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Gemma Lamb #1
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's
When Gemma Lamb takes a job at a quirky English girls’ boarding school, she believes she’s found the perfect escape route from her controlling boyfriend – until she discovers the rest of the staff are hiding sinister secrets:
- Hairnet, the eccentric headmistress who doesn't hold with academic qualifications
- Oriana Bliss, Head of Maths and master of disguise
- Joscelyn Spryke, the suspiciously rugged Head of PE
- Geography teacher Mavis Brook, surreptitiously selling off the library books
- creepy night watchman Max Security, with his network of hidden tunnels
Even McPhee, the school cat, is leading a double life.
Tucked away in the school’s beautiful private estate in the Cotswolds, can Gemma stay safe and build a new independent future, or will past secrets catch up with her and the rest of the staff?
With a little help from her new friends, including some wise pupils, she's going to give it her best shot...
Previously published by Debbie Young as Secrets at St Bride's.
- Hairnet, the eccentric headmistress who doesn't hold with academic qualifications
- Oriana Bliss, Head of Maths and master of disguise
- Joscelyn Spryke, the suspiciously rugged Head of PE
- Geography teacher Mavis Brook, surreptitiously selling off the library books
- creepy night watchman Max Security, with his network of hidden tunnels
Even McPhee, the school cat, is leading a double life.
Tucked away in the school’s beautiful private estate in the Cotswolds, can Gemma stay safe and build a new independent future, or will past secrets catch up with her and the rest of the staff?
With a little help from her new friends, including some wise pupils, she's going to give it her best shot...
Previously published by Debbie Young as Secrets at St Bride's.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2019
About the author
Debbie Young
37 books222 followersI write warm, witty fiction, mostly set in the beautiful English Cotswolds, where I have lived for over 30 years.
My two series of novels, the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries, set in a Cotswold village and starting with "Best Murder in Show", and the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mysteries, set at the English girls' boarding school St Bride's and starting with "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's", are published by Boldwood Books.
German language editions of the Sophie Sayers novels are published by DP Verlag.
Two of my novels have been shortlisted for the prestigious Bookbrunch Selfies Award, given for the best independently-published adult fiction in the UK.
I also write shorter fiction, such as the novella "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", a second-chance romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, and the Tales from Wendlebury Barrow series of novelettes set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers novels, including "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs".
You can download a free ebook copy of the first Tale from Wendlebury Barrow, "The Pride of Peacocks", when you join of my Readers' Club mailing list via my author website. This book is not available anywhere else.
My short stories are published in themed collections: "Quick Change - Tiny Tales of Transformation", "Stocking Fillers - 12 Short Stories for Christmas", and "Marry in Haste - 15 Short Stories of Dating, Love and Marriage".
I enjoy giving talks and performing my fiction at literature festivals and writing events around the country. I'm am also founder and director of the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival, which takes place in my home village.
I am a frequent judge of writing competitions, including the Stroud Short Stories spoken word event, and was a regular panel member of BBC Radio Gloucestershire's monthly Book Club show until Covid restrictions put an end to studio guests.
I am UK Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLI), for the children's reading charity, Read for Good, and for the JDRF (Type 1 diabetes research charity). I have a special interest in Type 1 diabetes, which affects my family. I also advocate for Read With Me, a Gloucestershire charity aiming to ensure all children in the county leave primary school able to read fluently.
I live with my Scottish husband and teenage daughter in a Victorian cottage in the Cotswolds, with a traditional country garden, and I write in a peaceful hut at the bottom of my traditional country garden. I like to think of it as my Little House in the Big Woods.
My two series of novels, the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries, set in a Cotswold village and starting with "Best Murder in Show", and the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mysteries, set at the English girls' boarding school St Bride's and starting with "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's", are published by Boldwood Books.
German language editions of the Sophie Sayers novels are published by DP Verlag.
Two of my novels have been shortlisted for the prestigious Bookbrunch Selfies Award, given for the best independently-published adult fiction in the UK.
I also write shorter fiction, such as the novella "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", a second-chance romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, and the Tales from Wendlebury Barrow series of novelettes set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers novels, including "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs".
You can download a free ebook copy of the first Tale from Wendlebury Barrow, "The Pride of Peacocks", when you join of my Readers' Club mailing list via my author website. This book is not available anywhere else.
My short stories are published in themed collections: "Quick Change - Tiny Tales of Transformation", "Stocking Fillers - 12 Short Stories for Christmas", and "Marry in Haste - 15 Short Stories of Dating, Love and Marriage".
I enjoy giving talks and performing my fiction at literature festivals and writing events around the country. I'm am also founder and director of the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival, which takes place in my home village.
I am a frequent judge of writing competitions, including the Stroud Short Stories spoken word event, and was a regular panel member of BBC Radio Gloucestershire's monthly Book Club show until Covid restrictions put an end to studio guests.
I am UK Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLI), for the children's reading charity, Read for Good, and for the JDRF (Type 1 diabetes research charity). I have a special interest in Type 1 diabetes, which affects my family. I also advocate for Read With Me, a Gloucestershire charity aiming to ensure all children in the county leave primary school able to read fluently.
I live with my Scottish husband and teenage daughter in a Victorian cottage in the Cotswolds, with a traditional country garden, and I write in a peaceful hut at the bottom of my traditional country garden. I like to think of it as my Little House in the Big Woods.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 8, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Love the cover of this one!
This was a quick and entertaining read. I think it is a bit of a stretch to call it a "mystery" as there really isn't one. 🤷🏻♀️ That said, the book was still a fun read with a great setting and a cast of quirky characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This was a quick and entertaining read. I think it is a bit of a stretch to call it a "mystery" as there really isn't one. 🤷🏻♀️ That said, the book was still a fun read with a great setting and a cast of quirky characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
July 17, 2020
I found this story to be a thoroughly fun and relaxing read and it was both fascinating and unusual to experience it portrayed and delivered in what can only be described as being just so 'frightfully' typically English. Set in a quirky, modern day, boarding School for Girls, somewhere in the Cotswolds green and pleasant pastures, this enjoyable gentle mystery adventure introduces us to Miss Gemma Lamb and several other extremely interesting characters along the way, whilst also slowly unveiling many of the secrets held by the staff as well as the school itself. After the story has unfolded, the end, although a little unbelievable, treats us to a satisfying finale, whilst also giving the reader a cleverly disguised twist or two kept secret until the very final moments. Therefore, if you fancy an amusing little romp into the English countryside, that maybe completely different from your usual read, unless you are still/were a big fan of 'Malory Towers', that is, then look no further - this should fit the bill, just perfectly. So sit down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere which is simply achieved by treating yourself to this charming little tale that delivers a wonderful 'feel - good' factor and a sense of pure unadulterated English escapism. For adults that have thankfully not quite left their childhood roots behind. Rating: 3.7 stars.
September 14, 2022
As a child, my favourite books to read were school stories and I must have re-read Malory Towers and The Twins at St Clares multiple times. So spotting this series from Debbie Young, instantly appealed to me, and I'm delighted to say this first book Dastardly Deeds at St. Brides lived up to my expectations.
... Well with one tiny caveat, it's being described as a cozy mystery by the publisher, and I am certainly not denying it's cozy, its a very warm and cozy story (give or take the heating in the school), but it didn't feel like any cozy mystery that I have ever read.
It starts with a startling prologue that does it's job and pulls me into the book instantly, but then takes a long time for us to get anywhere near that within the story. But honestly I was having such a great time reading about everything at St. Brides, and its staff of quirky characters, all of which do seem to be hiding secrets, that although the genre baffled me, it certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
I'm literally only mentioning it, so that if you are expecting a big crime early in the story and some bumbling detectives as is often the case when you think cozy mystery, then you will be surprised by what you actually get.
For this is fabulous, it was incredibly easy to read, in fact I think I read it at the same pace I used to read school stories as a child - even though the focus is on the teachers, more than the girls at this school. But even then I enjoyed the glimpses we got of some of the pupils.
St Brides is a boarding school, full of rich children and staff that are using it as a way to reset their own lives, and they all have very distinctive personalities.
Gemma Lamb is a new English teacher at the school, and I loved small things like being told about the pupil's alternative prospectus which includes a key to their swearing. I loved seeing older words used as replacements for words that would definitely be bleeped pre-watershed on TV!
She has come out of tricky relationship and is hoping that St Brides will be a safe place for her to re-asses her life and to finally use her teaching qualification. I enjoyed seeing her grow in confidence as the days pass, and she starts to get the hang of life in a boarding school.
This is an all girls school, with that philosophy taken to extremes of only having all female staff, which leads to some rather interesting personelle decisions.
I adored this book and I already can't wait to get my hands on the second one in this series. I enjoyed the author's writing style and have a great picture in my mind of the school, and loved learning about it's founder too. And I look forward to seeing more of all the teachers too.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
... Well with one tiny caveat, it's being described as a cozy mystery by the publisher, and I am certainly not denying it's cozy, its a very warm and cozy story (give or take the heating in the school), but it didn't feel like any cozy mystery that I have ever read.
It starts with a startling prologue that does it's job and pulls me into the book instantly, but then takes a long time for us to get anywhere near that within the story. But honestly I was having such a great time reading about everything at St. Brides, and its staff of quirky characters, all of which do seem to be hiding secrets, that although the genre baffled me, it certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
I'm literally only mentioning it, so that if you are expecting a big crime early in the story and some bumbling detectives as is often the case when you think cozy mystery, then you will be surprised by what you actually get.
For this is fabulous, it was incredibly easy to read, in fact I think I read it at the same pace I used to read school stories as a child - even though the focus is on the teachers, more than the girls at this school. But even then I enjoyed the glimpses we got of some of the pupils.
St Brides is a boarding school, full of rich children and staff that are using it as a way to reset their own lives, and they all have very distinctive personalities.
Gemma Lamb is a new English teacher at the school, and I loved small things like being told about the pupil's alternative prospectus which includes a key to their swearing. I loved seeing older words used as replacements for words that would definitely be bleeped pre-watershed on TV!
She has come out of tricky relationship and is hoping that St Brides will be a safe place for her to re-asses her life and to finally use her teaching qualification. I enjoyed seeing her grow in confidence as the days pass, and she starts to get the hang of life in a boarding school.
This is an all girls school, with that philosophy taken to extremes of only having all female staff, which leads to some rather interesting personelle decisions.
I adored this book and I already can't wait to get my hands on the second one in this series. I enjoyed the author's writing style and have a great picture in my mind of the school, and loved learning about it's founder too. And I look forward to seeing more of all the teachers too.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 2, 2019
'Secrets at St Bride's' is a fun story about a quirky girls' private school in a small English village. There are several laugh-out-loud moments, but also a mystery, set out in the very first pages, something which keeps you reading to find out which one of the teachers is under attack.
Each member of staff at St Bride's School for Girls has a secret. From the Head, aptly named Miss Hairnet to the newcomer, the narrator, Gemma Lamb (again with a name that is hugely descriptive). Like lamb to the slaughter, our freshman teacher is quickly initiated into the unusual life of St Bride's. From the girls, who are all motherless daughters of millionaires, to the all-female staff (one of whom is decidedly male), Gemma's life in the school settles into a happy routine, only to be disrupted by the appearance of her controlling boyfriend.
This, Gemma's own secret, that she is on the run, escaping a bad relationship, is a central theme in the book and something that gives the story a chilling reality check and serious message about relationships.
I loved this new world of St Bride's that Debbie Young has created and cannot wait to read more books set amongst these loveable, eccentric British characters.
