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Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #1
Premeditated Myrtle
Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and Observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England.
When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor.
When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor.
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First published October 6, 2020
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About the author
Elizabeth C. Bunce
14 books861 followersElizabeth C. Bunce is the Edgar Award-winning author of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery series, beginning with Premeditated Myrtle, an Edgar Allan Poe "Edgar" Award Winner, a Society of Midland Authors Honoree, a Library of Congress 2021 Book Festival Selection, Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the Year, Indie Next Pick, and finalist for both the Agatha Award and Anthony Award. Her series continues in How to Get Away with Myrtle (a #1 Amazon New Release) and Cold-Blooded Myrtle, also an Edgar Award finalist, an Agatha Award finalist, and Anthony Award finalist, as well as a Kirkus Top 10 Best Book of the Year, Indie Next Pick, a Silver Falchion Award finalist, and
Wall Street Journal
holiday guide pick. The series' fourth book, In Myrtle Peril, has garnered Elizabeth's third Anthony Award nomination and third Agatha Award nomination, and in 2023 look for the fifth book in the series, Myrtle, Means, & Opportunity! Her first novel, A Curse Dark as Gold, won the inaugural William C. Morris Award for a young adult debut novel and was named a Smithsonian Notable Book and an Amelia Bloomer Project selection. Her high fantasy Thief Errant series includes the novels StarCrossed, A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best book, and Liar's Moon, one of Kirkus Blog's Favorite YA Novels of 2011. StarCrossed and A Curse Dark as Gold have appeared on Oprah's Kids Reading List. Premeditated Myrtle was named both a Best Children's/YAA BookPage Best Book and to A Mighty Girl's Books of the Year. Her novels have been named to the ALA's Best Fiction for Young Adults list, and she is a four-time Kansas Notable Book winner. An accomplished needlewoman and historical costumer, Elizabeth lives in the Midwest with her husband, her cats, and a boggart who steals books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews
October 8, 2022
Did you love Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew like I did? Then you will want to share this new Victorian-era sleuth with the kids in your life.
Myrtle Hardcastle is 12 going on 21. Her late mother was a medical student and her father is a prosecutor. Myrtle wants to be an investigator -- combining the gifts of both her parents into her future profession. What I loved about this book: 1) Peony, the cat, assistant to Myrtle 2) The excerpts from 'Principles of Detection' by H.M. Hardcastle at the beginning of each chapter. 3) The collaboration between Myrtle and the adults in her life -- especially her governess. It is a wonderful thing when a child is encouraged to pursue their unique gifts and not expected to conform. Myrtle is even able to win over a neighborhood mean girl. The book itself is on the long side for middle grade. I would recommend it for confident readers 11 & up. Finally, hurray for local authors! I did not realize until reading the acknowledgements that Bunce wrote this book just across the state line from me in Johnson County.
Thank you to Alonquin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Myrtle Hardcastle is 12 going on 21. Her late mother was a medical student and her father is a prosecutor. Myrtle wants to be an investigator -- combining the gifts of both her parents into her future profession. What I loved about this book: 1) Peony, the cat, assistant to Myrtle 2) The excerpts from 'Principles of Detection' by H.M. Hardcastle at the beginning of each chapter. 3) The collaboration between Myrtle and the adults in her life -- especially her governess. It is a wonderful thing when a child is encouraged to pursue their unique gifts and not expected to conform. Myrtle is even able to win over a neighborhood mean girl. The book itself is on the long side for middle grade. I would recommend it for confident readers 11 & up. Finally, hurray for local authors! I did not realize until reading the acknowledgements that Bunce wrote this book just across the state line from me in Johnson County.
Thank you to Alonquin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
“You do ask a lot of questions.” “Yes. I’m known for it.”
Myrtle reminds me of a young Nancy Drew (particularly the 2007 movie edition) but more fascinated by science and a touch of Annie from The Parent Trap (particularly because of her trying to set up her father and her governess). Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and will be trying to get to the next volumes in the series soon because this was very enjoyable.
Set during 1893, Myrtle Hardcastle is a twelve-year-old daughter of a Prosecutor and a Medical Scientist, she has a major interest in law and murder. So much so that she’s trying to figure out what happened to her elderly neighbor. I’m not thrilled with the idea of murder and such topics in middle grade books, but I’ll admit to throughly enjoying this book because of Myrtle’s fascination with solving the crime. She’s not morbid like other girls taunt her with, but she’s curious and very clever. Even though the murder and figuring out the murderer was the main point of the book, it never felt depressing so my compliments to the author because that can be a fine line to walk with such topics featured.
I listed to this as an audiobook for over half of the book, but went back and read it physically before finishing it with listening to the audiobook and following along as the same time. The audiobook left out a few footnotes and changed a couple of words here and there (nothing major to the plot but changed when Myrtle would say “Dear Reader” to “Dear Listener”. Which was humorous when I realized that subtle change). I enjoyed the narrator’s British accents but found the American one annoying (which is probably on purpose).
Random things I liked:
-Miss Judson
-All the gardening/plant parts
-The historical setting
-Myrtle inducing herself to the police officers with a curtsy because she may work with them one day.
-The flower/garden show (reminds me of the Rose Parade)
-Mr. Blakeney and Myrtle’s hilarious dialogue and teasing (he is the type of character I love to see in MG books)
-That ending and how everything was revealed (I gasped)
On giving this book to middle-grade aged readers, I would definitely say it depends on the girl. Some very sensitive girls may not like it or find Myrtle odd because of her interests. But those interested in how the world works and such (especially if their lives have been touched by death like Myrtle's was) may really enjoy it. I would personally say 13+, but it depends on the reader for sure.
Main Content:
Myrtle does lie to others (including her father and governess) for the sake of her investigations, and does things she knows her father and governess wouldn't approve of (such as eavesdropping, sneaking into a room she shouldn't be in, trespassing, and getting involved into a potential murder investigation), but she does it because she cares about the victim and seeing justice serviced, not because she's being a rebellious child; She says as one point “Although I did my best to circumvent Father’s regulations for me, I had rarely disobey Miss Judson (the governess)”; Myrtle later says that “One does not lie to Miss Judson. That is to say, there’d never been a need to, and this was probably not the moment to launch my maiden efforts. Scotland Yard should hire her: with three simple words, Miss Judson had extracted my full confession.”; Myrtle does keep things from her father believing that he won’t believe her evidence unless it’s ironclad; Myrtle does get very upset with her father & Miss Judson when they won’t help with the murder investigation (she’s in a snit over it and Miss Judson says she’s being deliberately obtuse about things).
Obviously, all about a death Myrtle believes is a murder and so there’s all about murders, murderers, how they could happen (including poison, drowning, and being decapitated), autopsies , & potential hangings (nothing is incredibly detailed but it’s done in a blunt science and fascination way, up to a few sentences on such details); Someone is kidnapped, held for ransom, and threatened with a gun towards the end of the book (*Spoiler* ); *Spoiler* .; A gun is used to threaten others, a gun goes off, & an explosion (up to semi-detailed).
Mentions of historical serial killers; Mentions of missing persons, kidnappings, & ransoms; Mentions of cigarillos/cigars & smoking; Mentions of a brawl at a tavern & alcohol; Mentions of blackmail; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of stealing & stolen items; A mention of someone being shot dead while hunting; A mention of embezzlement.
Myrtle doesn’t understand how someone could kill others (she understands the motives and how it could happen, but struggles a bit with it actually happening, finding it senseless).
Mrytle does face some mean girls who lock her into a room (a private morgue with smells and flies).
Miss Judson says “dear, Lord” once and “My lord”, but I don’t think the first as in vain or flippant because we see glimpses of her having a faith later on in the story & then the latter could be because there was lords and ladies in the area of this book’s setting; “Dear God” is said by Myrtle’s father after going up flights of stairs and later “Dear God Almighty” when realizing a shocking thing.
Myrtle's governess goes to a luncheon at the church (New Reform Ecumenical Chapel) and Myrtle’s father says it's a good idea as she hasn't gone there in years, but Myrtle (wanting her governess to go with her somewhere) is a bit outraged at her governess going to a church on not a Sunday, thinking there's must be nothing to do there during the week (Turns out it's social luncheon between singles which Myrtle is not happy about because she wants her father and the governess to be together); Also a few mentions of Miss Judson's father being a minister and her well-loved Bible on her nightstand.
A few mentions of ghosts haunting places (like a graveyard and a coroner’s office); A couple mentions of goddesses & Cupid; A mention of an exorcism; A mention of a cat speaking her mind about a bath in “downright demonic tones”.
A mention of testing on cats.
There’s some mentions of suffragists, bloomers for bicycle riding, and Myrtle not caring for the typical things girls her age enjoys (like dresses and riding ponies) but nothing is over the top feminist or negative. Myrtle’s father and great-aunt make comments about girls not needing to be so intelligent (more so the aunt negatively than her father being negative about it, but he does have moments where he’s not happy with Myrtle’s interests); Another few mentions of a girl’s newspaper which Myrtle calls it being about “how girls could embrace the heavenly pleasures of domestic toil” (she also calls it preposterous and juvenile); A few jabs about “female hysteria”.
Myrtle and her father discuss feeling that medicine betrayed her mother because she still passed away from (implied) cancer; Myrtle recalls when her mum was sick and her perspective of it (barely-above-not-detailed);
Language: A mention of someone being “wickedly clever”; Some British slang like crikey, and “what rot!” Exclaimed by Myrtle; Stupid and idiot are used a handful of times (some being used by Myrtle towards herself when she realized she missed something important); “Heavens no”, “for heaven’s sake”, and “dear heavens” are said up to a couple times each; “My word” is said a few times as well; one “what the devil”; A couple people are told to shut up; A couple mentions of a “gay” smile and a “gay” laugh (the term’s original meaning).
No romance elements or hints to it for Myrtle; Myrtle is told she’ll get a corset when she needs one (which makes her grumble); Myrtle cries out “language!” to her governess when she says the word “fertile”; A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of lurid novels (not implied sexual as Myrtle is given one by a woman to read); A mention of Deviants ready to “Defile the Innocent” (which Myrtle isn’t sure what that meant); A mention of a cat twisting about a man’s legs like a hussy (which Myrtle isn’t supposed to know the meaning of that word); A mention of swooning; A mention of Miss Judson’s corset cover being seen through her clothes when she’s soaking wet.
(See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, and
Book 5)
Myrtle reminds me of a young Nancy Drew (particularly the 2007 movie edition) but more fascinated by science and a touch of Annie from The Parent Trap (particularly because of her trying to set up her father and her governess). Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and will be trying to get to the next volumes in the series soon because this was very enjoyable.
Set during 1893, Myrtle Hardcastle is a twelve-year-old daughter of a Prosecutor and a Medical Scientist, she has a major interest in law and murder. So much so that she’s trying to figure out what happened to her elderly neighbor. I’m not thrilled with the idea of murder and such topics in middle grade books, but I’ll admit to throughly enjoying this book because of Myrtle’s fascination with solving the crime. She’s not morbid like other girls taunt her with, but she’s curious and very clever. Even though the murder and figuring out the murderer was the main point of the book, it never felt depressing so my compliments to the author because that can be a fine line to walk with such topics featured.
I listed to this as an audiobook for over half of the book, but went back and read it physically before finishing it with listening to the audiobook and following along as the same time. The audiobook left out a few footnotes and changed a couple of words here and there (nothing major to the plot but changed when Myrtle would say “Dear Reader” to “Dear Listener”. Which was humorous when I realized that subtle change). I enjoyed the narrator’s British accents but found the American one annoying (which is probably on purpose).
Random things I liked:
-Miss Judson
-All the gardening/plant parts
-The historical setting
-Myrtle inducing herself to the police officers with a curtsy because she may work with them one day.
-The flower/garden show (reminds me of the Rose Parade)
-Mr. Blakeney and Myrtle’s hilarious dialogue and teasing (he is the type of character I love to see in MG books)
-That ending and how everything was revealed (I gasped)
On giving this book to middle-grade aged readers, I would definitely say it depends on the girl. Some very sensitive girls may not like it or find Myrtle odd because of her interests. But those interested in how the world works and such (especially if their lives have been touched by death like Myrtle's was) may really enjoy it. I would personally say 13+, but it depends on the reader for sure.
Main Content:
Myrtle does lie to others (including her father and governess) for the sake of her investigations, and does things she knows her father and governess wouldn't approve of (such as eavesdropping, sneaking into a room she shouldn't be in, trespassing, and getting involved into a potential murder investigation), but she does it because she cares about the victim and seeing justice serviced, not because she's being a rebellious child; She says as one point “Although I did my best to circumvent Father’s regulations for me, I had rarely disobey Miss Judson (the governess)”; Myrtle later says that “One does not lie to Miss Judson. That is to say, there’d never been a need to, and this was probably not the moment to launch my maiden efforts. Scotland Yard should hire her: with three simple words, Miss Judson had extracted my full confession.”; Myrtle does keep things from her father believing that he won’t believe her evidence unless it’s ironclad; Myrtle does get very upset with her father & Miss Judson when they won’t help with the murder investigation (she’s in a snit over it and Miss Judson says she’s being deliberately obtuse about things).
Obviously, all about a death Myrtle believes is a murder and so there’s all about murders, murderers, how they could happen (including poison, drowning, and being decapitated), autopsies , & potential hangings (nothing is incredibly detailed but it’s done in a blunt science and fascination way, up to a few sentences on such details); Someone is kidnapped, held for ransom, and threatened with a gun towards the end of the book (*Spoiler* ); *Spoiler* .; A gun is used to threaten others, a gun goes off, & an explosion (up to semi-detailed).
Mentions of historical serial killers; Mentions of missing persons, kidnappings, & ransoms; Mentions of cigarillos/cigars & smoking; Mentions of a brawl at a tavern & alcohol; Mentions of blackmail; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of stealing & stolen items; A mention of someone being shot dead while hunting; A mention of embezzlement.
Myrtle doesn’t understand how someone could kill others (she understands the motives and how it could happen, but struggles a bit with it actually happening, finding it senseless).
Mrytle does face some mean girls who lock her into a room (a private morgue with smells and flies).
Miss Judson says “dear, Lord” once and “My lord”, but I don’t think the first as in vain or flippant because we see glimpses of her having a faith later on in the story & then the latter could be because there was lords and ladies in the area of this book’s setting; “Dear God” is said by Myrtle’s father after going up flights of stairs and later “Dear God Almighty” when realizing a shocking thing.
Myrtle's governess goes to a luncheon at the church (New Reform Ecumenical Chapel) and Myrtle’s father says it's a good idea as she hasn't gone there in years, but Myrtle (wanting her governess to go with her somewhere) is a bit outraged at her governess going to a church on not a Sunday, thinking there's must be nothing to do there during the week (Turns out it's social luncheon between singles which Myrtle is not happy about because she wants her father and the governess to be together); Also a few mentions of Miss Judson's father being a minister and her well-loved Bible on her nightstand.
A few mentions of ghosts haunting places (like a graveyard and a coroner’s office); A couple mentions of goddesses & Cupid; A mention of an exorcism; A mention of a cat speaking her mind about a bath in “downright demonic tones”.
A mention of testing on cats.
There’s some mentions of suffragists, bloomers for bicycle riding, and Myrtle not caring for the typical things girls her age enjoys (like dresses and riding ponies) but nothing is over the top feminist or negative. Myrtle’s father and great-aunt make comments about girls not needing to be so intelligent (more so the aunt negatively than her father being negative about it, but he does have moments where he’s not happy with Myrtle’s interests); Another few mentions of a girl’s newspaper which Myrtle calls it being about “how girls could embrace the heavenly pleasures of domestic toil” (she also calls it preposterous and juvenile); A few jabs about “female hysteria”.
Myrtle and her father discuss feeling that medicine betrayed her mother because she still passed away from (implied) cancer; Myrtle recalls when her mum was sick and her perspective of it (barely-above-not-detailed);
Language: A mention of someone being “wickedly clever”; Some British slang like crikey, and “what rot!” Exclaimed by Myrtle; Stupid and idiot are used a handful of times (some being used by Myrtle towards herself when she realized she missed something important); “Heavens no”, “for heaven’s sake”, and “dear heavens” are said up to a couple times each; “My word” is said a few times as well; one “what the devil”; A couple people are told to shut up; A couple mentions of a “gay” smile and a “gay” laugh (the term’s original meaning).
No romance elements or hints to it for Myrtle; Myrtle is told she’ll get a corset when she needs one (which makes her grumble); Myrtle cries out “language!” to her governess when she says the word “fertile”; A couple mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of lurid novels (not implied sexual as Myrtle is given one by a woman to read); A mention of Deviants ready to “Defile the Innocent” (which Myrtle isn’t sure what that meant); A mention of a cat twisting about a man’s legs like a hussy (which Myrtle isn’t supposed to know the meaning of that word); A mention of swooning; A mention of Miss Judson’s corset cover being seen through her clothes when she’s soaking wet.
(See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, and
Book 5)
October 1, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book via Algonquin Young Readers to read on a book tour in exchange for an honest review.
Premeditated Myrtle is the first book in a new mystery book series for YA that takes you back in time ( historical fiction) and introduces you to an amazing young female want to be detective who's clever sleuthing takes you on a fantastic mystery tour.
Myrtle is an amazing young lady and a strong, likeable character who's a great role model to children too.
This book is very well scripted and has funny moments too.
All the characters are likeable and diverse and this book is truly unique. I loved the small paragraphs explaining words in relation to detective and legal work too.
I'm going on to read book two now and am so excited to find out what Myrtle uncovers next.
Premeditated Myrtle is the first book in a new mystery book series for YA that takes you back in time ( historical fiction) and introduces you to an amazing young female want to be detective who's clever sleuthing takes you on a fantastic mystery tour.
Myrtle is an amazing young lady and a strong, likeable character who's a great role model to children too.
This book is very well scripted and has funny moments too.
All the characters are likeable and diverse and this book is truly unique. I loved the small paragraphs explaining words in relation to detective and legal work too.
I'm going on to read book two now and am so excited to find out what Myrtle uncovers next.
February 26, 2020
Myrtle is the daughter of a Court Prosecutor, and follows her father's cases with alacrity. She loves to read the Police reports and studies toxicology. When her next-door neighbor is murdered, Myrtle is sure she knows how to solve the case, but how is a Proper Young Lady supposed to adhere to the Rules of Etiquette AND have the freedom to run around town solving crimes? Only with the help of her redoubtable governess, Miss Judson.
One of the things that made me fall in love with this book is the incredible character development. I love how the main characters change their minds, discover new information, grow in their personalities and abilities, and suddenly realize that their relationships with other characters can be different.
I was fully invested in the character growth and the story from the very first page. The writing drew me in, and emotionally hooked me into the lives of the characters. I was massively curious about every clue. I couldn't wait to read the next chapter and the next! I wanted to see how all the disparate clues could possibly come together to a rational conclusion. I was so pleased with the complexity of the mystery, and yet it all made sense in the end with everything explained and every loose end wrapped neatly in a bow.
Myrtle herself is a fantastic main heroine. She is energetic and emotional and incredibly intelligent. I absolutely adore her strong relationships with her father and with Miss Judson. They remind me of the Bible verse that says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." These three main characters, Myrtle, her father, and Miss Judson, all have moments of conflict in their relationships when they each want different things and they disagree and argue. But in the end, those conflicts strengthen and invigorate their love for each other as they learn from one another. Utterly brilliant writing!
One of the greatest things in this book is the way that my opinions of the secondary characters changed throughout the story. In the beginning there were two secondary characters, one of which I hated, and the other who I loved. Gradually and slowly through the book, I began to begrudgingly like the character I had previously hated, and I began to suspect and despise the character I had previously loved. It's all done so realistically and gradually as the plot thickens and the characters react to each new clue.
At first I thought, "Oooh, I hate that character! They are just the worst!" In the next scene, I thought, "Well, so they did one good thing, but I still hate them!" Then, "Okay, so maybe they are not ALL bad, but they are still annoying." Then, "Okay, so maybe they are a good character, but I still don't like them all that much." And finally at the end, "Oh, I love this character! Aren't they great? They are just the best ever!"
I have seldom seen such natural and dynamic character changes as the true nature and personalities of the characters are revealed. Brilliant writing!
Another nice feature of this book is the gorgeous cover art, which gives little clues to the contents of the book with lilies, a key, and a cat on the roof. All these things feature strongly in the plot, and I love how the artwork incorporates them.
The designs at the beginning of each chapter are also special, with pretend quotes from a non-existent book, entitled "Principles of Detection" by the fictional H.M. Hardcastle.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars, and I look forward with extreme eagerness for the next books in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
One of the things that made me fall in love with this book is the incredible character development. I love how the main characters change their minds, discover new information, grow in their personalities and abilities, and suddenly realize that their relationships with other characters can be different.
I was fully invested in the character growth and the story from the very first page. The writing drew me in, and emotionally hooked me into the lives of the characters. I was massively curious about every clue. I couldn't wait to read the next chapter and the next! I wanted to see how all the disparate clues could possibly come together to a rational conclusion. I was so pleased with the complexity of the mystery, and yet it all made sense in the end with everything explained and every loose end wrapped neatly in a bow.
Myrtle herself is a fantastic main heroine. She is energetic and emotional and incredibly intelligent. I absolutely adore her strong relationships with her father and with Miss Judson. They remind me of the Bible verse that says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." These three main characters, Myrtle, her father, and Miss Judson, all have moments of conflict in their relationships when they each want different things and they disagree and argue. But in the end, those conflicts strengthen and invigorate their love for each other as they learn from one another. Utterly brilliant writing!
One of the greatest things in this book is the way that my opinions of the secondary characters changed throughout the story. In the beginning there were two secondary characters, one of which I hated, and the other who I loved. Gradually and slowly through the book, I began to begrudgingly like the character I had previously hated, and I began to suspect and despise the character I had previously loved. It's all done so realistically and gradually as the plot thickens and the characters react to each new clue.
At first I thought, "Oooh, I hate that character! They are just the worst!" In the next scene, I thought, "Well, so they did one good thing, but I still hate them!" Then, "Okay, so maybe they are not ALL bad, but they are still annoying." Then, "Okay, so maybe they are a good character, but I still don't like them all that much." And finally at the end, "Oh, I love this character! Aren't they great? They are just the best ever!"
I have seldom seen such natural and dynamic character changes as the true nature and personalities of the characters are revealed. Brilliant writing!
Another nice feature of this book is the gorgeous cover art, which gives little clues to the contents of the book with lilies, a key, and a cat on the roof. All these things feature strongly in the plot, and I love how the artwork incorporates them.
The designs at the beginning of each chapter are also special, with pretend quotes from a non-existent book, entitled "Principles of Detection" by the fictional H.M. Hardcastle.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars, and I look forward with extreme eagerness for the next books in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
October 7, 2020
3.75 stars
The perfect mystery series for the young Sherlock Holmes in your life—or for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a modern sense of humor. Myrtle was a HOOT!
Characters: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★ 1/2
Dialogue/Humor: ★★★★
Mystery: ★★★ 1/2
Myrtle Hardcastle has an Unconventional Obsession with crime. Unlike other Proper Young Ladies during these olden times, Myrtle doesn't like tea time, dresses, or spending time sitting still. She likes to investigate. And what's better to investigate than murders and crimes?
One morning, Myrtle is observing her neighbor's estate through her telescope and she notices something odd. Something is afoot at Redgraves, and the mistress of the house hasn't gotten up yet. As this highly irregular behavior, Myrtle calls it in to the police.
Turns out, her wealthy spinster neighbor has been murdered.
Myrtle Hardcastle is on the case. With her sharp-witted governess in tow and her prosecutor father in the background, Myrtle is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery—no matter what is at stake.
What a clever, funny, and engaging middle grade mystery novel. As someone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes-inspired tales and has a soft spot for plucky historical female characters, this was a win-win for me. While this series IS meant for a middle grade audience—and it is an excellent novel for that group—I would also highly recommend it to adults who love Deanna Raybourn and other such historical mystery writers as the tone and feel is quite similar.
A fun-filled ride from start to finish! Looking forward to catching more of Myrtle's antics in the sequel, How to Get Away with Myrtle.
Thank you to Algonquin for my copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
The perfect mystery series for the young Sherlock Holmes in your life—or for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a modern sense of humor. Myrtle was a HOOT!
Characters: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★ 1/2
Dialogue/Humor: ★★★★
Mystery: ★★★ 1/2
Myrtle Hardcastle has an Unconventional Obsession with crime. Unlike other Proper Young Ladies during these olden times, Myrtle doesn't like tea time, dresses, or spending time sitting still. She likes to investigate. And what's better to investigate than murders and crimes?
One morning, Myrtle is observing her neighbor's estate through her telescope and she notices something odd. Something is afoot at Redgraves, and the mistress of the house hasn't gotten up yet. As this highly irregular behavior, Myrtle calls it in to the police.
Turns out, her wealthy spinster neighbor has been murdered.
Myrtle Hardcastle is on the case. With her sharp-witted governess in tow and her prosecutor father in the background, Myrtle is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery—no matter what is at stake.
What a clever, funny, and engaging middle grade mystery novel. As someone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes-inspired tales and has a soft spot for plucky historical female characters, this was a win-win for me. While this series IS meant for a middle grade audience—and it is an excellent novel for that group—I would also highly recommend it to adults who love Deanna Raybourn and other such historical mystery writers as the tone and feel is quite similar.
A fun-filled ride from start to finish! Looking forward to catching more of Myrtle's antics in the sequel, How to Get Away with Myrtle.
Thank you to Algonquin for my copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
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April 5, 2024
➳ 2.75 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
how do I feel about this book?
so starting off, i enjoyed the setting of 1890s england a lot. the victorian era is one of my favorite time periods so I liked that element.
but overall? this book starts very slow. i wasn’t super engaged until over halfway through and it was just tough to get into. definitely 2 stars for a good 60%.
i can’t really explain it (watch as I proceed to lol) but it just felt a bit jumbled and unconnected. as if the author wrote the beginning and end, and then all of the bits in the middle were written later, out of order, and months and months apart so the plot felt very rocky…it also felt really disengaged sometimes as far as the characters went too
ok ok, my best analogy: so you know in episode (iykyk) when all of the reasonable, good, in-character choices for you to make cost 7000 gems and so you have to do or say something that would definitely ruin a friendship in real life but for some reason after the initial reaction from the character, the out-of-character thing you said kind of just gets ignored in the next scene and it’s as if it never happened? this book was almost like that.
no character had any real, lasting emotions, they were just there for that line/dialogue or that scene. you know? anyways…
then again i kind of got busy and took a few days off from reading so that could be part of the problem. i thought that the mystery was honestly easy to guess but i still had fun with it once we hit the 80ish% mark.
in conclusion, i think this series has a lot of potential and i’m willing to keep reading if this was just an intro book. i’m not sure how i feel about the authors writing style…but it was definitely witty and interesting and I’ll be continuing the series just not right away ✨🩰💫
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
how do I feel about this book?
so starting off, i enjoyed the setting of 1890s england a lot. the victorian era is one of my favorite time periods so I liked that element.
but overall? this book starts very slow. i wasn’t super engaged until over halfway through and it was just tough to get into. definitely 2 stars for a good 60%.
i can’t really explain it (watch as I proceed to lol) but it just felt a bit jumbled and unconnected. as if the author wrote the beginning and end, and then all of the bits in the middle were written later, out of order, and months and months apart so the plot felt very rocky…it also felt really disengaged sometimes as far as the characters went too
ok ok, my best analogy: so you know in episode (iykyk) when all of the reasonable, good, in-character choices for you to make cost 7000 gems and so you have to do or say something that would definitely ruin a friendship in real life but for some reason after the initial reaction from the character, the out-of-character thing you said kind of just gets ignored in the next scene and it’s as if it never happened? this book was almost like that.
no character had any real, lasting emotions, they were just there for that line/dialogue or that scene. you know? anyways…
then again i kind of got busy and took a few days off from reading so that could be part of the problem. i thought that the mystery was honestly easy to guess but i still had fun with it once we hit the 80ish% mark.
in conclusion, i think this series has a lot of potential and i’m willing to keep reading if this was just an intro book. i’m not sure how i feel about the authors writing style…but it was definitely witty and interesting and I’ll be continuing the series just not right away ✨🩰💫
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
December 4, 2022
I picked this up to see if my 12yr old granddaughter might enjoy it-well I'm fairly certain she won't, being the Warrior Cats super fan she is, but I did! I wasn't too sure about Myrtle at first, she is quite impudent at times, especially for the late 1800's time period. But she wooed me over with her wit and ingenuity. I also found myself comparing her to my favorite young detective, Flavia de Luce, but there really is no comparison, Flavia is way out ahead. My favorite characters are actually her governess Miss Ada Judson and a young legal clerk, Robert Blakeney, Esquire (almost!). The part where Miss Judson was giving Peony the cat a bath was hilarious! I look forward to book 2!
October 17, 2020
I was excited to read these books because I grew up reading Nancy Drew. I was hoping that I could find a series featuring a strong female character that my daughter could be inspired by. Like Nancy Drew, Myrtle Hardcastle is quite the detective. But Myrtle has more obstacles to overcome. Her mother is deceased having succumbed to a disease. As the local prosecutor, her father’s job demands much of his time. Living in the late 19th century England she is expected to be a charming little lady honing her domestic skills. Because she is younger any pleas that she may have to discuss a case are often thwarted.
As I read the series I couldn’t help but be reminded of Harper Lee’s Scout. Both of these characters defied convention. Both have special relationships with their fathers where they know and love their daughter’s differences, even if at times their natures get them into trouble.
The Myrtle Hardcastle series is cleverly formatted. Myrtle is not just the narrator, but the writer of the story often taking time to address her dear readers personally. Throughout both books Bunce treats us to footnotes that serve as cute anecdotes and tidbits of trivia. Many of the chapters in this series also begin with blurbs from Myrtle’s books that sets the stage for that chapter. I feel that this format will make the Myrtle Hardcastle series more appealing to its target audience – middle grade readers. But I do feel that this cozy mystery series has something for adults too. Besides good characterization and an engaging style of writing each novel deals with issues of feminism and racial representation. The mysteries in and of themselves are craftily devised and have enough meat to sustain an adult’s attention.
As I read the series I couldn’t help but be reminded of Harper Lee’s Scout. Both of these characters defied convention. Both have special relationships with their fathers where they know and love their daughter’s differences, even if at times their natures get them into trouble.
The Myrtle Hardcastle series is cleverly formatted. Myrtle is not just the narrator, but the writer of the story often taking time to address her dear readers personally. Throughout both books Bunce treats us to footnotes that serve as cute anecdotes and tidbits of trivia. Many of the chapters in this series also begin with blurbs from Myrtle’s books that sets the stage for that chapter. I feel that this format will make the Myrtle Hardcastle series more appealing to its target audience – middle grade readers. But I do feel that this cozy mystery series has something for adults too. Besides good characterization and an engaging style of writing each novel deals with issues of feminism and racial representation. The mysteries in and of themselves are craftily devised and have enough meat to sustain an adult’s attention.
October 10, 2020
I finished the last half of this book in one sitting yesterday. It was so good! This is my perfect MG detective mystery!! It had all the amazing things I always think of/want. It’s also set in 1893-awesome! I love historical fiction. The dialogue b/n characters, & just Mryrtles dialogue on her own-amazing! So perfect, & I just smiled the whole book! (Well not about the murder lol). I loved Miss Judson! She was so kick butt & awesome! She was the perfect person for Myrtle. Our cast of characters & list of suspects were all so amazing! I loved that cat too-Peony! On several pages throughout the book, you will see a * at the end of certain words, & at the bottom of the page you will find a delightful description from Myrtle lol She also addresses us, the reader, many times as well-loved it! She was such an amazing little detective. Fighting so hard to be heard/seen, not only b/c she was young, but b/c she was female. Loved this so much. I’m currently reading & loving the 2nd one. I really hope there will be SEVERAL more still to come as well. HIGHLY recommend!!💜💜
Synopsis of 1st book: Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and Observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England.
When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor.
Synopsis of 1st book: Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and Observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England.
When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor.
April 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this. I was going to give it a slightly lower rating but then I realised that I was comparing it to Flavia de Luce and that wasn’t fair. I enjoyed this for itself.
February 27, 2021
A clever middle grade detective story filled with witty dialogue, fun character interactions, and a main character named Myrtle. Adults might describe her as "precocious, curious, and irrepressible" - all words she does not believe are a compliment. Instead, she sees herself as an up and coming detective/investigator.
Our story starts one morning with a police wagon showing up at the neighbors house. Twelve-year-old Myrtle had been spying on her neighbor with her telescope and noticed that it had been a bit too quiet at the house. Routines that were always precisely followed weren't occurring that day. So much to the chagrin of her governess, Miss Judson, Myrtle calls for the police before even checking on her neighbor herself or bringing to an adults attention. It turns out, however, that Myrtle was right - her neighbor had been murdered!
No better words describe this than cute, clever, and engaging. Set in 1893 where children (especially girls) should be seen and not heard, Myrtle is not one to be ignored. She's a heroine that kids of all ages can appreciate and the story comes with a cast of characters that play off of her personality well, including a cat named Peony. The story is filled with detective work, but also light-hearted moments. One of favorites was toward the beginning when Myrtle shouts in a court room "it was murder!" Of course, the court room she was in was not pertaining to her neighbors trial in the slightest, but made for a very good end of one chapter and beginning of another as she had to quickly explain her unexpected outburst.
Overall, a fun new detective series for middle grade kids (and maybe some adults too).
Thanks to Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Our story starts one morning with a police wagon showing up at the neighbors house. Twelve-year-old Myrtle had been spying on her neighbor with her telescope and noticed that it had been a bit too quiet at the house. Routines that were always precisely followed weren't occurring that day. So much to the chagrin of her governess, Miss Judson, Myrtle calls for the police before even checking on her neighbor herself or bringing to an adults attention. It turns out, however, that Myrtle was right - her neighbor had been murdered!
No better words describe this than cute, clever, and engaging. Set in 1893 where children (especially girls) should be seen and not heard, Myrtle is not one to be ignored. She's a heroine that kids of all ages can appreciate and the story comes with a cast of characters that play off of her personality well, including a cat named Peony. The story is filled with detective work, but also light-hearted moments. One of favorites was toward the beginning when Myrtle shouts in a court room "it was murder!" Of course, the court room she was in was not pertaining to her neighbors trial in the slightest, but made for a very good end of one chapter and beginning of another as she had to quickly explain her unexpected outburst.
Overall, a fun new detective series for middle grade kids (and maybe some adults too).
Thanks to Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
October 4, 2020
I received a galley of this book through NetGalley.
Premeditated Myrtle is a middle grade mystery that abounds with wit, mayhem, and murder, the kind of book I would have loved as a kid and still adore at age 40.
Myrtle is the 12-year-old daughter of a British prosecutor who doesn't quite know what to do with a girl inclined toward morbid interests. Her medically-trained mother is dead. Her dearest friend and comrade is her governess Miss Judson. Myrtle is a but of a snoop, a girl who can hardly contain her glee when the mean girls try to pull a cruel prank by locking her in the town morgue.
I LOVE Myrtle. She is flawed and real, smart and sweet. She's the perfect lead for a mystery series like this.
The central plot is around the murder of her next-door-neighbor, an elderly woman obsessed with flowers. There are conniving heirs, not-so-helpful police, a false confession to murder, a cat who knows everything but can only meow--really, this is a not-short MG book packed with twists and turns. It's the perfect cozy read for MG readers and parents AND grandparents alike. For a comparative book (set in the same Victorian time frame in a small British town), look up the delightful The Body Under the Piano Aggie Morton mystery by Marthe Jocelyn.
Premeditated Myrtle is a middle grade mystery that abounds with wit, mayhem, and murder, the kind of book I would have loved as a kid and still adore at age 40.
Myrtle is the 12-year-old daughter of a British prosecutor who doesn't quite know what to do with a girl inclined toward morbid interests. Her medically-trained mother is dead. Her dearest friend and comrade is her governess Miss Judson. Myrtle is a but of a snoop, a girl who can hardly contain her glee when the mean girls try to pull a cruel prank by locking her in the town morgue.
I LOVE Myrtle. She is flawed and real, smart and sweet. She's the perfect lead for a mystery series like this.
The central plot is around the murder of her next-door-neighbor, an elderly woman obsessed with flowers. There are conniving heirs, not-so-helpful police, a false confession to murder, a cat who knows everything but can only meow--really, this is a not-short MG book packed with twists and turns. It's the perfect cozy read for MG readers and parents AND grandparents alike. For a comparative book (set in the same Victorian time frame in a small British town), look up the delightful The Body Under the Piano Aggie Morton mystery by Marthe Jocelyn.
January 8, 2021
This book reminded me of the Flavia de Luce series, only funnier and faster paced. I loved the humor in this. The whole crew was just great. I will definitely continue this series.
October 5, 2021
Kinderkrimis lese ich ja zwischendurch sehr gerne - wenn sie dann auch noch im viktorianischen London spielen zieht mich das noch mehr an!
Myrtle Hardcastle wohnt zwar nicht direkt in London, fühlt sich aber berufen, für Scotland Yard tätig zu werden, wenn sie erwachsen ist. Ihr Interesse an Kriminalfällen und dem Finden der Wahrheit ist ihren Eltern geschuldet: ihrer früh verstorbenen Mutter, die Medizin studieren wollte und ihrem Vater, der als Staatsanwalt tätig ist.
Myrtle ist relativ frei in ihrem Tun, denn obwohl ihr Vater eine "gute Erziehung zur jungen Dame" wünscht, hat das Mädchen in ihrer Gouvernante Miss Judson eine wahre Verbündete.
Miss Judson unterstützt Myrtles Wissbegier und fordert sie gerne heraus, Antworten auf die vielen Fragen zu finden. Auch gegenüber ihrem Vater ergreift sie für sie Partei, der die Interessen seiner Tochter als "morbide" und unpassend empfindet.
Als in der Nachbarschaft die alte, nörglerische Miss Wodehouse tot aufgefunden wird, entdeckt Myrtle sofort einige Ungereimtheiten, die sie auf die Spur des Verbrechens bringen. Denn entgegen der Meinung des Gerichtsmediziners und der Polizei ist Myrtle überzeugt, dass es sich hier um einen Mord handelt.
Ich finde Myrtle sehr sympathisch und vor allem auch ihre Gouvernante, die sie in all ihren Neigungen unterstützt und fördert. Es war zwar etwas ungewohnt für ein "erwachsenes Verhalten", einfach weil man es gar nicht mehr gewohnt ist, dass Kids ermutigt werden in dem was sie tun, und nicht, wie so oft, ausgebremst. Grade wenn es nicht in die gesellschaftlichen Normen passt.
Myrtle ist dazu auch sehr findig und hat gute Ideen, Beweise zu sammeln - und schreckt dabei auch nicht davor zurück, sich in der Leichenhalle einsperren zu lassen. Auch wenn man da schon merkt, dass sie trotz ihres Mutes natürlich auch Bammel hat, was sie aber nicht davon abhält, weiter nachzuforschen.
Gleichaltrige Freundinnen zu finden ist schwer für sie. Durch ihre untypischen Hobbys erntet sie von anderen Mädchen nur Spott und Abneigung, weiß sich aber durchaus zur Wehr zu setzen.
Hier war es schön zu beobachten, wie sich dann doch eine Art Freundschaft entwickelt, die zwar noch in den Kinderschuhen steckt, die aber sicher in den Fortsetzungen noch weiter ausgebaut wird.
Insgesamt war es sehr gut und flüssig zu lesen. Es gab einige außergewöhnliche Begriffe, die aber immer in Fußnoten näher beschrieben und erklärt wurden. Eine sehr schöne Idee, um dem jüngeren Publikum diese Namen näher zu bringen und gleichzeitig eine Erklärung dazu zu liefern.
Auch ich hab dazu gelernt, denn ich hab vorher nicht gewusst, was ein "Vivarium" oder "Affidavit" ist :D
Obwohl es mich gut unterhalten hat, es spannende Entwicklungen gab und auch die Charaktere gut gezeichnet waren, hat es mich nicht so mitreißen können wie andere Geschichten in dem Genre. Woran es lag kann ich nicht genau festmachen, da es eigentlich alles beinhaltet, was so ein Krimi braucht ... manchmal findet man wohl einfach nicht so rein, aber ich bin sicher, dass andere Fans des Genres damit ihren Spaß haben.
Myrtle Hardcastle wohnt zwar nicht direkt in London, fühlt sich aber berufen, für Scotland Yard tätig zu werden, wenn sie erwachsen ist. Ihr Interesse an Kriminalfällen und dem Finden der Wahrheit ist ihren Eltern geschuldet: ihrer früh verstorbenen Mutter, die Medizin studieren wollte und ihrem Vater, der als Staatsanwalt tätig ist.
Myrtle ist relativ frei in ihrem Tun, denn obwohl ihr Vater eine "gute Erziehung zur jungen Dame" wünscht, hat das Mädchen in ihrer Gouvernante Miss Judson eine wahre Verbündete.
Miss Judson unterstützt Myrtles Wissbegier und fordert sie gerne heraus, Antworten auf die vielen Fragen zu finden. Auch gegenüber ihrem Vater ergreift sie für sie Partei, der die Interessen seiner Tochter als "morbide" und unpassend empfindet.
Als in der Nachbarschaft die alte, nörglerische Miss Wodehouse tot aufgefunden wird, entdeckt Myrtle sofort einige Ungereimtheiten, die sie auf die Spur des Verbrechens bringen. Denn entgegen der Meinung des Gerichtsmediziners und der Polizei ist Myrtle überzeugt, dass es sich hier um einen Mord handelt.
Ich finde Myrtle sehr sympathisch und vor allem auch ihre Gouvernante, die sie in all ihren Neigungen unterstützt und fördert. Es war zwar etwas ungewohnt für ein "erwachsenes Verhalten", einfach weil man es gar nicht mehr gewohnt ist, dass Kids ermutigt werden in dem was sie tun, und nicht, wie so oft, ausgebremst. Grade wenn es nicht in die gesellschaftlichen Normen passt.
Myrtle ist dazu auch sehr findig und hat gute Ideen, Beweise zu sammeln - und schreckt dabei auch nicht davor zurück, sich in der Leichenhalle einsperren zu lassen. Auch wenn man da schon merkt, dass sie trotz ihres Mutes natürlich auch Bammel hat, was sie aber nicht davon abhält, weiter nachzuforschen.
Gleichaltrige Freundinnen zu finden ist schwer für sie. Durch ihre untypischen Hobbys erntet sie von anderen Mädchen nur Spott und Abneigung, weiß sich aber durchaus zur Wehr zu setzen.
Hier war es schön zu beobachten, wie sich dann doch eine Art Freundschaft entwickelt, die zwar noch in den Kinderschuhen steckt, die aber sicher in den Fortsetzungen noch weiter ausgebaut wird.
Insgesamt war es sehr gut und flüssig zu lesen. Es gab einige außergewöhnliche Begriffe, die aber immer in Fußnoten näher beschrieben und erklärt wurden. Eine sehr schöne Idee, um dem jüngeren Publikum diese Namen näher zu bringen und gleichzeitig eine Erklärung dazu zu liefern.
Auch ich hab dazu gelernt, denn ich hab vorher nicht gewusst, was ein "Vivarium" oder "Affidavit" ist :D
Obwohl es mich gut unterhalten hat, es spannende Entwicklungen gab und auch die Charaktere gut gezeichnet waren, hat es mich nicht so mitreißen können wie andere Geschichten in dem Genre. Woran es lag kann ich nicht genau festmachen, da es eigentlich alles beinhaltet, was so ein Krimi braucht ... manchmal findet man wohl einfach nicht so rein, aber ich bin sicher, dass andere Fans des Genres damit ihren Spaß haben.
October 16, 2020
Ah. Myrtle Hardcastle. A young British girl with a nose for solving murder mysteries, it would seem.
Everything about Myrtle's life is all proper and quite British. But her brain is simply teeming with adventure and crime-solving. While she does everything that a Lady-in-training is supposed to do, and does elegantly well for her dear father's sake, she also does plenty that a Lady shouldn't be caught dead doing. Like spying on the neighbors via telescope.
Miss Judson, Myrtle's governess, is a novelty! She makes me wish that adults could have a governess. While she expertly guides Myrtle on rights from wrongs, like her job requires, she also plainly loves participating in Myrtle's investigations, like her job does NOT require. What a pair these two are, in cahoots with each other!
"'Now. Tell me about your Harrowing Adventure.' She [Miss Judson] made it sound that way, capitalized, like a story in a penny dreadful."
There are no girls her own age that Myrtle can truly call a friend. The girls in her neighborhood are too fashionable, too consumed with their own selves to think twice about any intriguing topic that Myrtle is interested in, like the sciences, and Observing the world... and murder mysteries.
She may be just 12 years old in 1893, but Myrtle Hardcastle uses every modern convenience at her fingertips to piece together the clues of the puzzle. Her telescope is her inanimate best friend, with her microscope at a close second. Myrtle is a fellow fan of Mr. Sherlock Holmes (like me), and she follows his methods of deductive reasoning whenever she can. Just another reason why I love Myrtle.
There are many endearing and memorable characters among Myrtle's family, friends, and... enemies too. A surprise favorite of mine is Mr. Blakeney, a young solicitor-in-training, who meets Myrtle in her investigation and attempts to guide her along. He even has a pet name for her -- Stephen. As crazy as that seems, it's just a part of their semi-comedic friendship together.
Overall, this series opener is an intricately and masterfully-woven plot! It kept me guessing at every turn.
For fans of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and Flavia de Luce. Ages 9 to Adult (it has such an amazing and interesting plot, anyone could enjoy it.)
Everything about Myrtle's life is all proper and quite British. But her brain is simply teeming with adventure and crime-solving. While she does everything that a Lady-in-training is supposed to do, and does elegantly well for her dear father's sake, she also does plenty that a Lady shouldn't be caught dead doing. Like spying on the neighbors via telescope.
Miss Judson, Myrtle's governess, is a novelty! She makes me wish that adults could have a governess. While she expertly guides Myrtle on rights from wrongs, like her job requires, she also plainly loves participating in Myrtle's investigations, like her job does NOT require. What a pair these two are, in cahoots with each other!
"'Now. Tell me about your Harrowing Adventure.' She [Miss Judson] made it sound that way, capitalized, like a story in a penny dreadful."
There are no girls her own age that Myrtle can truly call a friend. The girls in her neighborhood are too fashionable, too consumed with their own selves to think twice about any intriguing topic that Myrtle is interested in, like the sciences, and Observing the world... and murder mysteries.
She may be just 12 years old in 1893, but Myrtle Hardcastle uses every modern convenience at her fingertips to piece together the clues of the puzzle. Her telescope is her inanimate best friend, with her microscope at a close second. Myrtle is a fellow fan of Mr. Sherlock Holmes (like me), and she follows his methods of deductive reasoning whenever she can. Just another reason why I love Myrtle.
There are many endearing and memorable characters among Myrtle's family, friends, and... enemies too. A surprise favorite of mine is Mr. Blakeney, a young solicitor-in-training, who meets Myrtle in her investigation and attempts to guide her along. He even has a pet name for her -- Stephen. As crazy as that seems, it's just a part of their semi-comedic friendship together.
Overall, this series opener is an intricately and masterfully-woven plot! It kept me guessing at every turn.
For fans of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and Flavia de Luce. Ages 9 to Adult (it has such an amazing and interesting plot, anyone could enjoy it.)
October 7, 2020
Ahoy there me mateys! I loved mysteries as a kid like the Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown. But of course I loved the girl sleuths so much better. I avidly gobbled up Nancy Drew, Harriet the Spy, and Cam Jensen. I convinced the Ma to buy me a fingerprinting set. I tried to take prints off of various things in the house. I wanted to hide in the shadows and yet somehow know everyone's secrets. I wanted to be intelligent and brave and smart and save the day like the awesome girls in these books. I wasn't sure how I would overcome how shy and quiet and timid I was. But someday . . .
Of course I never did become a famous detective (or jockey or marine biologist for that matter) but I still hold fondness for those books where girls could do the things boys could and even better! So when Algonquin Young Readers offered me a copy of a new series featuring a plucky, young heroine solving crimes I got excited. It didn't hurt that I was temporarily but literally staying in "The Secret Room" when the offer came in. I felt so clandestine and excited.
Myrtle is worth being excited about. She is a great addition to the genre and I loved her. That said, this first of the series did have some flaws. The mystery elements were messy and how the case got "solved" wasn't that great. The bad guys were two-dimensional and obvious. Also the pace was off and the book could have used some trimming in the middle. And I didn't like that the governess was always around and helping Myrtle. I want the kids sneaking out on their own and solving crimes without grownup help like Nancy and Cam did. Plus Myrtle made some very silly mistakes.
However, I did enjoy the relationships and characters in this one. I loved Myrtle's dad, the Cook, the law clerk, and various other neighborhood characters. I loved the cat. I loved reading Myrtle's reactions and about all of her interests. I was rooting for Myrtle. I hope that Myrtle's awesomeness would help young readers miss the flaws in the writing and want to read more mysteries about the characters. As for me, I am not sure I would read the next in the series even if I adored Myrtle. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for me honest musings.
Of course I never did become a famous detective (or jockey or marine biologist for that matter) but I still hold fondness for those books where girls could do the things boys could and even better! So when Algonquin Young Readers offered me a copy of a new series featuring a plucky, young heroine solving crimes I got excited. It didn't hurt that I was temporarily but literally staying in "The Secret Room" when the offer came in. I felt so clandestine and excited.
Myrtle is worth being excited about. She is a great addition to the genre and I loved her. That said, this first of the series did have some flaws. The mystery elements were messy and how the case got "solved" wasn't that great. The bad guys were two-dimensional and obvious. Also the pace was off and the book could have used some trimming in the middle. And I didn't like that the governess was always around and helping Myrtle. I want the kids sneaking out on their own and solving crimes without grownup help like Nancy and Cam did. Plus Myrtle made some very silly mistakes.
However, I did enjoy the relationships and characters in this one. I loved Myrtle's dad, the Cook, the law clerk, and various other neighborhood characters. I loved the cat. I loved reading Myrtle's reactions and about all of her interests. I was rooting for Myrtle. I hope that Myrtle's awesomeness would help young readers miss the flaws in the writing and want to read more mysteries about the characters. As for me, I am not sure I would read the next in the series even if I adored Myrtle. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for me honest musings.
October 27, 2020
This was so much fun to read! The mystery has twists and turns and Myrtle is so smart and funny. She's already on her way to being a great detective, but she's still young and sometimes blurts out things she shouldn't and can be a bit dramatic. Myrtle is relatable and her relationship with her governess and mentor is perfectly written. It seems that in middle grade mysteries, the adults usually dismiss the kids, but Miss Judson is Myrtle's partner in crime and encourages her to hone her skills.
The mystery was crazy and I kept thinking I knew what happened and then suddenly the plot would take a turn. It kept me engaged and thinking and was well paced. I definitely hope Miss Judson and Myrtle's dad end up together, she would be a great step mother. I also look forward to seeing Myrtle grow and solve more cases!
I highly recommend this if you're looking for an entertaining mystery that will keep you guessing. The audiobook has a great narrator that helps pull you into the story and get into Myrtle's head.
I received an audiobook copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The mystery was crazy and I kept thinking I knew what happened and then suddenly the plot would take a turn. It kept me engaged and thinking and was well paced. I definitely hope Miss Judson and Myrtle's dad end up together, she would be a great step mother. I also look forward to seeing Myrtle grow and solve more cases!
I highly recommend this if you're looking for an entertaining mystery that will keep you guessing. The audiobook has a great narrator that helps pull you into the story and get into Myrtle's head.
I received an audiobook copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 27, 2020
This was such a pleasant surprise read. I wasn't expecting the tone and wit from that book cover. I am always looking for middle grades that have kid sleuths and this did not disappoint. I will definitely be reading the sequel and this has motivated me more to get to reading the Enola Holmes series.
November 9, 2020
Fans of Enola Holmes and Flavia de Luce will probably enjoy this story. It's written at a middle-grade level, but it's not bad for an adult reader. The governess, Miss Judson, is surprising and more than competent as Myrtle's companion/supervisor in this murder mystery.
February 10, 2020
Couldn't put this down! Elements of A Series of Unfortunate Events plus smart characters and a cool female(s) heroine made this a great read.
November 8, 2020
Premeditated Myrtle is the first book in a new mystery book series for Middle Grades that takes you back to the Victorian Time. There have been several series for younger readers lately introducing young sleuths and this is one that I hope continues as Myrtle Hardcastle is a great character. Her father is a Court Prosecutor, and she follows her father's cases closely. Her mother had been trained as a doctor, but is deceased. She loves to read Police reports, and studies toxicology as well as crime scene analysis. She is very observant and notices even small things as well as having a wonderful power of deduction. Her problem is that she is a "Proper Lady". How is she supposed to adhere to the Rules of Etiquette and have the freedom to run around town solving crimes? Luckily for her, she has the help of her governess, Miss Judson. She is also fortunate that so many people seem to trust and believe in her skills.
The mystery is centered around the murder of her next-door-neighbor, an elderly woman obsessed with flowers. It is deemed a heart attack, but Myrtle knows there is more to the death of this seemingly healthy woman. There are a few suspects, some red herrings, not-so-helpful police, and a false confession. I have to say I loved the neighbour's cat, who knew everything, but only communicates with Myrtle via meows. The character development in this book was wonderful. I feel that I am getting to know these characters well. The final reveal and showdown was exceptional and had me on the edge of my seat. Overall, a well-developed mystery, with great characters and plot. This is geared to MG readers but I enjoyed it as an adult and recommend this as a great shared read between parents/grandparents and their children.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Bethan Rose Young. She does a wonderful job with the voices and expression. Her accents were right on and her younger voice was perfect for Myrtle. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
The mystery is centered around the murder of her next-door-neighbor, an elderly woman obsessed with flowers. It is deemed a heart attack, but Myrtle knows there is more to the death of this seemingly healthy woman. There are a few suspects, some red herrings, not-so-helpful police, and a false confession. I have to say I loved the neighbour's cat, who knew everything, but only communicates with Myrtle via meows. The character development in this book was wonderful. I feel that I am getting to know these characters well. The final reveal and showdown was exceptional and had me on the edge of my seat. Overall, a well-developed mystery, with great characters and plot. This is geared to MG readers but I enjoyed it as an adult and recommend this as a great shared read between parents/grandparents and their children.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Bethan Rose Young. She does a wonderful job with the voices and expression. Her accents were right on and her younger voice was perfect for Myrtle. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
July 6, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was great! Myrtle was such an intelligent girl and I loved the fact that the adults in her life supported her and were a significant part of the story. The crime in this story was surprisingly complex and kept me guessing until the end. I was hooked by this story early on and found it almost impossible to set aside. Where were middle-grade books like this when I was younger?
12-year-old Myrtle is a fantastic character. She is more intelligent than most of the adults in the story and is always looking into something and constantly making observations. When a neighbor dies, Myrtle decides that she needs to look into it and she will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of things. The Victorian setting was incredibly well done and only added to the story’s charm.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. Bethan Rose Young did such a great job of representing this fun cast of characters. I found her voice to be very pleasant and didn’t want to stop listening. I cannot wait to read the next book in this fun middle-grade series!
I received a review copy of this book from Algonquin Young Readers.
This was great! Myrtle was such an intelligent girl and I loved the fact that the adults in her life supported her and were a significant part of the story. The crime in this story was surprisingly complex and kept me guessing until the end. I was hooked by this story early on and found it almost impossible to set aside. Where were middle-grade books like this when I was younger?
12-year-old Myrtle is a fantastic character. She is more intelligent than most of the adults in the story and is always looking into something and constantly making observations. When a neighbor dies, Myrtle decides that she needs to look into it and she will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of things. The Victorian setting was incredibly well done and only added to the story’s charm.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. Bethan Rose Young did such a great job of representing this fun cast of characters. I found her voice to be very pleasant and didn’t want to stop listening. I cannot wait to read the next book in this fun middle-grade series!
I received a review copy of this book from Algonquin Young Readers.
September 11, 2020
5.7 out of 10
Historical middle-grade mystery with a cliched but very enjoyable main heroine. Still, I wasn't super hooked, and not sure whether to read the sequel or not.
***
Детский детектив в стиле историй про Флавию де Люс. Неплох, но я не фанат сеттинга чопорной Англии, где женщина без мужа аки мусор на обочине. Порадовало, что минимум 2 героини книги со мной солидарны и тоже не в восторге от обстановочки.
Завязка типичная: старушка из соседнего дома умирает, любопытной Миртл интересно почему, при этом остальным как-то пофиг, и ей приходится долго докапывать полицию, чтобы дело вообще открыли. Впереди ужины, обеды, долгие беседы, правила, леди-гайды, это нельзя, то нельзя, санта-барбара английского разлива. Ключевая тайна покажется интересно разве что цветоводам.
В итоге сюжет вытянули главная героиня и ее гувернантка, потому оценка чуть выше среднего.
February 1, 2021
Almost passed this by in the library, when I took a closer look at the cover and snatched it. So thankful I did, Myrtle was a wonderful way to begin the reading year for 2021!
Bunce is talented, in writing a middle grade story that appeals to all ages-Myrtle is well rounded as a Victorian England girl with a Sherlockian mind. Miss Judson was my absolute favorite, and I rooted for her all the way and laughed and gasped with those two ladies alternately.
Her hilarious friendship with the lawyer Blakely, (Stephen!) and the unforeseen adoption of a grouchy cat, blended with a darling gardener who gives you Secret Garden vibes made this a wonderful book.
Bunce is talented, in writing a middle grade story that appeals to all ages-Myrtle is well rounded as a Victorian England girl with a Sherlockian mind. Miss Judson was my absolute favorite, and I rooted for her all the way and laughed and gasped with those two ladies alternately.
Her hilarious friendship with the lawyer Blakely, (Stephen!) and the unforeseen adoption of a grouchy cat, blended with a darling gardener who gives you Secret Garden vibes made this a wonderful book.
June 21, 2020
This was absolutely delightful. Very reminiscent of Harriet the Spy/The Series of Unfortunate Events. Myrtle is a fantastic heroine, and I really enjoyed this book. Couldn’t put it down! I wish my 9-year-old Read Ahead mentee could read this book, I will have to read it with her next year! I also wish I had a physical ARC of the second book, but I only have a digital copy and I don’t feel like reading on a screen today. Boo hiss. I can’t wait to read the second one!!
April 13, 2020
I so enjoyed this adventurous romp in the company of Myrtle Hardcastle, young detective and scientist extraordinaire. The story's dialog was snappy, the characters well-drawn and fun and the adventure a blast. I hope this is the first book in a series and look forward to recommending it to young readers of my acquaintance.
December 19, 2022
Mystery is really my comfort genre and Premeditated Myrtle brings me back (emotionally) to a time when I was devouring mystery novels from my middle school library. Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Boxcar Children, and (years later) the Bobbsey Twins, Myrtle Hardcastle is the ace child detective no one believes but who solves it anyways. Extra joy for being set in the late-1800s.
November 18, 2020
I was given a free review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was so good! Myrtle is such a great character. The story was interesting and immediately pulled me in. I cannot wait to read more in this series. I would recommend this book!
January 5, 2022
So fun! The perfect middle grade Murder mystery. Myrtle reminds me of Flavia de Luce without being as annoying or arrogant … and her family is more loving too 😉 I loved the funny footnotes. It was changing, funny and a fun mystery. I need to read more in this series!
May 7, 2021
What a delight! Pure joy to read, I loved every minute. A middle grade Flavia de Luce with some great side characters, and a charming cat ;)
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