follows her instincts to figure things out, with a bit of mysterious help along the way.
April 29, 2024
Alice is a wonderful character, and her father is a good support. I liked that she never was manipulative or lied to her father about what she was investigating and who she was with.
Overall though, while the mystery aspect worked, it wasn't very enjoyable to me as a whole story.
Overall though, while the mystery aspect worked, it wasn't very enjoyable to me as a whole story.
May 17, 2024
I loved the voice of the whip-smart Alice with very poor social skills who likes things "just so," and gets fixated on trying to find out the truth of how a girl's (Violet) uncle with a sun allergy died. Is Violet a friend?
July 30, 2024
This is a great middle grade mystery that I will add to my classroom library. Alice gets messages from the dead...but that's not even the most interesting thing about her! She learns about friendship and boundaries in this fun story, and Alice is a wonderfully clear character.
September 23, 2025
This was cute. I didn't get super into the investigation aspect of the book, it was fine. The characters and the flow of the story were great though. I enjoyed all the different types of people in the story and thought the characters were very well written.
January 5, 2023
Great book, very suitable for YAs, good mystery without macabre details
December 19, 2023
Great youth book! Good start to series for kids :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews