I love the covers and the idea of this series. But the execution misses the mark - the characters are generally unlikable and racist. I think there is a lot of potential for this series to be something very special - but it's diminished by the rampant racism, the self hate and the negative character relationships. An Asian protagonist is brilliant. But the lack of condemnation of the racism she faces is not. It's particularly wrong when we're discussing a middle grade novel. I would suggest that these books should only be given to older readers who can discern between fiction and appropriate behaviour.

Murder Most Unladylike: 2 stars.
This book is obscenely racist. I assume this is supposed to be historically accurate but frankly I'm surprised any publisher agreed to print a middle grade book with such controversial views. As an adult I can recognise what I believe the author was trying to do (historical accuracy) but I highly doubt most middle grade readers would. (And frankly a waste of time because I can't say I particularly believe the historical accuracy in terms of setting, behaviours and fashions.) At no point does the author properly condemn Daisy's casual racism or bigotry or her lack of self acceptance and utter contempt for anyone not conforming to the status quo. Ergo, letting middle grade readers think this behaviour is normal and therefore right. I'm not big on positive messages being rammed down your throat but if there's one place positive messages are important it would be middle grade fiction.

But that's only one issue with this book. Frankly I don't even know where to begin. None of the characters actually make a point of learning about or accepting Hazel's heritage. At worst they mock her and at best, they ignore her - pretending she's English. There is one part in the book where Hazel actually says most people when they get to know her, simply ignore her heritage. Like what the hell? Yes, let's just dismiss your entire background, that's not traumatic or anything. Only one character - Beanie, goes so far as when making a racist comment - apologising for forgetting that Hazel may be offended. Hazel doesn't even really feel offended - she basically brushes it off - only mentioning that it can make it hard to be polite. Yes because I'm sure that someone insulting a rather central part of my makeup wouldn't hurt or anger me at all.

Daisy is a complete and total jerk. She is selfish, dismissive, disparaging and somewhat vicious. The one nice thing she says to Hazel (apparently Hazel is clever) is diminished by her actions. She orders Hazel around and continually ignores her ideas and suggestions. But the worst character would have to be Hazel herself. She has no self confidence or self worth and constantly disparages herself. She not only accepts her role as a lesser being but embraces it. It's like she honestly believes she is worth less than Daisy. When they have a fight, Hazel actually proceeds to apologise as though it were her fault. Then there is what I suppose is to be the positive message - Daisy stops her apology and makes her own - but it seems contrived and insincere. Furthermore it diminishes Hazel herself because she didn't do anything wrong and she appears weak willed and needy.

The fact is although Hazel does have some moments of clarity and insight into Daisy's character - she mostly is just as obsessed with Daisy as everyone else. Apparently if you're not blonde hair and blue eyes you may as well just drop dead. There is constant talk of how pretty Daisy is and how smart and funny, etc. But Daisy is petty and biased and manipulative. And somewhat a total and utter psychopath. Or a spoilt brat. It could go either way I guess.

The mystery itself was interesting enough and perhaps the only redeeming feature of the book. I'll likely read the rest of the series as it's brainless entertainment. To be honest I just really love the covers and the idea of this series - hopefully the rest of the series will tone down the racism. Seriously how did this book get published? I am honestly shocked that a publisher would agree to publish something so controversial in middle grade fiction.

I'd suggest that this should be given to older readers who can discern between fiction and appropriate behaviour.

Arsenic for Tea: 2 stars.
I will read everything and anything. Especially a mystery with a good cover. I'm a very forgiving reader and will overlook many issues. Plus once I get started on a series I have this compulsive need to finish even if I don't particularly like it.

I actually like this series - for some weird reason. I think it's because there is a lot of potential for this series to be something very special - but it's diminished by the rampant racism, the self hate and the negative character relationships. An Asian protagonist is brilliant. But the lack of condemnation of the racism she faces is not. It's particularly wrong when we're discussing a middle grade novel. As I said in my review of the first book I'm not overly fond of positive messages being rammed down my throat but I do believe that moral lessons have an important role within middle grade fiction. Children are impressionable and they are unable to fully discern right and wrong without a proper foundation. If we want the world to change, we need to change the ingrained perceptions of everyone and the easiest way to begin is to change the perceptions of children. A middle grade book can explore controversial issues - but it also should provide a clear explanation of the issue, the positives and negatives consequences and reasoning for why things are the way they are. The racism in this series is just shown. It is not discussed in depth, it is not shown to hurt Hazel's feelings or influence her actions and it is most importantly, not condemned. I will say that this book toned it down slightly but not enough.

I said the book is middle grade but I don't actually know who it's aimed at. Much like The Escape the book is a weird mix of mature and immature and content that is way above a middle grade book and too young for young adult or adult readers. The implied sexual relations between Lady Hastings and Mr Curtis surprised me. The fact they're then caught kissing shocked me. I hadn't expected the book to go there. But it did. I'm not sure if it's just me getting old or not but it seemed very out of place for a middle grade novel.

Daisy was a lot nicer to Hazel in this book. She even complimented her a few times and praised her intelligence. But there was still ugly words between them. There were more ugly words from Daisy to her parents. Which is where historical accuracy goes out the window because I'm pretty sure no kid in that day and age would have called their parents (and she does call both of them) idiots and gotten away with it. If you're going to go for historical accuracy with the racism, they really should be beaten for such language and impropriety. There's only a fifty fifty chance of getting away with it now. And I'm pretty sure Daisy is a sociopath. Some of the stuff she comes out with is horrible.

It's a strange series but I'm probably going to read the rest. Something has me hooked. I'm just not sure what.

First Class Murder: 3 stars.
Well this is easily the best book of the series so far. The murder mystery was exciting and it's been too long since I've read Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express for me to remember exactly what happened. (Although to be fair I always forget endings, probably why I never really find all mysteries repetitive - I just can't remember) Whether or not it's an exact rewrite or not, I found it interesting and riveting.

Hazel is developed further as a person. She is now angry and offended by racist remarks and actions which is an improvement from the previous two books where she just brushed it off. I also don't particularly get why her and Daisy are friends half the time. They're not really all that nice to each other. They don't even seem to really like one another. Daisy was a bit less condescending and hateful towards Hazel, but Hazel seems to have taken over. I mean enjoy this gem.

Daisy narrowed her eyes at me. I think she was trying to decide if I was making a joke at her expense – and perhaps I was, a little. After all, it has been a very long time since I believed in the myth of Daisy Wells. Yes, she is President of the Detective Society, but I am its Vice-President, and if I do not take her down a peg or two from time to time, who will?

Stevens, Robin. A Murder Most Unladylike Collection: Books 1, 2 and 3 (Murder Most Unladylike Collections) . Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

Yes sounds like a healthy relationship to me. And when Hazel first sees Alexander she doesn't really like him, the second Daisy says she's against him, Hazel loves him. As I've pointed out in my first two reviews this series has major flaws - but I find it riveting nonetheless and so will continue on with the rest of the series. ( )