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The Ministry of Unladylike Activity

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The Ministry of Unladylike Activity

By: Robin Stevens
Narrated by: Samantha Shortall, Thaddea Graham, Robin Stevens
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About this listen

Brought to you by Puffin.

Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies. And who better 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.

Enter May Wong and her friends. Trained up at the Ministry, they soon embark upon their first mission: masquerading as evacuees, they are sent to a wealthy manor house to spy on the owner, who is suspected of working for the enemy.

And then the murder happens...

© Robin Stevens 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Action & Adventure Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Mysteries Mystery & Suspense Friendship Discrimination War Espionage Military

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Critic reviews

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)
A new crew of resourceful children takes the helm . . . Meticulous, lightly worn research and sharp character observation (Imogen Russell-Williams)
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
Expect excitement, intrigue, friendship and a puzzling mystery (Week Junior)
Much superb Agatha Christie-style whodunnitry
This is an exciting book full of suspense . . . I give it 10/10! (Lizzie, aged 8)
Rip-roaring stuff
A fiendishly plotted, astutely observed novel that's equally perfect for avid Stevens fans and new readers. Absolutely thrilling! (Louie Stowell)
All stars
Most relevant
THIS IS AMAZING FANTASTIC AND BRILLIANT. THIS WAS SOO SO SO SO GOOD!!! LOVE

AMAZING

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to be honest I wasn't sure I would like it as much as the originals but they're just as good but different. Daisy and Hazel are still characters though not main ones and we see May a lot more. I love all the characters and how May makes friends as the story goes on. Amazing murder and great plot. it does take a while to discover who did it but that's the same at the rest of the books. can't wait to read the next book of the series.
I will say I hope we see more murder most unladylike books though I don't want to leave daisy and Hazel but I'm not sure we will DEFINITELY WORTH MY CREDIT

AMAZING!!

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Good reader and well written but it wasn’t the MOST interesting story.
I’d say the age rating is 9-12

It was Good

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I guess I'm not in the target reader bracket for this specific title but nonetheless it is a charming and captivating story.

Superbly narrated by Thaddea Graham & Samantha Shortfall. The narration is distinct and clear and well in sympathy with the overall plot. Confidently and fearlessly performed.

The story, although based on WWII spying, takes one back to those more innocent times of youthful dare-doing adventures.

For children and teenagers of a certain age this is a must have listen (and for adults too!)

Excellent & Charming

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Loved this story!!!! So thrilling! Never would have expected the storyline and I love nuala’s character and personality! Recommend for someone who loves fun and friendship with a sprinkle of murder!

Brilliant and exciting!!!🩷😜⭐️⭐️⭐️

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