A review by thewordwitch
In Myrtle Peril by Elizabeth C. Bunce
5.0
I'd like to thank Edelweiss for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I have been a long-time fan of the Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries. I wish these books had been around when I was younger because I would have absolutely devoured them.
There are so many things to appreciate. Bunce always comes through with the research that influences her cases, and when I read her little add-on in the back, it feels like a secret treat to know all the historical information behind it. The footnotes that explain the etymology of certain words give you both an insight into Myrtle and educate you. I love it.
The mystery in this book, as it is in her others, is layered. It wasn't something I figured out before Myrtle, which is refreshing. I find that in a lot of thrillers geared towards adults, I've figured things out long before anyone in the book has. A satisfying mystery is a treasure.
Another thing to appreciate is that Myrtle's opinion isn't glossed over by adults, but is taken into consideration. She is just as much a part of the solution as her father and Ms. Judson. (Added bonus in this book are some very comedic moments with her father after his surgery and when Myrtle becomes a bit more of a responsible adult.) There's a certain whimsy to her relationship with her dad, and I love it.
This book is a perfect gem, and I think my favorite part is the promise of another in the series.
I have been a long-time fan of the Myrtle Hardcastle mysteries. I wish these books had been around when I was younger because I would have absolutely devoured them.
There are so many things to appreciate. Bunce always comes through with the research that influences her cases, and when I read her little add-on in the back, it feels like a secret treat to know all the historical information behind it. The footnotes that explain the etymology of certain words give you both an insight into Myrtle and educate you. I love it.
The mystery in this book, as it is in her others, is layered. It wasn't something I figured out before Myrtle, which is refreshing. I find that in a lot of thrillers geared towards adults, I've figured things out long before anyone in the book has. A satisfying mystery is a treasure.
Another thing to appreciate is that Myrtle's opinion isn't glossed over by adults, but is taken into consideration. She is just as much a part of the solution as her father and Ms. Judson. (Added bonus in this book are some very comedic moments with her father after his surgery and when Myrtle becomes a bit more of a responsible adult.) There's a certain whimsy to her relationship with her dad, and I love it.
This book is a perfect gem, and I think my favorite part is the promise of another in the series.