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Gemma Lamb #2
Sinister Stranger at St Bride's
When an American stranger turns up claiming to be the rightful owner of the school’s magnificent country estate it could spell trouble for everyone at St Bride’s . . .
No one can believe it when the headmistress, Hairnet, instantly accepts the stranger’s claim, not:
- the put-upon Bursar, ousted from his cosy estate cottage by the stranger
- the enigmatic Max Security, raring to engage in a spot of espionage
- the sensible Judith Gosling, who knows more about Lord Bunting than she’s letting on
- the irrepressible Gemma Lamb, determined to keep the school open
Only fickle maths teacher Oriana Bliss isn’t suspicious of the stranger, after all she can just marry him and secure St Bride’s future forever. That's if inventive pranks by the girls - and the school cat - don't drive him away first.
Who will nab the stranger first? Oriana with the parson’s noose? Gemma with sinister secrets? Or could this be the end of St Bride’s?
Previously published by Debbie Young as Stranger at St Bride's.
No one can believe it when the headmistress, Hairnet, instantly accepts the stranger’s claim, not:
- the put-upon Bursar, ousted from his cosy estate cottage by the stranger
- the enigmatic Max Security, raring to engage in a spot of espionage
- the sensible Judith Gosling, who knows more about Lord Bunting than she’s letting on
- the irrepressible Gemma Lamb, determined to keep the school open
Only fickle maths teacher Oriana Bliss isn’t suspicious of the stranger, after all she can just marry him and secure St Bride’s future forever. That's if inventive pranks by the girls - and the school cat - don't drive him away first.
Who will nab the stranger first? Oriana with the parson’s noose? Gemma with sinister secrets? Or could this be the end of St Bride’s?
Previously published by Debbie Young as Stranger at St Bride's.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2020
89 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Young
44 books274 followersHello dear readers!
I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.
NOVELS
My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.
My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",
My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.
All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.
SHORT FICTION
My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!
My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,
Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".
PLAYS
I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.
AWARDS
The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
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Rec
I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.
NOVELS
My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.
My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",
My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.
All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.
SHORT FICTION
My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!
My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,
Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".
PLAYS
I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.
AWARDS
The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 29, 2023
Aaah, this was a cosy mystery that I really enjoyed. I usually find books of this genre to have a protagonist that is too interfering and the overall plot to be too twee. In this case, I settled into the narrative very quickly, finding the story and setting a bit reminiscent of my dearly beloved 'Malory Towers' series.
Although this is the second book of a new series, I found I could pick up the story relatively easy. There are some references to the previous story but I felt this didn’t have a massive impact on my overall enjoyment. I even think this novel could be read by young adults because of its light-hearted tone but engaging plot.
So, this book takes place during the winter term at St Bride’s. Hint: this finishes at Christmas time. Personally, it didn’t bother me in the slightest because there weren’t too many festive references and I was enjoying the cosy mystery so much, that this just added to the spirit of the story. Ultimately, I think this time of year just makes it a cosier read.
Following English teacher, Gemma, (a girl after my own heart), suspicions are raised when the apparent heir of St Bride’s arrives at the school. When he claims ownership of the school, the staff recognise that this could be the end of their beloved institution. As Gemma begins to ask questions, it soon becomes apparent that this stranger has odd behaviours that just aren’t consistent, and has even managed to rub the locals up the wrong way. Whilst it is glaringly obvious how the story was going to develop, I relished in the light-heartedness of the plot, keen to see how this annoying character was going to receive his well-deserved comeuppance.
In this way, I really got into the swing of this story and loved the quaintness of the traditions of St Bride’s that are being threatened. I felt as protective of the school as the staff and loved how several characters have an instinct for something not being quite right. Even some of the students are suspicious of Earl and I was very much entertained by some of their escapades and confessions.
The only element that I didn’t truly connect with was the relationship Gemma has with Joe, the PE teacher. Furthermore, I could not really grasp his backstory and I think this was where it was really evident that I had not read the first book of the series. Thankfully, I don’t believe this previous plot was going to add anything dramatically new to this instalment, but I think the writer could have done something better with Joe’s character, if my interpretations are correct.
This is a fun, light-hearted cosy mystery that could be enjoyed by young adults and beyond. It was a great reminder of a childhood favourite and I thought the setting was perfectly described. I really hope more of this series are to come and I definitely will try and get to the first story in the meantime.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is the second book of a new series, I found I could pick up the story relatively easy. There are some references to the previous story but I felt this didn’t have a massive impact on my overall enjoyment. I even think this novel could be read by young adults because of its light-hearted tone but engaging plot.
So, this book takes place during the winter term at St Bride’s. Hint: this finishes at Christmas time. Personally, it didn’t bother me in the slightest because there weren’t too many festive references and I was enjoying the cosy mystery so much, that this just added to the spirit of the story. Ultimately, I think this time of year just makes it a cosier read.
Following English teacher, Gemma, (a girl after my own heart), suspicions are raised when the apparent heir of St Bride’s arrives at the school. When he claims ownership of the school, the staff recognise that this could be the end of their beloved institution. As Gemma begins to ask questions, it soon becomes apparent that this stranger has odd behaviours that just aren’t consistent, and has even managed to rub the locals up the wrong way. Whilst it is glaringly obvious how the story was going to develop, I relished in the light-heartedness of the plot, keen to see how this annoying character was going to receive his well-deserved comeuppance.
In this way, I really got into the swing of this story and loved the quaintness of the traditions of St Bride’s that are being threatened. I felt as protective of the school as the staff and loved how several characters have an instinct for something not being quite right. Even some of the students are suspicious of Earl and I was very much entertained by some of their escapades and confessions.
The only element that I didn’t truly connect with was the relationship Gemma has with Joe, the PE teacher. Furthermore, I could not really grasp his backstory and I think this was where it was really evident that I had not read the first book of the series. Thankfully, I don’t believe this previous plot was going to add anything dramatically new to this instalment, but I think the writer could have done something better with Joe’s character, if my interpretations are correct.
This is a fun, light-hearted cosy mystery that could be enjoyed by young adults and beyond. It was a great reminder of a childhood favourite and I thought the setting was perfectly described. I really hope more of this series are to come and I definitely will try and get to the first story in the meantime.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- I am so in love with the cover on this one!
This is the second book in the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series, and I am such a fan of this series. The writing is excellent. It's well paced. The setting is fun. The plot is engaging. The characters are quirky and very likable. I am bummed that I apparently missed book three when it was up for offer on NetGalley, but I look forward to diving into Wicked Whispers at St Bride's sometime in the future!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This is the second book in the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series, and I am such a fan of this series. The writing is excellent. It's well paced. The setting is fun. The plot is engaging. The characters are quirky and very likable. I am bummed that I apparently missed book three when it was up for offer on NetGalley, but I look forward to diving into Wicked Whispers at St Bride's sometime in the future!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
July 15, 2020
If you’re after a feel-good read set in the English countryside, you’re going to love the second instalment of Debbie Young’s school stories for grown-ups. A stand-alone read, Stranger at St Bride’s sees the daily routine of staff and pupils at the exclusive Cotswolds girls’ school disrupted by an American gentleman. Claiming the estate belongs to him, Earl Bunting sets about making his presence known throughout the school, something which causes thinly veiled panic at St Bride’s.
The intrepid English teacher, Gemma Lamb, smells a rat as soon as she sets eyes on the stranger and is determined to find a clink in his armour. Helped by the gym teacher Joe, the object of her romantic aspirations, she tries to prove the stranger isn’t who he says he is.
Debbie Young’s stories and writing style remind me of satirical English Jeeves and Wooster novels by P.G. Wodehouse. There are the same eccentric characters; an old-fashioned headmistress, Mrs Harnet (dubbed Hairnet by the girls); the disturbingly secretive Max Security; a stingy Bursar, and the beautiful, unlucky-in-love, Oriana. Their British stiff upper lip, firmly held-on traditions, and dry humour make for a fun, easy read for lazy Sundays.
The intrepid English teacher, Gemma Lamb, smells a rat as soon as she sets eyes on the stranger and is determined to find a clink in his armour. Helped by the gym teacher Joe, the object of her romantic aspirations, she tries to prove the stranger isn’t who he says he is.
Debbie Young’s stories and writing style remind me of satirical English Jeeves and Wooster novels by P.G. Wodehouse. There are the same eccentric characters; an old-fashioned headmistress, Mrs Harnet (dubbed Hairnet by the girls); the disturbingly secretive Max Security; a stingy Bursar, and the beautiful, unlucky-in-love, Oriana. Their British stiff upper lip, firmly held-on traditions, and dry humour make for a fun, easy read for lazy Sundays.
