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Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #4
In Myrtle Peril
Myrtle Hardcastle—twelve-year-old Victorian Amateur Detective—returns to investigate the case of a missing heiress lost at sea, an inquiry that runs aground when a murder in plain sight has no apparent victim.
When a mysterious girl attempts to stake her claim to the Snowcroft family fortune, Myrtle Hardcastle’s father, a lawyer, is asked to help prove—or disprove—the girl’s identity. Is this truly Ethel Snowcroft, believed to be lost at sea with her parents, or a con artist chasing a windfall? Mr. Hardcastle’s pursuit of the case takes a detour when he’s hospitalized for a tonsillectomy—only to witness a murder. Or does he? With no body at the scene, Myrtle and her governess, Miss Judson, fear the so-called murder was a feverish delusion—until a critical piece of evidence appears.
But where’s the victim? And who at the hospital could be harboring murderous intent? Myrtle is determined to find out before the killer comes after her father.
With stakes this high, her sleuthing has put Myrtle, her family, and the patients and staff at the Royal Swinburne Hospital In Myrtle Peril.
When a mysterious girl attempts to stake her claim to the Snowcroft family fortune, Myrtle Hardcastle’s father, a lawyer, is asked to help prove—or disprove—the girl’s identity. Is this truly Ethel Snowcroft, believed to be lost at sea with her parents, or a con artist chasing a windfall? Mr. Hardcastle’s pursuit of the case takes a detour when he’s hospitalized for a tonsillectomy—only to witness a murder. Or does he? With no body at the scene, Myrtle and her governess, Miss Judson, fear the so-called murder was a feverish delusion—until a critical piece of evidence appears.
But where’s the victim? And who at the hospital could be harboring murderous intent? Myrtle is determined to find out before the killer comes after her father.
With stakes this high, her sleuthing has put Myrtle, her family, and the patients and staff at the Royal Swinburne Hospital In Myrtle Peril.
362 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
32 people are currently reading
5246 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth C. Bunce
14 books862 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 119 reviews
October 8, 2022
Myrtle, Miss Judson, and Peony (a precocious cat) are on the hunt for clues. There is much to love about this series and this fourth installment does not disappoint. First, the deliciously punny titles that catch your attention. This time there appear to be two fronts of investigation. One involving the identification of a girl saved from a tragic shipwreck and heiress to a fortune. Is Ethel, the girl who has come to them for help, THE Ethel Snowcroft? Meanwhile Myrtle's father is hospitalized for removal of his tonsils. When he thinks he witnesses a murder the night after his surgery, there is a new front at the Royal Swinburne Hospital. Fascinating information comes to light regarding life at sea at that time in history and we also get a firsthand look at hospitalization in Victorian times. Many hands make light work as Cook and others join in the investigation. I do so appreciate the way Elizabeth C. Bunce has given us a young detective who is both an intrepid investigator and also appropriately naive about the life ahead of her. In this volume she ponders the appearance of jewelry catalogs in her father's desk drawer, not understanding why they would be there. Anyone who has been reading the series would be able to fill Myrtle in and I have no doubt that in the next volume we may all be on the same page. Ha! Also want to give a shout out to Bunce as a local author . Looking forward to more Myrtle!
Thank you to Alonquin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Alonquin and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
3.5 stars ✨
I don’t have much to say about this Myrtle book! I enjoyed it, but not as much as the other books in the series. I went back and forth between the audiobook and ebook copies which worked fine. I did some my suspicions about a couple of characters, so it was satisfying to see how it all came together by the end.
Ha, that last line is a perfect lead into the fifth (and final?) book of the series so I hope to read that one soon! This has been a fun series because I really like Myrtle and her personality. :)
Main Content-
“Providence” is thanked once and mentioned again by side characters; Myrtle mentions praying once (not said to Whom) and later one to a man which she notes is “probably blasphemous” and sends the telepathic plead anyway; A man writes that if he ends up in prison for his crime it would be “only the Lord’s justice” and cannot fathom why God spared him from dying earlier in life; Mentions of Greek mythology; A couple mentions of others praying; A mention of Miss Judson’s parents being missionaries.
Any language used is within with dashed between the first and last letter (examples from the book: “my d———d throat!”, “there will be he—-eaven to pay”, “for the he—heck of it”, “boll—rubbish”, “cross my heart and hope to—d——n.” That vow ended in a curse, uttered with nameless feelings we all understood.” - in the audiobook, there’s a pause/hiccup-like moment when the narrator says these words); Else wise minor phrases/words like “good heavens”, “what the devil”, “why the blazes”, and “stupid” are used; a bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Myrtle does take a moment to mentally recite every Inappropriate Word she knows in four languages (adding “if ever they were appropriate words, now was the moment”); Myrtle makes it a practice not to lie to Miss Judson, but when lives are at stake, she crosses her fingers and tells a lie; A mention of a curse (by an adult and not written on page); A mention of a woman making a “Rude Gesture” and shouting something “unprintable”.
Like all the other books in this series, murder is a highly discussed and frequent topic in this book as well because of the murders that either happen on-page or are ones Myrtle is investigating; There is a body found and described, but it more along the lines of a medical/police approach to viewing it and not gory at all.
