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The Ministry of Unladylike Activity #3
A Stocking Full of Spies
It's December 1941, and almost Christmas, when a bomb falls on Deepdean School for Girls. May and Nuala are whisked away from the chaos and sent to stay with May's big sister, Hazel Wong, who is working at Bletchley Park.
Within seconds, they're thrown straight into their most dangerous case yet. A codebreaker has been shot in what appears to be a tragic accident - until a suspicious and top-secret message is discovered in his pocket. Was he a spy, working for the other side? Was the message planted on him? Most importantly - was this murder?
Worst of all, Daisy's big brother, Bertie Wells, is being blamed. It’s up to May, Nuala and their friend Eric to prove Bertie's innocence and solve the mystery. But Bletchley is a strange and secretive place, full of Britain's most ingenious minds. They'll need to watch, listen, and puzzle out the incredible, unthinkable truth…
The thrilling brand-new mystery from the million-copy-bestselling author of Murder Most Unladylike.
Within seconds, they're thrown straight into their most dangerous case yet. A codebreaker has been shot in what appears to be a tragic accident - until a suspicious and top-secret message is discovered in his pocket. Was he a spy, working for the other side? Was the message planted on him? Most importantly - was this murder?
Worst of all, Daisy's big brother, Bertie Wells, is being blamed. It’s up to May, Nuala and their friend Eric to prove Bertie's innocence and solve the mystery. But Bletchley is a strange and secretive place, full of Britain's most ingenious minds. They'll need to watch, listen, and puzzle out the incredible, unthinkable truth…
The thrilling brand-new mystery from the million-copy-bestselling author of Murder Most Unladylike.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
43 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Robin Stevens
52 books2,593 followersRobin's books are: Murder Most Unladylike (Murder is Bad Manners in the USA), Arsenic for Tea (Poison is Not Polite in the USA), First Class Murder, Jolly Foul Play, Mistletoe and Murder, Cream Buns and Crime, A Spoonful of Murder, Death in the Spotlight and Top Marks for Murder. She is also the author of The Guggenheim Mystery, the sequel to Siobhan Dowd's The London Eye Mystery.
Robin was born in California and grew up in an Oxford college, across the road from the house where Alice in Wonderland lived. She has been making up stories all her life.
When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. When it occurred to her that she was never going to be able to grow her own spectacular walrus moustache, she decided that Agatha Christie was the more achieveable option.
She spent her teenage years at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, reading a lot of murder mysteries and hoping that she’d get the chance to do some detecting herself (she didn’t). She then went to university, where she studied crime fiction, and then worked at a children's publisher.
Robin lives in England with her husband and her pet bearded dragon, Watson.
Robin was born in California and grew up in an Oxford college, across the road from the house where Alice in Wonderland lived. She has been making up stories all her life.
When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. When it occurred to her that she was never going to be able to grow her own spectacular walrus moustache, she decided that Agatha Christie was the more achieveable option.
She spent her teenage years at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, reading a lot of murder mysteries and hoping that she’d get the chance to do some detecting herself (she didn’t). She then went to university, where she studied crime fiction, and then worked at a children's publisher.
Robin lives in England with her husband and her pet bearded dragon, Watson.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 1, 2025
Buckle up everyone because this is the first book I have finished since about February
First of all, bloody brilliant as always. Robin Stevens is awesome.
Second of all, now I really want to visit Bletchley Park.
And now here we go:
I know this is for kids and that I am nineteen, but I grew up with murder most unladylike so obviously I’m not going to stop reading their stories.
Mae, Eric, and Nuala are great characters- they’re all so different! And yet I see myself in all of them lol
I mostly love this book because of all the representation. I’m like very much neurodivergent, so seeing all this representation in a book set in the past is bloody brilliant. The author note at the end made me sob.
The book itself is great- you never know what to expect! Also I’m proud of myself because I think it’s the first time I figured out who the killer was before the end (I’m learning!!)
