Death in the Spotlight - Robin Stevens

Death in the Spotlight - Robin Stevens.

We've been eagerly waiting for the next instalment of Daisy and Hazel's thrilling adventures since their foray into the Natural History Museum in July so I think it's fair to say that we were thrilled to get our hands on an early copy of the book (in fact O's jaw hit the floor and he did a happy dance around the room whilst clutching it in his hands!).   Normally, we take it turns to read books, but not this time ... it immediately became a two bookmark book as we read it simultaneously ... O reading it before and after school whilst I read it during ERIC time in the classroom (and yes, it did cause a stir that involved shrieking the first time it was seen!) and after O had reluctantly relinquished it when he went to bed! 

So ... the plot...

Following their adventures in Hong Kong, Daisy and Hazel have been sent to stay with Daisy’s Uncle Felix and his new wife, Lucy, in London where it is thought they will be kept away from trouble and gruesome murders!! When Aunt Lucy is called in to work, she decides that sending the girls to be bit parts in a production of Romeo and Juliet at the Rue Theatre will keep them safe; however, upon their arrival, they quickly discover that the cast are all squabbling with each other and then, of course, somebody is murdered!  Whilst they are pleased to see their old friend, Inspector Priestly, turn up to  investigate the case, they quickly decide that it is up to them to discover who committed the dastardly deed!

O's opinion

This book is absolutely, without a doubt, the best book in the world right now! I love how Robin writes these investigations because we never know who committed the crime until the very end. I also love how it’s not just Daisy who leads the duo: at some points Hazel was also leading the investigation, and I have to say that I think the twist at the end is her best yet!

Hazel is my favourite character in the whole series because she is very courageous and brave: to begin with, she didn’t like seeing dead bodies, she has now seen 8 and is still creeped out but doesn’t shriek any more. I also think she has developed in confidence as well with the trip to Hong Kong and coming back to the theatre. 

This book is amazing, dramatic and suspenseful all in one. I loved it and it deserves a standing ovation!

K's opinion

Whenever I begin a Robin Stevens book, I aim to figure out who the culprit is before it is revealed in the book and I've never succeeded! Going in to Death in the Spotlight, I was more resolute than ever ... and failed again in most spectacular fashion!!  I take my hat off to you for this one, Robin, the end definitely made me gasp in surprise!!!

The girls are growing up and the change in them is lovely to see. Whilst still reflecting the times Daisy and Hazel live in, Robin has managed to allow the them to develop as people and also weave in issues that are relevant today in a way that will resonate with those who need it in a very gentle but poignant tone.  I was thrilled to see Hazel continuing to grow in confidence, finding that she can stand-up to Daisy and over-come her fears. It was also good to see Daisy discovering more about herself as well (I'm trying to explain my thoughts without giving anything away!)

It will come as no surprise that there is a huge buzz of excitement about this book in school and for very good reasons. These books are full of adventure and excitement whilst leaving you guessing until the very end. As O said, Death in the Spotlight gets a standing ovation from us with a huge cry of “Encore!”. We can't wait for the next one!

Robin reading an extract from Death in the Spotlight at Broughton Hall Children's Literature Festival this weekend.  O and I were lucky enough to spend the weekend there and loved every minute of it.