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Knight's Haddon #1
The Girl with the Glass Bird
When feisty Edie is sent to a remote school to spy on fragile Anastasia, she never imagines that they'll become best friends instead--and discover an ominous plot that puts both their lives in danger!
Through a series of strange coincidences, orphan Edie finds herself at Knight's Haddon, a stately boarding school for girls. But Edie is not just another student--under normal circumstances, she could never afford to go to boarding school. She's been sent to Knight's Haddon by her art-dealer uncle to investigate the disappearance of a precious crystal bird that belongs to his secretive client's daughter. Anastasia, a Russian royal, has a fragile disposition and a melodramatic bent--or so the headmistress and all the other girls say. Edie's assignment is not only to find the missing glass bird; it's to befriend the troubled blueblood and keep a watchful eye on her. When the two girls uncover a dangerous plot, how can they stop it? Inside the walls of the isolated estate, is there anyone they can trust?
Through a series of strange coincidences, orphan Edie finds herself at Knight's Haddon, a stately boarding school for girls. But Edie is not just another student--under normal circumstances, she could never afford to go to boarding school. She's been sent to Knight's Haddon by her art-dealer uncle to investigate the disappearance of a precious crystal bird that belongs to his secretive client's daughter. Anastasia, a Russian royal, has a fragile disposition and a melodramatic bent--or so the headmistress and all the other girls say. Edie's assignment is not only to find the missing glass bird; it's to befriend the troubled blueblood and keep a watchful eye on her. When the two girls uncover a dangerous plot, how can they stop it? Inside the walls of the isolated estate, is there anyone they can trust?
265 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2014
35 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Esme Kerr
7 books9 followersEsme Kerr went to ten schools and studied History at Oxford and Cambridge. She has three children, two dogs, three cats and four fish. She lives between Oxford and London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
February 23, 2017
11 year old orphan, Edith Wilson, lives on an English farm with her guardian, Aunt Sophia, and her dreadful cousins. The boys torture her, her Aunt ignores her, and she longs to visit her grandmother, who resides in a nursing home. One day, her much older cousin Charles, comes to take her to Knight's Haddon, an all girls boarding school. Charles employer, Russian Prince Stolonov, needs Edie to "spy" on his daughter, Anastasia, who the prince believes is being bullied. As Edie and Anastasia's friendship blooms, a larger plot unfolds, and the girls find themselves in a dangerous and sinister circumstance. This story really picked up near the end and at times I felt that the time period was somewhat off, but other than that, I enjoyed this tale.
March 24, 2025
4☆｡*ﾟ
✧*。This novel was packed with adventure.At first I was suspicious of everyone and couldn't even trust the characters but later on, the story made so much sense.
✧*。The starting was quiet slow but the end was packed with adventures, I didn't expect soo much to happen at such less chapters. 乁[ᓀ˵▾˵ᓂ]ㄏ
✧*。Absolutely loved the characters, mostly in the mystery thriller novels the ml (Edie)are prodigies who knows everything, but this was very realistic just smartness showing.\(>o<)ﾉ
♡ Also I felt so bad for anastasia in the first half like LEAVE HER ALONE.(〒﹏〒)
_spoilers_(*￣(ｴ)￣*)
♡Also I wonder what was ms fotheringay's name doing in the car list I was so confused at that.
Also I love the connection she has in the end with her.
♡Heard that they have a second part for the book, wonder what's that going to be all about.(＾∇＾)ﾉ
✧*。This novel was packed with adventure.At first I was suspicious of everyone and couldn't even trust the characters but later on, the story made so much sense.
✧*。The starting was quiet slow but the end was packed with adventures, I didn't expect soo much to happen at such less chapters. 乁[ᓀ˵▾˵ᓂ]ㄏ
✧*。Absolutely loved the characters, mostly in the mystery thriller novels the ml (Edie)are prodigies who knows everything, but this was very realistic just smartness showing.\(>o<)ﾉ
♡ Also I felt so bad for anastasia in the first half like LEAVE HER ALONE.(〒﹏〒)
_spoilers_(*￣(ｴ)￣*)
♡Also I wonder what was ms fotheringay's name doing in the car list I was so confused at that.
Also I love the connection she has in the end with her.
♡Heard that they have a second part for the book, wonder what's that going to be all about.(＾∇＾)ﾉ
May 17, 2020
I think it was a good book. There was nothing extraordinary about it, but I still liked it.
I do not really like mysteries, and this book definitely was one. It was very easy and fun to read though, very fast-paced and intriguing. I will say that it took a long time to make a lot of headway with the case. I was more that 3/4 of the way throughvthe book, and all we had was a scrape together a few suspects. It does together nicely in the end though.