I was very scared for a moment towards the end, almost speed reading through so I could see if it did have a happy ending- thank god it did otherwise I’d have to just stop reading this series lol
Hazel is my fave as always <3
First of all, bloody brilliant as always. Robin Stevens is awesome.
Second of all, now I really want to visit Bletchley Park.
And now here we go:
I know this is for kids and that I am nineteen, but I grew up with murder most unladylike so obviously I’m not going to stop reading their stories.
Mae, Eric, and Nuala are great characters- they’re all so different! And yet I see myself in all of them lol
I mostly love this book because of all the representation. I’m like very much neurodivergent, so seeing all this representation in a book set in the past is bloody brilliant. The author note at the end made me sob.
The book itself is great- you never know what to expect! Also I’m proud of myself because I think it’s the first time I figured out who the killer was before the end (I’m learning!!)
I was very scared for a moment towards the end, almost speed reading through so I could see if it did have a happy ending- thank god it did otherwise I’d have to just stop reading this series lol
Hazel is my fave as always <3
November 2, 2025
My favorite of the sequel series so far!!
I think the main reason I liked this one much more than the other two is because it’s set at Bletchley park, which is a very interesting scene, much more so than the other two locations in this series (a house in Coventry, and a square in London). It made the book very interesting overall, and it increased the spying elements for me, as the last two books sort of felt a bit lacking in actual spy work.
Also, I’ve gotten more used to the characters: I love Nuala, easily my favourite. May grew on me in this one, I have never actively disliked her, but in the two previous instalments she did really grate on my nerves in a way that I didn’t find excusable due to her age or circumstance. But in this one her outbursts and “annoying” actions felt more understandable, pitiful or even relatable.
The mystery was engaging enough for me to be invested, and there was bits that I didn’t see coming.
However, this book still has issues. My main problem is the cast felt slightly too big, there weren’t that many suspects, but there was a large amount of people to keep track of and I found myself getting a bit mixed up (but that might just be cause I’m dumb).
Also, a problem I’ve had consistently in this book and the other books is the character Eric. Sure he’s a sweet kid, but honestly I don’t know how to feel about him. In the last two books I’m fairly sure that if he was removed from the books not all that much would change. We got his POV for the first time in this book and his background played an important role in the narrative here but it still didn’t feel like enough to me. His plotline was meant to be emotional, and at a basic human level I sympathised, but for some reason I can’t really bring myself to care all that much about him.
But overall this book still was very enjoyable, and I’ll be hoping for another soon.
I think the main reason I liked this one much more than the other two is because it’s set at Bletchley park, which is a very interesting scene, much more so than the other two locations in this series (a house in Coventry, and a square in London). It made the book very interesting overall, and it increased the spying elements for me, as the last two books sort of felt a bit lacking in actual spy work.
Also, I’ve gotten more used to the characters: I love Nuala, easily my favourite. May grew on me in this one, I have never actively disliked her, but in the two previous instalments she did really grate on my nerves in a way that I didn’t find excusable due to her age or circumstance. But in this one her outbursts and “annoying” actions felt more understandable, pitiful or even relatable.
The mystery was engaging enough for me to be invested, and there was bits that I didn’t see coming.
However, this book still has issues. My main problem is the cast felt slightly too big, there weren’t that many suspects, but there was a large amount of people to keep track of and I found myself getting a bit mixed up (but that might just be cause I’m dumb).
Also, a problem I’ve had consistently in this book and the other books is the character Eric. Sure he’s a sweet kid, but honestly I don’t know how to feel about him. In the last two books I’m fairly sure that if he was removed from the books not all that much would change. We got his POV for the first time in this book and his background played an important role in the narrative here but it still didn’t feel like enough to me. His plotline was meant to be emotional, and at a basic human level I sympathised, but for some reason I can’t really bring myself to care all that much about him.