October 8, 2022
Was completely and utterly hooked from the first page to the last.
I may have said book one in this series didn't really feel like a mystery, but that has certainly been rectified in this second book, as it is all one big mystery all regarding a potential claim to the St Bride's estate and school.
But is Mr Earl Bunting all he seems, well the the staff and the pupils don't really take to him hanging about, and neither do I.
I'm definitely with Gemma Lamb and the rest of the teachers in thinking something is off with him, and I was fully on her side, with all the attempts she makes try to find out the truth.
I loved catching up with all of the teachers and girls, set just after the first book ends, in the half of term that is between Halloween and Christmas, including a memorable Fireworks night too, there is a lot of touches to really get you into the autumn term feel.
And I enjoyed seeing how St. Brides celebrates Christmas and all their traditions. I also really enjoyed just seeing how more secrets of this vast school get uncovered, and also seeing a few pranks from the girls.
I am just loving this series so much and already can't wait to read the next book. I am finding these really quick to read and I do love a book I can just ignore the outside world and want to continue reading on and on - which is what this story was for me.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily
I may have said book one in this series didn't really feel like a mystery, but that has certainly been rectified in this second book, as it is all one big mystery all regarding a potential claim to the St Bride's estate and school.
But is Mr Earl Bunting all he seems, well the the staff and the pupils don't really take to him hanging about, and neither do I.
I'm definitely with Gemma Lamb and the rest of the teachers in thinking something is off with him, and I was fully on her side, with all the attempts she makes try to find out the truth.
I loved catching up with all of the teachers and girls, set just after the first book ends, in the half of term that is between Halloween and Christmas, including a memorable Fireworks night too, there is a lot of touches to really get you into the autumn term feel.
And I enjoyed seeing how St. Brides celebrates Christmas and all their traditions. I also really enjoyed just seeing how more secrets of this vast school get uncovered, and also seeing a few pranks from the girls.
I am just loving this series so much and already can't wait to read the next book. I am finding these really quick to read and I do love a book I can just ignore the outside world and want to continue reading on and on - which is what this story was for me.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily
September 3, 2023
I didn't like this quite as much as the first in the series, but It wasn't bad, and I'll definitely keep going with the series.
October 25, 2022
Sinister Stranger at St Bride's
by Debbie Young
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 11th October 2022
Genre: General Fiction, Women's Fiction
Nothing beats slipping into your cozy, comfy, relaxed zone than a cozy, comfy, fun, easy-to-read crime thriller. And Debbie Young's St. Bride from the Adult School series is a perfect match! Part 2 of
Ms. Young's new series, quirky staff, lovely schoolgirls (who have just the right amount of mischief to pet them), and pure fun all at the core of 'Mystery' It was added to the plot to become and it was a lot of fun. items. As an added bonus, you'll also meet characters from Ms Young's Sophie Sayers mystery series. Put me first on your list for the next story in the
series! What does this mean for the future of the school, its students and its eccentric staff? A reversal plot that made me want to return, well complemented by secrets. Agatha Christie Meets St. Trinian! I'm giving this her 4.5 stars because it would have been nice if the last few chapters were a little tighter. But maybe it was just my impatience to find out! If you're looking for a light British crime thriller set in the English countryside, this is it!
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #generalfiction #womensfiction #SinisterStrangeratStBrides @booksandtonic
October 12, 2022
St. Bride's is an anachronistic girl's boarding school in the Cotswolds. The staff are a lot of fun and (mostly) get along very well. Enter the villain who claims to be the rightful heir to the property! I really hoped this was a murder mystery because I voted for him to be murdered. Alas, no. But the staff and more all work hard to expose this rude poser and I got to laugh myself silly. Loved it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
July 18, 2024
Loved this one .
November 23, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is the second in the Gemma Lamb cosy mystery series – St Trinian’s crossed with Enid Blyton, crossed with a very gentle, non-murder mystery story.
In this instalment, we get less violence with the mystery, as it revolves around a matter of inheritance, and whether the new arrival is a genuine descendant or a brazen con man.
All the familiar staff of St Bride’s are back, being their usual eccentric and mysterious selves and unwittingly muddying the waters of anything Gemma attempts to investigate.
We get a lot more of the British school atmosphere this time around too, as the timeline of the story spans St Bride’s Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas rituals and we see them celebrated in traditional, cosy style – a perfect dose of festive cheer for this current holiday season!
Yet again, while not the more traditional kind of mystery here, this is another quick, easy and highly enjoyable read, with quirky memorable characters and a very gentle, very British plot.
I’m really looking forward to the next one, as there are still some staff secrets left unexposed, despite Gemma’s best efforts. Plus, I want to see if her slow-burn flirtation with romance might spark to a regular flame…!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is the second in the Gemma Lamb cosy mystery series – St Trinian’s crossed with Enid Blyton, crossed with a very gentle, non-murder mystery story.
In this instalment, we get less violence with the mystery, as it revolves around a matter of inheritance, and whether the new arrival is a genuine descendant or a brazen con man.
All the familiar staff of St Bride’s are back, being their usual eccentric and mysterious selves and unwittingly muddying the waters of anything Gemma attempts to investigate.
We get a lot more of the British school atmosphere this time around too, as the timeline of the story spans St Bride’s Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas rituals and we see them celebrated in traditional, cosy style – a perfect dose of festive cheer for this current holiday season!
Yet again, while not the more traditional kind of mystery here, this is another quick, easy and highly enjoyable read, with quirky memorable characters and a very gentle, very British plot.
I’m really looking forward to the next one, as there are still some staff secrets left unexposed, despite Gemma’s best efforts. Plus, I want to see if her slow-burn flirtation with romance might spark to a regular flame…!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
February 20, 2023
3.5 stars.
I've got mixed feelings about this series 😅 On the one hand, I adore the characters and the writing style in general. Yet, the plot is so incredibly naive that it pains me to continue with my reading.
Why does the author make her characters so dumb? Usually, I'm that person who willingly ignores plot holes if the characters are written well. But plot holes here are so bad even I've become uncomfortable with them. Yes, it's a "light and cozy mystery", but not to such an extent, hey..!😭
PS: the same could be said for book#1 of this series. (I still have some hope for book #3 though).
I've got mixed feelings about this series 😅 On the one hand, I adore the characters and the writing style in general. Yet, the plot is so incredibly naive that it pains me to continue with my reading.
Why does the author make her characters so dumb? Usually, I'm that person who willingly ignores plot holes if the characters are written well. But plot holes here are so bad even I've become uncomfortable with them. Yes, it's a "light and cozy mystery", but not to such an extent, hey..!😭
PS: the same could be said for book#1 of this series. (I still have some hope for book #3 though).
October 29, 2020
Enjoyable
I have to use the same headline as I used for the first book in the series which I finished this morning . I did look in a theasuarus for another word to use but enjoyable was the only way to describe. I have now finished the second book and will have to buy the next in the series. No murders etc but great interaction with the characters.ok in a the book.
I have to use the same headline as I used for the first book in the series which I finished this morning . I did look in a theasuarus for another word to use but enjoyable was the only way to describe. I have now finished the second book and will have to buy the next in the series. No murders etc but great interaction with the characters.ok in a the book.
February 23, 2021
This is the second book in the St. Bride's series and just as good as the first one. I like the way the author includes the village and characters from her other series, but the main focus is always on the school. There are strong bonds of friendship developing between the characters which leads to a cosy glow when all is resolved.
October 12, 2020
Lighthearted read
I enjoyed this second story about St Brides, it was a pleasure to read, perhaps Miss Lamb should have been a detective! I look forward to reading the next St Brides book, whenever it is published
I enjoyed this second story about St Brides, it was a pleasure to read, perhaps Miss Lamb should have been a detective! I look forward to reading the next St Brides book, whenever it is published
June 26, 2025
Gemma Lamb, the new English teacher, is continuing her career at St. Bride's girls' boarding school. The school is set in the Cotswolds in the former mansion of Lord Bunting. Gemma has settled in well to her new job, which she loves.
This book is set in Gemma's 2nd half term at the school in the period between Halloween and Christmas. Gemma and her teaching colleagues are all upset when an annoying, arrogant American turns up claiming to be the rightful heir to the Bunting estate, the home of the school. The staff are fearful of losing their jobs and make a concerted effort to investigate the background of the suspicious American in an attempt to unmask him and foil his plans.
This is the 2nd book in the Gemma Lamb series and a very enjoyable cozy read. For me, the highlight of the series is the quirky collection of teaching staff and their antics. All of them seem to have something in their backgrounds they are trying to conceal. It's interesting to see a budding romance between Gemma and Joe, the sports teacher.
The schoolgirls are more like well-behaved Malory Towers pupils with a few pranks thrown in, rather than the rowdy and riotous girls of St Trinians.
I look forward to moving on to the next book in the series.
This book is set in Gemma's 2nd half term at the school in the period between Halloween and Christmas. Gemma and her teaching colleagues are all upset when an annoying, arrogant American turns up claiming to be the rightful heir to the Bunting estate, the home of the school. The staff are fearful of losing their jobs and make a concerted effort to investigate the background of the suspicious American in an attempt to unmask him and foil his plans.
This is the 2nd book in the Gemma Lamb series and a very enjoyable cozy read. For me, the highlight of the series is the quirky collection of teaching staff and their antics. All of them seem to have something in their backgrounds they are trying to conceal. It's interesting to see a budding romance between Gemma and Joe, the sports teacher.
The schoolgirls are more like well-behaved Malory Towers pupils with a few pranks thrown in, rather than the rowdy and riotous girls of St Trinians.
I look forward to moving on to the next book in the series.
October 29, 2024
I read the first book in this series because of the Y author and, although it wasn't a favorite, I liked it enough to read at least one more in the series. I like Gemma, the MC, but have a hard time identifying with the whole idea of a private, all girls school. Maybe it's more an English thing than an American thing?
There wasn't a murder in this book, but a puzzle to solve in order to save the school (of course). It was pretty obvious how things would work out, so it was just a matter of following along as the school staff came to the same conclusion.
Again, I'll continue the series until one of the books disappoints me in some way. After all, Y authors are really hard to find :)
There wasn't a murder in this book, but a puzzle to solve in order to save the school (of course). It was pretty obvious how things would work out, so it was just a matter of following along as the school staff came to the same conclusion.
Again, I'll continue the series until one of the books disappoints me in some way. After all, Y authors are really hard to find :)
July 4, 2020
An entertaining read with plenty of gentle humour. This book pulls you into the world of St Bride’s girls’ boarding school and holds your attention until the mystery is solved. Debbie Young has created an interesting set of characters in her new series and reveals a little bit more about them in this second book. We all like to hate a baddie, and Earl Bunting is particularly obnoxious. I romped through it and really enjoyed the story.
May 12, 2023
That was a close call
Certainly a sinister stranger but how get rid of him. He becomes more diabolical by the day and throws St Bride into an uproar, making even the youngest students react badly to his extended stay and greedy threats. Who will find the answers they need and will it be enough to save their beloved school and home? A wonderful twisty series of events in a picturesque English countryside, who could ask for more in a cozy mystery.
Certainly a sinister stranger but how get rid of him. He becomes more diabolical by the day and throws St Bride into an uproar, making even the youngest students react badly to his extended stay and greedy threats. Who will find the answers they need and will it be enough to save their beloved school and home? A wonderful twisty series of events in a picturesque English countryside, who could ask for more in a cozy mystery.
May 16, 2023
When an American stranger turns up and declares that he is the rightful owner of the school's estate things take a turn for the staff and students. However, the normally bold headmistress is going along with the strangers demands. Can Gemma figure out why and save the school?
This is a funny continuation of this cosy mystery series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a funny continuation of this cosy mystery series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2023
A cute story. in a 'cute' series
These books would make nice Hallmark movies. An easy and enjoyable read. I like reading somewhat silly stories as a break from mundane reality.
dont expect it to be on a level of say Agatha or Doyle by ANY stretch. it/they are too lightweight to compare but they are nicely written. Nicely set in an English countryside scenario and the mysteries are without murder.
this book/series is fun, & charming in a hallmarky sort of way
These books would make nice Hallmark movies. An easy and enjoyable read. I like reading somewhat silly stories as a break from mundane reality.
dont expect it to be on a level of say Agatha or Doyle by ANY stretch. it/they are too lightweight to compare but they are nicely written. Nicely set in an English countryside scenario and the mysteries are without murder.
