Death Sets Sail by Robin Stevens

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.