But overall this book still was very enjoyable, and I’ll be hoping for another soon.
September 22, 2025
Robin Stevens cannot write a bad book. Every time I read one of her books, I want to write an in depth review explaining fully how much I loved it but each time I struggle to find the adequate words.
Books set during the world wars can have a tendency to overly glorify the Allied powers, especially the British government. However, in this book, we see May get angry with who the British government is choosing to help save and who they are leaving to be invaded. Typically at this point, an adult would be dismissive because at least they're not the Nazis. Instead, we get Hazel say that she agrees that she doesn't like everything the British government is doing, however she will still choose to work for them because if the Nazis invaded the UK, all of her family there would be persecuted. It does a really good job of explaining with nuance how the Nazis were evil, but that doesn't make the British government close to infallible.
C- 10
I read this to have a fun time with my comfort characters, and instead I got nearly 400 pages of pain. The author has crafted these characters with such detail that when they're being worn down by the state of the world, you can't help but feel it with them. Their grief and relief are so tangible (yes, this is about that one part) that it did bring tears to my eyes a couple of times. One of the most common sentiments in my notes while reading was "these characters all need a hug".
A- 9
W- 10
The amount of research that went into this book is so evident. There's so much detail in how Bletchley Park runs, how people with disabilities and neurodivergences are displayed and how burnt out the war leaves everyone feeling. May and Nuala are both very deliberately neurodivergent and I love the contrast to Daisy and Hazel who were accidentally neurodivergent. The intentionality behind it has quite a different vibe and it makes me feel seen in such a different way. I can't really describe it any better than that unfortunately.
I loved how a few times throughout the book, the characters broke the 4th wall. They're writing up files from the case and every now and then they'll reference how they won't be read until a long time in the future. It's such a small detail but it adds so much.
P- 9
I- 9
L- 9
E- 10
I enjoyed it in the way where I was sad for much of its duration.
Books set during the world wars can have a tendency to overly glorify the Allied powers, especially the British government. However, in this book, we see May get angry with who the British government is choosing to help save and who they are leaving to be invaded. Typically at this point, an adult would be dismissive because at least they're not the Nazis. Instead, we get Hazel say that she agrees that she doesn't like everything the British government is doing, however she will still choose to work for them because if the Nazis invaded the UK, all of her family there would be persecuted. It does a really good job of explaining with nuance how the Nazis were evil, but that doesn't make the British government close to infallible.
C- 10
I read this to have a fun time with my comfort characters, and instead I got nearly 400 pages of pain. The author has crafted these characters with such detail that when they're being worn down by the state of the world, you can't help but feel it with them. Their grief and relief are so tangible (yes, this is about that one part) that it did bring tears to my eyes a couple of times. One of the most common sentiments in my notes while reading was "these characters all need a hug".
A- 9
W- 10
The amount of research that went into this book is so evident. There's so much detail in how Bletchley Park runs, how people with disabilities and neurodivergences are displayed and how burnt out the war leaves everyone feeling. May and Nuala are both very deliberately neurodivergent and I love the contrast to Daisy and Hazel who were accidentally neurodivergent. The intentionality behind it has quite a different vibe and it makes me feel seen in such a different way. I can't really describe it any better than that unfortunately.
I loved how a few times throughout the book, the characters broke the 4th wall. They're writing up files from the case and every now and then they'll reference how they won't be read until a long time in the future. It's such a small detail but it adds so much.
P- 9
I- 9
L- 9
E- 10
I enjoyed it in the way where I was sad for much of its duration.
October 19, 2025
SPOILERS AHEAD.
I am a huge fan of Robin Stevens' work and have been for YEARS. And this book was probably my second favourite in the Ministry series so far with 'Body in the Blitz' taking first place for me.