Facing a murderer & hearing what Myrtle thinks is someone falling to their death; All about many mentions of a murder, witnessing one, the murderer, & the victim/body; Many mentions of a ship sinking & drownings/assumed deaths; Many mentions of crimes, criminals, & stealing; Mentions of how murders happen (poison, strangulation, etc.); Mentions of murders & murderers in the prior books in this series; Mentions of Myrtle’s mother’s death (cancer), her concern for her father being sick/having to go to the hospital, illnesses, patients being restrained, & possible deaths; Mentions of bombs, bombers/terrorists, & deaths; Mentions of nearly starving to death (including a child) & a man falling overboard a boat; Mentions of blackmail & threats; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of a drunk; Mentions of a tattoo; A few mentions of a gunshot, pistol, & assassination attempt; A few mentions of a possible kidnapping & ransom; A couple mentions of a man dying after being thrown by his horse; A couple mentions of asylums.
Miss Judson makes a comment of men being sensitive creatures and that their pride is “easily bruised” (Myrtle comments that that’s stupid).
A couple adults talk about the possible murder being an “illicit assignation” with “amorous advances” (which takes a minute for Myrtle to understand and when she does, her cheeks get hot); One of the adults calls it a “late night peccadillo” and Myrtle notes in a footnote that she was disappointed to learn that that word wasn’t a North American mammal but “merely yet another euphemism for the silly things adults get up to.”; Myrtle walks in on Miss Judson taking a bath and tried to convince herself that she saw nothing “mortifying” and adds that seeing her completely undress was “beyond the pale”; A woman says she can’t have gentlemen callers at her pub because it will send the “wrong message”; A couple mentions of illegitimate children (who can’t inherit anything).
(See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, and
Book 5)
I don’t have much to say about this Myrtle book! I enjoyed it, but not as much as the other books in the series. I went back and forth between the audiobook and ebook copies which worked fine. I did some my suspicions about a couple of characters, so it was satisfying to see how it all came together by the end.
Ha, that last line is a perfect lead into the fifth (and final?) book of the series so I hope to read that one soon! This has been a fun series because I really like Myrtle and her personality. :)
Main Content-
“Providence” is thanked once and mentioned again by side characters; Myrtle mentions praying once (not said to Whom) and later one to a man which she notes is “probably blasphemous” and sends the telepathic plead anyway; A man writes that if he ends up in prison for his crime it would be “only the Lord’s justice” and cannot fathom why God spared him from dying earlier in life; Mentions of Greek mythology; A couple mentions of others praying; A mention of Miss Judson’s parents being missionaries.
Any language used is within with dashed between the first and last letter (examples from the book: “my d———d throat!”, “there will be he—-eaven to pay”, “for the he—heck of it”, “boll—rubbish”, “cross my heart and hope to—d——n.” That vow ended in a curse, uttered with nameless feelings we all understood.” - in the audiobook, there’s a pause/hiccup-like moment when the narrator says these words); Else wise minor phrases/words like “good heavens”, “what the devil”, “why the blazes”, and “stupid” are used; a bit of sarcasm & eye rolling; Myrtle does take a moment to mentally recite every Inappropriate Word she knows in four languages (adding “if ever they were appropriate words, now was the moment”); Myrtle makes it a practice not to lie to Miss Judson, but when lives are at stake, she crosses her fingers and tells a lie; A mention of a curse (by an adult and not written on page); A mention of a woman making a “Rude Gesture” and shouting something “unprintable”.
Like all the other books in this series, murder is a highly discussed and frequent topic in this book as well because of the murders that either happen on-page or are ones Myrtle is investigating; There is a body found and described, but it more along the lines of a medical/police approach to viewing it and not gory at all.
Facing a murderer & hearing what Myrtle thinks is someone falling to their death; All about many mentions of a murder, witnessing one, the murderer, & the victim/body; Many mentions of a ship sinking & drownings/assumed deaths; Many mentions of crimes, criminals, & stealing; Mentions of how murders happen (poison, strangulation, etc.); Mentions of murders & murderers in the prior books in this series; Mentions of Myrtle’s mother’s death (cancer), her concern for her father being sick/having to go to the hospital, illnesses, patients being restrained, & possible deaths; Mentions of bombs, bombers/terrorists, & deaths; Mentions of nearly starving to death (including a child) & a man falling overboard a boat; Mentions of blackmail & threats; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of a drunk; Mentions of a tattoo; A few mentions of a gunshot, pistol, & assassination attempt; A few mentions of a possible kidnapping & ransom; A couple mentions of a man dying after being thrown by his horse; A couple mentions of asylums.
Miss Judson makes a comment of men being sensitive creatures and that their pride is “easily bruised” (Myrtle comments that that’s stupid).
A couple adults talk about the possible murder being an “illicit assignation” with “amorous advances” (which takes a minute for Myrtle to understand and when she does, her cheeks get hot); One of the adults calls it a “late night peccadillo” and Myrtle notes in a footnote that she was disappointed to learn that that word wasn’t a North American mammal but “merely yet another euphemism for the silly things adults get up to.”; Myrtle walks in on Miss Judson taking a bath and tried to convince herself that she saw nothing “mortifying” and adds that seeing her completely undress was “beyond the pale”; A woman says she can’t have gentlemen callers at her pub because it will send the “wrong message”; A couple mentions of illegitimate children (who can’t inherit anything).
(See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4, and
Book 5)
January 14, 2023
This series is 1 of my all time favorites for a reason. Each book proves it for me time & again. These are everything I love & want with mystery detective MG. Historical fiction(Victorian too! Even better.), amazing humor(quite witty & even dry at times lol), amazing dialogue/banter(which is also witty & quite clever), AMAZING characters, incredible murder mysteries each so different than the next..for some cherries on top of all of that-you have an amazing MG cat, who talks & participates like another detective-without really talking lol. Then the footnotes & chapter headings! BRILLIANT! Such a small detail, that isn’t so small in what it adds to these books. One of my favorite touches. This mystery had so many parts/aspects/puzzle pieces. Even the murder/victim itself was quite a mystery for a while there lol. Myrtle will always be my favorite, along with Peony of course. But I do love Miss Judson, & cook. I’ve always adored Myrtle’s father even when he didn’t have much page time, so I was overjoyed with how involved he was in this 1! He was even greater than ever. And because of his circumstances, even more adorable & very funny too lol. What Myrtle finds in a desk drawer, I believe it was, has me very eager to see what will happen next with that. It was great seeing a different setting of the times in this 1, as well as continuing to see how things were done, how life was then, etc. Can’t wait for the next book! Hope this series continues for a very long time. HIGHLY recommend. Another STUNNING cover by Brett Helquist as well.💜
November 21, 2022
3.55 stars rounded up
Myrtle is shocked when the Magistrate, her father's boss, asks for her to come along on a business call at his home. Myrtle's father is involved in a thorny new case and Myrtle and Miss Judson are needed because it involved a girl. About 10 years ago or so, the ship Persephone disappeared on the way to Australia and on board the ship were Captain Snowcroft, his wife Audrina and toddler daughter, Ethel. Mr. Hardcastle has been asked to handle the probate of Viscount Snowcroft who died without heirs - unless somehow Mrs. Snowcroft or little Ethel is found. If not, the railroad wants the land and the search for heirs could take years. (See Jarndyce & Jarndyce Bleak House). A girl named Sally Cooke who strongly resembles the missing Ethel has been found by the Seaman's Widows and Orphans Benevolent Society. Sally claims to have no memories of the ship, only memories of growing up a merchant's daughter in Australia but if she can prove she's actually Ethel, she stands to inherit a fortune! As Myrtle befriends Sally, she makes her decision about Sally's identity but she knows she'll need to prove it and have an adult prove it in court. Meanwhile, Father is out of comission! A bad case of tonsilitis and surgery lands him in the hospital where he claims to have witnessed a murder! The nurses and doctor claim he was under the influence of morphine and therefore hallucinating but a Hardcastle knows murder when they see one and he won't back down. Myrtle and Miss Judson believe him but Myrtle is worried. This time, it's up to Myrtle to be the responsible adult and protect her father from harm. Can she and Miss Judson solve the mystery and protect her father? Can she prove Sally is really Ethel? Are the two cases connected and what are those brochures for BOARDING SCHOOL doing in Father's desk?!
This is another fun Myrtle adventure but it's a little slow to start. I kept reading and reading waiting for the dead body to turn up and it wasn't until halfway through the book that the victim is found. It takes even longer to find the identity of the victim and motive for murder. I guessed some of the secondary mysteries because I'm an adult with knowledge of this period in history and adult interests and behavior but I hope the story doesn't go in an entirely new direction after this or even end!
I just love Myrtle. She's so serious and intense. I feel bad for her because she's a child and female to boot and her heart's desire is an occupation that simply doesn't exist- let alone exist for WOMEN! She's precocious and this time refrains from childish behavior. I actually like it when she throws a tantrum because it shows she IS a child and makes her more realistic and relatable. This time the tables are turned and Myrtle is forced to act like the adult in the family. Her father is the one acting childish, throwing tantrums and insisting he witnessed a murder! While he didn't believe Myrtle in her first case, he seems to believe in her now. She adores her father and he's the only family she has left so naturally she worries about him. Myrtle fears the villain will realize what Mr. Hardcastle saw and come after him. It's up to Myrtle to keep her father safe. Miss Judson behaves with her customary good sense and bustling energy. Cook is now involved in sleuthing and she is really good at it. It is Cook who finds the body in the most unlikely place! Aunt Helena is back to her usual formiddable self and Myrtle still dislikes Aunt Helena. Aunt Helena is obsessed with the Viscountess Snowcroft (Ethel/Sally) and fawns all over the girl. Caroline Munjal is barely in the story and eager to meet Ethel/Sally because Sally is a celebrity. Mr. Blakeney is on hand again to help with Mr. Hardcastle's work AND assist the ladies with their sleuthing. He's a good friend and fun too but I wouldn't want him to have my back when entering a dangerous situation. Genie is conducting her own investigation through proper news channels but doesn't have much to contribute.
Sally is a nice girl. She had humble beginnings in Australia with her beloved father and stepmother. She went to boarding school and played field hockey like any normal girl. Now she's in unfamiliar territory with only her little terrier, Charley, for company. Poor Sally! She doesn't know her true identity and just wants to know either way. She doesn't care about the money or fame. So she says anyway. I thought for a minute she might be the murderer intent on revenge for something that happened long ago. I hope not because Myrtle likes her and I like Sally. Plus her terrier loves her and is loyal. He would know if she was a bad person, right? I don't trust Mrs. Dudley of SWOBS at all. It's obvious she's a con artist but what's her game? Where did she find Sally and does she know the truth?
Magistrate Fox sounds like a good fellow. His social skills are a bit lacking though. He sticks his foot in his mouth a few times and accidentially reveals more about Father's personal thoughts and feelinsg than Father wants Myrtle to know. Oops! At least Magistrate Fox praises Myrtle's cleverness and appreciates it. He may just want company for his long-lost niece or he may really believe Myrtle can figure it out. Maybe a bit of both?
Murder at the Royal Swinburne Hospital? Oh no! This hospital is run like a tight ship. There are RULES and Matron adhers to the rules without exception. She's ghastly! She bullies the nurses, the patients and everyone. She shows no compassion or kindess, caring or empathy. I suspect she's involved in covering up the murder. They all seem to know more than they're telling. I like Probationer Ling. She seems kind and is a good nurse, but is bullied by Matron and in danger of losing her job. It's obvious she saw SOMETHING she wasn't supposed to. What did she see? Murder? Nurse Pethwick is also nice and cheerful. She drops her haitches and I find it hard to believe a nurse would be from such a low background. She's efficient but her bedside manner needs improving.
Dr. Kinkaid, an Irishman, has great bedside manner. He's very good with children but outside the ward he proves to have a short temper and finds nosy amateur sleuths super annoying. Dr. Kinkaid is even rather rude to Myrtle and Miss Judson. Myrtle suspects him of wrongdoing and I think he's hiding something. He could easily be the murderer if no one can prove he was elsewhere at the time. It should be easy to establish an alibi. Governor Greeley is also under suspicion. He seems a little slimy to me like maybe he's not a real doctor or who he says he is. He's close with Matron. Perhaps an illicit romance? He's up to no good if you ask me. He's hiding something at best.
This story kept me reading late at night. I couldn't put it down but it wasn't my favorite. I'm looking forward to Myrtle's next adventure and hope it is not her last.
Myrtle is shocked when the Magistrate, her father's boss, asks for her to come along on a business call at his home. Myrtle's father is involved in a thorny new case and Myrtle and Miss Judson are needed because it involved a girl. About 10 years ago or so, the ship Persephone disappeared on the way to Australia and on board the ship were Captain Snowcroft, his wife Audrina and toddler daughter, Ethel. Mr. Hardcastle has been asked to handle the probate of Viscount Snowcroft who died without heirs - unless somehow Mrs. Snowcroft or little Ethel is found. If not, the railroad wants the land and the search for heirs could take years. (See Jarndyce & Jarndyce Bleak House). A girl named Sally Cooke who strongly resembles the missing Ethel has been found by the Seaman's Widows and Orphans Benevolent Society. Sally claims to have no memories of the ship, only memories of growing up a merchant's daughter in Australia but if she can prove she's actually Ethel, she stands to inherit a fortune! As Myrtle befriends Sally, she makes her decision about Sally's identity but she knows she'll need to prove it and have an adult prove it in court. Meanwhile, Father is out of comission! A bad case of tonsilitis and surgery lands him in the hospital where he claims to have witnessed a murder! The nurses and doctor claim he was under the influence of morphine and therefore hallucinating but a Hardcastle knows murder when they see one and he won't back down. Myrtle and Miss Judson believe him but Myrtle is worried. This time, it's up to Myrtle to be the responsible adult and protect her father from harm. Can she and Miss Judson solve the mystery and protect her father? Can she prove Sally is really Ethel? Are the two cases connected and what are those brochures for BOARDING SCHOOL doing in Father's desk?!
This is another fun Myrtle adventure but it's a little slow to start. I kept reading and reading waiting for the dead body to turn up and it wasn't until halfway through the book that the victim is found. It takes even longer to find the identity of the victim and motive for murder. I guessed some of the secondary mysteries because I'm an adult with knowledge of this period in history and adult interests and behavior but I hope the story doesn't go in an entirely new direction after this or even end!
I just love Myrtle. She's so serious and intense. I feel bad for her because she's a child and female to boot and her heart's desire is an occupation that simply doesn't exist- let alone exist for WOMEN! She's precocious and this time refrains from childish behavior. I actually like it when she throws a tantrum because it shows she IS a child and makes her more realistic and relatable. This time the tables are turned and Myrtle is forced to act like the adult in the family. Her father is the one acting childish, throwing tantrums and insisting he witnessed a murder! While he didn't believe Myrtle in her first case, he seems to believe in her now. She adores her father and he's the only family she has left so naturally she worries about him. Myrtle fears the villain will realize what Mr. Hardcastle saw and come after him. It's up to Myrtle to keep her father safe. Miss Judson behaves with her customary good sense and bustling energy. Cook is now involved in sleuthing and she is really good at it. It is Cook who finds the body in the most unlikely place! Aunt Helena is back to her usual formiddable self and Myrtle still dislikes Aunt Helena. Aunt Helena is obsessed with the Viscountess Snowcroft (Ethel/Sally) and fawns all over the girl. Caroline Munjal is barely in the story and eager to meet Ethel/Sally because Sally is a celebrity. Mr. Blakeney is on hand again to help with Mr. Hardcastle's work AND assist the ladies with their sleuthing. He's a good friend and fun too but I wouldn't want him to have my back when entering a dangerous situation. Genie is conducting her own investigation through proper news channels but doesn't have much to contribute.
Sally is a nice girl. She had humble beginnings in Australia with her beloved father and stepmother. She went to boarding school and played field hockey like any normal girl. Now she's in unfamiliar territory with only her little terrier, Charley, for company. Poor Sally! She doesn't know her true identity and just wants to know either way. She doesn't care about the money or fame. So she says anyway. I thought for a minute she might be the murderer intent on revenge for something that happened long ago. I hope not because Myrtle likes her and I like Sally. Plus her terrier loves her and is loyal. He would know if she was a bad person, right? I don't trust Mrs. Dudley of SWOBS at all. It's obvious she's a con artist but what's her game? Where did she find Sally and does she know the truth?
Magistrate Fox sounds like a good fellow. His social skills are a bit lacking though. He sticks his foot in his mouth a few times and accidentially reveals more about Father's personal thoughts and feelinsg than Father wants Myrtle to know. Oops! At least Magistrate Fox praises Myrtle's cleverness and appreciates it. He may just want company for his long-lost niece or he may really believe Myrtle can figure it out. Maybe a bit of both?
Murder at the Royal Swinburne Hospital? Oh no! This hospital is run like a tight ship. There are RULES and Matron adhers to the rules without exception. She's ghastly! She bullies the nurses, the patients and everyone. She shows no compassion or kindess, caring or empathy. I suspect she's involved in covering up the murder. They all seem to know more than they're telling. I like Probationer Ling. She seems kind and is a good nurse, but is bullied by Matron and in danger of losing her job. It's obvious she saw SOMETHING she wasn't supposed to. What did she see? Murder? Nurse Pethwick is also nice and cheerful. She drops her haitches and I find it hard to believe a nurse would be from such a low background. She's efficient but her bedside manner needs improving.
Dr. Kinkaid, an Irishman, has great bedside manner. He's very good with children but outside the ward he proves to have a short temper and finds nosy amateur sleuths super annoying. Dr. Kinkaid is even rather rude to Myrtle and Miss Judson. Myrtle suspects him of wrongdoing and I think he's hiding something. He could easily be the murderer if no one can prove he was elsewhere at the time. It should be easy to establish an alibi. Governor Greeley is also under suspicion. He seems a little slimy to me like maybe he's not a real doctor or who he says he is. He's close with Matron. Perhaps an illicit romance? He's up to no good if you ask me. He's hiding something at best.
This story kept me reading late at night. I couldn't put it down but it wasn't my favorite. I'm looking forward to Myrtle's next adventure and hope it is not her last.
March 3, 2023
Not only do we get an amazing Murder mystery case, that was inspired by a true mystery, we also get an amazing setting in this book, and, in my opinion, we get great character development! I absolutely love the way it starts, Ch.11-12 are my absolute favorites, & that ending!!
Also, we see more of the circumstances that take place in the Victorian era regarding the medical field and it’s progress. This book also gives us a little more of Myrtle’s mother history, which has also been a bit of a little on-going mystery on its own.
Also, we see more of the circumstances that take place in the Victorian era regarding the medical field and it’s progress. This book also gives us a little more of Myrtle’s mother history, which has also been a bit of a little on-going mystery on its own.
October 27, 2022
This rating says much more about my distracted state of mind as I was reading this than the book! Word to the wise, future self, don’t start new books in the second half of Victober. 😆
I plan to re-listen to the audio when it comes out and give the story its proper rating then.
I plan to re-listen to the audio when it comes out and give the story its proper rating then.
August 11, 2022
Myrtle's father has tonsillitis in the hospital and witnesses a mysterious attack. While he is confined to bed, Myrtle will have to investigate with the assistance of her courageous governess, Miss Judson. Myrtle sets out to prove the identity of Ethel Snowcroft, who could be a long-lost heiress believed to have perished in a shipwreck years earlier.
I love the exciting mystery plot in this fourth book of the series! There are two different mysteries happening at the same time, but then the clues begin to converge and overlap, and only Myrtle can possible unravel the web of lies surrounding the hospital. This plot really kept my attention and had me guessing right up to the end!
One of the things I really loved was the setting of the hospital. The hospital has its own hierarchy, secrets, and politics. Myrtle has to navigate her way around the different porters, nurses, doctors, morticians, interns, and probationary nurses. Each person has something to hide, especially Matron, the strict head nurse.
I love how humorous the writing is! There is a lot of witty dialogue, and cute aside comments to the reader. It’s hilarious and wonderful!
The character development is absolutely phenomenal. Each book in the series seems to focus on Myrtle's relationship with one of the other characters, and in this book it is Myrtle and her father. They have always been very close, but their trust is really challenged in this book, and they have to learn to have faith in one another. It's so incredible to see how the smallest little thing will affect their attitudes to each other, because they know each other so well. I love their complex family dynamic! Brilliant writing!
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.
I love the exciting mystery plot in this fourth book of the series! There are two different mysteries happening at the same time, but then the clues begin to converge and overlap, and only Myrtle can possible unravel the web of lies surrounding the hospital. This plot really kept my attention and had me guessing right up to the end!
One of the things I really loved was the setting of the hospital. The hospital has its own hierarchy, secrets, and politics. Myrtle has to navigate her way around the different porters, nurses, doctors, morticians, interns, and probationary nurses. Each person has something to hide, especially Matron, the strict head nurse.
I love how humorous the writing is! There is a lot of witty dialogue, and cute aside comments to the reader. It’s hilarious and wonderful!
The character development is absolutely phenomenal. Each book in the series seems to focus on Myrtle's relationship with one of the other characters, and in this book it is Myrtle and her father. They have always been very close, but their trust is really challenged in this book, and they have to learn to have faith in one another. It's so incredible to see how the smallest little thing will affect their attitudes to each other, because they know each other so well. I love their complex family dynamic! Brilliant writing!
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.
August 5, 2022
I'd like to thank Edelweiss for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I have been a long-time fan of the Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries. I wish these books had been around when I was younger because I would have absolutely devoured them.
There are so many things to appreciate. Bunce always comes through with the research that influences her cases, and when I read her little add-on in the back, it feels like a secret treat to know all the historical information behind it. The footnotes that explain the etymology of certain words give you both an insight into Myrtle and educate you. I love it.
The mystery in this book, as it is in her others, is layered. It wasn't something I figured out before Myrtle, which is refreshing. I find that in a lot of thrillers geared towards adults, I've figured things out long before anyone in the book has. A satisfying mystery is a treasure.
Another thing to appreciate is that Myrtle's opinion isn't glossed over by adults, but is taken into consideration. She is just as much a part of the solution as her father and Ms. Judson. (Added bonus in this book are some very comedic moments with her father after his surgery and when Myrtle becomes a bit more of a responsible adult.) There's a certain whimsy to her relationship with her dad, and I love it.
This book is a perfect gem, and I think my favorite part is the promise of another in the series.
I have been a long-time fan of the Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries. I wish these books had been around when I was younger because I would have absolutely devoured them.
There are so many things to appreciate. Bunce always comes through with the research that influences her cases, and when I read her little add-on in the back, it feels like a secret treat to know all the historical information behind it. The footnotes that explain the etymology of certain words give you both an insight into Myrtle and educate you. I love it.
The mystery in this book, as it is in her others, is layered. It wasn't something I figured out before Myrtle, which is refreshing. I find that in a lot of thrillers geared towards adults, I've figured things out long before anyone in the book has. A satisfying mystery is a treasure.
Another thing to appreciate is that Myrtle's opinion isn't glossed over by adults, but is taken into consideration. She is just as much a part of the solution as her father and Ms. Judson. (Added bonus in this book are some very comedic moments with her father after his surgery and when Myrtle becomes a bit more of a responsible adult.) There's a certain whimsy to her relationship with her dad, and I love it.
This book is a perfect gem, and I think my favorite part is the promise of another in the series.
June 14, 2022
The fourth book in the Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries finds Myrtle's father suffering from a case of tonsillitis that requires hospitalization and surgery. He's just been given a case of proving or disproving the identity of a young woman claiming to be the long lost heir to a fortune. As intrigued as Myrtle is by that, she can't help getting involved when a murder occurs at the very hospital where her father is staying, and he has witnessed it himself (though he's heavily drugged so his accounting is very hazy). Bunce takes inspiration from a variety of real cases, as described in an afterward. Myrtle continues to be sassy and resourceful. Miss Judson continues to accompany Myrtle on some of her most important evidence-gathering trips and even Peony is present and opinionated quite often. I adore this series and was overjoyed to see that another book is on the way. Review from e-galley.
November 15, 2022
This book is advertised as a mystery for young adults who are 10 and older. Although there is nothing inappropriate within the book for that age group, I believe that much of the content will go over the heads of children. I don't believe they will be able to grasp what is being said, and that they will probably read the story without understanding everything. The book is otherwise well-written. It has an abundance of comedy and is more like a farce than a mystery. It is a cute story, but unrealistic, which is fine if that is what the reader is expecting.
October 4, 2022
4.5 stars
Another amazing installment of the Myrtle Hardcastle series! In this one, Myrtle's father takes on the case of young Sally Cooke who could potentially be the heir to the sizable Snowcroft inheritance as well as the survivor of a shipwreck thought to have no survivors. While all this is going on, Myrtle's father needs to have his tonsils removed and while in the hospital recovering, thinks he sees a murder. Is it a real murder or is the morphine making him hallucinate? And does it have anything to do with the Snowcroft inheritance?
The characters in this book are as always amazing. I love Myrtle's curiosity and spunk. I love the relationships she has with her father as well as her governess Miss Judson. One of my favorite characters is Mr Blakeney though he didn't have a huge part in this book. I think the characters are really one of the high points of this series.
