This is the second book in the Wells and Wong Mystery series. It is the Easter holidays in 1935 and Daisy Wells is celebrating her 14th birthday hosted by her mother at their country estate Fallingford. Her family and friends have assembled for the party but not all is as it seems. When one of the party guests suddenly falls ill Daisy and her friend Hazel set about to unravel the mystery.
Daisy and Hazel Wong have set up their own private detective society. The book is actually the detective societies casebook containing lists of suspects and alibis written up by Hazel. The book is told from Hazel's point of view. Daisy and Hazel are best friends although they are different in many ways. Hazel is cautious and is always wary of what she is about to get into. By contrast Daisy thinks on her feet and is more compulsive. She is skinny and tall where Hazel is shorter and more rotund.
The book has many intriguing characters including Daisy's Uncle the suave and charming Felix, Aunt Saskia who is something of a kleptomaniac, antique specialist and conman Mr Curtis and Mrs Alston a governess of whom they have their suspicions, but who committed the crime? Then bad weather forces them all to stay at Fallingford for the whole weekend. As the plot thickens the murderer is at large. The mood in the house is tense, secrets and danger lurk everywhere.
This second book did not disappoint. I found it hard to put down. It is both very interesting and entertaining. It kept me on my toes. I really enjoyed the between the wars setting which gave a charming, period feel to the writing. It has a glossary at the back explaining some period words, which is not only unusual but also helpful and adds to the readers understanding whilst enhancing the setting of the book. I was kept guessing because of the unexpected twists and turns in the plot. When the inept police haven't worked out the case, the girls reveal their evidence, will they solve it? Read and find out.
I would recommend this book for children 10+. I think girls in particular will enjoy it but there is plenty to keep boys interested too. I give it five stars out of five. I can't wait for the next book in the series which is out in the summer…
x• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!
