User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Myrtle Hardcastle is 12 going on 21. Her late mother was a medical student and her father is a prosecutor. Myrtle wants to be an investigator -- combining the gifts of both her parents into her future profession. What I loved about this book: 1) Peony, the cat, assistant to Myrtle 2) The excerpts from 'Principles of Detection' by H.M. Hardcastle at the beginning of each chapter. 3) The collaboration between Myrtle and the adults in her life -- especially her governess. It is a wonderful thing when a child is encouraged to pursue their unique gifts and not expected to conform. Myrtle is even able to win over a neighborhood mean girl. The book itself is on the long side for middle grade. I would recommend it for confident readers 11 & up. Finally, hurray for local authors! I did not realize until reading the acknowledgements that Bunce wrote this book just across the state line from me in Johnson County.
Thank you to Alonquin and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: really liked it
I received an advance reader copy of this book via Algonquin Young Readers to read on a book tour in exchange for an honest review.
Premeditated Myrtle is the first book in a new mystery book series for YA that takes you back in time ( historical fiction) and introduces you to an amazing young female want to be detective who's clever sleuthing takes you on a fantastic mystery tour.
Myrtle is an amazing young lady and a strong, likeable character who's a great role model to children too.
This book is very well scripted and has funny moments too.
All the characters are likeable and diverse and this book is truly unique. I loved the small paragraphs explaining words in relation to detective and legal work too.
I'm going on to read book two now and am so excited to find out what Myrtle uncovers next.
Rating: really liked it
Myrtle is the daughter of a Court Prosecutor, and follows her father's cases with alacrity. She loves to read the Police reports and studies toxicology. When her next-door neighbor is murdered, Myrtle is sure she knows how to solve the case, but how is a Proper Young Lady supposed to adhere to the Rules of Etiquette AND have the freedom to run around town solving crimes? Only with the help of her redoubtable governess, Miss Judson.
One of the things that made me fall in love with this book is the incredible character development. I love how the main characters change their minds, discover new information, grow in their personalities and abilities, and suddenly realize that their relationships with other characters can be different.
I was fully invested in the character growth and the story from the very first page. The writing drew me in, and emotionally hooked me into the lives of the characters. I was massively curious about every clue. I couldn't wait to read the next chapter and the next! I wanted to see how all the disparate clues could possibly come together to a rational conclusion. I was so pleased with the complexity of the mystery, and yet it all made sense in the end with everything explained and every loose end wrapped neatly in a bow.
Myrtle herself is a fantastic main heroine. She is energetic and emotional and incredibly intelligent. I absolutely adore her strong relationships with her father and with Miss Judson. They remind me of the Bible verse that says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." These three main characters, Myrtle, her father, and Miss Judson, all have moments of conflict in their relationships when they each want different things and they disagree and argue. But in the end, those conflicts strengthen and invigorate their love for each other as they learn from one another. Utterly brilliant writing!
One of the greatest things in this book is the way that my opinions of the secondary characters changed throughout the story. In the beginning there were two secondary characters, one of which I hated, and the other who I loved. Gradually and slowly through the book, I began to begrudgingly like the character I had previously hated, and I began to suspect and despise the character I had previously loved. It's all done so realistically and gradually as the plot thickens and the characters react to each new clue.
At first I thought, "Oooh, I hate that character! They are just the worst!" In the next scene, I thought, "Well, so they did one good thing, but I still hate them!" Then, "Okay, so maybe they are not ALL bad, but they are still annoying." Then, "Okay, so maybe they are a good character, but I still don't like them all that much." And finally at the end, "Oh, I love this character! Aren't they great? They are just the best ever!"
I have seldom seen such natural and dynamic character changes as the true nature and personalities of the characters are revealed. Brilliant writing!
Another nice feature of this book is the gorgeous cover art, which gives little clues to the contents of the book with lilies, a key, and a cat on the roof. All these things feature strongly in the plot, and I love how the artwork incorporates them.
The designs at the beginning of each chapter are also special, with pretend quotes from a non-existent book, entitled "Principles of Detection" by the fictional H.M. Hardcastle.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars, and I look forward with extreme eagerness for the next books in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Rating: really liked it
3.75 stars
The
perfect mystery series for the young Sherlock Holmes in your life—or for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a modern sense of humor. Myrtle was a HOOT!
Characters: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★ 1/2
Dialogue/Humor: ★★★★
Mystery: ★★★ 1/2
Myrtle Hardcastle has an Unconventional Obsession with crime.
Unlike other Proper Young Ladies during these olden times, Myrtle doesn't like tea time, dresses, or spending time sitting still. She likes to investigate. And what's better to investigate than murders and crimes?
One morning,
Myrtle is observing her neighbor's estate through her telescope and she notices something odd. Something is afoot at Redgraves, and the mistress of the house hasn't gotten up yet. As this highly irregular behavior, Myrtle calls it in to the police.
Turns out,
her wealthy spinster neighbor has been murdered.
Myrtle Hardcastle is on the case. With her sharp-witted governess in tow and her prosecutor father in the background, Myrtle is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery—no matter what is at stake.
What a
clever, funny, and engaging middle grade mystery novel. As someone who enjoys Sherlock Holmes-inspired tales and has a soft spot for plucky historical female characters, this was a win-win for me.
While this series IS meant for a middle grade audience—and it is an excellent novel for that group—I would also highly recommend it to adults who love Deanna Raybourn and other such historical mystery writers as the tone and feel is quite similar.
A fun-filled ride from start to finish! Looking forward to catching more of Myrtle's antics in the sequel, How to Get Away with Myrtle.
Thank you to Algonquin for my copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.Blog | Instagram
Rating: really liked it
I was excited to read these books because I grew up reading Nancy Drew. I was hoping that I could find a series featuring a strong female character that my daughter could be inspired by. Like Nancy Drew, Myrtle Hardcastle is quite the detective. But Myrtle has more obstacles to overcome. Her mother is deceased having succumbed to a disease. As the local prosecutor, her father’s job demands much of his time. Living in the late 19th century England she is expected to be a charming little lady honing her domestic skills. Because she is younger any pleas that she may have to discuss a case are often thwarted.
As I read the series I couldn’t help but be reminded of Harper Lee’s Scout. Both of these characters defied convention. Both have special relationships with their fathers where they know and love their daughter’s differences, even if at times their natures get them into trouble.
The Myrtle Hardcastle series is cleverly formatted. Myrtle is not just the narrator, but the writer of the story often taking time to address her dear readers personally. Throughout both books Bunce treats us to footnotes that serve as cute anecdotes and tidbits of trivia. Many of the chapters in this series also begin with blurbs from Myrtle’s books that sets the stage for that chapter. I feel that this format will make the Myrtle Hardcastle series more appealing to its target audience – middle grade readers. But I do feel that this cozy mystery series has something for adults too. Besides good characterization and an engaging style of writing each novel deals with issues of feminism and racial representation. The mysteries in and of themselves are craftily devised and have enough meat to sustain an adult’s attention.
Rating: really liked it
Really enjoyed this. I was going to give it a slightly lower rating but then I realised that I was comparing it to Flavia de Luce and that wasn’t fair. I enjoyed this for itself.
Rating: really liked it
A clever middle grade detective story filled with witty dialogue, fun character interactions, and a main character named Myrtle. Adults might describe her as "precocious, curious, and irrepressible" - all words she does not believe are a compliment. Instead, she sees herself as an up and coming detective/investigator.
Our story starts one morning with a police wagon showing up at the neighbors house. Twelve-year-old Myrtle had been spying on her neighbor with her telescope and noticed that it had been a bit too quiet at the house. Routines that were always precisely followed weren't occurring that day. So much to the chagrin of her governess, Miss Judson, Myrtle calls for the police before even checking on her neighbor herself or bringing to an adults attention. It turns out, however, that Myrtle was right - her neighbor had been murdered!
No better words describe this than cute, clever, and engaging. Set in 1893 where children (especially girls) should be seen and not heard, Myrtle is not one to be ignored. She's a heroine that kids of all ages can appreciate and the story comes with a cast of characters that play off of her personality well, including a cat named Peony. The story is filled with detective work, but also light-hearted moments. One of favorites was toward the beginning when Myrtle shouts in a court room "it was murder!" Of course, the court room she was in was not pertaining to her neighbors trial in the slightest, but made for a very good end of one chapter and beginning of another as she had to quickly explain her unexpected outburst.
Overall, a fun new detective series for middle grade kids (and maybe some adults too).
Thanks to Netgalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Rating: really liked it
I finished the last half of this book in one sitting yesterday. It was so good! This is my perfect MG detective mystery!! It had all the amazing things I always think of/want. It’s also set in 1893-awesome! I love historical fiction. The dialogue b/n characters, & just Mryrtles dialogue on her own-amazing! So perfect, & I just smiled the whole book! (Well not about the murder lol). I loved Miss Judson! She was so kick butt & awesome! She was the perfect person for Myrtle. Our cast of characters & list of suspects were all so amazing! I loved that cat too-Peony! On several pages throughout the book, you will see a * at the end of certain words, & at the bottom of the page you will find a delightful description from Myrtle lol She also addresses us, the reader, many times as well-loved it! She was such an amazing little detective. Fighting so hard to be heard/seen, not only b/c she was young, but b/c she was female. Loved this so much. I’m currently reading & loving the 2nd one. I really hope there will be SEVERAL more still to come as well. HIGHLY recommend!!💜💜
Synopsis of 1st book: Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and Observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England.
When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor.
Rating: really liked it
I received a galley of this book through NetGalley.
Premeditated Myrtle is a middle grade mystery that abounds with wit, mayhem, and murder, the kind of book I would have loved as a kid and still adore at age 40.
Myrtle is the 12-year-old daughter of a British prosecutor who doesn't quite know what to do with a girl inclined toward morbid interests. Her medically-trained mother is dead. Her dearest friend and comrade is her governess Miss Judson. Myrtle is a but of a snoop, a girl who can hardly contain her glee when the mean girls try to pull a cruel prank by locking her in the town morgue.
I LOVE Myrtle. She is flawed and real, smart and sweet. She's the perfect lead for a mystery series like this.
The central plot is around the murder of her next-door-neighbor, an elderly woman obsessed with flowers. There are conniving heirs, not-so-helpful police, a false confession to murder, a cat who knows everything but can only meow--really, this is a not-short MG book packed with twists and turns. It's the perfect cozy read for MG readers and parents AND grandparents alike. For a comparative book (set in the same Victorian time frame in a small British town), look up the delightful
The Body Under the Piano Aggie Morton mystery by Marthe Jocelyn.
Rating: really liked it
This book reminded me of the Flavia de Luce series, only funnier and faster paced. I loved the humor in this. The whole crew was just great. I will definitely continue this series.
Rating: really liked it
Ah. Myrtle Hardcastle. A young British girl with a nose for solving murder mysteries, it would seem.
Everything about Myrtle's life is all proper and quite British. But her brain is simply teeming with adventure and crime-solving. While she does everything that a Lady-in-training is supposed to do, and does elegantly well for her dear father's sake, she also does plenty that a Lady shouldn't be caught dead doing. Like spying on the neighbors via telescope.
Miss Judson, Myrtle's governess, is a novelty! She makes me wish that adults could have a governess. While she expertly guides Myrtle on rights from wrongs, like her job requires, she also plainly loves participating in Myrtle's investigations, like her job does NOT require. What a pair these two are, in cahoots with each other!
"'Now. Tell me about your Harrowing Adventure.' She [Miss Judson] made it sound that way, capitalized, like a story in a penny dreadful."
There are no girls her own age that Myrtle can truly call a friend. The girls in her neighborhood are too fashionable, too consumed with their own selves to think twice about any intriguing topic that Myrtle is interested in, like the sciences, and Observing the world... and murder mysteries.
She may be just 12 years old in 1893, but Myrtle Hardcastle uses every modern convenience at her fingertips to piece together the clues of the puzzle. Her telescope is her inanimate best friend, with her microscope at a close second. Myrtle is a fellow fan of Mr. Sherlock Holmes (like me), and she follows his methods of deductive reasoning whenever she can. Just another reason why I love Myrtle.
There are many endearing and memorable characters among Myrtle's family, friends, and... enemies too. A surprise favorite of mine is Mr. Blakeney, a young solicitor-in-training, who meets Myrtle in her investigation and attempts to guide her along. He even has a pet name for her -- Stephen. As crazy as that seems, it's just a part of their semi-comedic friendship together.
Overall, this series opener is an intricately and masterfully-woven plot! It kept me guessing at every turn.
For fans of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and Flavia de Luce. Ages 9 to Adult (it has such an amazing and interesting plot, anyone could enjoy it.)
Rating: really liked it
This was so much fun to read! The mystery has twists and turns and Myrtle is so smart and funny. She's already on her way to being a great detective, but she's still young and sometimes blurts out things she shouldn't and can be a bit dramatic. Myrtle is relatable and her relationship with her governess and mentor is perfectly written. It seems that in middle grade mysteries, the adults usually dismiss the kids, but Miss Judson is Myrtle's partner in crime and encourages her to hone her skills.
The mystery was crazy and I kept thinking I knew what happened and then suddenly the plot would take a turn. It kept me engaged and thinking and was well paced. I definitely hope Miss Judson and Myrtle's dad end up together, she would be a great step mother. I also look forward to seeing Myrtle grow and solve more cases!
I highly recommend this if you're looking for an entertaining mystery that will keep you guessing. The audiobook has a great narrator that helps pull you into the story and get into Myrtle's head.
I received an audiobook copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Rating: really liked it
This was such a pleasant surprise read. I wasn't expecting the tone and wit from that book cover. I am always looking for middle grades that have kid sleuths and this did not disappoint. I will definitely be reading the sequel and this has motivated me more to get to reading the Enola Holmes series.
Rating: really liked it
Couldn't put this down! Elements of A Series of Unfortunate Events plus smart characters and a cool female(s) heroine made this a great read.
Rating: really liked it
Premeditated Myrtle is the first book in a new mystery book series for Middle Grades that takes you back to the Victorian Time. There have been several series for younger readers lately introducing young sleuths and this is one that I hope continues as Myrtle Hardcastle is a great character. Her father is a Court Prosecutor, and she follows her father's cases closely. Her mother had been trained as a doctor, but is deceased. She loves to read Police reports, and studies toxicology as well as crime scene analysis. She is very observant and notices even small things as well as having a wonderful power of deduction. Her problem is that she is a "Proper Lady". How is she supposed to adhere to the Rules of Etiquette and have the freedom to run around town solving crimes? Luckily for her, she has the help of her governess, Miss Judson. She is also fortunate that so many people seem to trust and believe in her skills.
The mystery is centered around the murder of her next-door-neighbor, an elderly woman obsessed with flowers. It is deemed a heart attack, but Myrtle knows there is more to the death of this seemingly healthy woman. There are a few suspects, some red herrings, not-so-helpful police, and a false confession. I have to say I loved the neighbour's cat, who knew everything, but only communicates with Myrtle via meows. The character development in this book was wonderful. I feel that I am getting to know these characters well. The final reveal and showdown was exceptional and had me on the edge of my seat. Overall, a well-developed mystery, with great characters and plot. This is geared to MG readers but I enjoyed it as an adult and recommend this as a great shared read between parents/grandparents and their children.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Bethan Rose Young. She does a wonderful job with the voices and expression. Her accents were right on and her younger voice was perfect for Myrtle. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
