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A Girl's Guide to Spying
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26Did you know that the Girl Guides worked undercover for MI5 during the First World War?
Phyllis and her younger sister, Annie, join the Guides hoping for adventure, despite their parents’ fears that the Guides are unladylike. Starting soon after the start of the First World War, the sisters are swept up in a bigger adventure than they’d bargained for when Phyllis is recruited as a messenger for MI5. Annie, meanwhile, embarks on an investigation of her own, suspecting the family who run the local haberdashery shop of being German spies. When one of the officers at M15, the stern Captain Warren, goes missing, the sisters find themselves joining forces. Could he be the real spy? And who is behind his mysterious disappearance?
Phyllis and her younger sister, Annie, join the Guides hoping for adventure, despite their parents’ fears that the Guides are unladylike. Starting soon after the start of the First World War, the sisters are swept up in a bigger adventure than they’d bargained for when Phyllis is recruited as a messenger for MI5. Annie, meanwhile, embarks on an investigation of her own, suspecting the family who run the local haberdashery shop of being German spies. When one of the officers at M15, the stern Captain Warren, goes missing, the sisters find themselves joining forces. Could he be the real spy? And who is behind his mysterious disappearance?
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
16 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Holly Webb
303 books409 followersHolly Webb is one of Britain's best-loved children's writers. She has written over a hundred books for children, and her work has been translated into over thirty languages. Holly lives in Tilehurst, just outside of Reading, Berkshire, with her husband, three children and several cats.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 3, 2026
This really was a thrilling book. I really enjoyed the plot and the snippets of old handbooks, and other material linked to girl guiding was interesting and added something different to the book. The characters were well written and likeable. I particularly liked Annie and her free spirit. Phyl was a wonder example of the strength and cleverness of girls who may not be overly loud and outgoing. I liked the representation of different girls and how they can all be wonderful. Perfect for fans of Murder Most Unladylike. I really do hope that there are more to come as this would be a wonderful series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
thoroughly enjoyed this. WWI home front with a good smattering of suffragettes. fascinated at the war work done by Girl Guides that I had no idea about.
October 27, 2025
Excellent middle grade spy adventure built around the recruitment of girl guides by the spy service during WWI
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
November 20, 2025
I don’t think I could have enjoyed this book more than I did! I absolutely loved it.
We follow our plucky little Girl Scouts as they not only navigate through the war but their missions to get badges, do war work oh, and solve a murder and a mystery or two along the way.
You could tell how much research and love has gone into this book and it made for such enjoyable reading. I genuinely loved all the characters, the writing itself was great and the plot was super compelling (both for young readers and *cough* older readers like me). The author really got the tone of the times right too and it was all just balanced so well.
I hope there will be more to come because it’s set itself up to be a great series and one I’ll definitely be on the lookout for in the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
We follow our plucky little Girl Scouts as they not only navigate through the war but their missions to get badges, do war work oh, and solve a murder and a mystery or two along the way.
You could tell how much research and love has gone into this book and it made for such enjoyable reading. I genuinely loved all the characters, the writing itself was great and the plot was super compelling (both for young readers and *cough* older readers like me). The author really got the tone of the times right too and it was all just balanced so well.
I hope there will be more to come because it’s set itself up to be a great series and one I’ll definitely be on the lookout for in the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
February 19, 2026
Soon to be 14 year old Phyl is dragged to Girl Guides but her younger sister, Annie, and the last thing she expects is for her to become a messenger for MI5. Phyl is nevertheless thrilled to be helping with the war effort and working with spies. But being a messenger comes with never ending corridors and a grumpy Major, who in his eyes Phyl can do no right. When this certain Major Warren disappears, Phyl and her sister start to suspecting there might be something larger at play here, could there be a double agent in MI5? Can Phyl and Annie solve the mystery with the help of the Rose Patrol or will they reach a dead end…
Personally I would like to give this book infinite stars, five is simply not enough. A Girl’s Guide to Spying is complexly constructed, giving the reader more than just a mystery to solve. From a historical perspective we have the events of the First World War and the women’s suffragette movement, two that are rarely seen together in children’s literature. For myself this blend truly grounded me in the time period, and also satisfied my personal interests, giving readers a true mix of home and frontline life. Books set in this time period will focus on soldiers in battle or lives in the countryside, Holly Webb has brought you straight to the movement against Germans living in Britain, lives of suffragettes as the war began and the reality of letters from the front. This all comes together in a manner appropriate for the age category but giving enough detail to not shy away from the true horrors of the time.
Moving onto to the Girl Guides, their part of the war effort is rarely discussed, from classrooms to books, there is little to be mentioned and I was blown away by how much I did not know at my age. Holly Webb has mixed education and entertainment together seamlessly, making each fact filling fitting to the chapter or paragraph without feeling out of place.
The age range of characters allows this to be an ideal read for those in the 9-12 bracket but also for those progressing into Young adult. As we know YA is becoming increasingly geared towards late teens and those in their early twenties, making it harder to find age appropriate titles for 13+. I feel A Girl’s Guide to Spying is perfect for both age categories, with older Guides such as Lucy or Phyl, giving young teenagers a character to grow up with, the character Annie allows for those younger readers to live the adventure through someone at their stage in life.
Overall, the writing style, plot and characters give each reader a little bit of everything, keeping it engaging and unable to put down. Making A Girl’s Guide to Spying a book for each generation in the family, and anyone who knows me will I know I am passing this book along to my nan.
Thank you Holly Webb! And I have just one question to ask, when are we getting A Girl’s Guide to Going Undercover?!
(I would also like to add, in addition with Holly, that I am deeply saddened by Girlguiding UK not including trans girls. I do hope this changes, trans lives matter 🏳️⚧️)
Personally I would like to give this book infinite stars, five is simply not enough. A Girl’s Guide to Spying is complexly constructed, giving the reader more than just a mystery to solve. From a historical perspective we have the events of the First World War and the women’s suffragette movement, two that are rarely seen together in children’s literature. For myself this blend truly grounded me in the time period, and also satisfied my personal interests, giving readers a true mix of home and frontline life. Books set in this time period will focus on soldiers in battle or lives in the countryside, Holly Webb has brought you straight to the movement against Germans living in Britain, lives of suffragettes as the war began and the reality of letters from the front. This all comes together in a manner appropriate for the age category but giving enough detail to not shy away from the true horrors of the time.
Moving onto to the Girl Guides, their part of the war effort is rarely discussed, from classrooms to books, there is little to be mentioned and I was blown away by how much I did not know at my age. Holly Webb has mixed education and entertainment together seamlessly, making each fact filling fitting to the chapter or paragraph without feeling out of place.
The age range of characters allows this to be an ideal read for those in the 9-12 bracket but also for those progressing into Young adult. As we know YA is becoming increasingly geared towards late teens and those in their early twenties, making it harder to find age appropriate titles for 13+. I feel A Girl’s Guide to Spying is perfect for both age categories, with older Guides such as Lucy or Phyl, giving young teenagers a character to grow up with, the character Annie allows for those younger readers to live the adventure through someone at their stage in life.
Overall, the writing style, plot and characters give each reader a little bit of everything, keeping it engaging and unable to put down. Making A Girl’s Guide to Spying a book for each generation in the family, and anyone who knows me will I know I am passing this book along to my nan.
Thank you Holly Webb! And I have just one question to ask, when are we getting A Girl’s Guide to Going Undercover?!
(I would also like to add, in addition with Holly, that I am deeply saddened by Girlguiding UK not including trans girls. I do hope this changes, trans lives matter 🏳️⚧️)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A wonderful piece of historical fiction set during World War 1. A Girl’s Guide to Spying provides a fascinating insight into the role of the Girl Guides from the point of view of thirteen-year-old Phyl. Descriptions of the activities undertaken in the Guides’ weekly meetings stirred a sense of anticipation about the tremendous social change afoot, while highlighting the contradictory nature of the role that girls were expected to fulfil. For example, some weeks the Guides might perfect their ironing and starching skills in pursuit of the Laundry badge and in preparation for a life in the home. Other weeks, they worked towards their Ambulance badge or learnt Morse code, semaphore and how to tie knots.
Phyl’s involvement with the Guides gives her the unique opportunity to undertake confidential, paid work delivering messages for MO5. This role is both exciting and bracing for young Phyl, especially when set against the backdrop of ‘spy fever’ in World War 1 Britain. She takes her responsibilities seriously while learning how to deal with the patriarchal, sexist attitude of a colleague who strongly believes that women should not be undertaking ‘men’s work’.
One of this book’s strengths lies in how it acknowledges broader aspects of the War to the extent that they impinge upon Phyl’s life. For example, we see how the sinking of the Lusitania fuelled anti-German sentiment in Phyl’s neighbourhood and we learn about Edith Cavell’s nursing of Allied troops which was undertaken at great personal risk. This context grounded the novel in the time period, while maintaining the focus on Phyl’s journey.
Each chapter of the novel starts with an extract from a primary source, such as the ‘Girl Guides’ Gazette’ or Agnes Baden-Powell’s ‘The Handbook for Girl Guides’. I felt that this hugely enhanced the power of the narrative and increased my overall engagement with the story. The quotes selected reflected attitudes of the time which were influential in shaping girls’ formative experiences, for better or worse.
Above all, this novel showed how the Girl Guides movement helped to bridge the social divide and how it provided an alternative worldview through the involvement of Guide captains and lieutenants who were involved in the suffragette movement. It was a profound reminder that girls have always been just as capable as boys, are deserving of the same opportunities as boys and should be treated with respect and dignity in society and in the workplace.
Thank you so much to Rock the Boat and NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
Phyl’s involvement with the Guides gives her the unique opportunity to undertake confidential, paid work delivering messages for MO5. This role is both exciting and bracing for young Phyl, especially when set against the backdrop of ‘spy fever’ in World War 1 Britain. She takes her responsibilities seriously while learning how to deal with the patriarchal, sexist attitude of a colleague who strongly believes that women should not be undertaking ‘men’s work’.
One of this book’s strengths lies in how it acknowledges broader aspects of the War to the extent that they impinge upon Phyl’s life. For example, we see how the sinking of the Lusitania fuelled anti-German sentiment in Phyl’s neighbourhood and we learn about Edith Cavell’s nursing of Allied troops which was undertaken at great personal risk. This context grounded the novel in the time period, while maintaining the focus on Phyl’s journey.
Each chapter of the novel starts with an extract from a primary source, such as the ‘Girl Guides’ Gazette’ or Agnes Baden-Powell’s ‘The Handbook for Girl Guides’. I felt that this hugely enhanced the power of the narrative and increased my overall engagement with the story. The quotes selected reflected attitudes of the time which were influential in shaping girls’ formative experiences, for better or worse.
Above all, this novel showed how the Girl Guides movement helped to bridge the social divide and how it provided an alternative worldview through the involvement of Guide captains and lieutenants who were involved in the suffragette movement. It was a profound reminder that girls have always been just as capable as boys, are deserving of the same opportunities as boys and should be treated with respect and dignity in society and in the workplace.
Thank you so much to Rock the Boat and NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, Greenriver #3 this was not. It's 1915, the war-that-would-be-over-by-Christmas is still going on, still claiming lives, and girls are turning to the Guides and other associations, mindful that they might be learning how to do their lot for the country. And some of the lucky, smarter ones, actually ended up doing just that. In the summer of 1915 our hero, Phyl, is amongst a few who get to put aside the laundry lessons, Morse code instruction and nature-knowledge badges, and work for good money in London, and all on the QT. And, what's more, the Scouts had been given the roles first – and been found wanting. But that doesn't mean that in this age of suffrage, sexism had died away...
Yes, a fair bit of this book is about the sexist attitudes that this decade saw change so much. But the book is about a lot – there are many themes and threads packed in. Perhaps, unfortunately, too many, so that when the drama resolves into a crime plot there just aren't enough suspects and the ending offers little surprise – or certainly doesn't to the adult reader at least.