Each member of staff at St Bride's School for Girls has a secret. From the Head, aptly named Miss Hairnet to the newcomer, the narrator, Gemma Lamb (again with a name that is hugely descriptive). Like lamb to the slaughter, our freshman teacher is quickly initiated into the unusual life of St Bride's. From the girls, who are all motherless daughters of millionaires, to the all-female staff (one of whom is decidedly male), Gemma's life in the school settles into a happy routine, only to be disrupted by the appearance of her controlling boyfriend.
This, Gemma's own secret, that she is on the run, escaping a bad relationship, is a central theme in the book and something that gives the story a chilling reality check and serious message about relationships.
I loved this new world of St Bride's that Debbie Young has created and cannot wait to read more books set amongst these loveable, eccentric British characters.
August 26, 2019
Secrets at St Bride’s is the first novel in Debbie Young’s exciting new series: Staffroom at St. Bride’s.
This warm-hearted, witty, comic and engaging tale follows the adventures of Gemma Lamb, who flees her controlling boyfriend and goes to work at St. Bride’s, a contemporary English girls’ boarding school.
Set on a stunning estate in the Cotswolds, Gemma hopes to establish a new and independent future for herself at St Bride’s.
However, enclosed in a false net of security, Gemma soon discovers that the other staff members are all hiding some kind of secret. Even the school cat! With the author’s easy blending of romance, mystery, comedy and suspense, I really enjoyed accompanying Gemma as she discovered each different secret.
In this first book of the series, the author deftly sets up the engaging character of Gemma Lamb, as well as the other characters, and the beautiful school setting, for future stories. And I’m really looking forward to the next one, which I believe should be released very soon!
This warm-hearted, witty, comic and engaging tale follows the adventures of Gemma Lamb, who flees her controlling boyfriend and goes to work at St. Bride’s, a contemporary English girls’ boarding school.
Set on a stunning estate in the Cotswolds, Gemma hopes to establish a new and independent future for herself at St Bride’s.
However, enclosed in a false net of security, Gemma soon discovers that the other staff members are all hiding some kind of secret. Even the school cat! With the author’s easy blending of romance, mystery, comedy and suspense, I really enjoyed accompanying Gemma as she discovered each different secret.
In this first book of the series, the author deftly sets up the engaging character of Gemma Lamb, as well as the other characters, and the beautiful school setting, for future stories. And I’m really looking forward to the next one, which I believe should be released very soon!
September 23, 2022
The title got me intrigued as I thought a convent school and I am always interested in that background. St Bride's is a posh school set in beautiful surroundings with an odd mix of teachers - more than meets the eye definitely as all of them have secrets they will like to hold onto. Gemma joining them was perfect she was running away from a controlling boyfriend, she did not want to be found and at St. Bride's she thought she found the perfect niche.
Coupled with eccentric teachers and pleasant work place Gemma fit in easily but she is curious by nature and it is this curiosity that uncovers a whole bundle of secrets - combining suspense, comedy, escapism by the bucketful and ended up being a very good relaxing read.
Descriptive of the English countryside and its people the book was a good fun read.
Coupled with eccentric teachers and pleasant work place Gemma fit in easily but she is curious by nature and it is this curiosity that uncovers a whole bundle of secrets - combining suspense, comedy, escapism by the bucketful and ended up being a very good relaxing read.
Descriptive of the English countryside and its people the book was a good fun read.
August 28, 2022
Billed as a cozy mystery, there was no murder! But actually that didn't matter. A nu e easy read which took no time at all to get through. The characters are quirky and likeable and there are plenty of secrets to get to the bottom of. I will be reading the next in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author
On Netgalley it was called dastardly deals at St Brides
My thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author
On Netgalley it was called dastardly deals at St Brides
September 26, 2022
“Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's” the first instalment in a cozy mystery series by Debbie Young. (Now it���s definitely cozy but there is no murder) this was formerly published as Secrets at St Bride's .
When Gemma Lamb takes a job at a quirky English girls’ boarding school, she believes she’s found the perfect escape route from her controlling boyfriend – until she discovers the rest of the staff are hiding sinister secrets:
The mystery is interesting, well plotted, with just the right amount of twists and turns. Overall this was an entertaining, fun easy read.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Gemma Lamb takes a job at a quirky English girls’ boarding school, she believes she’s found the perfect escape route from her controlling boyfriend – until she discovers the rest of the staff are hiding sinister secrets:
The mystery is interesting, well plotted, with just the right amount of twists and turns. Overall this was an entertaining, fun easy read.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 26, 2022
Gemma Lamb desperately needs to get away from her abusive boyfriend so she decides to use the teaching qualifications she has never taken up & gets a job at a quirky girl's boarding school. The school is for the daughter's of millionaires who are motherless. The staff are all female- even the cross dressing PE teacher! Gemma discovers that she really enjoys teaching but there are some strange things going on.
I am drawn to 'school stories' & really liked St Bride's. I thought that the story felt like it was set in the past, so the appearance of mobile phones jarred a bit. It was a fun read & I'll be looking out for the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
I am drawn to 'school stories' & really liked St Bride's. I thought that the story felt like it was set in the past, so the appearance of mobile phones jarred a bit. It was a fun read & I'll be looking out for the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
December 7, 2022
In this cross between a cosy mystery and a classic girl’s boarding school book from the Enid Blyton era (think Malory Towers, St Clare’s or the Naughtiest Girl books). I honestly wasn’t sure it would work, but the blurb intrigued me enough to give it a go, and I am so glad I did because it really does!
Gemma Lamb is our main character and, as her name implies, the innocent eyes through which we enter the world of secrets at St Bride’s school. Everyone seems to be hiding something, but what is harmless personal history and what could threaten the safety of the staff and students?
There is plenty of mystery here (not of the traditional, murdery kind!), but no actual dead bodies (although it comes close), which makes it an ideal series starter for someone who wants to try mystery but is nervous about the violence. There is a bit of a potential trigger in mentions of a controlling, abusive domestic relationship, but as character backstory this occurs before the start of the story rather than within the pages. And there is a little – very light – romance. In fact, everything from tone to content remains pleasantly light throughout even the mild peril.
The main difference between this book and the traditional boarding school tales of adventure and mischief is that in this series the action focuses on the adults of the school, rather than the children. And I absolutely love the eccentric staff of St Bride’s!
By the finish of the story it was clear that, although the initial problem was solved successfully, there was plenty more potential in the secrets still left to be uncovered. Which makes me very glad that I already have Books 2 and 3 in this series ready to review for you soon!
Much like St Bride’s itself, this story is lovely and a little bit old-fashioned (in the best way), very high quality and good clean fun. It is different from any cosy mystery I have read before, and makes for a very enjoyable, easy read.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
Gemma Lamb is our main character and, as her name implies, the innocent eyes through which we enter the world of secrets at St Bride’s school. Everyone seems to be hiding something, but what is harmless personal history and what could threaten the safety of the staff and students?
There is plenty of mystery here (not of the traditional, murdery kind!), but no actual dead bodies (although it comes close), which makes it an ideal series starter for someone who wants to try mystery but is nervous about the violence. There is a bit of a potential trigger in mentions of a controlling, abusive domestic relationship, but as character backstory this occurs before the start of the story rather than within the pages. And there is a little – very light – romance. In fact, everything from tone to content remains pleasantly light throughout even the mild peril.
The main difference between this book and the traditional boarding school tales of adventure and mischief is that in this series the action focuses on the adults of the school, rather than the children. And I absolutely love the eccentric staff of St Bride’s!
By the finish of the story it was clear that, although the initial problem was solved successfully, there was plenty more potential in the secrets still left to be uncovered. Which makes me very glad that I already have Books 2 and 3 in this series ready to review for you soon!
Much like St Bride’s itself, this story is lovely and a little bit old-fashioned (in the best way), very high quality and good clean fun. It is different from any cosy mystery I have read before, and makes for a very enjoyable, easy read.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
April 29, 2020
This is the first book by Debbie Young that I've read, although I've had her Sophie Sayers books on my TBR list for quite a while. I was attracted to the book because it's set in a boarding school, but the story revolves around the lives of the teachers rather than the pupils. It's definitely cosy and the plot isn't complicated but I loved the setting and the characters and was quite happy just to soak up the atmosphere and find out more about the school and it's staff. It's a book for relaxing into rather than racing through.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series coming out later this year, and I'm going to read the first of the Sophie Sayers books next as it's set in a village near the school and we've already met the bookshop owner Hector.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series coming out later this year, and I'm going to read the first of the Sophie Sayers books next as it's set in a village near the school and we've already met the bookshop owner Hector.
January 4, 2024
This was quick, entertaining and funny; a perfect light read.
The setting of a boarding school for girls reminded me of the much loved Enid Blyton books of my childhood that I happily read even now with equal enjoyment.
This first book of the series focuses on new Gemma Lamb, the new English teacher at St Bride's, which has its fill of unusual characters with the head, Ms Harnett (Hairnet) not bothered about the qualifications of her staff, a bursar who cuts corners in every way he can think of to balance his budget and a very unique PE teacher with his own secrets.
The title, which immediately evokes an English atmosphere, is borne out by the happenings in the book though everything is laced with humour, sometimes of the laugh out loud kind, typical of this genre.
The setting of a boarding school for girls reminded me of the much loved Enid Blyton books of my childhood that I happily read even now with equal enjoyment.
This first book of the series focuses on new Gemma Lamb, the new English teacher at St Bride's, which has its fill of unusual characters with the head, Ms Harnett (Hairnet) not bothered about the qualifications of her staff, a bursar who cuts corners in every way he can think of to balance his budget and a very unique PE teacher with his own secrets.
The title, which immediately evokes an English atmosphere, is borne out by the happenings in the book though everything is laced with humour, sometimes of the laugh out loud kind, typical of this genre.
July 9, 2020
What a fun and fast read this was~just the thing to act as a palate cleanser between the psychological thrillers and paranormal suspense I've been enjoying.
This is the first-in-series and follows new English teacher, Gemma Lamb, in her role at St. Bride's, a private, posh, all-girls' school in the remote English countryside.
While Gemma is suspicious about some of her new colleagues (why exactly does the PE teacher appear so "man-ish," and is someone defacing books in the library to fund their retirement account?), readers learn that Gemma has secrets of her own she's running from.
A light, cozy mystery, fans of Miss Marple, Aunt Dimity, and "The Royal Spyness" series will find this a captivating novel.
This is the first-in-series and follows new English teacher, Gemma Lamb, in her role at St. Bride's, a private, posh, all-girls' school in the remote English countryside.
While Gemma is suspicious about some of her new colleagues (why exactly does the PE teacher appear so "man-ish," and is someone defacing books in the library to fund their retirement account?), readers learn that Gemma has secrets of her own she's running from.
A light, cozy mystery, fans of Miss Marple, Aunt Dimity, and "The Royal Spyness" series will find this a captivating novel.
September 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this first entry in the Gemma Lamb series. Gemma has just escaped from her abusive, controlling ex-boyfriend and landed a job at a posh girl's school as an English teacher. Over the course of the book we learn the school is struggling for money, that most of the teachers seem to have secrets, and that at least some of the staff are at St. Bride's to escape something in the world.
I saw someone classify this as I cozy mystery, so I initially did. But it really doesn't fit. Yes, there are "mysteries" but they're relatively minor. It's really more about just getting to know Gemma, some of the other teachers, and a bit about the girls.
I will definitely pick up the next in the series, and look forward to learning more about the staff of St. Bride's.
I saw someone classify this as I cozy mystery, so I initially did. But it really doesn't fit. Yes, there are "mysteries" but they're relatively minor. It's really more about just getting to know Gemma, some of the other teachers, and a bit about the girls.
I will definitely pick up the next in the series, and look forward to learning more about the staff of St. Bride's.
April 22, 2023
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's is the first in a new series from Debbie Young. It's a heart warming, funny and very satisfying lovely read about the shenanigans in a fictional boarding school, where the staff seem to cause far more drama then the students do.
June 8, 2023
2023 bk 199 - I was in the mood for a St. Trinian's style read - and Dastardly Deeds delivered, but not in the antics of the schoolgirls. Rather it is the staff with its many secrets and that led to a non-murder mystery (at last, an author who admits there doesn't have to be murder for a mystery to occur). In this book, the campus in itself plays a major role as a character and I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration done through the eyes of the new English teacher. I will read more in this series.
April 18, 2024
3.5 - I enjoyed it. Cost quick read and will be getting the others in this series!
November 23, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
In this cross between a cosy mystery and a classic girl’s boarding school book from the Enid Blyton era (think Malory Towers, St Clare’s or the Naughtiest Girl books). I honestly wasn’t sure it would work, but the blurb intrigued me enough to give it a go, and I am so glad I did because it really does!
Gemma Lamb is our main character and, as her name implies, the innocent eyes through which we enter the world of secrets at St Bride’s school. Everyone seems to be hiding something, but what is harmless personal history and what could threaten the safety of the staff and students?
There is plenty of mystery here (not of the traditional, murdery kind!), but no actual dead bodies (although it comes close), which makes it an ideal series starter for someone who wants to try mystery but is nervous about the violence. There is a bit of a potential trigger in mentions of a controlling, abusive domestic relationship, but as character backstory this occurs before the start of the story rather than within the pages. And there is a little – very light – romance. In fact, everything from tone to content remains pleasantly light throughout even the mild peril.
The main difference between this book and the traditional boarding school tales of adventure and mischief is that in this series the action focuses on the adults of the school, rather than the children. And I absolutely love the eccentric staff of St Bride’s!
By the finish of the story it was clear that, although the initial problem was solved successfully, there was plenty more potential in the secrets still left to be uncovered. Which makes me very glad that I already have Books 2 and 3 in this series ready to review for you soon!
Much like St Bride’s itself, this story is lovely and a little bit old-fashioned (in the best way), very high quality and good clean fun. It is different from any cosy mystery I have read before, and makes for a very enjoyable, easy read.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
In this cross between a cosy mystery and a classic girl’s boarding school book from the Enid Blyton era (think Malory Towers, St Clare’s or the Naughtiest Girl books). I honestly wasn’t sure it would work, but the blurb intrigued me enough to give it a go, and I am so glad I did because it really does!
Gemma Lamb is our main character and, as her name implies, the innocent eyes through which we enter the world of secrets at St Bride’s school. Everyone seems to be hiding something, but what is harmless personal history and what could threaten the safety of the staff and students?
There is plenty of mystery here (not of the traditional, murdery kind!), but no actual dead bodies (although it comes close), which makes it an ideal series starter for someone who wants to try mystery but is nervous about the violence. There is a bit of a potential trigger in mentions of a controlling, abusive domestic relationship, but as character backstory this occurs before the start of the story rather than within the pages. And there is a little – very light – romance. In fact, everything from tone to content remains pleasantly light throughout even the mild peril.
The main difference between this book and the traditional boarding school tales of adventure and mischief is that in this series the action focuses on the adults of the school, rather than the children. And I absolutely love the eccentric staff of St Bride’s!
By the finish of the story it was clear that, although the initial problem was solved successfully, there was plenty more potential in the secrets still left to be uncovered. Which makes me very glad that I already have Books 2 and 3 in this series ready to review for you soon!
Much like St Bride’s itself, this story is lovely and a little bit old-fashioned (in the best way), very high quality and good clean fun. It is different from any cosy mystery I have read before, and makes for a very enjoyable, easy read.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
November 26, 2022
Gemma Lamb is thirty years old, she’s just split up with her long-term boyfriend Steven and has taken a job as a teacher at St Bride’s School for Girls – mainly because she’s now homeless and the job comes with accommodation. Set in a beautiful former stately home, it’s an idyllic setting and she is told all the staff and pupils are female, so Gemma feels it should be a good place to live and work.
We meet a variety of staff members at the private boarding school and many of the hundred pupils. I like the “not quite swearing” the girls do, that’s very clever. There are lots of funny bits and I loved the character of the P.E. teacher as well.
I also adored the Headmistress Miss Harnett, who has a fabulous black cat and is more concerned about appointing members of staff who show warmth and kindness, rather than considering their academic qualifications. I loved her attitude to the parents who expected special treatment, like wanting their daughter to be a prefect or Head Girl.
I adored the Malory Towers books as a child and hoped this series would be similar. While Malory Towers was wonderfully old-fashioned, the St Bride’s series is set in the present day along with all the trappings of modern life, like social media and e-books. However, it does have a charm and quirkiness of its own. The girls are certainly not of the St Trinian’s ilk, they seem very well-behaved and maybe the odd mischievous girl would have been a fun addition, but I did enjoy it.
This is the first of three books set at St Bride’s and I look forward to reading the other two. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and I would like to see what happens next.
We meet a variety of staff members at the private boarding school and many of the hundred pupils. I like the “not quite swearing” the girls do, that’s very clever. There are lots of funny bits and I loved the character of the P.E. teacher as well.
I also adored the Headmistress Miss Harnett, who has a fabulous black cat and is more concerned about appointing members of staff who show warmth and kindness, rather than considering their academic qualifications. I loved her attitude to the parents who expected special treatment, like wanting their daughter to be a prefect or Head Girl.
I adored the Malory Towers books as a child and hoped this series would be similar. While Malory Towers was wonderfully old-fashioned, the St Bride’s series is set in the present day along with all the trappings of modern life, like social media and e-books. However, it does have a charm and quirkiness of its own. The girls are certainly not of the St Trinian’s ilk, they seem very well-behaved and maybe the odd mischievous girl would have been a fun addition, but I did enjoy it.
This is the first of three books set at St Bride’s and I look forward to reading the other two. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and I would like to see what happens next.
