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Murder Most Unladylike #7
Mord hinter den Kulissen
Im Londoner Rue Theater sollen Daisy und Hazel an einer Aufführung von „Romeo und Julia“ teilnehmen, um sie von weiteren detektivischen Ermittlungen abzuhalten. Doch irgendwie scheint die Gefahr sie zu verfolgen: Eifersucht, Morddrohungen und üble Scherze geraten außer Kontrolle – und dann wird im Theater eine Leiche gefunden. Die beiden Freundinnen setzen alles daran, den Fall aufzuklären. Als Daisy wegen einer Grippe das Bett hüten muss, ermittelt Hazel unterstützt von Alexander und George auf eigene Faust weiter, bevor der Mörder ein zweites Mal zuschlägt – oder nicht …?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2018
About the author
Robin Stevens
60 books2,714 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, Top Marks for Murder, Death Sets Sail and Once Upon a Crime. She is also the author of the Ministry of Unladylike Activity series (The Ministry of Unladylike Activity, The Body in the Blitz and A Stocking Full of Spies) and The Guggenheim Mystery, the sequel to Siobhan Dowd's The London Eye Mystery. Almost the Whole Truth, her first adult book, will publish in 2027 from Viking in the UK and Crown in the US.
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 achievable 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 family.
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 achievable 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 family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
October 7, 2018
I would die for Daisy and Hazel.
My favourite detectives had their best adventure yet, including Daisy's coming out as LGBT! Robin writes the most diverse, authentic, wonderfully researched historical fiction. It's full of BAME and LGBT characters of all ages.
She is doing such valuable work bringing younger LGBT role models to the world of MG/YA. Daisy and Hazel are 15 now - I can't wait to see where their next adventure takes them!
A really great article by Robin about this: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/ch...
My favourite detectives had their best adventure yet, including Daisy's coming out as LGBT! Robin writes the most diverse, authentic, wonderfully researched historical fiction. It's full of BAME and LGBT characters of all ages.
She is doing such valuable work bringing younger LGBT role models to the world of MG/YA. Daisy and Hazel are 15 now - I can't wait to see where their next adventure takes them!
A really great article by Robin about this: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/ch...
December 27, 2024
☆5 STARS!!!
⁀➷🎭 i left a calling card so that they would know that it was me. DARE I SAY BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES? oh my god, the writing, the mystery, the characters — EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT? i genuinely am gobsmacked, and am hugging this book like a baby.
first of all, the mystery!! as someone who’s always hanging out backstage during theater productions, it’s so eerie to read abt how perfect a theater is to commit a MURDER? the way the crime was executed was absolutely heinous but so interesting to read, and the plot twist when revealing the killer?!!! I WAS ON THE FLOOR APPALLED. i love this series and usually can work out the killer, but THIS ONE?? genuinely insane work.
second of all, LESBIAN DAISY CONFIRMED I SCREAMED??? omg i’ve truly never felt so warm and happy about something in a hot minute, but hearing how nervous she was to come out to her best friend just for hazel to promise that they were partners in crime and she would never leave her :( i love them so much?? past that, her crush on martita was so fun to read about bc hellooo she’s literally just a flustered teenage girl?!! i love the blonde rich femme lesbian microtrope
other details, hazel & alexander my little BABIESS. i genuinely squealed for them every time they had any interaction. hazel that man is so in love with you TRUST. i also loved that robin stevens included a lot of british history according to the time period! like yes obviously all the gay people are appearing for the theater murder mystery book and idc i love it so much LMAO. i also didn’t realize bertie and harold were a thing bc?? it was very lightly/barely hinted at in mistletoe & murder but yk what, i love my queer wells siblings to death!
”go and do me proud, watson.”
i can’t believe this is the third to last book in this series, i don’t want my fav girls to be over :( BUTTTT it was a perfect final book for the year!! started the year off w murder mystery, obv ending the year off the same way! soon onto top marks for murder!