I also loved the plot! The mixture of the Snowcroft mystery as well as the murder mystery really had my attention throughout the whole book. There were a lot of great twists and turns and reveals and everything made so much sense. Nothing seemed super farfetched and everything felt like it had a purpose.
I already can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Algonquin for a copy of this book!
Another amazing installment of the Myrtle Hardcastle series! In this one, Myrtle's father takes on the case of young Sally Cooke who could potentially be the heir to the sizable Snowcroft inheritance as well as the survivor of a shipwreck thought to have no survivors. While all this is going on, Myrtle's father needs to have his tonsils removed and while in the hospital recovering, thinks he sees a murder. Is it a real murder or is the morphine making him hallucinate? And does it have anything to do with the Snowcroft inheritance?
The characters in this book are as always amazing. I love Myrtle's curiosity and spunk. I love the relationships she has with her father as well as her governess Miss Judson. One of my favorite characters is Mr Blakeney though he didn't have a huge part in this book. I think the characters are really one of the high points of this series.
I also loved the plot! The mixture of the Snowcroft mystery as well as the murder mystery really had my attention throughout the whole book. There were a lot of great twists and turns and reveals and everything made so much sense. Nothing seemed super farfetched and everything felt like it had a purpose.
I already can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Algonquin for a copy of this book!
November 9, 2022
A super fun read. I really liked the mystery of this one and there were several laugh out loud moments for me. I really like this series and I look forward to more adventures with Myrtle!
July 25, 2025
Myrtle takes on forensic medicine
In the title of Elizabeth C. Bunce's In Myrtle Peril, we are branching out a bit. Instead of the assonance of "Myrtle" and "murder," here we are here exploiting the similar sounds of "Myrtle" and "mortal, which works even better than "murder."
Plotwise, there are two things going on here. First, Myrtle's father Arthur has tonsillitis. He's reluctant to go to the hospital to be treated, which was a far more reasonable attitude towards medicine in 1894 than it is in 2025. However, general anesthesia with ether is now a possibility. Even more important, the germ theory of disease has arrived on the scene, and Joseph Lister has been advocating antiseptic surgery. So, although tonsillectomy is dangerous and unpleasant, it is not the horror it was even a few years earlier.
The second thing going on is the revival of an old insurance case, having to do with the loss at sea of the Persephone. Settling the problem will require finding the heir to the Snowcroft title and lands. A claimant has appeared from Australia, the intended destination of the vanished Persephone.
Thus we have Arthur stuck in the hospital ostensibly recovering from surgery. He witnesses what he believes to be a murder at the hospital, but he was under the influence of morphine at the time, so we are not quite sure it really happened. Meanwhile Myrtle and Miss Judson attempt to continue the investigation of the Snowcroft claimant. Myrtle thus gets to indulge her interest in medical forensics, or, as she calls it, Medico-Legal Investigation. We have the usual fun with footnotes, and there are sneaky references to Three Men in a Boat.
So, yeah, this was fun. A worthy addition to the canon.
Blog review.
In the title of Elizabeth C. Bunce's In Myrtle Peril, we are branching out a bit. Instead of the assonance of "Myrtle" and "murder," here we are here exploiting the similar sounds of "Myrtle" and "mortal, which works even better than "murder."
Plotwise, there are two things going on here. First, Myrtle's father Arthur has tonsillitis. He's reluctant to go to the hospital to be treated, which was a far more reasonable attitude towards medicine in 1894 than it is in 2025. However, general anesthesia with ether is now a possibility. Even more important, the germ theory of disease has arrived on the scene, and Joseph Lister has been advocating antiseptic surgery. So, although tonsillectomy is dangerous and unpleasant, it is not the horror it was even a few years earlier.
The second thing going on is the revival of an old insurance case, having to do with the loss at sea of the Persephone. Settling the problem will require finding the heir to the Snowcroft title and lands. A claimant has appeared from Australia, the intended destination of the vanished Persephone.
Thus we have Arthur stuck in the hospital ostensibly recovering from surgery. He witnesses what he believes to be a murder at the hospital, but he was under the influence of morphine at the time, so we are not quite sure it really happened. Meanwhile Myrtle and Miss Judson attempt to continue the investigation of the Snowcroft claimant. Myrtle thus gets to indulge her interest in medical forensics, or, as she calls it, Medico-Legal Investigation. We have the usual fun with footnotes, and there are sneaky references to Three Men in a Boat.
So, yeah, this was fun. A worthy addition to the canon.
Blog review.
September 26, 2022
4 1/2 stars
RTC
Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for my finished copy for review.
RTC
Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for my finished copy for review.
August 14, 2022
I love the Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries, so as soon as I saw I could request an eARC through Edelweiss, I did. And I wasn't disappointed. Bunce manages to walk the fine line needed for a middle grade series: there is familiarity to draw in series fans with new twists to keep them engaged. In this case, Myrtle needs to keep her father in bed at the hospital, where he is supposed to be recovering from a tonsillectomy (not a common procedure in the late 1800s) while investigating a supposed murder he observed for which there is no body. My one complaint: the book was over too soon; my reason for hope: although all details of the main mystery are wrapped up well(no cliffhanger ending!) there are strong hints at what might follow in the next book.
November 21, 2022
Always an exciting adventure when the new Myrtle Hardcastle book comes out. This time, she needs to solve a murder and a missing heiress case. Somehow, readers will not be surprised that they are intertwined. Her father is in the hospital recovering from having his tonsils removed and sees a murder (or thinks he does). Miss Judson and Myrtle work to figure out who the victim was, where the victim is, and if the victim exists while solving other staff secrets too. Throw in a heiress who shows up with little to no proof of her identity and the storylines swirl and intertwine with humor and fun.
October 28, 2022
Good novel
The most complicated case Myrtle &Judson have worked to date. A very good read. Kind of reminiscent of the Nancy Drew mysteries I used to read when I was much younger.
The most complicated case Myrtle &Judson have worked to date. A very good read. Kind of reminiscent of the Nancy Drew mysteries I used to read when I was much younger.
November 21, 2022
Another great Myrtle Hardcastle book by Elizabeth Bunce, this one set in a hospital as Myrtle's father has a tonsillectomy and witnesses a murder. It's up to Myrtle to solve the mystery.
October 25, 2022
Myrtle is back! And once again, she and her governess Miss Judson are up to their necks in murder as they try to solve the case. If their is a case at all. This time the victim is missing and the only witness is Myrtle's father, who was recovering from surgery and may not prove to be the most reliable source. With her father stuck in the hospital, Myrtle must uncover the clues and solve the case, all while keeping everyone she loves safe and whole. And if that weren't enough, there is also an added mystery of a reappearing heiress with a claim to a large inheritance, if only it can be proven who she actually is. With her attention torn, will Myrtle have enough time to solve the mystery?
This is such a fun addition to the series. I really enjoyed how the relationship and trust between Myrtle, Miss Judson, and Myrtle's father has grown and how they have all learned to rely and believe in each other. And seeing Peony have much more stage time and expand her interactions with all of the other characters was a fun addition that keeps the story a little lighter.
I received a DRC from the publisher.
This is such a fun addition to the series. I really enjoyed how the relationship and trust between Myrtle, Miss Judson, and Myrtle's father has grown and how they have all learned to rely and believe in each other. And seeing Peony have much more stage time and expand her interactions with all of the other characters was a fun addition that keeps the story a little lighter.
I received a DRC from the publisher.
February 1, 2024
In Myrtle Peril was perfection!!! Young people have no idea how blessed they are to have books out there to read such as this one. Elizabeth C. Bunce knows how to puzzle together a murder mystery so well. I adore the characters in these books, and I'm struggling to not jump into the 5th book. If I do, I will be caught up on the series, and then I'll inevitably dive into book withdrawal. Sigh...but it's a risk I'm willing to take. 5/5 brilliant stars!!!
November 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐
This was so much fun. The ending was slightly unsatisfying, but hopefully it is foreshadowing the last book in the series. I also guessed completely wrong but was sure I was close this time :). My only complaint is that murder being a part of the story seems too mature for a middle grade crowd.
This was so much fun. The ending was slightly unsatisfying, but hopefully it is foreshadowing the last book in the series. I also guessed completely wrong but was sure I was close this time :). My only complaint is that murder being a part of the story seems too mature for a middle grade crowd.
May 23, 2024
Listened to audiobook.
This mystery was very good. I like the setting and the story. It was one of the best ones I think. I got tricked though on who done it. So that's pretty good.
I can't wait for the next one.
This mystery was very good. I like the setting and the story. It was one of the best ones I think. I got tricked though on who done it. So that's pretty good.
I can't wait for the next one.
May 19, 2023
Another great book in this fabulous middle grade mystery series! Well written mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Hoping this series continues on for while!
June 1, 2023
This series is so enjoyable. I recommend it to kids and adults alike
July 24, 2023
Another wonderful book in this delightful series! I'm already counting down the days until the next one is released!
May 26, 2024
The best one of the series so far!
Very funny and not as confusing as previous cases.
Also everyone in that hospital is a criminal oh my gosh.
Very funny and not as confusing as previous cases.
Also everyone in that hospital is a criminal oh my gosh.
June 14, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from a GoodReads Giveaway. The opinions in this review are my own and are not influenced by the author, publisher, or any other reviewer.
This was a good middle school mystery set in the Victorian age. It includes an identity mystery, a murder mystery, theft, and a possible assassination. I would recommend it for fifth grade up.
This was a good middle school mystery set in the Victorian age. It includes an identity mystery, a murder mystery, theft, and a possible assassination. I would recommend it for fifth grade up.
June 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Continues to be a very fun series!
Continues to be a very fun series!
November 16, 2023
This is a fun series of books with lots of twists and turns, intriguing characters (including a cat), and good dialogue (including from the cat).
January 3, 2023
I was saving this book to be my first read of the year, because I knew I would love it. And I was right! The Myrtle Hardcastle series is one of my favorites, I truly can’t recommend it enough. It’s so well written, and I love all the characters. If you like MG books and Mysteries, this series is a must read!
I bought this book.
I bought this book.
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