Premeditated Myrtle Book Review

Premediated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

I grew up reading Nancy Drew and wanted to be just like the heroine. That is probably what drew me to Premeditated Myrtle (plus the title and cool cover).

I really enjoyed this middle-grade book. The unique characters and in-depth plot can and do hold an adult’s attention.  

Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle is such an intriguing character. The setting is different too.  The book is set in England in the 1890’s. So, this is a historical book as well as a mystery.

Young readers will learn interesting things about life in the nineteenth century.

The main character, Myrtle, is intrigued by criminal science.  She reads books about poisons and watches her quiet neighborhood through a telescope. When her next-door neighbor, Miss Wodehouse, dies under mysterious circumstances, Myrtle is certain it was murder.

With the help of her unflappable governess, Ada Judson, Myrtle determines to solve the mystery. When Myrtle determines to do something, it will get done.

Miss Ada Judson is another intriguing character. She has a very diverse ancestry. Miss Judson is not only willing to indulge Myrtle’s curiosity, she is also happy to participate in her snooping.

Myrtle’s mother passed away when she was younger, and Myrtle secretly wants Miss Judson and her father to get together.

Myrtle’s father is the town prosecutor, so he is very involved in all the crimes in the area. This helps to fuel Myrtle’s interest in the law.

The author explains elements of the law and things about the 1890’s in cute footnotes. Kids will learn something without realizing it.

Peony the cat is another endearing character.  She is Miss Wodehouse’s cat but spends most of her time outdoors with the gardener.  The gardener is one of Myrtle’s murder suspects. Peony disappears the night of the alleged murder and Myrtle is certain the cat has some answers.

The characters and the plot make this a charming book. The book won the 2021 Edgar Award for best mystery.  This is an award named after Edgar Allen Poe.

In reading this book, I understand why she won the award.

This book is clean. No violence. It does involve murder, which wouldn’t be good for a young child to read.  I think this book is best for ten years and up.

If your child likes mystery (think Nancy Drew), they would probably enjoy this book. The author does not write down to children.  The mystery is well thought out and puzzling. There are four other books in this series, so there are more books to read if the reader gets hooked.  

I recommend this to any reader, young or old, who likes a quirky character and a well fleshed-out mystery.

What about you?  Did you enjoy reading mysteries as a child?  Do you like them now?