September 20, 2022
I must be the odd woman out here. After reading some of the reviews (I usually do not read other's reviews until after I post my own, I did this time because I was curious as to why I was having such a hard time with this book). I seem to be in the minority, I could not get into this one. First of all there is no mystery, I waited and waited for something, anything to happen but it never did. Second, I could not connect with any of the characters, especially Gemma, hiding away from her abusive ex, she just came off as naive and whiney to me, irritating at best. I usually love stories set in boarding schools, they are some of my favorites, just this one wasn't for me. We all can't love every book out there I realize this. I am sure there is a huge audience for this book as it is well written. I am just not one of them.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and to Net Galley for the free ARc, I am leaving my honest review in return.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and to Net Galley for the free ARc, I am leaving my honest review in return.
September 29, 2022
In an effort to escape an abusive relationship, Gemma has applied for a teaching position at St Bride’s, an all-girls school. Despite having no experience, she is hired. But she quickly discovers that no one and nothing is what they seem, that everyone there is hiding something, and she starts to suspect that there are are, indeed, dastardly deeds being perpetrated on the beautiful grounds of St Bride’s.
When I saw Dastardly Deeds at St Bride’s on Netgalley, it was the title that attracted me to it but it was the eccentric and mostly likeable characters that kept me reading. It’s a fun fast cozy and I couldn’t put it down. Loved it!
When I saw Dastardly Deeds at St Bride’s on Netgalley, it was the title that attracted me to it but it was the eccentric and mostly likeable characters that kept me reading. It’s a fun fast cozy and I couldn’t put it down. Loved it!
September 17, 2022
I looked forward to reading this book, which delivered in many ways. Gentle humour, quirky characters and a vividly described setting bring the story to life and invest the reader in the characters. However, I found the mystery elements of the plot difficult to distinguish until the last quarter of the story.
Good characterisation and intricate world-building mean I am keen to read what follows in the series in the hope that the author amplifies the mystery element using the excellent characters and setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Good characterisation and intricate world-building mean I am keen to read what follows in the series in the hope that the author amplifies the mystery element using the excellent characters and setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 24, 2022
Well-written and interesting characters, but very little mystery. I did enjoy it, just a little disappointed that nothing much happened except for Gemma settling into her teaching role at the school.
October 28, 2022
As someone closer to pensionable age than school age, Dastardly Deeds at St Brides is a veritable blend of fun and nostalgia. Being an avid fan of Malory Towers as a child, the boarding school theme drew me in instantly, and the fact that it’s the first in a series only makes me happier still.
The staff at the girls-only St Brides, apart from the bursar and the head of security, are (supposedly) all female, even the cat is described as such regardless of his very obvious anatomy. It’s all part of the contract that the headmistress, commonly known as Hairnet, struck with the estate of the stately home. Lord Bunting, the last known ancestral owner, stated in his will that in the event of there being no surviving heir, the estate would be run for the education of mother-less girls. Along with his wife, Lady Bunting, they suffered the loss of all their children, the eldest one at the age of nine.
And so it came to be that St Brides boarding school for girls took on only female staff (well, almost).
This, together with the bonus of live-in accommodation, is what attracts Gemma Lamb to the job as Head of English. Escaping a controlling ex, Gemma revels in the opportunity to be as far away from Stephen as she can in this remote part of the Cotswolds while finally following her heart to become a teacher, something Stephen had mocked her for and not permitted.
Book one in this series sees Gemma settle in and acquaint herself with the odd yet equally amusing rules of the school. Her pupils, many richer than royalty and some actually of minor royal descent, are welcoming and engaging, and Gemma’s colleagues are just as obliging. It’s all rather wonderful and addictively cosy. However, the book is listed as a cosy mystery, and while there are some mysterious secrets to be learnt, the expected tropes of a cosy mystery are somewhat lacking, and it’s only very near to the end of the book that there’s a potential tragedy and a crime to be solved. That said, I didn’t mind at all, since just reading about how the school functioned, the dynamics between various staff members and seeing Gemma grow in confidence was more than enough to keep me entertained and wanting more. The mini foray into a cosy mystery at the end worked well enough to quench my thirst for sleuthing, and also set the story up for the next in the series.
I raced through this book – it’s more a long novella than than full novel at around 200 pages – and once I’d finished I couldn’t wait to dive straight into book two. By now, the characters all feel like people with their own personalities, their own quirks and, most definitely, their own secrets. I am looking forward to revisiting them.
Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my ecopy which I have reviewed of my own volition.
The staff at the girls-only St Brides, apart from the bursar and the head of security, are (supposedly) all female, even the cat is described as such regardless of his very obvious anatomy. It’s all part of the contract that the headmistress, commonly known as Hairnet, struck with the estate of the stately home. Lord Bunting, the last known ancestral owner, stated in his will that in the event of there being no surviving heir, the estate would be run for the education of mother-less girls. Along with his wife, Lady Bunting, they suffered the loss of all their children, the eldest one at the age of nine.
And so it came to be that St Brides boarding school for girls took on only female staff (well, almost).
This, together with the bonus of live-in accommodation, is what attracts Gemma Lamb to the job as Head of English. Escaping a controlling ex, Gemma revels in the opportunity to be as far away from Stephen as she can in this remote part of the Cotswolds while finally following her heart to become a teacher, something Stephen had mocked her for and not permitted.
Book one in this series sees Gemma settle in and acquaint herself with the odd yet equally amusing rules of the school. Her pupils, many richer than royalty and some actually of minor royal descent, are welcoming and engaging, and Gemma’s colleagues are just as obliging. It’s all rather wonderful and addictively cosy. However, the book is listed as a cosy mystery, and while there are some mysterious secrets to be learnt, the expected tropes of a cosy mystery are somewhat lacking, and it’s only very near to the end of the book that there’s a potential tragedy and a crime to be solved. That said, I didn’t mind at all, since just reading about how the school functioned, the dynamics between various staff members and seeing Gemma grow in confidence was more than enough to keep me entertained and wanting more. The mini foray into a cosy mystery at the end worked well enough to quench my thirst for sleuthing, and also set the story up for the next in the series.