——
pre-review: rtc! last book of the year and it was INCREDIBLE OMFG
⁀➷🎭 i left a calling card so that they would know that it was me. DARE I SAY BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES? oh my god, the writing, the mystery, the characters — EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT? i genuinely am gobsmacked, and am hugging this book like a baby.
first of all, the mystery!! as someone who’s always hanging out backstage during theater productions, it’s so eerie to read abt how perfect a theater is to commit a MURDER? the way the crime was executed was absolutely heinous but so interesting to read, and the plot twist when revealing the killer?!!! I WAS ON THE FLOOR APPALLED. i love this series and usually can work out the killer, but THIS ONE?? genuinely insane work.
second of all, LESBIAN DAISY CONFIRMED I SCREAMED??? omg i’ve truly never felt so warm and happy about something in a hot minute, but hearing how nervous she was to come out to her best friend just for hazel to promise that they were partners in crime and she would never leave her :( i love them so much?? past that, her crush on martita was so fun to read about bc hellooo she’s literally just a flustered teenage girl?!! i love the blonde rich femme lesbian microtrope
other details, hazel & alexander my little BABIESS. i genuinely squealed for them every time they had any interaction. hazel that man is so in love with you TRUST. i also loved that robin stevens included a lot of british history according to the time period! like yes obviously all the gay people are appearing for the theater murder mystery book and idc i love it so much LMAO. i also didn’t realize bertie and harold were a thing bc?? it was very lightly/barely hinted at in mistletoe & murder but yk what, i love my queer wells siblings to death!
”go and do me proud, watson.”
i can’t believe this is the third to last book in this series, i don’t want my fav girls to be over :( BUTTTT it was a perfect final book for the year!! started the year off w murder mystery, obv ending the year off the same way! soon onto top marks for murder!
——
pre-review: rtc! last book of the year and it was INCREDIBLE OMFG
September 7, 2021
#1) Murder Most Unladylike ★★★☆☆
#2) Arsenic for Tea ★★★★☆
#3) First Class Murder ★★★★☆
#4) Jolly Foul Play ★★★★☆
#5) Mistletoe and Murder ★★★★☆
#6) A Spoonful of Murder ★★★★☆
#8) Top Marks for Murder ★★★★★
#9) Death Sets Sail ★★★★★
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Hazel (mc) is Chinese; Daisy (mc) is a lesbian; Portuguese & Black scs; sapphic & achillean scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
October 6, 2018
This is the seventh book in the Murder Most Ladylike series. By this point the characters and plots run along like clockwork. I wouldn't say it was one of the better instalments, though I adored the setting. I've always loved stories about putting on a performance - maybe a hang up from the Muppets? The mystery itself earns points for ingenuity. It would seem far fetched if murderers hadn't pulled off similar ruses for far less reason than Rose does here.
The part that stands out most for me is the stunning revelation, roughly halfway through the book, that Daisy is gay. I'd long speculated and hoped for this, but never thought Robin Stevens would actually go there in a mainstream children's story. Unless a book is specifically *for* LGBT youth, it's always teachers, aunties and other extras. So the fact one of the leads in such a successful franchise should be a lesbian - and the pretty, posh, feminine Daisy at that - made me shriek with joy. Later we learn one of the minor characters is a gay man, and it mentions the unfair, prejudiced laws of the time.
I expect some parents will be outraged, and say they'll never let their kids read one of these books again, but it isn't for them. Stevens provides a lovely afterword where she explains about Section 28 and other homophobic legislation.
She is a true ally and I love her. I can't wait to see how the series develops.
The part that stands out most for me is the stunning revelation, roughly halfway through the book, that Daisy is gay. I'd long speculated and hoped for this, but never thought Robin Stevens would actually go there in a mainstream children's story. Unless a book is specifically *for* LGBT youth, it's always teachers, aunties and other extras. So the fact one of the leads in such a successful franchise should be a lesbian - and the pretty, posh, feminine Daisy at that - made me shriek with joy. Later we learn one of the minor characters is a gay man, and it mentions the unfair, prejudiced laws of the time.
I expect some parents will be outraged, and say they'll never let their kids read one of these books again, but it isn't for them. Stevens provides a lovely afterword where she explains about Section 28 and other homophobic legislation.
She is a true ally and I love her. I can't wait to see how the series develops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2021
For me, this was not one of the best books in the series. It was too drawn out, the plot dragged on and on and I was waiting for the end, not for any denouement but so that I could put it down and move on. At least I did manage to finish it.
The setting of the Rue Theatre with a production of 'Romeo and Juliet' pending was admirable and the bitchiness, rivalry and jealousness of the characters was portrayed with genuine venom, so much so that the incidents that happened could have been carried out by any one of them and it made it difficult for Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, with some later help from the Pinkerton Boys, George and Alexander, to fathom out exactly whodunnit. But it seemed oh, so slow moving.
The sexuality of Daisy was nicely expressed, too, and at the end of the book the author wrote an erudite explanation of the situation in her notes. I particularly enjoyed these notes and thought it was a nice idea.
When it came time to reveal who had done the evil deeds, a factor came into play that was very much out of the blue and I couldn't quite grasp the significance of it - but I think that may be me rather than the author ... and that may well be the case with the book as a whole as I am going through a period of concentration loss when reading at the moment.
I have enjoyed others in this series but this one was what could be classed as an agreeable disappointment. Sorry, Robin Stevens.
The setting of the Rue Theatre with a production of 'Romeo and Juliet' pending was admirable and the bitchiness, rivalry and jealousness of the characters was portrayed with genuine venom, so much so that the incidents that happened could have been carried out by any one of them and it made it difficult for Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, with some later help from the Pinkerton Boys, George and Alexander, to fathom out exactly whodunnit. But it seemed oh, so slow moving.
The sexuality of Daisy was nicely expressed, too, and at the end of the book the author wrote an erudite explanation of the situation in her notes. I particularly enjoyed these notes and thought it was a nice idea.
When it came time to reveal who had done the evil deeds, a factor came into play that was very much out of the blue and I couldn't quite grasp the significance of it - but I think that may be me rather than the author ... and that may well be the case with the book as a whole as I am going through a period of concentration loss when reading at the moment.
I have enjoyed others in this series but this one was what could be classed as an agreeable disappointment. Sorry, Robin Stevens.
November 1, 2018
Dear Death in the Spotlight,
I LOVE you. I wish I could keep you in my pocket every day as a reminder of all things good and sweet - female friendship, love for everyone not just a few, adventures for everyone not just a few, good stories, and of course, bunbreaks. You even have a mention for Harry Potter - you can't be more perfect.
I'll miss you so very much.
Yours,
Emma
I LOVE you. I wish I could keep you in my pocket every day as a reminder of all things good and sweet - female friendship, love for everyone not just a few, adventures for everyone not just a few, good stories, and of course, bunbreaks. You even have a mention for Harry Potter - you can't be more perfect.
I'll miss you so very much.
Yours,
Emma
January 21, 2020
Diese Reihe ist einfach absolut toll und auch mit dem siebten Band kann die Autorin das anspruchsvolle Level halten. Auch wenn es für Kids bzw. junge Jugendliche ab 10 Jahren gedacht ist: ich bin einfach nur begeistert!
Die beiden Mädchen Daisy Wells und Hazel Wong sind mittlerweile etwas älter und reifer mit ihren 14 und 15 Jahren, und diese Entwicklung zu verfolgen alleine ist schon spannend. Während Daisy, ähnlichem ihrem Vorbild Sherlock, analytisch denkt und die Logik vorn anstellt, ist Hazel wie Watson die Schriftführerin und der gefühlsbetonte Part. Aus ihrer Sicht berichtet sie also wieder auf äußerst unterhaltsame Weise.
Die Schauplätze wechseln ja bei jedem neuen Band, was ich sehr interessant finde - vor allem da auch immer spannende kleine Details aus der damaligen Zeit und den Orten mit eingebunden werden, die für das empfohlene Lesealter eine tolle Bereicherung sind.
Dieses Mal gehts ans Rue Theater in London. Die Welt der Schauspieler wird toll in Szene gesetzt - aber auch, wie der Glammer seinen Schatten wirft - denn so glamourös die Theaterwelt auch scheint, hinter de Kulissen brodelt es zwischen einigen Darstellern gewaltig.
Eifersucht, Neid, Geltungsbedürfnis ... alles große Dramen auf der Bühne, aber auch für jeden der Charaktere im speziellen. Auch verbindet die Autorin das immer auch mit den beiden Mädels, denn dass Hazel noch immer im Schatten von Daisy steht, ist zwar ein gebilligte Tatsache, was aber nicht heißt, dass es Hazel doch in manchen Situationen sehr nahe geht. Aber auch wenn Daisy selten mitfühlsam ist, versteht sie es auf ihre, verschrobene, Art, ihrer Freundin Anerkennung zu zeigen und zu ihr zu halten.