I don't know that this is perfect for the intended audience, either – it can prove to be stuffed with longueurs, such as a Guide fete performance that comes across as very much of its twee and stilted time. It wants to be about the sexism, racism and probably other -isms, but ends up giving them all a surprisingly light touch. Don't get me wrong – it is still very nice and important to see such things, and Phyl is certainly a likeable heroine, but I could see this as being a lot more impactful.
For one, the work is definitely too long, and could have been tightened up. As I say, the genre side of things with the particular case that makes this "A Rose Patrol Mystery #1" aren't as engaging or difficult to figure out as they should be. So we're left with the drama of a thirteen-year-old (as Phyl starts this) wanting to do something for a war effort that has left so many young men literally shell-shocked, and finding that being a simple, humble, relatable Guide can give her that opportunity, in surprising ways.
That's perhaps the cleverest thing going here – that this has given itself a guaranteed captive audience of the 300,000 UK Guide members, and every young woman that joins that rank for years to come. They will relish this whole series with open arms. Others will actually enjoy the prospect of the girl with the huge can-do attitude, but yet more will see this as a historical view that takes in too much and gazes for too long. From me, three and a half stars.
Yes, a fair bit of this book is about the sexist attitudes that this decade saw change so much. But the book is about a lot – there are many themes and threads packed in. Perhaps, unfortunately, too many, so that when the drama resolves into a crime plot there just aren't enough suspects and the ending offers little surprise – or certainly doesn't to the adult reader at least.
I don't know that this is perfect for the intended audience, either – it can prove to be stuffed with longueurs, such as a Guide fete performance that comes across as very much of its twee and stilted time. It wants to be about the sexism, racism and probably other -isms, but ends up giving them all a surprisingly light touch. Don't get me wrong – it is still very nice and important to see such things, and Phyl is certainly a likeable heroine, but I could see this as being a lot more impactful.
For one, the work is definitely too long, and could have been tightened up. As I say, the genre side of things with the particular case that makes this "A Rose Patrol Mystery #1" aren't as engaging or difficult to figure out as they should be. So we're left with the drama of a thirteen-year-old (as Phyl starts this) wanting to do something for a war effort that has left so many young men literally shell-shocked, and finding that being a simple, humble, relatable Guide can give her that opportunity, in surprising ways.
That's perhaps the cleverest thing going here – that this has given itself a guaranteed captive audience of the 300,000 UK Guide members, and every young woman that joins that rank for years to come. They will relish this whole series with open arms. Others will actually enjoy the prospect of the girl with the huge can-do attitude, but yet more will see this as a historical view that takes in too much and gazes for too long. From me, three and a half stars.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love Holly's books so was looking forward to this, but it's very different to all the others that I've read - most of the other are animal stories.
This is based on Holly's love of Guides. She joined Brownies at 7 and has worked her way through to being an Ambassador for Girl Guiding South West.
Thanks to Rock The Boat publishers for this early copy. This is publishing 12th February 2026.
Phyllis (Phyl) and Annie are the children of shopkeepers and they've joined the Girl Guides after seeing them in the street. The girls mother is strong - she helps the owner of a neighbouring shop whose husband has been taken away because he is German when a mob ransacks the shop. She says no one will remember for long because everyone needs material and thread.
Their brother is in the army - at war - they're not really sure but when a letter arrives saying he's been injured they have no idea where is is...
When Phyl talks to her guide leader, Miss Lynley, about doing her bit for the war effort and leaving school. She gets the chance of a job, in the war office, working as a messenger. Better still the Guides are being offered the jobs because teh scouts were so bad at it! Ruby from Guides also gets one of these jobs.
At the War Office there is a horrid Major - Major Warren. Phyl is very nervous of him and spills some ink. but then she sees him with Miss Hammond, Phyl calls him and uses an umbrella just the way she was shown at guides to disable a man, he falls hard against the wall, which allows Miss Hammond to leave with Phyl.
But then he disappears - on holiday according to the 'char woman' who calls the office. But when Phyl starts investigating with Annie and Ruby, he has left behind his beloved dog (the girls take him home) and his special notebook. Phyl knows he would never leave this.
Just what has happened to Major Warren? Why is Miss Hammond being "off" with Phyl? And why is the ladies toilet closed? The smell from sausages left in the sun may help Phyl with an answer.
There is a quote from The Handbook for Girl Guides that was written in 1912, many of these quotes are outdated and may cause anger and strong opinion. But this is what the girls were told at that time.
This is based on Holly's love of Guides. She joined Brownies at 7 and has worked her way through to being an Ambassador for Girl Guiding South West.
Thanks to Rock The Boat publishers for this early copy. This is publishing 12th February 2026.
Phyllis (Phyl) and Annie are the children of shopkeepers and they've joined the Girl Guides after seeing them in the street. The girls mother is strong - she helps the owner of a neighbouring shop whose husband has been taken away because he is German when a mob ransacks the shop. She says no one will remember for long because everyone needs material and thread.
Their brother is in the army - at war - they're not really sure but when a letter arrives saying he's been injured they have no idea where is is...
When Phyl talks to her guide leader, Miss Lynley, about doing her bit for the war effort and leaving school. She gets the chance of a job, in the war office, working as a messenger. Better still the Guides are being offered the jobs because teh scouts were so bad at it! Ruby from Guides also gets one of these jobs.
At the War Office there is a horrid Major - Major Warren. Phyl is very nervous of him and spills some ink. but then she sees him with Miss Hammond, Phyl calls him and uses an umbrella just the way she was shown at guides to disable a man, he falls hard against the wall, which allows Miss Hammond to leave with Phyl.
But then he disappears - on holiday according to the 'char woman' who calls the office. But when Phyl starts investigating with Annie and Ruby, he has left behind his beloved dog (the girls take him home) and his special notebook. Phyl knows he would never leave this.
Just what has happened to Major Warren? Why is Miss Hammond being "off" with Phyl? And why is the ladies toilet closed? The smell from sausages left in the sun may help Phyl with an answer.
There is a quote from The Handbook for Girl Guides that was written in 1912, many of these quotes are outdated and may cause anger and strong opinion. But this is what the girls were told at that time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
A GIRL'S GUIDE TO SPYING is a great historical novel set during the First World War about the contribution girl guides made.
This book is set during WW1 when the secret services used Girls Guides to run errands and also keep the offices clean (they tried using Boy Scouts because they thought it was too dangerous to let "frivolous gossips" like girls near secrets, only to discover the boys couldn't keep their mouths shut while the girls could!) It's an oft overlooked piece of the Great War and I loved how this tale brought that world to life. The book also explored life in the UK during the First World War, something that is seen less than the Second World World. There are zeppelins overhead and attacks on German-born neighbours.
All of this is wrapped up in a mystery about spies, complete with codes and a mysteriously missing man. It's a lot of fun - particularly the chase at the end. The nerd in me loved that Vigenère ciphers came up (most books for MG/teen audiences only focus on monoalphabetic codes)
You can really feel the author's love for girl guiding in the book. It creates friendships and gives the girls skills (more than we frankly got when I was one!) It was also fascinating to see how guiding has changed over the years and how it fit into the militaristic needs of the time while clashing with thoughts about what was "proper" for girls.
This book felt more like a "teen" book than a middle grade one, that all important category that's missing from publishing at the moment aimed at 12-14/15 year olds. There were places that felt much older than middle grade, particularly the thwarted assault on a secretary. It's not explicitly said what's happening, but it's made pretty obvious. The narrator is also 14 and working, which wasn't unusual for the time, but this all gives her an older narrating voice in terms of emotional maturity than typical in MG.
There is a second book coming, which I will certainly be reading.
A GIRL'S GUIDE TO SPYING is a great historical novel set during the First World War about the contribution girl guides made.
This book is set during WW1 when the secret services used Girls Guides to run errands and also keep the offices clean (they tried using Boy Scouts because they thought it was too dangerous to let "frivolous gossips" like girls near secrets, only to discover the boys couldn't keep their mouths shut while the girls could!) It's an oft overlooked piece of the Great War and I loved how this tale brought that world to life. The book also explored life in the UK during the First World War, something that is seen less than the Second World World. There are zeppelins overhead and attacks on German-born neighbours.
All of this is wrapped up in a mystery about spies, complete with codes and a mysteriously missing man. It's a lot of fun - particularly the chase at the end. The nerd in me loved that Vigenère ciphers came up (most books for MG/teen audiences only focus on monoalphabetic codes)
You can really feel the author's love for girl guiding in the book. It creates friendships and gives the girls skills (more than we frankly got when I was one!) It was also fascinating to see how guiding has changed over the years and how it fit into the militaristic needs of the time while clashing with thoughts about what was "proper" for girls.
This book felt more like a "teen" book than a middle grade one, that all important category that's missing from publishing at the moment aimed at 12-14/15 year olds. There were places that felt much older than middle grade, particularly the thwarted assault on a secretary. It's not explicitly said what's happening, but it's made pretty obvious. The narrator is also 14 and working, which wasn't unusual for the time, but this all gives her an older narrating voice in terms of emotional maturity than typical in MG.
There is a second book coming, which I will certainly be reading.
November 20, 2025
When sisters Phyl and Annie join the girl guides, they have no idea what an adventure is waiting for them!This story explores a little known aspect of history where the guides played a part in the war efforts during World War One.
With plenty of intrigue and a missing Major to locate (even if he doesn't think much of her), Phyl is kept fully occupied in investigating her new terrain, peopled by spies and their dangerous secret missions.
This is great fun, and will be a hit with the target group. It earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
With plenty of intrigue and a missing Major to locate (even if he doesn't think much of her), Phyl is kept fully occupied in investigating her new terrain, peopled by spies and their dangerous secret missions.
This is great fun, and will be a hit with the target group. It earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fun and engaging historical adventure that’s easy to get swept up in.
The story is exciting without being too intense and the main character is brave, curious and very likable. The spy elements are especially enjoyable with a great sense of danger balanced by friendship and loyalty.
The writing is clear and accessible, making it a great choice for younger readers and the pacing keeps the story moving at a steady, engaging rhythm. The historical setting adds an extra layer of interest and helps bring the adventure to life.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining read, perfect for fans of adventure stories filled with secrets, courage and excitement.
The story is exciting without being too intense and the main character is brave, curious and very likable. The spy elements are especially enjoyable with a great sense of danger balanced by friendship and loyalty.
The writing is clear and accessible, making it a great choice for younger readers and the pacing keeps the story moving at a steady, engaging rhythm. The historical setting adds an extra layer of interest and helps bring the adventure to life.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining read, perfect for fans of adventure stories filled with secrets, courage and excitement.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was everything I hoped it would be - what a joy to get to know Rose Patrol as they help out with the war effort. A timely reminder of how even the smallest among us can make a difference. I loved them all although Hector the dog also captured my heart!
Holly Webb encapsulates all that is and has always been brilliant about Girlguiding - that it is for all girls and that persistence and skills of all sorts can bring about change. I hope this continues through the movement going forwards.
Holly Webb encapsulates all that is and has always been brilliant about Girlguiding - that it is for all girls and that persistence and skills of all sorts can bring about change. I hope this continues through the movement going forwards.
Review of advance copy
3+/4-.
I did not realize that this was a YA book when I ordered it. Viewed as YA it was perjaps not bad and the Girl Guides were fun to get to know, but no matter what the intended audience the central plot took too long to get moving.
I did not realize that this was a YA book when I ordered it. Viewed as YA it was perjaps not bad and the Girl Guides were fun to get to know, but no matter what the intended audience the central plot took too long to get moving.
March 1, 2026
This is one for the girls who grew up Guiding, based on the true story of the Girl Guides' role in WW1.
We follow Phyl as she joins her local Guide unit with her younger sister Annie in the midst of WW1. Sensible, mature Phyl is offered a job at the MO5 head office by her Unit Leader, helping to run messages around. While Phyl is adapting to the girls in her new office patrol, she also has to deal with the men working in the office believing that these 'silly girls' shouldn't be anywhere the office, until she finds herself wrapped up in something much more serious...
I was brought up in Guiding family, so I really loved reading about what the early years of Guides looked like, and finding out about how these young girls were a part of the war effort. Each chapter opened with a quote or extract from a journal or newspaper about the Guides, most of which are real quotations from publications at the time. You could just feel how well researched this book was, and you could genuinely tell that Holly Webb is a Guider herself.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
We follow Phyl as she joins her local Guide unit with her younger sister Annie in the midst of WW1. Sensible, mature Phyl is offered a job at the MO5 head office by her Unit Leader, helping to run messages around. While Phyl is adapting to the girls in her new office patrol, she also has to deal with the men working in the office believing that these 'silly girls' shouldn't be anywhere the office, until she finds herself wrapped up in something much more serious...
I was brought up in Guiding family, so I really loved reading about what the early years of Guides looked like, and finding out about how these young girls were a part of the war effort. Each chapter opened with a quote or extract from a journal or newspaper about the Guides, most of which are real quotations from publications at the time. You could just feel how well researched this book was, and you could genuinely tell that Holly Webb is a Guider herself.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
January 17, 2026
A Girl’s Guide To Spying
By Holly Webb
Published by Oneworld Publications
It was always going to grab my attention! Acclaimed children’s author Holly Webb combines her talent to write and engage with the history of Girl guiding.
What’s not to love!
Did you know that the Girl Guides worked undercover for MI5 during the First World War? We learn about the trauma and loss of the many men who lost their lives. But behind the scenes, many women risked everything when they took up the roles of spying. A great story full of all the qualities that Girl guiding offers: friendship, honesty, loyalty, adventure and fun! To name only a few!
Phyl is dragged along to the Girl Guides by her younger sister, Annie. She is spotted as being observant but not nosey, curious and loyal. So when her Guide captain offers her a job as a messenger for MI5, Phyl is desperate to prove her worth and play her part. Surrounded by men and put down by the Boy Scouts, she is thrilled to be proving girls can work with spies too.
But things don’t go quite as planned and Phyl can’t do anything right in the eyes of the grumpy Major Warren. Trying to right some wrongs and find her place, Phyl discovers too many things. The two sisters along with their troop must work together to unpick the inconsistencies and piece this mystery together.
A missing Major!
A foul stench blamed on the plumbing!
A stolen document!
An innocent victim blamed!
With persuasion and proof will their friends from the Rose Patrol believe them and solve the mystery?
Would you be ready to help your fellow Girl guides?
I loved the plot! I loved the history and factual content! And the whole ethos of righting a wrong as part of a group. Nice work Holly and thank you for putting Girl guiding back in the limelight!
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
By Holly Webb
Published by Oneworld Publications
It was always going to grab my attention! Acclaimed children’s author Holly Webb combines her talent to write and engage with the history of Girl guiding.
What’s not to love!
Did you know that the Girl Guides worked undercover for MI5 during the First World War? We learn about the trauma and loss of the many men who lost their lives. But behind the scenes, many women risked everything when they took up the roles of spying. A great story full of all the qualities that Girl guiding offers: friendship, honesty, loyalty, adventure and fun! To name only a few!
Phyl is dragged along to the Girl Guides by her younger sister, Annie. She is spotted as being observant but not nosey, curious and loyal. So when her Guide captain offers her a job as a messenger for MI5, Phyl is desperate to prove her worth and play her part. Surrounded by men and put down by the Boy Scouts, she is thrilled to be proving girls can work with spies too.
But things don’t go quite as planned and Phyl can’t do anything right in the eyes of the grumpy Major Warren. Trying to right some wrongs and find her place, Phyl discovers too many things. The two sisters along with their troop must work together to unpick the inconsistencies and piece this mystery together.
A missing Major!
A foul stench blamed on the plumbing!
A stolen document!
An innocent victim blamed!
With persuasion and proof will their friends from the Rose Patrol believe them and solve the mystery?
Would you be ready to help your fellow Girl guides?
I loved the plot! I loved the history and factual content! And the whole ethos of righting a wrong as part of a group. Nice work Holly and thank you for putting Girl guiding back in the limelight!
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
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