I raced through this book – it’s more a long novella than than full novel at around 200 pages – and once I’d finished I couldn’t wait to dive straight into book two. By now, the characters all feel like people with their own personalities, their own quirks and, most definitely, their own secrets. I am looking forward to revisiting them.
Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my ecopy which I have reviewed of my own volition.
April 8, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's is the first Gemma Lamb cozy mystery by Debbie Young. This reformat and re-release 15th Sept 2022 from Boldwood Books is 246 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a fun, slyly humorous, character driven "school-time" cozy set in a girls' school at an undisclosed fictive locale somewhere in the Cotswolds. All the staff (even the school cat) are harboring secrets, and new teacher Gemma, who is on the run from a not-funny-at-all controlling ex-boyfriend finds herself trying to navigate a new job, new position, and new living arrangements.
Four stars. The language is clean and there's no questionable content. There's a sweetly nostalgic Enid Blyton vibe. With three books extant in the series (all available on kindle unlimited), it would be a good candidate for a long weekend binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's is the first Gemma Lamb cozy mystery by Debbie Young. This reformat and re-release 15th Sept 2022 from Boldwood Books is 246 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a fun, slyly humorous, character driven "school-time" cozy set in a girls' school at an undisclosed fictive locale somewhere in the Cotswolds. All the staff (even the school cat) are harboring secrets, and new teacher Gemma, who is on the run from a not-funny-at-all controlling ex-boyfriend finds herself trying to navigate a new job, new position, and new living arrangements.
Four stars. The language is clean and there's no questionable content. There's a sweetly nostalgic Enid Blyton vibe. With three books extant in the series (all available on kindle unlimited), it would be a good candidate for a long weekend binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 7, 2022
trigger warning
After finally breaking up with her abusive boyfriend, Gemma decides to put her never used teaching degree to the test and working at a boarding school, which will look nicely on a resume later and will solve the pesky question of where to live.
The school is old, and has a few mysteries.
First off, please be aware that this is more cozy than crime, more about the protagonist getting used to her new life and finally making friends than shady dealings, despite the whole thing starting with a murder-filled prologe.
St. Bride's is an all-women school, at least on the pr material. There are a few men: The security guy who gets ignored because the parents don't want to think about security issues anyway, a PE teacher who resorts to crossdressing which works because he's a former pro-cyclist and those are on the skinny end of slim anyway, and a cat who is named McPhee, as in Nanny McPhee, and randomly turns up and demands cuddles. Naturally, the latter was my favourite character.
While this could easily have gone wrong, I picked this book up on a very bad health day and it was exactly what I needed in the moment. And now that I am warned, I would be interested to see how further issues treat Gemma and her new friends.
And it's quite short, so if it turns out it did not scratch that itch, you can jump right into the next cozy crime book.
Would recommend if you feel like this is up your street.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
After finally breaking up with her abusive boyfriend, Gemma decides to put her never used teaching degree to the test and working at a boarding school, which will look nicely on a resume later and will solve the pesky question of where to live.
The school is old, and has a few mysteries.
First off, please be aware that this is more cozy than crime, more about the protagonist getting used to her new life and finally making friends than shady dealings, despite the whole thing starting with a murder-filled prologe.
St. Bride's is an all-women school, at least on the pr material. There are a few men: The security guy who gets ignored because the parents don't want to think about security issues anyway, a PE teacher who resorts to crossdressing which works because he's a former pro-cyclist and those are on the skinny end of slim anyway, and a cat who is named McPhee, as in Nanny McPhee, and randomly turns up and demands cuddles. Naturally, the latter was my favourite character.
While this could easily have gone wrong, I picked this book up on a very bad health day and it was exactly what I needed in the moment. And now that I am warned, I would be interested to see how further issues treat Gemma and her new friends.
And it's quite short, so if it turns out it did not scratch that itch, you can jump right into the next cozy crime book.
Would recommend if you feel like this is up your street.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
November 16, 2022
What a great start to a new series! Gemma Lamb has had enough of her violent controlling boyfriend Steven and has sought refuge in a new job living in and teaching English at St Bride’s Boarding School for Girls where there are no men, apart from the bursar and their on-site protection officer, Max Security. Even the PE teacher and the school cat are female impersonators! Gemma soon settles into school life amongst the quirky oddball collection of inhabitants with their secrets and odd little customs, and desperately hopes she will pass her probationary period. But then two awful things happen. Steven tracks her down to her new home and shows an unhealthy interest in one of her fellow teachers, and then Gemma faces a dilemma when she suspects another colleague of a little private enterprise. Will Gemma find a way to help the ailing school’s finances and have her faith in mankind restored at the same time?
Whilst some of the staff bring back happy memories of the St. Trinian films, my favourite character just has to be McPhee. Just like his namesake, he has this wonderful and mysterious ability to always show up when his comforting presence is required, although Max is also a real treasure, popping up from his tunnels like a combat ready meerkat. This is a real feel-good story with some smashing characters who are easy to envisage and immediately love. It’s the perfect way to relax for a few hours with a highly entertaining tale and I am moving straight onto books two and three to see what this mad-cap crazy gang get up to next. 5*
Whilst some of the staff bring back happy memories of the St. Trinian films, my favourite character just has to be McPhee. Just like his namesake, he has this wonderful and mysterious ability to always show up when his comforting presence is required, although Max is also a real treasure, popping up from his tunnels like a combat ready meerkat. This is a real feel-good story with some smashing characters who are easy to envisage and immediately love. It’s the perfect way to relax for a few hours with a highly entertaining tale and I am moving straight onto books two and three to see what this mad-cap crazy gang get up to next. 5*
September 8, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of Dastardly Deeds at St Bride’s, the first novel in a projected series to feature english teacher Gemma Lamb, set in a boarding school in the Cotswolds.
Escaping a toxic relationship Gemma takes a job at St Bride’s, where nothing is as it seems. Most of the teachers are keeping secrets and this seems to be accepted by the headmistress, so Gemma keeping quiet about her ex fits in with the ethos. But what if she’s not safe?