Zu den Schwierigkeiten ihrer Mädchenfreundschaft kommen jetzt natürlich auch die ersten Schwärmereien. Aber es drängt sich nicht in den Vordergrund, wird aber genauso behutsam und auf achtsame Weise, wie Robin Stevens auch andere aktuelle Themen anschneidet, die sich um das gesellschaftliche Miteinander drehen.
Der Mordfall selbst hatte dieses Mal ein längeres Vorspiel, bei dem man alle Beteiligten und "Verdächtigen" sehr gut kennenlernen konnte. Es war wirklich großartig aufgebaut und auch wenn ich zwei kleine Details noch immer nicht ganz einordnen kann, war der Fall spannend, überraschend und großartig in Shakespeares Theaterwelt eingefügt. Ich bin durchweg an den Seiten geklebt und wollte ständig wissen wie es weitergeht - und ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass es noch ganz viele Fälle für dieses Ermittler-Duo zu lösen gibt!
Das einzige, was etwas "unnötig" war: Die Wörter, die betont werden sollen sind kursiv geschrieben - das ist ja in vielen Büchern der Fall, aber so viele wie hier hab ich - glaub ich - noch nie gesehen :D Das könnte man ruhig etwas zurückschrauben, denn die Betonung wird beim Lesen an sich von selber klar. Ansonsten: Absolute Leseempfehlung für Krimifans!
Weltenwanderer
Die beiden Mädchen Daisy Wells und Hazel Wong sind mittlerweile etwas älter und reifer mit ihren 14 und 15 Jahren, und diese Entwicklung zu verfolgen alleine ist schon spannend. Während Daisy, ähnlichem ihrem Vorbild Sherlock, analytisch denkt und die Logik vorn anstellt, ist Hazel wie Watson die Schriftführerin und der gefühlsbetonte Part. Aus ihrer Sicht berichtet sie also wieder auf äußerst unterhaltsame Weise.
Die Schauplätze wechseln ja bei jedem neuen Band, was ich sehr interessant finde - vor allem da auch immer spannende kleine Details aus der damaligen Zeit und den Orten mit eingebunden werden, die für das empfohlene Lesealter eine tolle Bereicherung sind.
Dieses Mal gehts ans Rue Theater in London. Die Welt der Schauspieler wird toll in Szene gesetzt - aber auch, wie der Glammer seinen Schatten wirft - denn so glamourös die Theaterwelt auch scheint, hinter de Kulissen brodelt es zwischen einigen Darstellern gewaltig.
Eifersucht, Neid, Geltungsbedürfnis ... alles große Dramen auf der Bühne, aber auch für jeden der Charaktere im speziellen. Auch verbindet die Autorin das immer auch mit den beiden Mädels, denn dass Hazel noch immer im Schatten von Daisy steht, ist zwar ein gebilligte Tatsache, was aber nicht heißt, dass es Hazel doch in manchen Situationen sehr nahe geht. Aber auch wenn Daisy selten mitfühlsam ist, versteht sie es auf ihre, verschrobene, Art, ihrer Freundin Anerkennung zu zeigen und zu ihr zu halten.
Zu den Schwierigkeiten ihrer Mädchenfreundschaft kommen jetzt natürlich auch die ersten Schwärmereien. Aber es drängt sich nicht in den Vordergrund, wird aber genauso behutsam und auf achtsame Weise, wie Robin Stevens auch andere aktuelle Themen anschneidet, die sich um das gesellschaftliche Miteinander drehen.
Der Mordfall selbst hatte dieses Mal ein längeres Vorspiel, bei dem man alle Beteiligten und "Verdächtigen" sehr gut kennenlernen konnte. Es war wirklich großartig aufgebaut und auch wenn ich zwei kleine Details noch immer nicht ganz einordnen kann, war der Fall spannend, überraschend und großartig in Shakespeares Theaterwelt eingefügt. Ich bin durchweg an den Seiten geklebt und wollte ständig wissen wie es weitergeht - und ich hoffe wirklich sehr, dass es noch ganz viele Fälle für dieses Ermittler-Duo zu lösen gibt!
Das einzige, was etwas "unnötig" war: Die Wörter, die betont werden sollen sind kursiv geschrieben - das ist ja in vielen Büchern der Fall, aber so viele wie hier hab ich - glaub ich - noch nie gesehen :D Das könnte man ruhig etwas zurückschrauben, denn die Betonung wird beim Lesen an sich von selber klar. Ansonsten: Absolute Leseempfehlung für Krimifans!
