Arsenic for Tea by Robin Stevens
Genre: Mystery/Crime/Thriller
Edition: http://tinyurl.com/arsenicfortea
Synopsis:
Schoolgirl detectives Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are at Daisy's home, Fallingford, for the holidays. Daisy's glamourous mother is throwing a tea party for Daisy's birthday, and the whole family is invited, from eccentric Aunt Saskia to dashing Uncle Felix. But it soon becomes clear that this isnt't really about Daisy at all. Naturally, Daisy is furious. Then one of their party falls seriously, mysteriously ill - and everything points to posion. With wild storms preventing anyone from leaving, or the police from arriving, Fallingford suddenly feels like a very dangerous place to be. Not a single person present is what they seem - and everyone has a secret or two. And when someone very close to Daisy looks suspicious, the Detective Society must do everything they can to reveal the truth...no matter the consequences.
Summary:
A simple yet thrilling mystery drama perfect for both children and adults alike and keeps you guessing right up until the final chapters.
My thoughts:
Arsenic for Tea is the gripping sequel to "A Murder Most Unladylike" and despite the pitfalls of the mystery genre, manages to bring us a completely fresh mystery that overshadows Wells' and Wong's former detective endeavors.
Daisy and Hazel think they're in for some 'time-off' during the holidays, a time best spent away from the rituals of Deepdean and the whirlwind of publicity that follows the Detective Society where ever they go but, they get anything but (much to Daisy's satisfaction I'm sure).
A number of curious individuals both relatives and family acquaintances are invited to Daisy's birthday tea party which, as it turns out isn't for Daisy at all. Daisy's narcissistic mother quickly steals the limelight, leaving Daisy furious but nothing could have prepared anyone for the impromptu poisoning that happens merely moments afterwards.
Daisy, her furious detective passion reignited, is hot on the case as things go from bad to worse.
A treacherous storm swoops in, flooding the surrounding countryside, hindering the police's arrival and cutting off any hopes of leaving Fallingford, leaving everyone trapped inside...with the murderer.
As the list of suspects grows and dark secrets begin to emerge, Daisy begins to doubt her own family and despite her best efforts to hide it, steers clear of the suspects close to her heart.
As we delve deeper into the house of mysteries it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide, one person in particular having the deadliest secret of all.
Daisy and Hazel swiftly tick off their list of suspects one by one, growing ever closer to the final suspects, Daisy's father and uncle. With Daisy overcome by guilt and grief, it's up the Hazel to finish the case and clear Daisy's family name and find the vital piece of evidence that can turn the tide.
In true Scooby-Doo style, Daisy and Hazel save the day at the last minute. As the wrong suspect is being carted away, they present their evidence and the true killer is revealed, once again solidifying the reputation of the Wells and Wong Detective Society!
A treacherous storm swoops in, flooding the surrounding countryside, hindering the police's arrival and cutting off any hopes of leaving Fallingford, leaving everyone trapped inside...with the murderer.
As the list of suspects grows and dark secrets begin to emerge, Daisy begins to doubt her own family and despite her best efforts to hide it, steers clear of the suspects close to her heart.
As we delve deeper into the house of mysteries it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide, one person in particular having the deadliest secret of all.
Daisy and Hazel swiftly tick off their list of suspects one by one, growing ever closer to the final suspects, Daisy's father and uncle. With Daisy overcome by guilt and grief, it's up the Hazel to finish the case and clear Daisy's family name and find the vital piece of evidence that can turn the tide.
In true Scooby-Doo style, Daisy and Hazel save the day at the last minute. As the wrong suspect is being carted away, they present their evidence and the true killer is revealed, once again solidifying the reputation of the Wells and Wong Detective Society!
Final word:
Murder mystery at its finest, Robin Stevens encompasses the best of the genre into small snack sized bits perfect for both children and adults alike. The Wells and Wongs detective series is highly enjoyable and is not one to be missed!
Murder mystery at its finest, Robin Stevens encompasses the best of the genre into small snack sized bits perfect for both children and adults alike. The Wells and Wongs detective series is highly enjoyable and is not one to be missed!
Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Buy: Yes, if you enjoy a thrilling and easy read.
Borrow: Definitely.
Further Reading Suggestions: A Murder Most Unladylike - Robin Stevens, Enchantment Lake - Margi Preus
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