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Girls' Lips Are Sealed: A Birdie Mealing Mystery
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 11, 2026
Girls’ Lips Are Sealed is an entertaining and fast-paced murder mystery set in Australia in 1985 that draws you in from the first line!
Combining suspense, humour, and plenty of 1980s nostalgia (I heart Cleo magazine), the novel follows musician and amateur sleuth Birdie Mealing as she investigates a shocking murder connected to a controversial gossip column.
The story begins when a new gossip column, Shame Game, No Names exposes a staff indiscretion in a Catholic school. However, the situation takes a deadly turn when the editor of the column is stabbed to death with Birdie’s boss becoming the prime suspect. Convinced of her innocence, Birdie takes it upon herself to uncover the truth and clear her name.
One of the novel’s strengths is its colourful cast of suspects and pure nostalgia; the 1980s setting is brought to life through details such as shoulder pads, Walkmans, and the social attitudes of the time. These elements create a strong sense of atmosphere and add charm to the story.
Birdie is a likeable and determined protagonist whose wit and persistence make her easy to root for. Her complicated relationship with Detective Herb Lawson adds another layer to the story, particularly when he returns after a mysterious absence with explanations that seem far from convincing.
Overall, Girls’ Lips Are Sealed is a clever and engaging mystery that balances suspense with humour and heart. The twists and turns keep the reader invested until the final reveal, while Birdie’s determination and personality make her a memorable heroine. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy cosy mysteries, amateur detectives, and stories with 80s vibes.
Thank you the Berry Agency and Philippa Kaye for the opportunity to read and review.
Combining suspense, humour, and plenty of 1980s nostalgia (I heart Cleo magazine), the novel follows musician and amateur sleuth Birdie Mealing as she investigates a shocking murder connected to a controversial gossip column.
The story begins when a new gossip column, Shame Game, No Names exposes a staff indiscretion in a Catholic school. However, the situation takes a deadly turn when the editor of the column is stabbed to death with Birdie’s boss becoming the prime suspect. Convinced of her innocence, Birdie takes it upon herself to uncover the truth and clear her name.
One of the novel’s strengths is its colourful cast of suspects and pure nostalgia; the 1980s setting is brought to life through details such as shoulder pads, Walkmans, and the social attitudes of the time. These elements create a strong sense of atmosphere and add charm to the story.
Birdie is a likeable and determined protagonist whose wit and persistence make her easy to root for. Her complicated relationship with Detective Herb Lawson adds another layer to the story, particularly when he returns after a mysterious absence with explanations that seem far from convincing.
Overall, Girls’ Lips Are Sealed is a clever and engaging mystery that balances suspense with humour and heart. The twists and turns keep the reader invested until the final reveal, while Birdie’s determination and personality make her a memorable heroine. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy cosy mysteries, amateur detectives, and stories with 80s vibes.
Thank you the Berry Agency and Philippa Kaye for the opportunity to read and review.
May 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Quick thank you to The Berry Agency and Philippa Kaye for letting me review this ARC of Girls' Lips Are Sealed (A Birdie Mealing Mystery).
This read initially started as a reader error… I did not realise that this was a a second book! Admittedly I spent the first 30% confused as to who was who and or what. Again, totally reader error!!
Once I found my bearings it was a very enjoyable read! I loved the mystery and I thought it was very well planned out.
I will admit that I was not the biggest fan of Herb… and at times Birdie drove me kinda nuts.
All in all I would 100% recommend this read and I will definitely read the first one (whoops!)
Quick thank you to The Berry Agency and Philippa Kaye for letting me review this ARC of Girls' Lips Are Sealed (A Birdie Mealing Mystery).
This read initially started as a reader error… I did not realise that this was a a second book! Admittedly I spent the first 30% confused as to who was who and or what. Again, totally reader error!!
Once I found my bearings it was a very enjoyable read! I loved the mystery and I thought it was very well planned out.
I will admit that I was not the biggest fan of Herb… and at times Birdie drove me kinda nuts.
All in all I would 100% recommend this read and I will definitely read the first one (whoops!)
June 8, 2026
This was 2.5⭐️ for me
I think the mystery was well thought out and was good.
I just could not get over the FMC constant hot and cold towards Herb the MMC who was also annoying.
The book also flowed very confusing to me like we would be just finished a conversation then bam they are in a hospital talking to someone else. There seemed to be no lead into change of scenes.
I found the author told us instead of showing us as well which took away from the story.
I really did want to enjoy it but sadly I could love it
I think the mystery was well thought out and was good.
I just could not get over the FMC constant hot and cold towards Herb the MMC who was also annoying.
The book also flowed very confusing to me like we would be just finished a conversation then bam they are in a hospital talking to someone else. There seemed to be no lead into change of scenes.
I found the author told us instead of showing us as well which took away from the story.
I really did want to enjoy it but sadly I could love it
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews