What worked:
The book stars Hazel and Daisy as students/detectives
spending the holidays in Egypt. The first chapter has a mysterious hook as Hazel
ends the chapter with, “Perhaps that way I can bring Daisy back to life.” Readers
are told that one of the two main characters is going to die and they’ll
speculate about how and when this will happen. The girls encounter a group of
English citizens who proclaim they’re the reincarnation of various Egyptian
rulers. It’s clear early on that they’ll play a prominent role in the plot. They’re
led by Theodora Miller who believes she’s the re-embodiment of the pharaoh
Hatshepsut, daughter of Amun Ra, “a god on earth”. Readers will enjoy hating
this loud, pompous woman as she berates everyone she encounters until she is
murdered.
Several characters join Hazel and Daisy in this murder investigation.
Hazel’s father flies in with her younger sisters and May’s small size provides
unexpected help. Her father is surprisingly supportive and trusts that his daughter
knows what she’s doing. May is only six years old but her enthusiastic, mischievous
personality finds her literally popping up when characters least expect. Repeatedly
sneaking out of her room drives her father crazy and adds light humor to the
plot. The girls are also joined by Amina, a classmate from Egypt, and it becomes
evident she has more than a friendly interest in Daisy. George and Alexander
join the cast of characters and Alexander and Hazel awkwardly navigate their
relationship.
Obviously, the story concerns a mystery and the characters methodically
investigate the murder. The book takes the form of Hazel’s records and summary and
readers can consider clues and theories as they arise. There are pages listing potential
suspects that include motives and relevant evidence. These pages are edited as
Daisy and Hazel collect more information and the girls identify the next steps
they’ll follow in their investigation. The girls must combat adult skepticism
and interference and they dismiss any potential danger, especially Daisy. Murderers
tend to kill again when they feel threatened.
What didn’t work as well:
There are a lot of characters to follow as the mystery unfolds. Six
characters are investigating the crime, the members of the Breath of Life society
are suspects, and there are other minor characters to consider. Daisy is still
bossy and headstrong although George resists her efforts to control him.
The final verdict:
This book is most appropriate for upper middle-grade readers due
to the subject matter. Hinting at the death of a main character in the opening
pages is a highly effective way to capture interest. Readers interested in
solving mysteries should enjoy the analysis of clues and suspects until Daisy
and Hazel eventually identify the murderer. Overall, it’s an intriguing case
with plenty of surprises and I recommend you give it a shot.
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