Title: Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #5)
Author: Elizabeth C. Bunce
Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
In the fifth book of the Edgar Award-winning series, Myrtle Hardcastle uncovers a string of murders during a treasure hunt on a haunted Scottish estate. When her governess inherits an estate on a Scottish island, amateur detective Myrtle Hardcastle couldn’t be more excited. Unfortunately, the ancestral castle is both run-down and haunted. Ghostly moans echo in the walls, and there are rumors of a cursed treasure lost on the island—an ancient silver brooch that may have cost the former lord his life. But who had the motive, means, and opportunity to kill him? And could this Scottish trip mean the end of Myrtle’s plans to get her father and governess together?
Then Myrtle’s investigation stirs a villain out of hiding. The estate’s boat is stolen, so there’s no escape from the island. Myrtle is forced to play a deadly game, hunting for the brooch with a thief breathing down her neck—someone who will stop at nothing to get the treasure, even if it means murder.
Review:
When Myrtle Hardcastle’s governess, Miss Judson, inherits an estate in Scotland, they both go up to visit the land. It isn’t as grand as they expected though. The large house is haunted and run down. Myrtle is certain that the former lord, Miss Judson’s uncle, was murdered, so she embarks on her own investigation. When there’s another murder, and the estate’s only boat is stolen, Myrtle is stuck there until she solves the murders.
One of my favourite parts about the Myrtle Hardcastle stories is that they are a great mystery for adult readers to solve as well. The mystery was captivating and suspenseful. It became a little confusing by the end, because there were so many characters, particularly some suspects who were only mentioned and didn’t appear on the page. However, this was a fun story for middle grade mystery lovers!
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity is a great new mystery!
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book!
Content warnings: death, murder, heart condition, death of parent (mentions)
Other books in the series:
- Premeditated Myrtle (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #1)
- How to Get Away with Myrtle (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #2)
- Cold-Blooded Myrtle (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #3)
- In Myrtle Peril (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #4)
Have you read Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity? What did you think of it?
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