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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series. I don't even know why it took me this long to get to the second book. The first book was an easy, but entertaining read and I quite liked Myrtle and the way she dealt with the world and adults around her. However, today I finished another book earlier than planned and I knew that this book would fit perfectly in between lunch and dinner, which meant I could finish it before bedtime!
I have to admit that this mystery was quite chaotic and I had a little trouble really connecting with all the characters involved. However, a part of the mystery was actually quite easy to figure out when you're a little familiar with cases like this. I already knew a part of how this would end during one of the first chapters. Luckily the author also added in a few surprises and complications and managed to make it more interesting than it seemed.
I also didn't completely connect with the setting. And it's hard to pinpoint why, because I kinda knew what the place must look like a little after being to Blackpool. (Blackpool certainly looked better at the time this book is taking place than it does now) I guess it's because Myrtle herself is so focussed on the mystery and the clues and getting her aunt out of jail that in theory this mystery could have taken place anywhere, apart from a few details.
However, just like the first book this was indeed an easy and quick read. I could read it even faster than I had thought. I also love how the author includes footnotes to explain certain phrases, words and objects that might be unfamiliar for modern readers. It makes Myrtle sound like a kid of her time, while we can still follow the story without having to use the internet to look things up. I do hope though that there is a little more Peony in the next book!
I have to admit that this mystery was quite chaotic and I had a little trouble really connecting with all the characters involved. However, a part of the mystery was actually quite easy to figure out when you're a little familiar with cases like this. I already knew a part of how this would end during one of the first chapters. Luckily the author also added in a few surprises and complications and managed to make it more interesting than it seemed.
I also didn't completely connect with the setting. And it's hard to pinpoint why, because I kinda knew what the place must look like a little after being to Blackpool. (Blackpool certainly looked better at the time this book is taking place than it does now) I guess it's because Myrtle herself is so focussed on the mystery and the clues and getting her aunt out of jail that in theory this mystery could have taken place anywhere, apart from a few details.
However, just like the first book this was indeed an easy and quick read. I could read it even faster than I had thought. I also love how the author includes footnotes to explain certain phrases, words and objects that might be unfamiliar for modern readers. It makes Myrtle sound like a kid of her time, while we can still follow the story without having to use the internet to look things up. I do hope though that there is a little more Peony in the next book!
hidingzeus's review against another edition
4.0
What fun! Multiple mysteries, multiple suspects and a case both on a train and by the sea! I think this series is getting better.
llu343's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kg_wulf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anniejaneb's review against another edition
5.0
Another well written and interesting middle grade book. I knew the motive for the murder in the first chapter but kids probably wouldn’t catch it.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the first book in this series and this second installment is even more fun! Myrtle is as hilarious as ever. The other characters are equally as colorful and entertaining. Although I saw some of the twists coming pretty much from the story's start, there were a couple I didn't, so that was a nice surprise. If you like upbeat, funny historical mysteries starring irrepressible children, you can't go wrong with this series. It's delightful.
As with PREMEDITATED MYRTLE, I listened to HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MYRTLE on audio. Bethan Rose Young does an excellent job bringing Myrtle and her cohorts to life. She gets everything pitch-perfect. I love her as a narrator!
As with PREMEDITATED MYRTLE, I listened to HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MYRTLE on audio. Bethan Rose Young does an excellent job bringing Myrtle and her cohorts to life. She gets everything pitch-perfect. I love her as a narrator!
unchainedreader's review against another edition
5.0
How to Get Away with Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Summary
Myrtle Hardcastle is a vibrant young girl who always seems to be on a quest for answers, and there always seems to be an adult that wants her to act like a proper young lady in her way. When this second installment begins, Myrtle is left in the care of her aunt Helena and her usual companion Miss Judson. Quickly reader’s find themselves immersed in jewel theft, murder, and so much more.
Thoughts
I was able to read the first book in this series through another NetGalley ARC and I fell in love with Myrtle’s tenacious spirit so I was excited to request the second book in the series.
One thing that Bunce does quite well is dialogue. Conversations feel very natural for this time period and for an especially intelligent twelve year old girl. Another thing that Bunce excels at is character development. Many small character parts are necessary for the plot to move forward, but Bunce makes it easy for readers to distinguish one character from the next.
I also have great respect for those who write mysteries. Keeping all of the details straight is not an easy task, and Bunce brings them all together in the end.
Target Audience
This is a great book for young girls who enjoy reading adventure tales, tales about girls who don’t let the fact that they are a girl get in their way of achieving their goals.
Conclusion
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I know plenty of adults that still read children’s chapter books partially because they remind them of their childhood. Even though this is newer fiction, I know that adult readers will fall in love with Myrtle.
Stars: 5
Summary
Myrtle Hardcastle is a vibrant young girl who always seems to be on a quest for answers, and there always seems to be an adult that wants her to act like a proper young lady in her way. When this second installment begins, Myrtle is left in the care of her aunt Helena and her usual companion Miss Judson. Quickly reader’s find themselves immersed in jewel theft, murder, and so much more.
Thoughts
I was able to read the first book in this series through another NetGalley ARC and I fell in love with Myrtle’s tenacious spirit so I was excited to request the second book in the series.
One thing that Bunce does quite well is dialogue. Conversations feel very natural for this time period and for an especially intelligent twelve year old girl. Another thing that Bunce excels at is character development. Many small character parts are necessary for the plot to move forward, but Bunce makes it easy for readers to distinguish one character from the next.
I also have great respect for those who write mysteries. Keeping all of the details straight is not an easy task, and Bunce brings them all together in the end.
Target Audience
This is a great book for young girls who enjoy reading adventure tales, tales about girls who don’t let the fact that they are a girl get in their way of achieving their goals.
Conclusion
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I know plenty of adults that still read children’s chapter books partially because they remind them of their childhood. Even though this is newer fiction, I know that adult readers will fall in love with Myrtle.
Stars: 5