Description
A Murder Most Unladylike (also published as Murder Is Bad Manners in the U.S.) is the smart, stylish, and utterly charming debut novel in Robin Stevens’s award-winning mystery series, set in the 1930s and starring two unforgettable schoolgirl detectives. Brimming with wit, suspense, and vintage flair, this book kicks off a classic whodunit series perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and clever heroines who never back down from a puzzle.
The story unfolds at Deepdean School for Girls, a prim English boarding school where everything seems proper—until it’s not. When 13-year-old Hazel Wong, the quiet and observant narrator, stumbles upon the body of a teacher in the gym, she races to get help. But when she returns, the body has vanished. Nobody believes her—except her best friend and co-detective, the bold and brilliant Daisy Wells.
Together, Daisy and Hazel are the founding members of the Detective Society, and this is their first real case. As they investigate the crime in secret, they uncover secrets, motives, and lies beneath the school’s respectable surface. Everyone’s a suspect, from strict headmistresses to suspicious prefects. But the deeper they dig, the more dangerous things become—and the girls soon realize the killer may be closer than they think.
Robin Stevens blends classic murder mystery tropes with fresh, modern sensibilities. Hazel and Daisy are a dynamic, endearing duo: Hazel brings thoughtful observation and heart, while Daisy provides daring and charisma. The 1930s boarding school setting is richly drawn, with just the right blend of nostalgia and suspense.
Beyond the mystery, the story also explores friendship, identity, class, and courage, all while maintaining a sharp sense of humor and pitch-perfect tone for middle-grade readers (ages 10+). It’s clever, engaging, and sneakily empowering.
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