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Chicken House Her Majestys League of Remarkable Young Ladies.
At her dull Victorian finishing school, fourteen-year-old Winnie dreams of becoming a top inventor like her father. Then, she’s recruited into a league of young ladies guarding Her Majesty the Queen. Soon, Winnie is not only serving royalty but learning what she needs to save her papa.
368 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 27, 2023
It would be weird to rate my own book, so instead I will give these ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to the stupendous team at Chicken House, especially editors Kesia and Laura, and an extra star to the fabulously talented cover designer, Micaela Alcaino.
A little background - this book was the 2021 winner of the TIMES / Chicken House / IET150 Prize. The Institution of Engineering Technology sponsored the prize as a part of their 150th Anniversary celebrations. The aim was to use fun, age-appropriate literature to encourage girls and young women to study STEM* subjects and consider careers in engineering. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to showcase girls’ potential as inventors and engineers and more!
Winnie the aspiring engineer first walked onto my computer screen in 2015, and I knew immediately I had to create a special story for her.
I hope you enjoy reading or listening to Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies. Writing it has been quite an adventure!
A little background - this book was the 2021 winner of the TIMES / Chicken House / IET150 Prize. The Institution of Engineering Technology sponsored the prize as a part of their 150th Anniversary celebrations. The aim was to use fun, age-appropriate literature to encourage girls and young women to study STEM* subjects and consider careers in engineering. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to showcase girls’ potential as inventors and engineers and more!
Winnie the aspiring engineer first walked onto my computer screen in 2015, and I knew immediately I had to create a special story for her.
I hope you enjoy reading or listening to Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies. Writing it has been quite an adventure!
February 23, 2024
I should trust my own instincts a bit more, in some cases. I wasn't sure if this book would be that good, and I was right.
It's not bad either, let me be clear about that. Whenever a book is set during Victorian times, I'm sold, so that was something Her Majesty's Leag... Ah, confound it. That was something HMLRYL had going for it. Even though Queen Victoria herself wasn't all that amusing in this one, I have to add... I also loved the inclusion of the 1889 World Fair in Paris, because in general, these sorts of books don't tend to leave London very often.
Winnie herself was nice too, but I would have preferred some chapters following the other young ladies. Most of the time, I'm all for not too many different POVs, but in this case it would have been a good thing, I believe. It would have fleshed out the others a bit more. There was a bit of an odd time skip in the middle, where four weeks pass in the blink of an eye. I wasn't particularly looking forward to yet another series of spy trainings, so I'm glad that Segert left that out, but the trouble is that the relationship and behaviour between Winnie and the others change in the meantime, and that difference from one page to the next was... strange.
I also think the book would have benefitted from one problem instead of two. Now, there's all the trouble with Mr Magpie, and the trouble with Winnie's father - and the two of them don't overlap at all. I had expected that to happen - it made sense to me - but there was no overlap whatsoever and that just felt off.
And I also have to add: I figured out who the Magpie was quite soon, honestly. I did like Mrs Campbell's backstory, though, and the role Beacon Academy plays in the League.
A fine book if you want to forget about your surroundings for a couple of hours, but nothing too exhilirating or astounding.
6.7/10
It's not bad either, let me be clear about that. Whenever a book is set during Victorian times, I'm sold, so that was something Her Majesty's Leag... Ah, confound it. That was something HMLRYL had going for it. Even though Queen Victoria herself wasn't all that amusing in this one, I have to add... I also loved the inclusion of the 1889 World Fair in Paris, because in general, these sorts of books don't tend to leave London very often.
Winnie herself was nice too, but I would have preferred some chapters following the other young ladies. Most of the time, I'm all for not too many different POVs, but in this case it would have been a good thing, I believe. It would have fleshed out the others a bit more. There was a bit of an odd time skip in the middle, where four weeks pass in the blink of an eye. I wasn't particularly looking forward to yet another series of spy trainings, so I'm glad that Segert left that out, but the trouble is that the relationship and behaviour between Winnie and the others change in the meantime, and that difference from one page to the next was... strange.
I also think the book would have benefitted from one problem instead of two. Now, there's all the trouble with Mr Magpie, and the trouble with Winnie's father - and the two of them don't overlap at all. I had expected that to happen - it made sense to me - but there was no overlap whatsoever and that just felt off.
And I also have to add: I figured out who the Magpie was quite soon, honestly. I did like Mrs Campbell's backstory, though, and the role Beacon Academy plays in the League.
A fine book if you want to forget about your surroundings for a couple of hours, but nothing too exhilirating or astounding.
6.7/10
October 12, 2023
A group of young teenage ladies are recruited to be lady spies with the purpose of protecting Queen Victoria. The main character Winnie loves to tinker around with tools and invent new gadgets, which is unbecoming of a young lady in that era. So she is overjoyed to be able to join the league, where she is appointed quartermistress - much like Q in the Bond films, she's in charge of building exciting tools for the spies.
There are two main plots in the book. One is about the young lady spies trying to corner a scoundrel called Mr Magpie, who threatens the Queen. The other involves Winnie's father who is also an inventor, and his disappearance. Will Winnie be able to juggle official business and also find her papa?
The bit I was disappointed in (sorry) was how the two plots came together - it felt awkward and rushed after build up in the first half. I also wished there was more character development between the girls. Some of the girls were cold to Winnie in the beginning - why was that and why did they warm up to her later? That sort of thing wasn't too clear.
The gadgets in the story are fun and cool. We also see the Victorian way of life - horse carriages, women holding fans, smelling salts - that added another fun element.
There are two main plots in the book. One is about the young lady spies trying to corner a scoundrel called Mr Magpie, who threatens the Queen. The other involves Winnie's father who is also an inventor, and his disappearance. Will Winnie be able to juggle official business and also find her papa?
The bit I was disappointed in (sorry) was how the two plots came together - it felt awkward and rushed after build up in the first half. I also wished there was more character development between the girls. Some of the girls were cold to Winnie in the beginning - why was that and why did they warm up to her later? That sort of thing wasn't too clear.
The gadgets in the story are fun and cool. We also see the Victorian way of life - horse carriages, women holding fans, smelling salts - that added another fun element.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
CAWPILE 6.43
3.5 STARS
Read for Orilium Spring Equinox Lore Prompt- Read a Book with a Moon on the cover or moon in the title.
I really enjoyed this MG, very empowering and funny at times. Mr Magpie was an incredibly good 'baddie' and I can see why kids would love it. I would love to see this turn into a series.
3.5 STARS
Read for Orilium Spring Equinox Lore Prompt- Read a Book with a Moon on the cover or moon in the title.
I really enjoyed this MG, very empowering and funny at times. Mr Magpie was an incredibly good 'baddie' and I can see why kids would love it. I would love to see this turn into a series.
October 10, 2024
I am, of course, not the intended audience for this book but I fancied a fun middle grade and decided to pick this up. Honestly? It was nothing special and I remember very little about it even though I only read it 2 months ago.
November 4, 2023
A very fun, pacey, low stakes Victorian mystery for fans of Murder Most Unladylike, and for future scientist/inventors.
I agree with other reviews that the characters didn’t wholly charm me, but I very much enjoyed Queen Victoria as an active character, as well as playing with superstitions around magpies.
I agree with other reviews that the characters didn’t wholly charm me, but I very much enjoyed Queen Victoria as an active character, as well as playing with superstitions around magpies.
November 20, 2024
2.5 stars: I am definitely not the right audience for this book, and as such I think the story brought out a bit of the cynical historian in me, which admittedly is unfair. However, I do also feel as though the 9-12 audience this book is actually aimed at would be able to handle a bit more of the historical reality, as well as character competency.
Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies is a covert espionage operation, both endorsed and managed by the British Royal Family themselves. Winifred ‘Winnie’ Weatherby is the newest recruit, brought in to the operation thanks to her incredible inventing skills. One thing I have discovered about myself is that before reading this I had no idea what a chatelaine was, and now after reading this I really, really want one. Winnie’s gadgets were probably the most interesting part for me.
The plot had so much potential, but the outcome (and the reader’s journey to get there) just felt chaotic and hard to follow. There were magpies, debtors, lawyers, the royal family, expos, bent coppers, a farting pug, the lot. There definitely needed to be clearer mission outlines and establishing of the facts to help with narrative flow. The identity of Mr Magpie was hinted at throughout, not quite subtly enough for me to be surprised come the big reveal. On top of that, I don’t think the League actually managed to completely successfully carry out a mission? Not expecting perfection and everything to go smoothly all the time is a good message, but it sadly didn’t make for a satisfying read. There was a certain charming ineptitude, but for me it often bordered on bumbling and annoying. (And that cynical historian in me knows that HRH the Prince of Wales, after having sired an illegitimate heir, would not be so ready and willing to acknowledge Adelaide as his own, let alone keep up a cheery correspondence afterwards.)