this book/series is fun, & charming in a hallmarky sort of way
June 18, 2023
Another ripping yarn about the goings on at St. Brides
The perfect weekend or holiday read about a girls private school replete with the quirky history and design of an old English manor house, complete with mausoleum. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure concerning a creepily threatening, and unexpected, visitor. Enjoy! Kevin Thomas Morgan
The perfect weekend or holiday read about a girls private school replete with the quirky history and design of an old English manor house, complete with mausoleum. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure concerning a creepily threatening, and unexpected, visitor. Enjoy! Kevin Thomas Morgan
April 29, 2024
The case was much better than in the first book. Though subtlety was not the bad guy's forte, that's true. The St. Bride's personnel was as quirky and sweet as ever and I liked that the girls became more of a part of the whole story. But I do wonder if they ever got punished for the whole flare incident...
May 22, 2024
Just like the first book, this was another quick, entertaining, fun and relaxing read.
I found it to be both fascinating and unusual and this one felt more like a mystery than the first one. I still have a few questions though.
And I want to read the next one, if I can find it, just to see what happens next....
😉
I found it to be both fascinating and unusual and this one felt more like a mystery than the first one. I still have a few questions though.
And I want to read the next one, if I can find it, just to see what happens next....
😉
January 8, 2025
I want to attend St Brides School
I think all schools should be run with the guidelines of St Brides. How eminently sensible Miss Hairnet seems to be. The danger reaching out to destroy the school seemed insurmountable and I thought Ms Young had written herself into a dead end but NO! An ingenious plot twist saved the day. What fun! Where's the next book in the series??
I think all schools should be run with the guidelines of St Brides. How eminently sensible Miss Hairnet seems to be. The danger reaching out to destroy the school seemed insurmountable and I thought Ms Young had written herself into a dead end but NO! An ingenious plot twist saved the day. What fun! Where's the next book in the series??
May 16, 2023
No one had to die in this wonderful cozy and the people involved were able to eventually right a grievous attempt to wrong. The characters were all very interesting, even the bad guy and the plot was easy followed. I definitely recommend this book.
January 27, 2021
Not as good as number one!
This was nowhere as fascinating as the first book. The plot was thin and the denouement less than satisfying. Disappointing.
This was nowhere as fascinating as the first book. The plot was thin and the denouement less than satisfying. Disappointing.
August 2, 2021
This is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining romp. The outcomes are unexpected and satisfying and it is all great fun. Recommended.
Read
January 10, 2023Great quick read, good twist too
November 11, 2025
Audiobook - Hoopla
October 29, 2022
Diving straight into book two sees staff and students returning to St Brides after the half-term break. Gemma Lamb feels much more confident in her ability to teach now, and is looking forward to Catching up with her Year 7 girls as well as her colleagues – some more than others. So when a stranger with a rather familiar face turns up, no one expects his arrival to cause such a fuss. However, the stranger introduces himself – in an American accent – as Earl Bunting, the only surviving heir of their benefactor Lord Bunting, and he’s come to claim his inheritance.
While his resemblance to Lord Bunting cannot be denied, there’s something about him that neither Gemma nor her co-workers, and particularly the girls do not like. He may seem to be the soul of generosity by insisting the school continue as it is, but bit by bit he usurps the headmistress’s authority until his true intentions can no longer be ignored. The governors seem happy with his credentials yet Earl – which is actually his given name and not a title – may have thrown his weight around a little too much in the village. That he imagines stories of his weird behaviour won’t get back to the teachers is his first mistake: dropping his accent for one thing, taking out books on inheritance law from the bookshop, dying his hair, and building up a large unpaid tab at the pub only give Gemma cause to suspect he’s not all he says he is.
When it looks like the school’s very existence may be at stake, everyone joins forces to invalidate his claim. However, it’s not so straightforward since he possesses a journal that does link him to the Lord. So how can they get dispute his claim on St Brides ?
It’s time to look closer at the man and in particular at his snazzy vehicle. To do this, Gemma relies heavy on Max who looks after the security of the school and its inhabitants. Max has a habit of popping up at the most unexpected times by virtue of the tunnel network created by Lord Bunting, this gives him the perfect opportunity to watch the comings and goings of everyone at St Brides. Put this way, if there’s something dodgy going on, Max will be on the case, and he and Gemma make the perfect double act in uncovering the true identity of the pretender to the estate. But will their evidence be enough?
My only criticism of this story is Earl Bunting's constant, irritating habit of getting everyone's name wrong. Calling Miss Lamb everything from Kidd to Lamp (and it wasn't just her name he got wrong) made me dislike him even more. If he did this to rile people, well... he succeeded!!
Rant over, the mystery in this book is much stronger, the story is fast-paced, and combined with great touches of humour - courtesy of she pranks played on the interloper by the students and the cat! - this is a most enjoyable read.
Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my ecopy which I have reviewed of my own volition.
While his resemblance to Lord Bunting cannot be denied, there’s something about him that neither Gemma nor her co-workers, and particularly the girls do not like. He may seem to be the soul of generosity by insisting the school continue as it is, but bit by bit he usurps the headmistress’s authority until his true intentions can no longer be ignored. The governors seem happy with his credentials yet Earl – which is actually his given name and not a title – may have thrown his weight around a little too much in the village. That he imagines stories of his weird behaviour won’t get back to the teachers is his first mistake: dropping his accent for one thing, taking out books on inheritance law from the bookshop, dying his hair, and building up a large unpaid tab at the pub only give Gemma cause to suspect he’s not all he says he is.
When it looks like the school’s very existence may be at stake, everyone joins forces to invalidate his claim. However, it’s not so straightforward since he possesses a journal that does link him to the Lord. So how can they get dispute his claim on St Brides ?
It’s time to look closer at the man and in particular at his snazzy vehicle. To do this, Gemma relies heavy on Max who looks after the security of the school and its inhabitants. Max has a habit of popping up at the most unexpected times by virtue of the tunnel network created by Lord Bunting, this gives him the perfect opportunity to watch the comings and goings of everyone at St Brides. Put this way, if there’s something dodgy going on, Max will be on the case, and he and Gemma make the perfect double act in uncovering the true identity of the pretender to the estate. But will their evidence be enough?
My only criticism of this story is Earl Bunting's constant, irritating habit of getting everyone's name wrong. Calling Miss Lamb everything from Kidd to Lamp (and it wasn't just her name he got wrong) made me dislike him even more. If he did this to rile people, well... he succeeded!!
Rant over, the mystery in this book is much stronger, the story is fast-paced, and combined with great touches of humour - courtesy of she pranks played on the interloper by the students and the cat! - this is a most enjoyable read.
Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my ecopy which I have reviewed of my own volition.
November 21, 2022
A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of reading and reviewing the first book in the 'St. Bride's' series which is called 'Dastardly Deeds At St. Brides'. I did enjoy reading it so when I was offered the chance to read the second book in the series, I knew that I couldn't refuse and that I would be in for a treat. I was right on both counts. The wait is over because the second book in the 'St. Bride's' series is called 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' and it was released on 11th October 2022. It's another cracker of a read and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into this story from the very first word on the very first page. From then on the book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. It didn't take me long to remember who was who. I have to say that i loved the characters are all rather bonkers and really quirky. To say that reading 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' became addictive is a bit of an understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I soon got to the end of 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's and I had to say a temporary farewell to the staff and pupils of St. Bride's. I found 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' to be a gripping cosy mystery which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Debbie Young. Debbie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Debbie's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, this isn't a particularly fast paced mystery but that suits the story that Debbie is trying (and succeeding) to tell. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story with some truly memorable characters. I love the way in which Debbie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. This book made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I thought that 'Dastardly Deeds At St. Bride's' was good but 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' is even better. The 'St. Bride's' series goes from strength to strength.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Debbie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I was drawn into this story from the very first word on the very first page. From then on the book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. It didn't take me long to remember who was who. I have to say that i loved the characters are all rather bonkers and really quirky. To say that reading 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' became addictive is a bit of an understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I soon got to the end of 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's and I had to say a temporary farewell to the staff and pupils of St. Bride's. I found 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' to be a gripping cosy mystery which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Debbie Young. Debbie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Debbie's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. For me, this isn't a particularly fast paced mystery but that suits the story that Debbie is trying (and succeeding) to tell. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story with some truly memorable characters. I love the way in which Debbie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. This book made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I thought that 'Dastardly Deeds At St. Bride's' was good but 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' is even better. The 'St. Bride's' series goes from strength to strength.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Sinister Stranger At St. Bride's' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Debbie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
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