I will get the bad part out of the way first (there is not a lot of course): I found the mystery in this book to be not predictable as such but rather lacking for me. It vexed me that Nuala, May and Eric decided that Mossakowski was a murder with practically no evidence because I knew that they would get proved wrong in the end; it was quite obvious it was not going to be him. And when there was the scene where Roly was reading the murder mystery book on the train, I knew it was likely he would have something to do with it. However, I never really got a grasp for the suspects which made the revelation not shocking even though I hadn't worked it out because I didn't really know the characters.
Of course, Stevens didn't miss with her murder mystery- it was an exceedingly clever twist and it is likely my fault for not remembering all of the suspects in detail.
Despite all of this, this was a pleasant read; I am a fan of history, particularly WW2 and Stevens opened my eyes to a whole section of history that I didn't know of. That is what Stevens does- she exposes readers to lesser known parts of the war that are as vital as any main components. And the personal account you get from the characters is realistic for their age and I felt emotional at parts, especially when reading May's part, as their emotions and reactions to events were just like me as a child but I haven't seen that reflected in literature before. Another thing that I loved about this book in particular is that the POV from which the story of them detecting is told is shared between ALL three main characters, especially Eric. I loved reading from his POV and his story line was more complex in this book which I loved as he was sometimes pushed to the side in the other books.
Additionally, I loved all of the cameos with the characters from the other books; seeing Daisy and Hazel frequently pop up made me so happy and I am so excited to see where Alexander's story line goes with his mission involving Eric's father and seeing how that all plays out.
Overall, I am excited for the next book and to see what happens with all of the characters next.
December 23, 2025
6🌟
I am obsessed with EVERYTHING Robin Steven writes and this was no exception. I think this was my favourite in this series, although every book has been a 5 ⭐, just because of the setting and the emotional depth.
As always, I love these characters so much. May is my personal favourite but I think all of them are so amazing and unique. I love how all of them have their own quirks and differences. Also, the characters have amazing and accurate representations of ADHD, OCD and autism. For example, when I read about Quantrell, I had to skim read it because it addressed lots of the thoughts I struggle with (not in a bad way though). As always, I love the cameos of Daisy, Hazel and Bertie! Hazel and May's relationship was explored in this book really well as it highlighted their differences but also love.
The plot was so interesting. Bletchley Park is an amazing setting, no matter what, but Robin Stevens took a unique view of it and ran with it. She delved into the emotional aspects of Bletchley, the cracks and the struggles, and turned into a thrilling mystery that nearly made me cry. I can't believe this is a middle grade book because the plot-twists always surprise me with their emotional depth and build up. I did guess who but not how and why and I think that was the most unique motive and way of murder I've read about. Furthermore, I love how she always writes a traditional mystery with all the fun things like secret meetings, suspect lists and heists. These books are so entertaining but also are written to be relatable to any age.
This was so quick to read because I was hooked. Stevens writes so well because you literally can't stop reading because your so interested and attached to the characters.
I don't think I'll forget about this story ever. I don't know how she does it, to be honest. She literally has written 20 books that I've given 5⭐ but they're all so unique to each other and feel completely different. She is the most talented author ever. I never thought I'd be obsessed with a middle grade series at 16 but it appeals to all ages.
I am obsessed with EVERYTHING Robin Steven writes and this was no exception. I think this was my favourite in this series, although every book has been a 5 ⭐, just because of the setting and the emotional depth.
As always, I love these characters so much. May is my personal favourite but I think all of them are so amazing and unique. I love how all of them have their own quirks and differences. Also, the characters have amazing and accurate representations of ADHD, OCD and autism. For example, when I read about Quantrell, I had to skim read it because it addressed lots of the thoughts I struggle with (not in a bad way though). As always, I love the cameos of Daisy, Hazel and Bertie! Hazel and May's relationship was explored in this book really well as it highlighted their differences but also love.
