Book Review - Artful Antics at St Brides by Debbie Young

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Title: Artful Antics at St Brides

Author: Debbie Young

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 29th July 2023 

Rating: 5 Stars

When English teacher Gemma Lamb’s school flat is wrecked by storms, maverick headmistress Hairnet insists the girls must fund its repair by setting up their own businesses – the start of a series of hilarious unintended consequences.

Meanwhile Gemma’s worries are compounded by the arrival of bossy new girl Frieda Ehrlich, sponsored by a mysterious local tycoon whose wealth is of dubious origins. Fearful for the school’s reputation, Gemma recruits an old friend to help investigate the tycoon’s credentials, jeopardising her romance with sports teacher Joe Spryke.

What is Frieda hiding? Why is her sponsor living in a derelict manor house? Why is his chauffeur such a crazed driver? And what has become of McPhee, Hairnet’s precious black cat? With a little help from her friends, Gemma is determined to solve these mysteries, restore her flat and save the school.

For anyone who loved St Trinian’s – old or new – or read Malory Towers as a kid. St Brides is the perfect read for you!

I am just love, Love, LOVING this series, and this is another wonderful installment. I devoured it and couldn't get enough of it.  And that a clever title it has too. 

Although classified as a cozy mystery and there is a mysterious element to it, to me it's far more of just a nostalgic feeling school story, giving off Malory Towers or Twins at St Clare's vibes, and I love catching up with the staff and girls at this school. 

And this time there is a new girl in the school Freida, and it's her sponsor that is attracting various curious looks from the staff.  And the latest essential skills projects were like young enterprise at my school, basically making your own business, in this instance in a way to raise funds for the new roof for the staff apartments. 

I love how Gemma's curiosity knows no bounds, and she is determined to learn as much about these new people as she can. I also enjoyed seeing how her bonds with the rest of the staff are deepening at all times. 

i once again read this book in record time, it is just so easy to read and be involved in the story. It felt like coming home and I just love this setting and these characters so much.   Please let there be another book. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.