The characters are very nicly rounded, and all have both flaws and good things. Edie, or Edith, is a pretty good spy, but I scream at her in my head sometimes for doing somenof the things she does. Anistasia, Ediths friend at boarding school, is also fairly well rounded, and the friendship between them is constantly wavering. The teachers are an extremely unique part of the story, because Edith suspects most of them, but then a suprise happens that I will not spoil.
The clues are well laid, and when things come together at the end, I definitely had that moment when I was like, "oh my gosh! I did not see that coming" as i said, the clues and suspects are well placed and not what you would expect.
To conclude, i think it was a good mystery book. Nothing absolutely extraordinary about it, but a satisfying and engaging mystery read.
I do not really like mysteries, and this book definitely was one. It was very easy and fun to read though, very fast-paced and intriguing. I will say that it took a long time to make a lot of headway with the case. I was more that 3/4 of the way throughvthe book, and all we had was a scrape together a few suspects. It does together nicely in the end though.
The characters are very nicly rounded, and all have both flaws and good things. Edie, or Edith, is a pretty good spy, but I scream at her in my head sometimes for doing somenof the things she does. Anistasia, Ediths friend at boarding school, is also fairly well rounded, and the friendship between them is constantly wavering. The teachers are an extremely unique part of the story, because Edith suspects most of them, but then a suprise happens that I will not spoil.
The clues are well laid, and when things come together at the end, I definitely had that moment when I was like, "oh my gosh! I did not see that coming" as i said, the clues and suspects are well placed and not what you would expect.
To conclude, i think it was a good mystery book. Nothing absolutely extraordinary about it, but a satisfying and engaging mystery read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2016
I was expecting something a bit more adventurous and mysterious. While I really enjoyed Edie’s character — she certainly doesn’t do well as a spy, but it was fun to watch her attempt to sneak around — I found myself drawn to the adults in the story. With every turn of phrase, with every tiny scene alone in their minds, I was drawn to that aspect of the mystery more than what the girls were up to. This book also contains a lot of fears over mental illness as well, paranoia and the like, and I wasn’t sure if it worked. I’d recommend this book to light mystery readers in need of a boarding school setting.
March 3, 2021
It was an amazing book with a lot of twists and turns. I wasn't sure of it at first but it was quite good. The tale of the unlikely friendship and the mysteries that were weaved in with the story plot were great, and I would definitely reread it!
June 25, 2023
3.5 - I thought the girl was gonna go missing but it was an actual glass bird. Good story though
July 6, 2017
There's an evil plot afoot in this boarding school and there are far too many suspects to count. Who would want to harm the princess Anastasia? Is it just a bully? Or is a far more sinister plot unfolding. That is what Edie is charged to find out.
Edie is an orphan who has been raised by her grandmother. But when her grandmother is no longer able to take care of her, her new guardian becomes her Aunt Sophia, her mother's sister. Edie is miserable living with her cousins and Aunt Sophia really couldn't care less about her. When cousin Charles comes to her and says he is sending her to a boarding school, Edie doesn't know what to think. Cousin Charles wants to her to spy on some princess living there ... Anastasia, daughter of the Russian Prince Stolanav. She's being harassed and the prince wants Edie to find out who is responsible.
The boarding school is like no place Edie has ever experienced. And as she begins to observe the day to day activities, she wonders about Anastasia. "Everyone's fed up with Anastasia." She keeps claiming her precious items are stolen, but, in the end, they show up in other places. Is Anastasia creating the drama herself? Edie thinks it can't possibly be Anastasia. "No, there was something fearful in her expression." What else could it be? Is Anastasia simply absent-minded? Or is she going mad, like some of the girls are starting to believe? Edie has her suspicions about several people at the school, but she can't find the evidence she needs to prove anything.
Mystery and intrigue abound. Hidden motivations, unknown connections and secret plots will keep students guessing throughout the book. Is Anastasia really in danger? Or is it Edie who is being set up? Are there any adults that can be trusted?
Edie is an orphan who has been raised by her grandmother. But when her grandmother is no longer able to take care of her, her new guardian becomes her Aunt Sophia, her mother's sister. Edie is miserable living with her cousins and Aunt Sophia really couldn't care less about her. When cousin Charles comes to her and says he is sending her to a boarding school, Edie doesn't know what to think. Cousin Charles wants to her to spy on some princess living there ... Anastasia, daughter of the Russian Prince Stolanav. She's being harassed and the prince wants Edie to find out who is responsible.
The boarding school is like no place Edie has ever experienced. And as she begins to observe the day to day activities, she wonders about Anastasia. "Everyone's fed up with Anastasia." She keeps claiming her precious items are stolen, but, in the end, they show up in other places. Is Anastasia creating the drama herself? Edie thinks it can't possibly be Anastasia. "No, there was something fearful in her expression." What else could it be? Is Anastasia simply absent-minded? Or is she going mad, like some of the girls are starting to believe? Edie has her suspicions about several people at the school, but she can't find the evidence she needs to prove anything.