The biggest gripe I have with my copy though (and I’m unsure if there are other editions with different covers) is that the front cover literally gives away a major spoiler? The League has five young ladies as members, and yet there’s only four on the cover? To me that feels like a lack of care, coupled with an assumption that their target audience won’t be able to deduce the meaning. I can tell you they will.
There were plenty of elements about this book that really drew me in, and brought to mind Robin Stevens’ ‘Murder Most Unladylike’, and Katherine Woodfine’s Spies series, but on the whole I genuinely do not know how to feel about it, hence the incredibly average rating.
Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies is a covert espionage operation, both endorsed and managed by the British Royal Family themselves. Winifred ‘Winnie’ Weatherby is the newest recruit, brought in to the operation thanks to her incredible inventing skills. One thing I have discovered about myself is that before reading this I had no idea what a chatelaine was, and now after reading this I really, really want one. Winnie’s gadgets were probably the most interesting part for me.
The plot had so much potential, but the outcome (and the reader’s journey to get there) just felt chaotic and hard to follow. There were magpies, debtors, lawyers, the royal family, expos, bent coppers, a farting pug, the lot. There definitely needed to be clearer mission outlines and establishing of the facts to help with narrative flow. The identity of Mr Magpie was hinted at throughout, not quite subtly enough for me to be surprised come the big reveal. On top of that, I don’t think the League actually managed to completely successfully carry out a mission? Not expecting perfection and everything to go smoothly all the time is a good message, but it sadly didn’t make for a satisfying read. There was a certain charming ineptitude, but for me it often bordered on bumbling and annoying. (And that cynical historian in me knows that HRH the Prince of Wales, after having sired an illegitimate heir, would not be so ready and willing to acknowledge Adelaide as his own, let alone keep up a cheery correspondence afterwards.)
The biggest gripe I have with my copy though (and I’m unsure if there are other editions with different covers) is that the front cover literally gives away a major spoiler? The League has five young ladies as members, and yet there’s only four on the cover? To me that feels like a lack of care, coupled with an assumption that their target audience won’t be able to deduce the meaning. I can tell you they will.
There were plenty of elements about this book that really drew me in, and brought to mind Robin Stevens’ ‘Murder Most Unladylike’, and Katherine Woodfine’s Spies series, but on the whole I genuinely do not know how to feel about it, hence the incredibly average rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies by Alison D Stegert
Intrigue, intellect, and inventions! Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies is an inspirational and incredible middle grade novel.
The young women of the secret league are remarkable, just as Alison D. Stegart's writing. Winnie, an aspiring engineer, is chosen to be a part of the League, and the reader soon meets the other strong and intelligent young ladies who are a part of it, too. The characters all have distinctive voices and their personalities are different, yet together they work together to protect the Queen.
The dialogue between characters is witty and will make readers love the characters more than Winnie loves inventing.
Alison describes the various settings within the novel so that readers truly feel a part of the story. The details and atmosphere explored within the pages are exciting and authentically explore the historical and imaginative settings. I particularly love when Mrs Campbell introduces Winnie to her inventing room, a 'weird and wonderful space [that] held a lifetime of possibilities, discoveries, and innovations.' The descriptions of items in the room, Winnie's thought process and her passion for inventing shine through.
'Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies' is fast paced and will have readers flipping the pages as they follow the young ladies on their mission to protect and solve a mystery or two. Just when you think you've solved the mystery, you may be surprised!
I loved the ending and after reading this book, I am in awe of Alison's writing. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this talented author. This is a story that would be perfect for the English classroom and STEM studies. A book that encourages young women to follow their dreams, to invent, create, and have fun. It is a celebration of what young women can achieve.
Intrigue, intellect, and inventions! Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies is an inspirational and incredible middle grade novel.
The young women of the secret league are remarkable, just as Alison D. Stegart's writing. Winnie, an aspiring engineer, is chosen to be a part of the League, and the reader soon meets the other strong and intelligent young ladies who are a part of it, too. The characters all have distinctive voices and their personalities are different, yet together they work together to protect the Queen.
The dialogue between characters is witty and will make readers love the characters more than Winnie loves inventing.
Alison describes the various settings within the novel so that readers truly feel a part of the story. The details and atmosphere explored within the pages are exciting and authentically explore the historical and imaginative settings. I particularly love when Mrs Campbell introduces Winnie to her inventing room, a 'weird and wonderful space [that] held a lifetime of possibilities, discoveries, and innovations.' The descriptions of items in the room, Winnie's thought process and her passion for inventing shine through.
'Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies' is fast paced and will have readers flipping the pages as they follow the young ladies on their mission to protect and solve a mystery or two. Just when you think you've solved the mystery, you may be surprised!
I loved the ending and after reading this book, I am in awe of Alison's writing. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this talented author. This is a story that would be perfect for the English classroom and STEM studies. A book that encourages young women to follow their dreams, to invent, create, and have fun. It is a celebration of what young women can achieve.
April 6, 2024
Winnie studies at a very ladylike school. They do not approve of many things including what Winnie wants to be. Winnie doesn’t want to be a perfect lady, she wants to be an engineer like her father. They send messages to each other by electrical signals using her father’s invention. When Winnie’s father does not reply to her message, she gets worried and rushes to her father’s house to see what is going on. She goes there, discovering some important information.
Not long after that, Winnie gets invited to join Her Majesty’s League Of Remarkable Young Ladies. Winnie is honoured to be part in such a big thing and carries on through her journey, trying to fulfil her dream.
I love this book because of the great plot put into it by the author. This book has a very strong moral. To never underestimate what women can and cannot do.
Not long after that, Winnie gets invited to join Her Majesty’s League Of Remarkable Young Ladies. Winnie is honoured to be part in such a big thing and carries on through her journey, trying to fulfil her dream.
I love this book because of the great plot put into it by the author. This book has a very strong moral. To never underestimate what women can and cannot do.
February 13, 2024
Really cute book, felt like it was finding its feet but definitely has potential. Just not enough pug content.
September 16, 2023
This should have been right up my street but it was so boring I could not find it within me to continue reading. I gave up halfway through mainly because the plot was messy. There were two main plots happening at the same time (Queen Victoria needing help and the main character’s dad disappearing), but neither of them felt well executed. The characters were so faceless I could not tell them apart. A shame.
September 17, 2024
Lots of action, lots of brave strong young ladies getting around the restrictions of 1800s Victorian England. Probably more to come, which will be great.
January 18, 2024
DNF at page 40. I was probably too old to read this. The writing was dull to me and unimaginative. Probably my fault and not the books for picking up a book that was meant for younger readers.
September 20, 2023
Queen Victoria is most certainly not amused with the latest occurrence at court- she is being stalked by a presence known only as Mr Magpie, who is leaving frightening messages behind! There must be someone who can solve these crimes without letting the culprit know they're investigating? Why, it must be a job for Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies! Run by the poised and elegant Mrs Campbell, the League is a new invention... and one that's slowly growing. The latest recruit to the League is the secret inventress Winnifred Weatherby, daughter of an official inventor that is determined that his little girl's manly hobbies won't stop her from having a society acceptable marriage, and so sends her to an etiquette academy to drill some poise into her. Little does anyone know that she has entered- and is determined to win- the inventors' Grand Prix in Paris. It is when her father is kidnapped, and his good name is dragged through the mud that Winnie decides she must leave the academy to look for him. On the danger plagued route to their home, Winnie comes to realise that she is being chased, and ends up reluctantly taking Mrs Campbell's offer to join the league. The other girls greet her with a mixture of goodwill and With events ratcheting up to serious at a speed of knots in all aspects of Winnie's life, will she be able to look after Queen Victoria as well as find out what happened to her father? And even more important: will she finally be recognised for her own inventions?
Thank you to the publisher Chicken House for sending me a review copy of this fast paced little romp through Victorian London! Winnie is a fab little inventress, and the perfect lead for a tale of young lady spies!
Being a woman in STEM myself, having come from an engineering background, the world Winnie occupies is- in some ways- one familiar to me. I could never imagine being dissuaded from a passion by my parents due to gender roles, however, but I do appreciate that this is a part of history and therefore needed to be kept to in order to give the book authenticity.
There were several fun mysteries that interlinked throughout the book, meaning that there was always an event to move the plot forward and therefore never a stale moment! Queen Victoria was a brilliant character, and her interactions with her pug and the League girls on the train were honestly the most amusing pages of the story! The girls, although being fun and independent, didn't seem likely to jump off the page and into my living room. There seemed to be small inconsistencies in their personalities- such as not liking Winnie, then liking her, then not liking her again- which unfortunately drew me away from having a personal investment in the book. However, I do have to take into account that they are children, and perhaps that may have something to do with it? Either way, this was a read that I enjoyed, and I would definitely urge younger readers to pick it up. The language used is definitely appropriate for (and probably aimed at) 9/10 year-olds, making it perfect for young children wanting to go into a STEM career.
Thank you to the publisher Chicken House for sending me a review copy of this fast paced little romp through Victorian London! Winnie is a fab little inventress, and the perfect lead for a tale of young lady spies!
Being a woman in STEM myself, having come from an engineering background, the world Winnie occupies is- in some ways- one familiar to me. I could never imagine being dissuaded from a passion by my parents due to gender roles, however, but I do appreciate that this is a part of history and therefore needed to be kept to in order to give the book authenticity.
There were several fun mysteries that interlinked throughout the book, meaning that there was always an event to move the plot forward and therefore never a stale moment! Queen Victoria was a brilliant character, and her interactions with her pug and the League girls on the train were honestly the most amusing pages of the story! The girls, although being fun and independent, didn't seem likely to jump off the page and into my living room. There seemed to be small inconsistencies in their personalities- such as not liking Winnie, then liking her, then not liking her again- which unfortunately drew me away from having a personal investment in the book. However, I do have to take into account that they are children, and perhaps that may have something to do with it? Either way, this was a read that I enjoyed, and I would definitely urge younger readers to pick it up. The language used is definitely appropriate for (and probably aimed at) 9/10 year-olds, making it perfect for young children wanting to go into a STEM career.
December 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alison Stegert's Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies. Young fourteen-year old inventor, Winifred (Winnie) Weatherby is helping her equally inventive father with a ground-breaking invention and her own special project which they plan to present at the 1889 Paris World Fair. But, not only does the headmistress of the exclusive Beacon Academy ground her for unruly behaviour but she discovers her father is missing and accused on fraud while someone is out to cause her harm. She finds some unlikely allies and is inducted into Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies due to her inventive skill. The task of protecting Queen Victoria from the clever Mr Blackbird gives her a modicum of safety but may interfere with her efforts to find her father and enter the Paris World Fair.
This story, set in late 19th London and Paris, has a caste of interesting and likeable characters - from Winnie and the other young ladies of the league, the mysterious Mrs Campbell, the royal family and a young street urchin - as well as a brace of villains - and two mysteries to solve. The story is full of adventure and malarkey, twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies and, of course, Winnie's winsome inventions with an exciting climatic conclusion at the Paris World Fair. What’s not to like 😊
Looking forward to reading more from Ali Stegert.
This story, set in late 19th London and Paris, has a caste of interesting and likeable characters - from Winnie and the other young ladies of the league, the mysterious Mrs Campbell, the royal family and a young street urchin - as well as a brace of villains - and two mysteries to solve. The story is full of adventure and malarkey, twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies and, of course, Winnie's winsome inventions with an exciting climatic conclusion at the Paris World Fair. What’s not to like 😊
Looking forward to reading more from Ali Stegert.
September 7, 2023
Thrill seekers rejoice!
Prepare to be propelled into a world of excitement and danger with Her Majesties League of Remarkable Young Ladies. A fast-paced novel that will captivate readers in the 11+ age group, particularly those who have an interest in science, technology, and mathematics.
The protagonist, Winnie, along with a cast of inspiring female characters, have been assigned with a secret mission to protect the Queen by uncovering the malevolent Mr. Magpie. Winnie must also locate her missing father and present her inventions at the Paris fair.
Filled with intelligence, loyalty, enthusiasm and resourcefulness, this thrilling and often humorous story also defies society’s expectation of Victorian women and their abilities. From London to Paris, unexpected twists and turns and increasing danger, leave readers on the edge of their seats as Winnie employs her brilliant inventions and intelligence to aid in her missions.
Her Majesties League of Remarkable Young Ladies is a fabulous debut novel for talented author, Alison D Stegert and definitely worthy of a five-star rating.
Prepare to be propelled into a world of excitement and danger with Her Majesties League of Remarkable Young Ladies. A fast-paced novel that will captivate readers in the 11+ age group, particularly those who have an interest in science, technology, and mathematics.
The protagonist, Winnie, along with a cast of inspiring female characters, have been assigned with a secret mission to protect the Queen by uncovering the malevolent Mr. Magpie. Winnie must also locate her missing father and present her inventions at the Paris fair.
Filled with intelligence, loyalty, enthusiasm and resourcefulness, this thrilling and often humorous story also defies society’s expectation of Victorian women and their abilities. From London to Paris, unexpected twists and turns and increasing danger, leave readers on the edge of their seats as Winnie employs her brilliant inventions and intelligence to aid in her missions.
Her Majesties League of Remarkable Young Ladies is a fabulous debut novel for talented author, Alison D Stegert and definitely worthy of a five-star rating.
November 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction with its mix of mystery, intrigue and adventure. It's a novel for middle-grade readers that makes a perfect read for any age.
What could go wrong with a feisty 12-year-old girl-genius, inventor and spy as the protagonist? In the Victorian era, anything is possible.
Queen Victoria is the target of a mischievous Mr Magpie who seems able to leave his calling card and upset proceedings despite the diligence of her League of Remarkable Young Ladies (spies). As the League's newest recruit, Winifred Weatherby (Winnie) is tasked with inventing the spy's collection of life-saving and criminal-catching gadgets (I'm sure James Bond's Q got a few ideas from Winnie). But can she do it, protect the Queen, rescue her missing father and win the top prize in Paris for young inventors?
You'll have to read the book to find out! You won't be disappointed.
What could go wrong with a feisty 12-year-old girl-genius, inventor and spy as the protagonist? In the Victorian era, anything is possible.
Queen Victoria is the target of a mischievous Mr Magpie who seems able to leave his calling card and upset proceedings despite the diligence of her League of Remarkable Young Ladies (spies). As the League's newest recruit, Winifred Weatherby (Winnie) is tasked with inventing the spy's collection of life-saving and criminal-catching gadgets (I'm sure James Bond's Q got a few ideas from Winnie). But can she do it, protect the Queen, rescue her missing father and win the top prize in Paris for young inventors?
You'll have to read the book to find out! You won't be disappointed.
September 3, 2023
Rating 4
First off I am completely outside the target audience for this book by a very wide margin.
It appeared as a 99p kindle deal I think because I have recently read the first ‘Lockwood & Co’ book.
Despite that it was a really enjoyable read. Well written, plot flowed along at a nice pace, characters were all well written and interesting.
Reminded me of books I had read when I was at school which used to be in the sub genre ‘Boys Own Adventures’ - this was a modern version of those except all of the protagonists were female .
A great little read very entertaining and for anyone of the target age or anyone with younger relatives I would say this is a definite recommendation.
First off I am completely outside the target audience for this book by a very wide margin.
It appeared as a 99p kindle deal I think because I have recently read the first ‘Lockwood & Co’ book.
Despite that it was a really enjoyable read. Well written, plot flowed along at a nice pace, characters were all well written and interesting.
Reminded me of books I had read when I was at school which used to be in the sub genre ‘Boys Own Adventures’ - this was a modern version of those except all of the protagonists were female .
A great little read very entertaining and for anyone of the target age or anyone with younger relatives I would say this is a definite recommendation.
July 11, 2024
I enjoy Middle Grade novels, mysteries, historical settings. The premise of this book intrigued me, the gorgeous cover sealed the deal.
Then I started reading. Oh dear. For all the supposed action, the pacing felt slow, the dialogue incredibly inauthentic, and nothing really happened. The character’s urgency was undermined by pages and pages of info dumps and little stuff taking priority. I’m very disappointed. This felt a bit like the “plays” my friends and I used to put on in primary school where we’d pretend to be adults and talk a bit stilted—removed from reality, meandering in a thousand ways, exhausting to sit through.
Then I started reading. Oh dear. For all the supposed action, the pacing felt slow, the dialogue incredibly inauthentic, and nothing really happened. The character’s urgency was undermined by pages and pages of info dumps and little stuff taking priority. I’m very disappointed. This felt a bit like the “plays” my friends and I used to put on in primary school where we’d pretend to be adults and talk a bit stilted—removed from reality, meandering in a thousand ways, exhausting to sit through.
April 13, 2025
It's not that there's anything wrong with this book, but there just isn't anything to connect with.
The plot is rather intriguing, with a mysterious spy agency and a heroine that sounds appealing in theory -- a gadget master -- in a time when women's movements would have been rather restrictive.
It all sounds interesting, but 100 pages in, we've had some chases and discoveries but nothing to care deeply about. Maybe it's where there doesn't seem to be much guilt from Winifred over the instances where she's clearly wrong or where she has done something that is offensive to others? Dunno. I didn't see much reason to go further.
The plot is rather intriguing, with a mysterious spy agency and a heroine that sounds appealing in theory -- a gadget master -- in a time when women's movements would have been rather restrictive.
It all sounds interesting, but 100 pages in, we've had some chases and discoveries but nothing to care deeply about. Maybe it's where there doesn't seem to be much guilt from Winifred over the instances where she's clearly wrong or where she has done something that is offensive to others? Dunno. I didn't see much reason to go further.
September 16, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable historical spy fiction for junior readers. Absolutely loved the cleverly researched Victorian-era setting and the colourful cast of characters. Most spy stories leave me cold but this one was immensely accessible and genuinely entertaining, with a welcome nod to the engineering prowess of its young heroine and her spirit and determination. I wish this was a series. It's sets itself up masterfully for one, now that the spy league are in full swing! Impeccably written, for mature young readers (13 - 16 years), and any appreciators of spy/crime fiction.
September 9, 2023
I adored this book from the very start. A wonderful host of characters, brilliant inventions, real slices of history and a lovely mystery plot with just enough peril to keep it interesting without being distressing and enough clues and red herrings for reader-sleuths to follow to their own conclusions.
I hope this is only the first of many adventures for the remarkable young ladies!
I hope this is only the first of many adventures for the remarkable young ladies!
October 31, 2023
What a great novel for both a young and adult audience. Well written and very engaging with the reader. Holding another fictional historical version of Queen Victoria was a great and unique way of telling a story of the young character Winnie and her friends. Especially on her quest to find and solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. Must be read for young and old.
April 7, 2024
This delightful yet gripping middle grade historical fiction is packed full of girl power. It was clever whilst being age appropriate. Perhaps a little too silly in places. But overall I loved the blending of historic facts and imagination. I absolutely would have loved to be a member of the league. Maybe my role could be historical research or crisis response?
May 29, 2024
DNF @ 22% - middle grade story set in Victorian England.
After reading VE Schwabs middle grade series and really enjoying it I picked up this one as it seemed fun. However I found the character to childish for 14 especially set in Victorian England when children grew up much quicker. Obviously I'm not the target audience so younger readers may enjoy.
After reading VE Schwabs middle grade series and really enjoying it I picked up this one as it seemed fun. However I found the character to childish for 14 especially set in Victorian England when children grew up much quicker. Obviously I'm not the target audience so younger readers may enjoy.
August 5, 2024
There’s lots to like about this story: the historical setting, colourful characters, mysteries, inventions, royalty etc. the narrative is imaginative with lots of details: however there’s something that doesn’t grip you about what’s happening and who it is happening too. If this was the first in a series (that cd be good!) I’d say the author is just starting to warm up…
September 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. A fun and pacey adventure with wonderful characters and a great sense of humour. I love a late Victorian setting, and Her Majesty's League uses it brilliantly. This story has stayed with me ever since reading it and is one I frequently think about revisiting. Just a blast to read and the cover is fab!
August 28, 2025
OMG! I am in love with this book.😍 The story follows Winnie Weatherby whose father is an engineer who has gone missing which his daughter is eager to find him and his clues of where he went. However, her dreams of presenting her father’s invention to a competition for when she is accepted into Her Majesty’s Remarkable League of Young Ladies. 100 % recommend to Queen Victoria or Royal Family fans
January 27, 2024
What a riot! I adored this book with my whole heart. It was filled with brilliant characters, twists and turns, and hilarious antics. I'd be surprised if this isn't a contender for my best book of the year. 😁
June 14, 2024
Aimed at younger readers, this is a mystery with young girls as the heroines - pushing 'unladylike' activities such as inventing. A good story which should appeal to young girls which will inspire them to follow their dreams.
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