The plot was so interesting. Bletchley Park is an amazing setting, no matter what, but Robin Stevens took a unique view of it and ran with it. She delved into the emotional aspects of Bletchley, the cracks and the struggles, and turned into a thrilling mystery that nearly made me cry. I can't believe this is a middle grade book because the plot-twists always surprise me with their emotional depth and build up. I did guess who but not how and why and I think that was the most unique motive and way of murder I've read about. Furthermore, I love how she always writes a traditional mystery with all the fun things like secret meetings, suspect lists and heists. These books are so entertaining but also are written to be relatable to any age.
This was so quick to read because I was hooked. Stevens writes so well because you literally can't stop reading because your so interested and attached to the characters.
I don't think I'll forget about this story ever. I don't know how she does it, to be honest. She literally has written 20 books that I've given 5⭐ but they're all so unique to each other and feel completely different. She is the most talented author ever. I never thought I'd be obsessed with a middle grade series at 16 but it appeals to all ages.
December 1, 2025
Personally didn't enjoy it as much as the previous one, probably because it was full of Men™, but you have to admit the crime was cleverly crafted, and as always, dealing with topics of war and loss from the perspective of children in a nuanced manner, and striving for historical accuracy while imbuing hope. Also, the author clearly enjoys torturing Bertie. Poor Bertie! Would love to see more of Hazel and Alexander's relationship in the next one, though I am aware that this is not Hazel's POV and that's why she may seem emotionally restrained in front of the children. Again, I do feel that Eric's not playing as prominent a role in detecting than the two girls, but perhaps he'll grow into his own in the next book, especially as we get to hear more of his voice.
December 19, 2025
WOW
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
It going to be hard to organise my thoughts for this masterpiece but I’ll try.I will write a small review without spoilers and then leave space for a spoiler review.
This book had me hooked from page one
“There’s so much to say-about the murders,and the codes and the secrets-that I can feel myself getting tangled up in the story already “The newspaper at the front was amazing and I paid no attention untill I realised its relevance and wanted to slap myself in the head.May’s personality just kept growing and Eric’s personal conflict was nail bitting.The pain,the giggles ,every code,every tear was amazing.The story started a bit slow but then it grew and grew and grew and everything exploded in my mind.
🚨SPOILERS🚨
The murders helping each other was so fun to read and really marvellous.Reminded me of a ya crime novel I read (won’t mention it name in case of spoilers).I genuinely thought Athena was involved and all the moral disputes between should McNair deserve to die,is Bletchley park good were really amazing .Alex almost dying stopped my heart.I beg for him to make an appearance in the next book.BEG.Daisy in the leather jacket with short hair felt so Daisy although I think she likes her long hair girl vibe for her to fit in better.May getting trousers warmed my heart and ERIC AND DEEPDEAN AGAKSLDNDBAK EEEEEK can’t wait to read that.I hope that Robin Steven’s never stops writing these marvellous mysteries because I never want to stop reading
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
It going to be hard to organise my thoughts for this masterpiece but I’ll try.I will write a small review without spoilers and then leave space for a spoiler review.
This book had me hooked from page one
“There’s so much to say-about the murders,and the codes and the secrets-that I can feel myself getting tangled up in the story already “The newspaper at the front was amazing and I paid no attention untill I realised its relevance and wanted to slap myself in the head.May’s personality just kept growing and Eric’s personal conflict was nail bitting.The pain,the giggles ,every code,every tear was amazing.The story started a bit slow but then it grew and grew and grew and everything exploded in my mind.
🚨SPOILERS🚨
The murders helping each other was so fun to read and really marvellous.Reminded me of a ya crime novel I read (won’t mention it name in case of spoilers).I genuinely thought Athena was involved and all the moral disputes between should McNair deserve to die,is Bletchley park good were really amazing .Alex almost dying stopped my heart.I beg for him to make an appearance in the next book.BEG.Daisy in the leather jacket with short hair felt so Daisy although I think she likes her long hair girl vibe for her to fit in better.May getting trousers warmed my heart and ERIC AND DEEPDEAN AGAKSLDNDBAK EEEEEK can’t wait to read that.I hope that Robin Steven’s never stops writing these marvellous mysteries because I never want to stop reading
Want to read
August 30, 2025BERTIE BEING ACCUSED OF MURDER?????? I CAN'T WAIT
December 2, 2025
I was so happy when I found out there was another book in this series - and a Christmas themed one at that! I was only a little disappointed it wasn’t quite as Christmassy as I’d hoped (it’s just set in December) but by no means did I enjoy it any less. It was still a five star but given how Christmassy the cover and title is, I was expecting jingle bells and Christmas glitter to blow out the pages!
I loved rejoining our characters - Finnoula, Eric and May on another mystery. And set against the backdrop of Bletchley Park which I always love to read about. It was such a secretive and mysterious place, it was the most perfect place to be the centre of this book.
I really enjoyed reading it, and as a buddy read I looked forward to catching up with my buddy to go over what had happened in the book! I look forward to more (hopefully!).
I loved rejoining our characters - Finnoula, Eric and May on another mystery. And set against the backdrop of Bletchley Park which I always love to read about. It was such a secretive and mysterious place, it was the most perfect place to be the centre of this book.
I really enjoyed reading it, and as a buddy read I looked forward to catching up with my buddy to go over what had happened in the book! I look forward to more (hopefully!).
October 4, 2025
5 ⭐
I cannot describe how brilliant Robin Stevens is as an author. I've been in a reading slump the past 6 months or so and this is the only book I've been able to completely sit through.
I will NEVER stop reading Robin Steven's books. Hopefully this will motivate me to get back into reading, as I have lots of books to catch up on!
I cannot describe how brilliant Robin Stevens is as an author. I've been in a reading slump the past 6 months or so and this is the only book I've been able to completely sit through.
I will NEVER stop reading Robin Steven's books. Hopefully this will motivate me to get back into reading, as I have lots of books to catch up on!
December 28, 2025
The other mysteries didn’t have the war impact it too much. But this book, everything was at risk, especially the characters’ families and close friends. We find our favourites from the original series, and it felt like a bit of an Easter egg hunt at some points. It’s a great Christmas mystery, and I would say that this is the best in the series so far!
September 14, 2025
I don't think it's possible for robin stevens to write a bad book. I love all these characters more than anything and I can't believe this might be the last time we ever see them. the mystery was excellent as always, and I loved the little philosophical moments a lot.
September 28, 2025
Goodreads insists the paperback version of this doesn't exist, so, thanks for the gaslighting there lads (looks across at paperback on chair next her, looks into camera like she's on The Office).
Anyway, enjoyed this - especially the cameo by N or M. More please!!!
Anyway, enjoyed this - especially the cameo by N or M. More please!!!
October 28, 2025
Screaming, crying and I love this world and characters. Daisy and Hazel have had my heart for the last decade along with all the rest. This one was a interesting setting and once the plot got going, it went full steam ahead!
December 3, 2025
Didn't solve it ahead of time, but it all made sense when the reveal happened.
Although the characters feel younger than those in the original series the plots and emotions feel bigger, dealing with mature concepts in a thoughtful way.
Although the characters feel younger than those in the original series the plots and emotions feel bigger, dealing with mature concepts in a thoughtful way.
December 19, 2025
I'm a sucker for a Robin Stevens book. This was definitely my fave of this series so far. I thought the setting of Bletchley was fab (mainly because I've actually been so it was easy to imagine lol) and the cast of characters was really interesting. Also I love christmas
September 25, 2025
Might be the best book yet
September 28, 2025
Loved this.
October 31, 2025
such a good mystery novel, as always!
December 7, 2025
very very well written
December 28, 2025
I really enjoyed it but I was so scared that Alex was gonna die and I wasn't ready for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
I was trying to savour this book because the next one on the series has not come out yet. I couldn't put this book down and it made me cry at least once. I think everyone should read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews