It's December 1941 and May is still determined to leave Deepdean School, so she is thrilled when a bomb drops on the school, destroying the gym (which was empty at the time). As a result, May and Nuala are sent to stay with Hazel in Bletchley where (along with Eric who is already there) they are given jobs as junior messengers; however, this is a front so the trio can investigate the death of one of the codebreakers. At first glance it appears to have been Daisy's brother, Bertie, who shot him and it's up to May, Nuala and Eric to find the evidence to prove his innocence - they also need to discover who the real killer was and who the spy at the park is.
Ok, I'm going to have to admit that this is one of those reviews that I've found tricky to write! Not because the book isn't brilliant - because it completely and utterly is - but because I'm struggling to put together how great I found it! What I really want to say is, 'OMG, that was amazing! Go out and pre-order it immediately and then let me know as soon as you've read it so we can discuss the plot in detail!' but I know I need to say more than that so I've given it my best shot - excuse my ramblings!
A Stocking Full of Spies arrived for me on Wednesday (huge thanks to the lovely people at Penguin for this, especially Daisy) which meant all plans were dropped and I spent the day in the garden reading (a terrible hardship, I know!). Robin's books are hugely popular in school, and have been since they were first published (in fact, she was treated with rockstar status when she visited us way back in 2016!). The beauty of her books is the timeless quality of them, the joy of the mystery, the puzzle of trying to work out who the culprit is - it's no wonder she's won so many awards for her work. There's something completely thrilling about the start of one of these books; whilst Robin doesn't shy away from the horrors of the war, there is a joy in the innocence of the time (does that make sense? After all, the main characters are investigating murders and dealing with dangerous criminals!). What I mean is, the time period means there are no mobile phones, no social media - it feels more wholesome.
Robin once again has woven her magic to create an intricate plot with twists, a host of believable suspects, and characters who are wonderfully individual (more about that later). I didn't guess the culprits and, at the end of the book, I sat in awe of how Robin must plot things out - I'd love to have a conversation about her methods (I have visions of the wall full of pictures, notes and string linking everything together).
The book is set in Bletchley, which is a place that has fascinated me since I visited it. And although the book doesn't focus on the code-breaking, it does give you an insight into what life must have been like for those who lived and worked there.
I also want to mention the individuality of the characters: we already know that Nuala, Eric and May are very different to each other and that's what makes things work between them (when they aren't arguing!). I feel that we see more of May's character coming to the fore this time and I think there are many readers who will see parts of themselves in her (something that I think is really important in MG literature). I also like the individuality of the other characters and the importance of them being able to be themselves at Bletchley. Robin's author's note at the end explains things far more eloquently than I could so please read it, but it made my heart sing to see this celebrated (as somebody who grew up feeling a bit different to others, I love this, Robin, thank-you).
A Stocking Full of Spies is a thrilling mix of murder, spies, Christmas and mystery; with Hazel and Daisy's return a wonderful added bonus! It's guaranteed to grip and to keep you guessing until the end!
I could easily gush about A Stocking Full of Spies and the entire series forever and a day, and I'm hugely grateful to Robin for creating books that I return to again and again (they are my comfort reads and Chelsea buns have become a favourite!).
Before I start sounding like a complete loon, I will simply say that A Stocking Full of Spies publishes on the 11th September. I already have my copy pre-ordered but I suggest you get one ordered too! It's a gripping mystery perfect for curling up with as the nights become colder or as a stocking-filler this Christmas.
Detective Society Forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment