Once Upon a Crime: A Murder Most Unladylike Mystery by Robin Stevens - Ages 9-12 - Paperback

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241419830

Overview:
A thrilling new short-story collection from the number-one bestselling and award-winning Murder Most Unladylike series, Once Upon a Crime: A Murder Most Unladylike gathers six gripping mini-mysteries that fans will devour in one sitting. At the heart of the book are Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, the fearless junior detectives who have long-steered readers through Deepdean’s most puzzling puzzles. This volume features four original, brand-new and never-seen-before stories, each unleashing their signature blend of wit, wit, and razor-sharp deduction. It also includes two additional cases from the Murder Most Unladylike universe, delivering a satisfyingly full slate of clues, clever twists, and satisfying denouements. Perfect for inquisitive minds who love clever plotting, pairings of humor and suspense, and endings that reward careful sleuthing, this collection is a must-have for fans of mystery and character-driven storytelling. Ideal for readers aged roughly 9–12 and all adult treasure-hunters who cherish a well-constructed puzzle told with warmth and charm.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This isn’t just a book of standalone mysteries; it’s a curated mini-journey into the Murder Most Unladylike world. The title tightens the bond between Daisy and Hazel—two bright, brave protagonists whose friendship, curiosity, and teamwork model how young readers can approach problems with confidence and integrity. The stories span different settings and tonal pulses—from aboard a ship with high-stakes suspense to the playful mischief of a school arrival—giving readers a fresh rhythm while staying true to the series’ sharp-edged detection and generous heart. With short, cinematic chapters, the book rewards binge-reading and is equally at home as a bedtime mystery or a classroom discussion starter. For gift buyers, the collection offers a complete, self-contained reading arc that newcomers can embrace without prerequisite knowledge, while seasoned fans will relish the new twists and the return of familiar, beloved detectives.

Inside This Book:
Inside this volume, six compelling mini-mysteries unfold, delivering puzzle-driven plots, clever clues, and satisfying reveals. Four of these cases are brand-new and unseen before now, each showcasing Daisy and Hazel at their most resourceful and fearless. Readers will thrill to the twists as the girls chasedown suspects, follow cryptic hints, and outwit adults who underestimate their powers of deduction. The collection also weaves in two additional stories from the Murder Most Unladylike canon, keeping the continuity fans adore while providing fresh stakes and faster-paced action. Whether you’re following a shipboard mystery or a high-stakes caper around a London museum, the energy is relentless, and the denouements are wonderfully earned.

Who This Book Is For:
This book is crafted for inquisitive readers who love smart mysteries with heart. It’s an ideal bridge for confident middle graders stepping into longer novels, as well as older readers who enjoy character-driven detective fiction with wit and warmth. Fans of the Murder Most Unladylike series will thrill to new adventures with Daisy and Hazel, while gift buyers will appreciate a compact, highly readable collection that feels substantial and collectible. Teachers and parents will value the accessible language, fast pacing, and opportunities for readers to practice evidence-based reasoning and textual analysis in a playful, engaging context.

Key Benefits:

• Six gripping mysteries in one compact paperback—great for sustained reading sessions or quick, addictive bursts.
• Four brand-new, never-seen-before adventures plus two canonical stories for a satisfying, genre-rich experience.
• Meet Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong—two clever heroines whose teamwork, courage, and curiosity model positive problem-solving for young readers.
• Smart plotting with well-placed clues, red herrings, and rewarding, well-earned twists that nurture critical thinking.
• Accessible, engaging writing that balances humor with suspense, ideal for readers building confidence in independent reading.
• Perfect as a standalone mystery collection or as a thoughtful gift for budding detectives and book clubs.
• A seamless entry into the wider Murder Most Unladylike universe for existing fans and newcomers alike.

About the Author:
Robin Stevens is the acclaimed author behind the Murder Most Unladylike series, a landmark in children’s mystery fiction. The novels—led by the adventures of Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong—have won awards and captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. Stevens’ work is celebrated for its clever plotting, sparkling dialogue, and warm, authentic character dynamics that empower young readers to think like detectives. Beyond the core series, she has contributed to anthologies and written the acclaimed The Guggenheim Mystery, a contemporary mystery that showcases her signature blend of suspense, humor, and empathy. Her books attract a devoted following of readers who appreciate intelligent storytelling, memorable sleuths, and generous themes of friendship and bravery.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you’ve fallen for the wit and resolve of Daisy and Hazel, this collection is the perfect next step. It offers a concentrated dose of the charm and cleverness that define Murder Most Unladylike, while delivering fresh cases that keep the duo—and the reader—on their toes. The stories are concise enough to read in one sitting, yet rich enough in character, setting, and puzzle design to reward repeat reads. It’s a wonderful gift for avid mystery fans, avid readers seeking a short, satisfying literary adventure, or families who enjoy exploring clues together and cheering for clever, kind protagonists who outwit the villains with grace and grit.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.