Weltenwanderer
January 30, 2022
I actually wanted to start this newest adventure of Hazel and Daisy yesterday already, but I decided that this would be an amazing read for a lazy Sunday afternoon after a long day and a short night. The last book in this series took us to Hong Kong and both characters grew and learn quite a lot over there. I was therefore curious to see how much of those changes would still be present in this book, back in London, England.
I was happy to see that especially Hazel, who've crawled a little out of her shell in her home country, clearly brought her character growth with her. She was still basking in the shadow of Daisy, but at times she showed that she was bolder and willing to take risks she previously wouldn't have taken. And the author did a brilliant job making it possible for Hazel to also step into the light in this book by having Daisy falling prey to the flu.
Stevens also did an amazing job describing the atmosphere behind the scenes in the theatre. I've done some backstage tours in old theaters and she really managed to capture the kind of labyrinth those buildings are and the many hidden nooks. On top of that she also incorporated the rivalry on stage, but also the pressure on actors and actresses and the discrimination people of color face in the theatre when, especially the more traditional, roles are cast.
I think that's in general one of the strengths of this series. The cases are gripping, but the author doesn't shy away from including the ugly parts of history, especially at this time with the second world war being just around the corner. Just like I still feel like Hazel and Daisy are growing and learning during every case and luckily they also grow into way better friends. Daisy still has a few steps to make concerning their friendship, but I don't doubt she'll get there!
I was happy to see that especially Hazel, who've crawled a little out of her shell in her home country, clearly brought her character growth with her. She was still basking in the shadow of Daisy, but at times she showed that she was bolder and willing to take risks she previously wouldn't have taken. And the author did a brilliant job making it possible for Hazel to also step into the light in this book by having Daisy falling prey to the flu.
Stevens also did an amazing job describing the atmosphere behind the scenes in the theatre. I've done some backstage tours in old theaters and she really managed to capture the kind of labyrinth those buildings are and the many hidden nooks. On top of that she also incorporated the rivalry on stage, but also the pressure on actors and actresses and the discrimination people of color face in the theatre when, especially the more traditional, roles are cast.
I think that's in general one of the strengths of this series. The cases are gripping, but the author doesn't shy away from including the ugly parts of history, especially at this time with the second world war being just around the corner. Just like I still feel like Hazel and Daisy are growing and learning during every case and luckily they also grow into way better friends. Daisy still has a few steps to make concerning their friendship, but I don't doubt she'll get there!
April 18, 2023
Nie jestem w stanie wyrazic slowami jak bardzo ta serio jest dla mnie komfortowa
November 16, 2018
“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”
Hazel and Daisy are spending some time at Uncle Felix (and Aunt Lucy) after a very exciting few weeks (Hong Kong), and that is how they eventually stumble in the Rue Theatre, in the production of Romeo and Juliet, and from there of course murder just seems to follow them. These girls just can't escape mystery and murder, even if Hazel can do without the dead bodies. :P
We had tons and tons of theatre in this one. Daisy and Hazel both have roles. Though Hazel's is only tiny, but that mostly has to do with the fact that Hazel just doesn't like standing in the spotlight. Which is exactly like me. It was a delight to see the girls practice their roles, meet the cast, see all the ways the theatre worked, and of course then there are the threats, the murder, and more. Book got more and more exciting as the pages flipped by.
Daisy's crush on Martita was just the most adorable ever. I wonder if Martita noticed (I am kind of hoping she did).
But this book also was much more important as it featured a coming out of one of our two main characters. Namely Daisy! I was just so delighted to see it happen, I had my suspicions already and was wondering what the author would do with it. Sometimes authors just let these things simmer and nothing happens, but in this one Daisy finally works up the guts to step out of the closet and tell her best friend why she is so eager about Martita. Of course, Hazel and her amazing detective skills (and friend skills) already had a suspicion about it. I loved how they had a chat about it, and how they both became even closer friends now this is all out in the open.
I do say again that Daisy's attitude is at times quite too much for me. She is still acting like she is better than Hazel, and if Hazel tries to do something else she gets all grumpy about it. Yes, I do see some improvement on the field. She is grudgingly complimenting Hazel, and it seems she is quite proud of her best friend. But there is still tons of room for it. And it would also be nice if Daisy wouldn't be so eh about Hazel liking boys, or specifically Alexander. You expect her to respect you, but yeah, respect works both ways. Please understand that for once. But I do feel that both girls grew quite a lot with all that happened in this book so I have good hopes for the next books.
Whodunnit? I had tons of suspects, and as the book continued the list dwindled down, but again the author wrote the murderer and the reasons why so well that ending took me by surprise yet again! I just adore it about this series, you are really involved with the girls, you want to solve the mystery, but there are always tiny little bits that don't click together until the end. It is totally different from so many other mystery books that I read. I often find out the whodunnit way before the ending, and while that is also fun at times, this is tons and tons more fun.
I had such a big laugh when Daisy got sick. Not because I found it funny she was sick, but how she acted throughout it and how she at first all like that she wouldn't get sick, and then she just dropped on the floor with high fevers.
I loved that we see Alexander and George again. And that they had the chance to help out the girls with the case.
I wasn't a fan of Lysander. Especially not as the story progressed. He was just a creepy, creepy man with a too big ego and a tendency to go violent.
Yay for Inspector Priestley popping up again, I still love how he treats the girls, how he (mostly) lets them do their detecting and figuring out clues.
Our girls are also learning that growing up isn't always the most fun thing. For instance while in previous books they could still get away with things, they are now growing up. Which means a whole slew of things. For instance they can't act like children, they are now often seen as young ladies. Hiding? Isn't getting easier, especially not for Hazel. I am glad that both are learning other skills. Hazel is learning codes and Daisy is trying out disguises (Hazel's reactions to them had me laughing).
I hope the next book takes place at Deepdean again, I love that these past books took place elsewhere, but I miss Deepdean, I miss seeing the other girls. Plus I am just a big fan of boarding school stories (especially when combined with mystery and murder).
All in all, a fabulous, exciting book with theatre, friendship, a coming out, and more. I can't wait for the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Hazel and Daisy are spending some time at Uncle Felix (and Aunt Lucy) after a very exciting few weeks (Hong Kong), and that is how they eventually stumble in the Rue Theatre, in the production of Romeo and Juliet, and from there of course murder just seems to follow them. These girls just can't escape mystery and murder, even if Hazel can do without the dead bodies. :P
We had tons and tons of theatre in this one. Daisy and Hazel both have roles. Though Hazel's is only tiny, but that mostly has to do with the fact that Hazel just doesn't like standing in the spotlight. Which is exactly like me. It was a delight to see the girls practice their roles, meet the cast, see all the ways the theatre worked, and of course then there are the threats, the murder, and more. Book got more and more exciting as the pages flipped by.
Daisy's crush on Martita was just the most adorable ever. I wonder if Martita noticed (I am kind of hoping she did).
But this book also was much more important as it featured a coming out of one of our two main characters. Namely Daisy! I was just so delighted to see it happen, I had my suspicions already and was wondering what the author would do with it. Sometimes authors just let these things simmer and nothing happens, but in this one Daisy finally works up the guts to step out of the closet and tell her best friend why she is so eager about Martita. Of course, Hazel and her amazing detective skills (and friend skills) already had a suspicion about it. I loved how they had a chat about it, and how they both became even closer friends now this is all out in the open.
I do say again that Daisy's attitude is at times quite too much for me. She is still acting like she is better than Hazel, and if Hazel tries to do something else she gets all grumpy about it. Yes, I do see some improvement on the field. She is grudgingly complimenting Hazel, and it seems she is quite proud of her best friend. But there is still tons of room for it. And it would also be nice if Daisy wouldn't be so eh about Hazel liking boys, or specifically Alexander. You expect her to respect you, but yeah, respect works both ways. Please understand that for once. But I do feel that both girls grew quite a lot with all that happened in this book so I have good hopes for the next books.
Whodunnit? I had tons of suspects, and as the book continued the list dwindled down, but again the author wrote the murderer and the reasons why so well that ending took me by surprise yet again! I just adore it about this series, you are really involved with the girls, you want to solve the mystery, but there are always tiny little bits that don't click together until the end. It is totally different from so many other mystery books that I read. I often find out the whodunnit way before the ending, and while that is also fun at times, this is tons and tons more fun.
I had such a big laugh when Daisy got sick. Not because I found it funny she was sick, but how she acted throughout it and how she at first all like that she wouldn't get sick, and then she just dropped on the floor with high fevers.
I loved that we see Alexander and George again. And that they had the chance to help out the girls with the case.
I wasn't a fan of Lysander. Especially not as the story progressed. He was just a creepy, creepy man with a too big ego and a tendency to go violent.
Yay for Inspector Priestley popping up again, I still love how he treats the girls, how he (mostly) lets them do their detecting and figuring out clues.
Our girls are also learning that growing up isn't always the most fun thing. For instance while in previous books they could still get away with things, they are now growing up. Which means a whole slew of things. For instance they can't act like children, they are now often seen as young ladies. Hiding? Isn't getting easier, especially not for Hazel. I am glad that both are learning other skills. Hazel is learning codes and Daisy is trying out disguises (Hazel's reactions to them had me laughing).
I hope the next book takes place at Deepdean again, I love that these past books took place elsewhere, but I miss Deepdean, I miss seeing the other girls. Plus I am just a big fan of boarding school stories (especially when combined with mystery and murder).
All in all, a fabulous, exciting book with theatre, friendship, a coming out, and more. I can't wait for the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 7, 2018
I don't want to spoil anything for people who haven't read it yet, but ahhhhhhhhhhhh Stevens did the thing I've been wanting her to do for more than half the series now ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
Anyway. Breathe. Daisy and Hazel are on an extended break from London after the trip to Hong Kong, Uncle Felix sends them to a nearby theatre to keep them out of trouble (ha), and this is possibly my favourite in the series so far. It's got a clever mystery that's perfectly aligned with the setting, it's got various recurring characters (Inspector Priestley, George and Alexander, Felix), and it's got further character development for our leads (Hazel's growing self-confidence goes hand-in-hand with growing assertiveness in her friendship with Daisy, and in her relationship to England, metropole of empire; she's also having Thoughts about her role as narrator). There are also several hints that the bubble in which the girls live - and can operate largely undetected - is getting increasingly fragile as they get older. Can't wait for the next.
Anyway. Breathe. Daisy and Hazel are on an extended break from London after the trip to Hong Kong, Uncle Felix sends them to a nearby theatre to keep them out of trouble (ha), and this is possibly my favourite in the series so far. It's got a clever mystery that's perfectly aligned with the setting, it's got various recurring characters (Inspector Priestley, George and Alexander, Felix), and it's got further character development for our leads (Hazel's growing self-confidence goes hand-in-hand with growing assertiveness in her friendship with Daisy, and in her relationship to England, metropole of empire; she's also having Thoughts about her role as narrator). There are also several hints that the bubble in which the girls live - and can operate largely undetected - is getting increasingly fragile as they get older. Can't wait for the next.
April 6, 2019
Sigh. Felt like the LGBTQ agenda was being forcefully shoved into my brain. No offence meant, but I read kids books to relax from the real world... Not to tense up with the world's current problems.. It wasn't fair, making me face this issue in my safe space. This rather weaned me off this series now. I am so disappointed and disillusioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
Bellissimo 🥲
Presto in arrivo una recensione!
Presto in arrivo una recensione!
December 21, 2025
Szczerze ciekawa opowieść
October 9, 2018
Whip smart mystery that had me guessing to the end, but what I really love about this series is Daisy and Hazel and the relationship between them. It's grown so beautifully since the first book and I love how complex and intertwined it is--a reflection that mirrors reality. This is Robin's best book yet, I adore her inclusion of BAME and LGBTQA+ characters, and I'm so glad that kids are going to be able to see their realties in this book. Also, an EPIC takedown of the British Empire was undertaken in one line. Can't wait for the next one.
March 27, 2022
This is the best book of the murder most unladylikes buy far! I love the chrarters and the plot and i just wanna be in the rue theater! I love how hong kong hazel stays more and becomes bolder still and daisy learns to become kinder! I also love the other charaters like Simon, Martita and Inigo! I actually found at the back that some of them are based of real life people from 1930s!
April 10, 2020
Just about the same level of quality as the rest of the series, which is to say effortlessly excellent. This is such a good adventure series, such a good historical series, such a good character series, and such a good mystery series.
August 12, 2021
This book was one of the best in its series!🤩I love it❤❤
February 10, 2022
Fenomenalna, Zdecydowanie najlepszy tom 5/5⭐
May 15, 2025
4.75
WTFF
tu już naprawdę było grubo...
WTFF
tu już naprawdę było grubo...
November 6, 2022
This is the 7th in the series, so not much I can say obviously, lol..but of course this series has become 1 of my all time favorites, & so this book of course was superb. I absolutely loved the direction this 1 took. It was AMAZING being in London this time with Hazel & Daisy, & staying with our favorite uncle Felix! PLUS, we spend so much time at the theatre, & that’s where our murder mystery unfolds, & everything was brilliantly done. The theater aspect was so good! This mystery was such a great 1 as well, & I just loved every bit of this. Highly recommend-duh lol. Of course, another beautiful cover by Nina Tara too.💜
June 12, 2021
Daję 5 ⭐️ moim zdaniem zasłużyła, zakończenie sprawy kryminalnej genialne! Dodatkowo akcja działa się w teatrze co dawało super klimat. Oprócz głównego wątku śledztwa było też kilka innych, które bardzo mi się podobały. Zakończenia (z resztą jak zawsze) się nie domyśliłam 💗
July 18, 2021
my fave of the series so far 100 per cent ! the most delightful & queerest one yet and so so sweet [if also a bit goulish]
February 1, 2022
meeeega klimat i jedna rzecz, która się w tym tomie okazała: OMG!! ja chce od razu następny tom.
June 28, 2022
nie będę oryginalna - to było genialne i tyle w temacie
June 14, 2023
I absolutely LOVE Daisy and Hazel. They are my favourite detectives.
Hazel and Daisy are spending some time at Daisy’s uncle Felix’s and Aunt Lucy’s house in London after a few ordinary (for them) weeks in Hong Kong with Hazel’s family. Aunt Lucy casts them in the Romeo and Juliet play (being played in the Rue Theatre) and as always murder always seems to follow the girls around when the main actress APPEARS to be murdered.
For me, the best part of the book is always when they solve the mystery, but the ending of this one completely surprised me. I honestly thought it would be Martita—which would be awfully upsetting for Daisy, of course—but it turned out to be someone completely unexpected, which is what I love about this series. I especially enjoyed the scene in which Alexander and Hazel (and George I guess) re-enacted Annie Joy's murder.
When Daisy got sick, it was hilarious to watch how much she despised being sick and how she 'did not recommend it.'
This book was fantastic, however it was not my favorite in the series. My current favorite is Mistletoe and Murder, but that will most likely change once I finish Death Sets Sail.
-Tvisha
Hazel and Daisy are spending some time at Daisy’s uncle Felix’s and Aunt Lucy’s house in London after a few ordinary (for them) weeks in Hong Kong with Hazel’s family. Aunt Lucy casts them in the Romeo and Juliet play (being played in the Rue Theatre) and as always murder always seems to follow the girls around when the main actress APPEARS to be murdered.
For me, the best part of the book is always when they solve the mystery, but the ending of this one completely surprised me. I honestly thought it would be Martita—which would be awfully upsetting for Daisy, of course—but it turned out to be someone completely unexpected, which is what I love about this series. I especially enjoyed the scene in which Alexander and Hazel (and George I guess) re-enacted Annie Joy's murder.
When Daisy got sick, it was hilarious to watch how much she despised being sick and how she 'did not recommend it.'
This book was fantastic, however it was not my favorite in the series. My current favorite is Mistletoe and Murder, but that will most likely change once I finish Death Sets Sail.
-Tvisha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
WHATTHEHELLY
December 5, 2018
Absolutely everything I wanted it to be, and capped off by some awesome acknowledgements at the end. Did I mention that I ADORE this series. Robin Stevens cannot write them fast enough.
August 28, 2021
Parents: Too many adult themes. Full on gay.
Skip this one all together. Just like Roseanne, it starts with one gay character until it takes over the whole show.
At least 3 gay relationships and Hazel comes out as gay. Heavy on the politics . There is barely a plot at all. It seemed as tho its main purpose was to preach politics to children.
Not worth reading. Remember when this used to be a story about 2 girls in a boarding school solving mysteries?
Skip this one all together. Just like Roseanne, it starts with one gay character until it takes over the whole show.
At least 3 gay relationships and Hazel comes out as gay. Heavy on the politics . There is barely a plot at all. It seemed as tho its main purpose was to preach politics to children.
Not worth reading. Remember when this used to be a story about 2 girls in a boarding school solving mysteries?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2018
This, like all the others, was an amazing book! They are great books to read, and was a great read throughout. I loved this book especially, because it was set in a theatre and was about show business. In this particular book, it really showed Hazel and Daisy as girls, and how they are becoming young ladies.
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