Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies. Enter May Wong: courageous, smart, stubborn - and desperate to do whatever she can to help end the war, so she can go home to Hong Kong. May knows that there is no one more perfect to become a spy than a child. A child can go places, see things and listen in on conversations in a way that no adult ever can. When May and her friend Eric are turned away by the Ministry, they take matters into their own hands. Masquerading as evacuees, May and Eric arrive at Elysium Hall, home to the wealthy Verey family. It soon becomes clear that one of the family is passing information to Germany. May and Eric know if they can gather enough evidence on their suspect, the Ministry will have to take them on. But there are more secrets at Elysium Hall than May or Eric could ever have imagined. And then, someone is murdered...
Review
As funny, clever, and warm as we've come to expect from Robin Stevens, The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is such a delight -- Louise O'Neill
Robin Stevens is Agatha Christie for children: her books have all the rich satisfactions, all the twists and pleasures and the enormous delights of instant mystery classics. I am always hungry for the next one -- Katherine Rundell on the Murder Most Unladylike series
Emotionally involving, enjoyably logical and engaging . . . The sense of place, time and voice are carefully created, and whether you solve the mystery before May, Eric and Nuala or not, you will make the 400-page journey - despite deaths on the way - with a spring in your step -- Nicolette Jones ― Times
A new crew of resourceful children takes the helm . . . Meticulous, lightly worn research and sharp character observation -- Imogen Russell-Williams ― Guardian
The author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series is returning to what she does best, which is creating a fictional world full of child detectives, period details, sumptuous settings and, yes, murder . . . Spirited and fun, this is a must for young murder mystery fans ― Bookseller
Expect excitement, intrigue, friendship and a puzzling mystery -- Week Junior
Much superb Agatha Christie-style whodunnitry ― Observer
This is an exciting book full of suspense . . . I give it 10/10! -- Lizzie, aged 8 ― Nat Geo Kids
Rip-roaring stuff ― Daily Mail
A fiendishly plotted, astutely observed novel that's equally perfect for avid Stevens fans and new readers. Absolutely thrilling! -- Louie Stowell