I enjoyed Dastardly Deeds at St Bride’s, which is a fun, light read with some twists. It opens with someone being attacked and then scrolls back to the beginning of term and the events leading up to this attack. It’s a good hook as the victim is unidentified and makes the reader wonder who and why up until the denouement.
The novel is told by Gemma Lamb in the first person as she uncovers secrets and explores the unusual rules and precepts in the school. She plays it straight, leaving the reader to laugh at the absurdity of her new colleagues and the setup at the school. It is fun, but I imagine that it would get stale rather quickly if you were to read the series back to back as the characters already seem established in their quirks and personalities. It is, however, well enough done that a few months off would be enough to gladly re-enter the world of St Bride’s.
Dastardly Deeds at St Brides is a fun read that I can recommend.
Escaping a toxic relationship Gemma takes a job at St Bride’s, where nothing is as it seems. Most of the teachers are keeping secrets and this seems to be accepted by the headmistress, so Gemma keeping quiet about her ex fits in with the ethos. But what if she’s not safe?
I enjoyed Dastardly Deeds at St Bride’s, which is a fun, light read with some twists. It opens with someone being attacked and then scrolls back to the beginning of term and the events leading up to this attack. It’s a good hook as the victim is unidentified and makes the reader wonder who and why up until the denouement.
The novel is told by Gemma Lamb in the first person as she uncovers secrets and explores the unusual rules and precepts in the school. She plays it straight, leaving the reader to laugh at the absurdity of her new colleagues and the setup at the school. It is fun, but I imagine that it would get stale rather quickly if you were to read the series back to back as the characters already seem established in their quirks and personalities. It is, however, well enough done that a few months off would be enough to gladly re-enter the world of St Bride’s.
Dastardly Deeds at St Brides is a fun read that I can recommend.
August 30, 2022
Boldwood are re-publishing this series – the opening book was originally called Secrets at St Brides – with gorgeous new art work and a new book in the series coming soon.
If, like me, you grew up reading boarding school stories and wishing you could go to Mallory Towers, you will enjoy this.
To be honest, the deeds are not that dastardly, but there is lot of fun to be had as Genma finds her feet in the slightly eccentric world of the English country boarding school.
The girls are rich, often obscenely so, but the school is impoverished and is making the pupils where thermals to save money on heating. (With energy prices the way they are I can actually see this happening across the country.)
Gemma is newly qualified and takes the job as Head of English in a department of one because it also comes with a small flat and she can escape her controlling boyfriend.
There are mysteries abound though in the quirky world of St Brides.
Who is the mysterious Caroline she has been warned about? What is Mavis doing in the library? And what is going on with Jocelyn the PE teacher.
This is a really fun book. It’s silly and lighthearted. This is quite a short book so it’s a fast read – perfect for a gloomy autumn Sunday afternoon snuggled up in a blanket.
Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for my gifted digital copy of Dastardly Deeds At St Brides
If, like me, you grew up reading boarding school stories and wishing you could go to Mallory Towers, you will enjoy this.
To be honest, the deeds are not that dastardly, but there is lot of fun to be had as Genma finds her feet in the slightly eccentric world of the English country boarding school.
The girls are rich, often obscenely so, but the school is impoverished and is making the pupils where thermals to save money on heating. (With energy prices the way they are I can actually see this happening across the country.)
Gemma is newly qualified and takes the job as Head of English in a department of one because it also comes with a small flat and she can escape her controlling boyfriend.
There are mysteries abound though in the quirky world of St Brides.
Who is the mysterious Caroline she has been warned about? What is Mavis doing in the library? And what is going on with Jocelyn the PE teacher.
This is a really fun book. It’s silly and lighthearted. This is quite a short book so it’s a fast read – perfect for a gloomy autumn Sunday afternoon snuggled up in a blanket.
Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for my gifted digital copy of Dastardly Deeds At St Brides
September 5, 2022
Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's by Debbie Young
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Previously published by Debbie Young as Secrets at St Bride's.
When Gemma Lamb takes a job at a quirky English girls’ boarding school, she believes she’s found the perfect escape route from her controlling boyfriend – until she discovers the rest of the staff are hiding sinister secrets:
Hairnet, the eccentric headmistress who doesn't hold with academic qualifications
Oriana Bliss, Head of Maths and master of disguise
Joscelyn Spryke, the suspiciously rugged Head of PE
Geography teacher Mavis Brook, surreptitiously selling off the library books
creepy night watchman Max Security, with his network of hidden tunnels
Even McPhee, the school cat, is leading a double life.
Tucked away in the school’s beautiful private estate in the Cotswolds, can Gemma stay safe and build a new independent future?
My Opinion
This is a relaxing, quick read. It seems that all of the members of staff have their own secrets to keep. Debbie Young seems to have created a lovely series, with loveable characters. A cosy mystery, that will take you back to your childhood reading. An easy read that will appeal to adults that enjoyed the Malory Towers series.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Previously published by Debbie Young as Secrets at St Bride's.
When Gemma Lamb takes a job at a quirky English girls’ boarding school, she believes she’s found the perfect escape route from her controlling boyfriend – until she discovers the rest of the staff are hiding sinister secrets:
Hairnet, the eccentric headmistress who doesn't hold with academic qualifications
Oriana Bliss, Head of Maths and master of disguise
Joscelyn Spryke, the suspiciously rugged Head of PE
Geography teacher Mavis Brook, surreptitiously selling off the library books
creepy night watchman Max Security, with his network of hidden tunnels
Even McPhee, the school cat, is leading a double life.
Tucked away in the school’s beautiful private estate in the Cotswolds, can Gemma stay safe and build a new independent future?
My Opinion
This is a relaxing, quick read. It seems that all of the members of staff have their own secrets to keep. Debbie Young seems to have created a lovely series, with loveable characters. A cosy mystery, that will take you back to your childhood reading. An easy read that will appeal to adults that enjoyed the Malory Towers series.
Rating 4/5
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