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mehsi's review
5.0
“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”
Hazel and Daisy are spending some time at Uncle Felix (and Aunt Lucy) after a very exciting few weeks (Hong Kong), and that is how they eventually stumble in the Rue Theatre, in the production of Romeo and Juliet, and from there of course murder just seems to follow them. These girls just can't escape mystery and murder, even if Hazel can do without the dead bodies. :P
We had tons and tons of theatre in this one. Daisy and Hazel both have roles. Though Hazel's is only tiny, but that mostly has to do with the fact that Hazel just doesn't like standing in the spotlight. Which is exactly like me. It was a delight to see the girls practice their roles, meet the cast, see all the ways the theatre worked, and of course then there are the threats, the murder, and more. Book got more and more exciting as the pages flipped by.
Daisy's crush on Martita was just the most adorable ever. I wonder if Martita noticed (I am kind of hoping she did).
But this book also was much more important as it featured a coming out of one of our two main characters. Namely Daisy! I was just so delighted to see it happen, I had my suspicions already and was wondering what the author would do with it. Sometimes authors just let these things simmer and nothing happens, but in this one Daisy finally works up the guts to step out of the closet and tell her best friend why she is so eager about Martita. Of course, Hazel and her amazing detective skills (and friend skills) already had a suspicion about it. I loved how they had a chat about it, and how they both became even closer friends now this is all out in the open.
I do say again that Daisy's attitude is at times quite too much for me. She is still acting like she is better than Hazel, and if Hazel tries to do something else she gets all grumpy about it. Yes, I do see some improvement on the field. She is grudgingly complimenting Hazel, and it seems she is quite proud of her best friend. But there is still tons of room for it. And it would also be nice if Daisy wouldn't be so eh about Hazel liking boys, or specifically Alexander. You expect her to respect you, but yeah, respect works both ways. Please understand that for once. But I do feel that both girls grew quite a lot with all that happened in this book so I have good hopes for the next books.
Whodunnit? I had tons of suspects, and as the book continued the list dwindled down, but again the author wrote the murderer and the reasons why so well that ending took me by surprise yet again! I just adore it about this series, you are really involved with the girls, you want to solve the mystery, but there are always tiny little bits that don't click together until the end. It is totally different from so many other mystery books that I read. I often find out the whodunnit way before the ending, and while that is also fun at times, this is tons and tons more fun.
I had such a big laugh when Daisy got sick. Not because I found it funny she was sick, but how she acted throughout it and how she at first all like that she wouldn't get sick, and then she just dropped on the floor with high fevers.
I loved that we see Alexander and George again. And that they had the chance to help out the girls with the case.
I wasn't a fan of Lysander. Especially not as the story progressed. He was just a creepy, creepy man with a too big ego and a tendency to go violent.
Yay for Inspector Priestley popping up again, I still love how he treats the girls, how he (mostly) lets them do their detecting and figuring out clues.
Our girls are also learning that growing up isn't always the most fun thing. For instance while in previous books they could still get away with things, they are now growing up. Which means a whole slew of things. For instance they can't act like children, they are now often seen as young ladies. Hiding? Isn't getting easier, especially not for Hazel. I am glad that both are learning other skills. Hazel is learning codes and Daisy is trying out disguises (Hazel's reactions to them had me laughing).
I hope the next book takes place at Deepdean again, I love that these past books took place elsewhere, but I miss Deepdean, I miss seeing the other girls. Plus I am just a big fan of boarding school stories (especially when combined with mystery and murder).
All in all, a fabulous, exciting book with theatre, friendship, a coming out, and more. I can't wait for the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Hazel and Daisy are spending some time at Uncle Felix (and Aunt Lucy) after a very exciting few weeks (Hong Kong), and that is how they eventually stumble in the Rue Theatre, in the production of Romeo and Juliet, and from there of course murder just seems to follow them. These girls just can't escape mystery and murder, even if Hazel can do without the dead bodies. :P
We had tons and tons of theatre in this one. Daisy and Hazel both have roles. Though Hazel's is only tiny, but that mostly has to do with the fact that Hazel just doesn't like standing in the spotlight. Which is exactly like me. It was a delight to see the girls practice their roles, meet the cast, see all the ways the theatre worked, and of course then there are the threats, the murder, and more. Book got more and more exciting as the pages flipped by.
Daisy's crush on Martita was just the most adorable ever. I wonder if Martita noticed (I am kind of hoping she did).
But this book also was much more important as it featured a coming out of one of our two main characters. Namely Daisy! I was just so delighted to see it happen, I had my suspicions already and was wondering what the author would do with it. Sometimes authors just let these things simmer and nothing happens, but in this one Daisy finally works up the guts to step out of the closet and tell her best friend why she is so eager about Martita. Of course, Hazel and her amazing detective skills (and friend skills) already had a suspicion about it. I loved how they had a chat about it, and how they both became even closer friends now this is all out in the open.
I do say again that Daisy's attitude is at times quite too much for me. She is still acting like she is better than Hazel, and if Hazel tries to do something else she gets all grumpy about it. Yes, I do see some improvement on the field. She is grudgingly complimenting Hazel, and it seems she is quite proud of her best friend. But there is still tons of room for it. And it would also be nice if Daisy wouldn't be so eh about Hazel liking boys, or specifically Alexander. You expect her to respect you, but yeah, respect works both ways. Please understand that for once. But I do feel that both girls grew quite a lot with all that happened in this book so I have good hopes for the next books.
Whodunnit? I had tons of suspects, and as the book continued the list dwindled down, but again the author wrote the murderer and the reasons why so well that ending took me by surprise yet again! I just adore it about this series, you are really involved with the girls, you want to solve the mystery, but there are always tiny little bits that don't click together until the end. It is totally different from so many other mystery books that I read. I often find out the whodunnit way before the ending, and while that is also fun at times, this is tons and tons more fun.
I had such a big laugh when Daisy got sick. Not because I found it funny she was sick, but how she acted throughout it and how she at first all like that she wouldn't get sick, and then she just dropped on the floor with high fevers.
I loved that we see Alexander and George again. And that they had the chance to help out the girls with the case.
I wasn't a fan of Lysander. Especially not as the story progressed. He was just a creepy, creepy man with a too big ego and a tendency to go violent.
Yay for Inspector Priestley popping up again, I still love how he treats the girls, how he (mostly) lets them do their detecting and figuring out clues.
Our girls are also learning that growing up isn't always the most fun thing. For instance while in previous books they could still get away with things, they are now growing up. Which means a whole slew of things. For instance they can't act like children, they are now often seen as young ladies. Hiding? Isn't getting easier, especially not for Hazel. I am glad that both are learning other skills. Hazel is learning codes and Daisy is trying out disguises (Hazel's reactions to them had me laughing).
I hope the next book takes place at Deepdean again, I love that these past books took place elsewhere, but I miss Deepdean, I miss seeing the other girls. Plus I am just a big fan of boarding school stories (especially when combined with mystery and murder).
All in all, a fabulous, exciting book with theatre, friendship, a coming out, and more. I can't wait for the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
bergenslabben's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
3.25
celestialwillow's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
josworld96's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
3.0
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
I actually wanted to start this newest adventure of Hazel and Daisy yesterday already, but I decided that this would be an amazing read for a lazy Sunday afternoon after a long day and a short night. The last book in this series took us to Hong Kong and both characters grew and learn quite a lot over there. I was therefore curious to see how much of those changes would still be present in this book, back in London, England.
I was happy to see that especially Hazel, who've crawled a little out of her shell in her home country, clearly brought her character growth with her. She was still basking in the shadow of Daisy, but at times she showed that she was bolder and willing to take risks she previously wouldn't have taken. And the author did a brilliant job making it possible for Hazel to also step into the light in this book by having Daisy falling prey to the flu.
Stevens also did an amazing job describing the atmosphere behind the scenes in the theatre. I've done some backstage tours in old theaters and she really managed to capture the kind of labyrinth those buildings are and the many hidden nooks. On top of that she also incorporated the rivalry on stage, but also the pressure on actors and actresses and the discrimination people of color face in the theatre when, especially the more traditional, roles are cast.
I think that's in general one of the strengths of this series. The cases are gripping, but the author doesn't shy away from including the ugly parts of history, especially at this time with the second world war being just around the corner. Just like I still feel like Hazel and Daisy are growing and learning during every case and luckily they also grow into way better friends. Daisy still has a few steps to make concerning their friendship, but I don't doubt she'll get there!
I was happy to see that especially Hazel, who've crawled a little out of her shell in her home country, clearly brought her character growth with her. She was still basking in the shadow of Daisy, but at times she showed that she was bolder and willing to take risks she previously wouldn't have taken. And the author did a brilliant job making it possible for Hazel to also step into the light in this book by having Daisy falling prey to the flu.
Stevens also did an amazing job describing the atmosphere behind the scenes in the theatre. I've done some backstage tours in old theaters and she really managed to capture the kind of labyrinth those buildings are and the many hidden nooks. On top of that she also incorporated the rivalry on stage, but also the pressure on actors and actresses and the discrimination people of color face in the theatre when, especially the more traditional, roles are cast.
I think that's in general one of the strengths of this series. The cases are gripping, but the author doesn't shy away from including the ugly parts of history, especially at this time with the second world war being just around the corner. Just like I still feel like Hazel and Daisy are growing and learning during every case and luckily they also grow into way better friends. Daisy still has a few steps to make concerning their friendship, but I don't doubt she'll get there!
pinliepink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
magsisreadingagain's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
aeshypen's review
5.0
Definitely my favourite out of the series. Everything from the queer representation (especially Daisy being a lesbian), Daisy treating Hazel as more of an equal, the unexpected twist at the end, everything to me was perfect. I had NO idea who the murderer was the entire time and I was so shocked. This is a book I could read over and over and never get bored off.
hannah_likestoread's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0