Mystery and intrigue abound. Hidden motivations, unknown connections and secret plots will keep students guessing throughout the book. Is Anastasia really in danger? Or is it Edie who is being set up? Are there any adults that can be trusted?
July 6, 2015
Think of a 19th century all-girls English boarding school. Conjured the image in your mind? Headmistress, matron, whippet thin and beautiful teacher, beds lined up in a dormitory,a rich girl and a poor girl. You've got it, only this time the old-fashioned boarding school is smack dab in the 21st century. Parents send their children to Knights Haddon to learn in the old fashioned way: no cellphones, computers, televisions, or Kindles. Edie is sent to the school on the ominous mission to spy on the Russian princess, Anastasia, who is a student there. Students and staff are questioning whether or not Anastasia is losing her mind as she continually claims to lose things and then finds them soon after. Edie's Uncle Charlie is Anastasia's prince father's good friend, and Charlie volunteers Edie as a spy. As the story unfolds, the mystery deepens and rich details are woven in to build the intrigue. The ending cleanly closes this case, but I have the notion that a sequel will follow. This is a very satisfying, humorous, and well-written story. It will take a strong reader to appreciate it as the vocabulary and ideas require critical thinking.
July 11, 2020
Original read-10 july 2017
Reread- 19th may ( reread book for childhood books challenge)
When feisty Edie is sent to a remote school to spy on fragile Anastasia, she never imagines that they'll become best friends instead — and discover an ominous plot that puts both their lives in danger!
The idea is inspired by enid blyton st Clare's series and Mallory towers and I will say she has put it perfectly to make it beautiful story.
The characters were graceful explained ----- specially edie she did not do well as a spy but it was fun watching her attempts an I also loved the way author has explained relationship between Edie and her cousins, edie and Anastasia. And like Bollywood movies, some how edie is connected to her teacher. Though the main age group is small readers it was still unpredictable mystery.
The book also deals with mental illness, home sickness etc.,
To conclude I will say good mystery book.
Reread- 19th may ( reread book for childhood books challenge)
When feisty Edie is sent to a remote school to spy on fragile Anastasia, she never imagines that they'll become best friends instead — and discover an ominous plot that puts both their lives in danger!
The idea is inspired by enid blyton st Clare's series and Mallory towers and I will say she has put it perfectly to make it beautiful story.
The characters were graceful explained ----- specially edie she did not do well as a spy but it was fun watching her attempts an I also loved the way author has explained relationship between Edie and her cousins, edie and Anastasia. And like Bollywood movies, some how edie is connected to her teacher. Though the main age group is small readers it was still unpredictable mystery.
The book also deals with mental illness, home sickness etc.,
To conclude I will say good mystery book.
January 12, 2018
This book was amazing I loved it so much although at the first half or so were quite slow the ending was brilliant it really took a turn and it surprised me at the end because it turned out soooo different than what I expected which I loved and I loved the way it was described and it really made me picture it in my head I read it with my friend at the same time and she loved it too so I definitely recommend this book 📖
September 8, 2015
My 11-year-old daughter told me I HAD to read this! And I'm so glad she did! I loved this novel! It is the story of Edie Wilson - an orphan who is sent to Kinght's Haddon to be a spy. She is to spy on Anastasia Stolonov, a wealthy Russian girl, who has strange things happening to her at school. Edie takes her quest seriously but also comes to love her new school and friend, Anastasia. The plot really picks up when Edie finds out Anastasia's life might be in danger. I thought this was riveting and such fun. I enjoyed the characters and could hardly stop reading after each chapter! Highly recommended - our juvenile readers should really enjoy it!
August 10, 2014
An incredibly charming book that still manages to have a real edge to it, this is a loving and pitch-perfect update of the traditional boarding school story. The world-building is wonderful, it has a gripping mystery at its heart, its adult characters are brilliantly mysterious and fascinating, and its child characters are absolutely believable (and, at times, very believably horrid to each other). It rollicks along - at times slightly ridiculously, but that's allowed. I can't wait for the next installment.
March 20, 2018
This was much darker than I was expecting. Mistreated orphans and bleak boarding schools are common enough in middle grade fiction, but there were no moments of levity or happiness to offset the depressing qualities and no feeling of anyone being on the side of the main characters until near the end. The story was clunky and the villains cartoonish. It seemed like it should have been set in the past rather than present. One thing that I did like is that it's a mystery that doesn't involve a murder.
January 27, 2015
If you adored Enid Blyton's boarding school stories and her famous five series you'll love this book. It has the boarding school setting (complete with lacrosse) but with a famous fiveesque mystery. An enjoyable read
December 25, 2016
Underbar bok!
Rekommenderar starkt då handlingen var bra dock lite luddigt och 'utdraget' i mitten av boken men sen kommer handlingen igång igen!
Rekommenderar starkt då handlingen var bra dock lite luddigt och 'utdraget' i mitten av boken men sen kommer handlingen igång igen!
December 8, 2022
The girl with the glass Bird written by Esme Kerr follows Anastasia, the lost, grand duchess of Russia and the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II has been fantasized in many novels, movies, and books. The story created by Esme Kerr traces back in her life a few years before her disappearance. The most unique thing about this book is That her disappearance nor even Anastasia herself is the main center of the story, rather it is a strong-willed and determined little girl called Edie Wilson.
Edie Wilson Is the young girl in this Living with her Ignorant Aunt and boisterous cousins when she is enlisted by Prince himself to be sent at a boarding school with Anastasia to discover why she it's always losing her precious items and causing a scene in the entire School. A cozy mystery with many red herrings, Emotional tensions, and an all suspicious cast of characters This book is perfect for middle schoolers or avid 4 or 5th graders.
Edie Wilson Is the young girl in this Living with her Ignorant Aunt and boisterous cousins when she is enlisted by Prince himself to be sent at a boarding school with Anastasia to discover why she it's always losing her precious items and causing a scene in the entire School. A cozy mystery with many red herrings, Emotional tensions, and an all suspicious cast of characters This book is perfect for middle schoolers or avid 4 or 5th graders.
October 26, 2019
Very interesting story. Edie was very relatable, and seemed to always get the sharp edge of the stick in her back. Seems all of her relatives were vile and selfish! Smart girl, brave too. I never could entirely figure out how to feel about Fotheringay. Likeable in some ways, irritating in others. Good thing for Edie though because everyone else was moronic! Anastasia was lucky to have her. Sounds like a lasting friendship. Good for both since Anastasia is clearly lacking in people she can count on, like Edie, who has even less people to count on. I want to slap Charles reeal good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2018
The setting in this one was supposed to be contemporary but the language used throughout made it seem like the 1950s. Little confusing!
There was plenty to keep the reader intrigued, perhaps a little too much at times, but nothing really to make it stand out from the other boarding school/mystery series.
There was plenty to keep the reader intrigued, perhaps a little too much at times, but nothing really to make it stand out from the other boarding school/mystery series.
January 23, 2018
Edith is an orphaned girl living in England. She is offered a place at a boarding school by her uncle, in order that she will be a spy for his employer. The other student, a Russian Princess is being bullied in her new boarding school and her father, the Prince, wants to get to the bottom of it. This book was thrilling and mysterious, had strong female characters and plenty of intrigue.
May 5, 2019
This is a nice grade 5-8 book that easily fits into the mystery genre without being too mystery-like. Young readers will closely understand the issues of jealousy, petty teasing, and peer angst experienced by these characters. Throw in shady adult characters, some things that don't quite add up, and the possibility of danger and young readers will want to read to the end.
July 7, 2022
I was totally enjoying this book until Edie’s second visit to her grandmother who suddenly seems to be able to see. And the conclusion is neither explained or believable. Finally, in this day and age we’re asked to believe that a school would hire a teacher without a background check? Or send a student to a psychiatrist without parental permission? These flaws ruined it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
The Girl with the Glass Bird is a story about two girls at an English boarding school. Anastasia is Russian royalty and has been placed in the school by her father because she doesn't want to stay at home, but her mother won't let her travel with her father. Edie has been placed in the school for a term to figure out if someone has been playing tricks on Anastasia.
April 18, 2020
This is a young adult book and oh so enjoyable! The mystery and setting suited me very well and just exciting enough to keep me wanting to read, but not so much to keep me up at night. Very well written.
March 22, 2021
The book is really good and funny. At some parts it does get sad though. Edith Wilson lives in a farm with her grandmother, Aunt Sophia, and stupid cousins. This is a mystery and suspense book which I would rate really well for people who like these genres. The book has some comedy as well which makes a good blend. Anybody who likes reading should read this book.
October 19, 2022
Enjoyable middle grade mystery! I loved the boarding school setting. The time period was clearly modern because of the use of cell phones, but if it wasn't for that, you could easily plop this story into any period in last 150 years.
April 14, 2025
I loved this book so much. The mystery and the boarding school aspects of it was amazing and really set the tone for the story. I loved the spy/pretending parts of the story as it really gave a fun and entertaining side of the story. The resolution was amazing. Well done Esme Kerr.
August 3, 2017
Nancy Drew set in contemporary England though it feels like 50 years ago. It's a middle school read, but engaging nonetheless.
March 7, 2018
This was a great, fast paced mystery novel and I enjoyed it alot
May 15, 2019
a quite interesting book with a modern time Russian princess Anastasia.
July 21, 2019
B-. fiction, YA, mystery, series, (Knight's Haddon, #1)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews