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Girls' Lips Are Sealed: A Birdie Mealing Mystery #2
1985 has started with a bang!
Shoulder pads securely velcroed in place and Walkman on her hip, musician and amateur sleuth Birdie Mealing is on the beat.
Can she unravel the rumours in time to catch a killer?
A new gossip column in the local paper is the talk of the town. The talk only increases when the editor is stabbed, and Birdie’s boss is caught knife in hand and covered in blood.
Luckily, with Detective Herb Lawson – her so called boyfriend – missing in action, there's no one to stop Birdie investigating the crime and clear her boss’ name. Perhaps that promotion she was aiming for might just be hers too.
Is it the adulterer, the swindler of school funds, the sacked principal or the cradle snatcher? Everyone's keeping secrets and when hunky Herb finally strides back into town, the flimsy excuse he gives for his absence means he's keeping them too.
Can Birdie find the culprit, save her colleague, repair her relationship and land her dream job? And can she do it all without her own dirty little secret being the next one published?
Forget the sticks and stones words can break bones.
Shoulder pads securely velcroed in place and Walkman on her hip, musician and amateur sleuth Birdie Mealing is on the beat.
Can she unravel the rumours in time to catch a killer?
A new gossip column in the local paper is the talk of the town. The talk only increases when the editor is stabbed, and Birdie’s boss is caught knife in hand and covered in blood.
Luckily, with Detective Herb Lawson – her so called boyfriend – missing in action, there's no one to stop Birdie investigating the crime and clear her boss’ name. Perhaps that promotion she was aiming for might just be hers too.
Is it the adulterer, the swindler of school funds, the sacked principal or the cradle snatcher? Everyone's keeping secrets and when hunky Herb finally strides back into town, the flimsy excuse he gives for his absence means he's keeping them too.
Can Birdie find the culprit, save her colleague, repair her relationship and land her dream job? And can she do it all without her own dirty little secret being the next one published?
Forget the sticks and stones words can break bones.
400 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2026
About the author
Philippa Kaye
2 books4 followersPhilippa (aka Pip) lives on the Central Coast of NSW Australia, with her lovely husband and three – often lovely – children. She has experience teaching in primary, secondary and tertiary settings and currently teaches secondary English and lectures at the University of Newcastle. Her Great Aunty was an Olympian, her dad invented Pavlova Magic and in her spare time she paints pictures on the wall. 'Girl Detectives Just Wanna Have Fun' is Pip’s first novel. Girls' Lips Are Sealed, released May 2026, is her second Birdie Mealing Mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 15, 2026
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
I love an immersive Aussie 1980’s setting and a likeable protagonist and Girls' Lips Are Sealed: A Birdie Mealing Mystery #2 by Philippa Kaye delivers. I adored all the flashbacks of 1980’s icons, it brought back a lot of fun memories.
Birdie Mealing is a feisty and determined character and a music teacher at a Catholic school, she’s also an amateur sleuth and band member.
Birdie and her friends try to solve the mystery behind a scandalous newspaper gossip column, accusing the nuns and teachers she knows and it involves blackmail, murder and romance. Interestingly the author includes Cleo magazines quotes at the beginning of chapters which gave another touch of nostalgia.
The sexy Detective Herb Lawson returns after being missing in action….
Meanwhile Birdie is trying to land her dream job while trying to solve a murder and save her boss accused of a stabbing. Birdie also has some secrets of her own she doesn’t want published.
A fun and entertaining mystery romance that was a pleasure to read, I especially enjoyed trying to work out who the culprit was.
Publication Date 13 May 2026
Publisher Pipsqueaks Australia
Thank you so much @philippakayewriter for a copy of your book.
I love an immersive Aussie 1980’s setting and a likeable protagonist and Girls' Lips Are Sealed: A Birdie Mealing Mystery #2 by Philippa Kaye delivers. I adored all the flashbacks of 1980’s icons, it brought back a lot of fun memories.
Birdie Mealing is a feisty and determined character and a music teacher at a Catholic school, she’s also an amateur sleuth and band member.
Birdie and her friends try to solve the mystery behind a scandalous newspaper gossip column, accusing the nuns and teachers she knows and it involves blackmail, murder and romance. Interestingly the author includes Cleo magazines quotes at the beginning of chapters which gave another touch of nostalgia.
The sexy Detective Herb Lawson returns after being missing in action….
Meanwhile Birdie is trying to land her dream job while trying to solve a murder and save her boss accused of a stabbing. Birdie also has some secrets of her own she doesn’t want published.
A fun and entertaining mystery romance that was a pleasure to read, I especially enjoyed trying to work out who the culprit was.
Publication Date 13 May 2026
Publisher Pipsqueaks Australia
Thank you so much @philippakayewriter for a copy of your book.
June 27, 2026
Big thanks to Philippa for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Turn back the clock to a period that only felt like last week, the 1980s.
An iconic period with big hair, shoulder pads and an innocence before technology caused its own tsunami.
Birdie is a teacher at a catholic school and like most of her cohort she hangs for the publication of her local newspapers gossip column.
Damaging and speculative gossip that will cause trouble.
A stabbing death implicates her boss and Birdie marches forward to find the truth.
A cast of characters including a Rob Lowe lookalike have secrets and are reprobates in one way or another.
Humour, suspicion and lots of alcohol are dominant flavours in this fun read.
Life was less complicated then but it was harder to piece together clues without the digital capabilities we have now.
But it was a fun and carefree life and this nostalgic joy leapt out from the pages.
Now who here is old enough to know what a Fluffy Duck is?
Turn back the clock to a period that only felt like last week, the 1980s.
An iconic period with big hair, shoulder pads and an innocence before technology caused its own tsunami.
Birdie is a teacher at a catholic school and like most of her cohort she hangs for the publication of her local newspapers gossip column.
Damaging and speculative gossip that will cause trouble.
A stabbing death implicates her boss and Birdie marches forward to find the truth.
A cast of characters including a Rob Lowe lookalike have secrets and are reprobates in one way or another.
Humour, suspicion and lots of alcohol are dominant flavours in this fun read.
Life was less complicated then but it was harder to piece together clues without the digital capabilities we have now.
But it was a fun and carefree life and this nostalgic joy leapt out from the pages.
Now who here is old enough to know what a Fluffy Duck is?
October 23, 2026
Girls Lips are Sealed is book 2 in Phillippa Kaye’s Birdie Mealing series and it was so much fun to be back with Birdie and her friends. Set in an Australian small town in 1985, the nostalgia was brilliant and I adored the Cleo magazine excerpts that opened each chapter and helped set the irreverent tone of the story.
Birdie is again caught up in a mystery, when the local paper begins publishing a gossip column featuring rumours about teachers’ transgressions. Shortly afterwards the editor is stabbed and Birdie’s boss is caught with the knife in her hand. As Birdie and her friends uncover the subjects of the gossip, they also reveal multiple suspects for the stabbing. To further complicate matters, Birdie’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Detective Herb Lawson reappears just as she has nearly given up on him and refuses to explain where he’s been. Can Birdie solve the crime, save her boss, get the promotion and repair her relationship without her own secret being exposed next?
I loved Birdie’s determination and courage as she threw herself into uncovering the truth and saving her boss from prison. It was also wonderful to again see her beautiful friendships that were so full of loyalty and fun. They always had each other’s backs and were trying to look after Birdie’s best interests.
I was also thrilled to see the return of Herb. The chemistry and tension between him and Birdie was sizzling and I was fully invested in seeing them resolve their differences and make a go of being a couple. Although some of his behaviour would probably raise a few red flags in 2026, in 1985 he was super protective of Birdie and didn’t want her becoming a target for some nasty criminals.
There were so many shady characters throughout this novel and my spidey senses were tingling as I thought I had solved the crime, but it turned out that I could not have been more wrong. Well-played Pip for keeping me guessing.
Girls Lips are Sealed was a fabulous follow up to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and I cannot wait for more of Birdie’s adventures.
Birdie is again caught up in a mystery, when the local paper begins publishing a gossip column featuring rumours about teachers’ transgressions. Shortly afterwards the editor is stabbed and Birdie’s boss is caught with the knife in her hand. As Birdie and her friends uncover the subjects of the gossip, they also reveal multiple suspects for the stabbing. To further complicate matters, Birdie’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Detective Herb Lawson reappears just as she has nearly given up on him and refuses to explain where he’s been. Can Birdie solve the crime, save her boss, get the promotion and repair her relationship without her own secret being exposed next?
I loved Birdie’s determination and courage as she threw herself into uncovering the truth and saving her boss from prison. It was also wonderful to again see her beautiful friendships that were so full of loyalty and fun. They always had each other’s backs and were trying to look after Birdie’s best interests.
I was also thrilled to see the return of Herb. The chemistry and tension between him and Birdie was sizzling and I was fully invested in seeing them resolve their differences and make a go of being a couple. Although some of his behaviour would probably raise a few red flags in 2026, in 1985 he was super protective of Birdie and didn’t want her becoming a target for some nasty criminals.
There were so many shady characters throughout this novel and my spidey senses were tingling as I thought I had solved the crime, but it turned out that I could not have been more wrong. Well-played Pip for keeping me guessing.
Girls Lips are Sealed was a fabulous follow up to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and I cannot wait for more of Birdie’s adventures.
May 31, 2026
Don’t let that fun cover deceive you - Girls' Lips Are Sealed delivers an ‘80s mystery romance - and then quietly asks you sit with something heavier.
This sequel follows Birdie Mealing as she tried to move on when her detective boyfriend Herb Lawson vanished without explanation. She was in the middle of amateur sleuthing to rescue her boss from being charged as guilty for stabbing the newspaper editor…when he suddenly resurfaced. Since then, the tension was off the charts!
The mystery, I’d say, is my favorite. While Birdie is busy figuring out clues behind the blind items, she is also preventing her own skeletons from being the next trending topic! Plus, there were mysteries that remained mysteries, because.
And as a language learner myself, it was a treat when Birdie tried to put the (foreign language) pieces together! Speaking of treats, there were ‘80s music and empowering quotes from an Australian women’s magazine.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and Philippa Kay for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This sequel follows Birdie Mealing as she tried to move on when her detective boyfriend Herb Lawson vanished without explanation. She was in the middle of amateur sleuthing to rescue her boss from being charged as guilty for stabbing the newspaper editor…when he suddenly resurfaced. Since then, the tension was off the charts!
The mystery, I’d say, is my favorite. While Birdie is busy figuring out clues behind the blind items, she is also preventing her own skeletons from being the next trending topic! Plus, there were mysteries that remained mysteries, because.
And as a language learner myself, it was a treat when Birdie tried to put the (foreign language) pieces together! Speaking of treats, there were ‘80s music and empowering quotes from an Australian women’s magazine.
Thank you to The Berry Agency and Philippa Kay for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excuse me what!!? 1980s called and said Eat your heart out!! (Gag me with a spoon, ahaha!)
I just about die for anything 80s, when I found this book, I was like "yeah right i could dig it" and then I found out philippa was Australian. I was sold. Sign me up...
Kingston bickies, timtams, Holden gemmis....... this story is nancy drew meets gossip girl, with a sprinkle of spice!
Loads of research went to this book to make sure it was factual to the time and first nations people. Oh and to include the cleo quotes from the 80s was icing on the cake. Chef's kiss! I really liked this book.
FAVOURITE QUOTE "Which newly appointed Catholic school principal was caught polishing his desk with a co-teacher’s tight backside?" ON PAGE ONE!! Excuse me!!
I just about die for anything 80s, when I found this book, I was like "yeah right i could dig it" and then I found out philippa was Australian. I was sold. Sign me up...
Kingston bickies, timtams, Holden gemmis....... this story is nancy drew meets gossip girl, with a sprinkle of spice!
Loads of research went to this book to make sure it was factual to the time and first nations people. Oh and to include the cleo quotes from the 80s was icing on the cake. Chef's kiss! I really liked this book.
FAVOURITE QUOTE "Which newly appointed Catholic school principal was caught polishing his desk with a co-teacher’s tight backside?" ON PAGE ONE!! Excuse me!!
May 5, 2026
Want to read a mystery romance that has plenty of grumpy/sunshine vibes, features an amateur sleuth, a strong female protagonist and a broken up but working together soulmates?
Oh and it’s set in Australia in the 80’s and has quotes from Cleo Magazine sprinkled throughout!!
Girls Lips Are Sealed is an action packed read that gives grown up Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys nostalgia.
As we follow Birdies sleuthing there are many ups and downs in relationships, both professional and personal. Can you piece the clues together before she does?
I would recommend this for a lighthearted read that captivates all that is the 80’s in Australia.
Thanks for the opportunity to ARC review Phillipa Kaye and The Berry Agency.
Oh and it’s set in Australia in the 80’s and has quotes from Cleo Magazine sprinkled throughout!!
Girls Lips Are Sealed is an action packed read that gives grown up Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys nostalgia.
As we follow Birdies sleuthing there are many ups and downs in relationships, both professional and personal. Can you piece the clues together before she does?
I would recommend this for a lighthearted read that captivates all that is the 80’s in Australia.
Thanks for the opportunity to ARC review Phillipa Kaye and The Berry Agency.
June 3, 2026
Mystery has never been my cup of tea but Birdie taught us to look for the pieces and all the clues not only in life but in ourselves and those we love. Birdie and Herb are a feisty back and forward we have all experienced in life. Birdie is the empowered FMC we all need in our lives. Herb is the unsung hero who gets in strife for his good deeds. Together they solve the mystery of the town. Journeying through love, lust and everything in between. I loved the flow and the scenery of experiencing how the 80s flowed as a 90s baby myself. *ARC review*
June 9, 2026
Loved this book! An easy read.
The mystery kept me interested from beginning to end, and I liked trying to work out what was going to happen next. Birdie was a fun and determined main character, and the romance added to the story without taking over the mystery.
The 1980s setting also made the book feel unique and enjoyable. Overall, it was an entertaining read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys mystery and romance.
Thank you to the Berry Agency and Philippa Kaye for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The mystery kept me interested from beginning to end, and I liked trying to work out what was going to happen next. Birdie was a fun and determined main character, and the romance added to the story without taking over the mystery.
The 1980s setting also made the book feel unique and enjoyable. Overall, it was an entertaining read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys mystery and romance.
Thank you to the Berry Agency and Philippa Kaye for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 31, 2026
ARC READ! 3.75-4 Stars
Australian based books can be very hit or miss for me but this one did such a good job and it’s obviously the author wanted to do justice to Australia in the 80s
A gossip style mystery romance book, honestly was so much fun!
Would recommend and it had some really good hooks in it!
Australian based books can be very hit or miss for me but this one did such a good job and it’s obviously the author wanted to do justice to Australia in the 80s
A gossip style mystery romance book, honestly was so much fun!
Would recommend and it had some really good hooks in it!
June 11, 2026
Lets get going to the 80s!
I absolutely loved that even the nuns knew about the gossip column and how amazing Birdie is as she is in a band, is a teacher and a perfect sluther! This is a perfect mix of fun and mystery along with some spice 😉 and fabulous characters.
The magazine quotes between chapters also gave me some serious flashbacks 📸😂
I absolutely loved that even the nuns knew about the gossip column and how amazing Birdie is as she is in a band, is a teacher and a perfect sluther! This is a perfect mix of fun and mystery along with some spice 😉 and fabulous characters.
The magazine quotes between chapters also gave me some serious flashbacks 📸😂
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This cozy mystery romance is set nostalgically in the 1980s.
Amateur sleuth, music teacher and band member Birdie tries to assist her Uncle Larry, a solicitor, hired to defend her Principal, Sister Therese Margaret, when she becomes the prime suspect in the stabbing of the editor of the local newspaper that prints the ‘Shame Game - No Names’ gossip column.
Birdie and her friends use speculation about the anonymous subjects of the gossip column to try to solve the crime.
Birdie is a strong independent woman, not one to shy away from a bit of mischief, flirty banter and fun, trying to uncover the truth while hiding her own secrets and wrestling with conflicting emotions navigating a love/hate relationship with former police detective Herb Lawson. A sexy but dangerous liaison.
Also of note were the empowering quotes from articles from Cleo magazines of the 1980s as they projected a ‘take charge’ attitude for women in relationships, a bold move at that time.
This book would appeal to readers of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.
Thanks to @theberryagency and @philippakayewriter for this early copy to enjoy and review.
Amateur sleuth, music teacher and band member Birdie tries to assist her Uncle Larry, a solicitor, hired to defend her Principal, Sister Therese Margaret, when she becomes the prime suspect in the stabbing of the editor of the local newspaper that prints the ‘Shame Game - No Names’ gossip column.
Birdie and her friends use speculation about the anonymous subjects of the gossip column to try to solve the crime.
Birdie is a strong independent woman, not one to shy away from a bit of mischief, flirty banter and fun, trying to uncover the truth while hiding her own secrets and wrestling with conflicting emotions navigating a love/hate relationship with former police detective Herb Lawson. A sexy but dangerous liaison.
Also of note were the empowering quotes from articles from Cleo magazines of the 1980s as they projected a ‘take charge’ attitude for women in relationships, a bold move at that time.
This book would appeal to readers of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.
Thanks to @theberryagency and @philippakayewriter for this early copy to enjoy and review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews