Stranger at St Bride's

Aaah, this was a cosy mystery that I really enjoyed. I usually find books of this genre to have a protagonist that is too interfering and the overall plot to be too twee. In this case, I settled into the narrative very quickly, finding the story and setting a bit reminiscent of my dearly beloved 'Malory Towers' series.<br /><br />Although this is the second book of a new series, I found I could pick up the story relatively easy. There are some references to the previous story but I felt this didn’t have a massive impact on my overall enjoyment. I even think this novel could be read by young adults because of its light-hearted tone but engaging plot.<br /><br />So, this book takes place during the winter term at St Bride’s. Hint: this finishes at Christmas time. Personally, it didn’t bother me in the slightest because there weren’t too many festive references and I was enjoying the cosy mystery so much, that this just added to the spirit of the story. Ultimately, I think this time of year just makes it a cosier read.<br /><br />Following English teacher, Gemma, (a girl after my own heart), suspicions are raised when the apparent heir of St Bride’s arrives at the school. When he claims ownership of the school, the staff recognise that this could be the end of their beloved institution. As Gemma begins to ask questions, it soon becomes apparent that this stranger has odd behaviours that just aren’t consistent, and has even managed to rub the locals up the wrong way. Whilst it is glaringly obvious how the story was going to develop, I relished in the light-heartedness of the plot, keen to see how this annoying character was going to receive his well-deserved comeuppance.<br /><br />In this way, I really got into the swing of this story and loved the quaintness of the traditions of St Bride’s that are being threatened. I felt as protective of the school as the staff and loved how several characters have an instinct for something not being quite right. Even some of the students are suspicious of Earl and I was very much entertained by some of their escapades and confessions.<br /><br />The only element that I didn’t truly connect with was the relationship Gemma has with Joe, the PE teacher. Furthermore, I could not really grasp his backstory and I think this was where it was really evident that I had not read the first book of the series. Thankfully, I don’t believe this previous plot was going to add anything dramatically new to this instalment, but I think the writer could have done something better with Joe’s character, if my interpretations are correct.<br /><br />This is a fun, light-hearted cosy mystery that could be enjoyed by young adults and beyond. It was a great reminder of a childhood favourite and I thought the setting was perfectly described. I really hope more of this series are to come and I definitely will try and get to the first story in the meantime.<br /><br />With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- I am so in love with the cover on this one! <br /><br />This is the second book in the Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series, and I am such a fan of this series. The writing is excellent. It's well paced. The setting is fun. The plot is engaging. The characters are quirky and very likable. I am bummed that I apparently missed book three when it was up for offer on NetGalley, but I look forward to diving into Wicked Whispers at St Bride's sometime in the future!<br /><br />**ARC Via NetGalley**

If you’re after a feel-good read set in the English countryside, you’re going to love the second instalment of Debbie Young’s school stories for grown-ups. A stand-alone read, Stranger at St Bride’s sees the daily routine of staff and pupils at the exclusive Cotswolds girls’ school disrupted by an American gentleman. Claiming the estate belongs to him, Earl Bunting sets about making his presence known throughout the school, something which causes thinly veiled panic at St Bride’s. <br /><br />The intrepid English teacher, Gemma Lamb, smells a rat as soon as she sets eyes on the stranger and is determined to find a clink in his armour. Helped by the gym teacher Joe, the object of her romantic aspirations, she tries to prove the stranger isn’t who he says he is.<br /><br />Debbie Young’s stories and writing style remind me of satirical English Jeeves and Wooster novels by P.G. Wodehouse. There are the same eccentric characters; an old-fashioned headmistress, Mrs Harnet (dubbed Hairnet by the girls); the disturbingly secretive Max Security; a stingy Bursar, and the beautiful, unlucky-in-love, Oriana. Their British stiff upper lip, firmly held-on traditions, and dry humour make for a fun, easy read for lazy Sundays. <br />

Was completely and utterly hooked from the first page to the last. <br /><br />I may have said book one in this series didn't really feel like a mystery, but that has certainly been rectified in this second book, as it is all one big mystery all regarding a potential claim to the St Bride's estate and school. <br /><br />But is Mr Earl Bunting all he seems, well the the staff and the pupils don't really take to him hanging about, and neither do I. <br /><br />I'm definitely with Gemma Lamb and the rest of the teachers in thinking something is off with him, and I was fully on her side, with all the attempts she makes try to find out the truth. <br /><br />I loved catching up with all of the teachers and girls, set just after the first book ends, in the half of term that is between Halloween and Christmas, including a memorable Fireworks night too, there is a lot of touches to really get you into the autumn term feel. <br /><br />And I enjoyed seeing how St. Brides celebrates Christmas and all their traditions. I also really enjoyed just seeing how more secrets of this vast school get uncovered, and also seeing a few pranks from the girls.<br /><br />I am just loving this series so much and already can't wait to read the next book. I am finding these really quick to read and I do love a book I can just ignore the outside world and want to continue reading on and on - which is what this story was for me. <br /><br />Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily

<br />Sinister Stranger at St Bride's<br />by Debbie Young<br />Earc:NetGalley <br />Publisher: Boldwood Books <br />Publication Date: 11th October 2022 <br />Genre: General Fiction, Women's Fiction<br />Nothing beats slipping into your cozy, comfy, relaxed zone than a cozy, comfy, fun, easy-to-read crime thriller. And Debbie Young's St. Bride from the Adult School series is a perfect match! Part 2 of<br />Ms. Young's new series, quirky staff, lovely schoolgirls (who have just the right amount of mischief to pet them), and pure fun all at the core of 'Mystery' It was added to the plot to become and it was a lot of fun. items. As an added bonus, you'll also meet characters from Ms Young's Sophie Sayers mystery series. Put me first on your list for the next story in the<br />series! What does this mean for the future of the school, its students and its eccentric staff? A reversal plot that made me want to return, well complemented by secrets. Agatha Christie Meets St. Trinian! I'm giving this her 4.5 stars because it would have been nice if the last few chapters were a little tighter. But maybe it was just my impatience to find out! If you're looking for a light British crime thriller set in the English countryside, this is it!<br /><br />#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #generalfiction #womensfiction #SinisterStrangeratStBrides @booksandtonic

St. Bride's is an anachronistic girl's boarding school in the Cotswolds. The staff are a lot of fun and (mostly) get along very well. Enter the villain who claims to be the rightful heir to the property! I really hoped this was a murder mystery because I voted for him to be murdered. Alas, no. But the staff and more all work hard to expose this rude poser and I got to laugh myself silly. Loved it!<br />I requested and received a free e-book copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.<br /><br />

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*<br /><br />This is the second in the Gemma Lamb cosy mystery series – St Trinian’s crossed with Enid Blyton, crossed with a very gentle, non-murder mystery story.<br /><br />In this instalment, we get less violence with the mystery, as it revolves around a matter of inheritance, and whether the new arrival is a genuine descendant or a brazen con man.<br /><br />All the familiar staff of St Bride’s are back, being their usual eccentric and mysterious selves and unwittingly muddying the waters of anything Gemma attempts to investigate.<br /><br />We get a lot more of the British school atmosphere this time around too, as the timeline of the story spans St Bride’s Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas rituals and we see them celebrated in traditional, cosy style – a perfect dose of festive cheer for this current holiday season!<br /><br />Yet again, while not the more traditional kind of mystery here, this is another quick, easy and highly enjoyable read, with quirky memorable characters and a very gentle, very British plot.<br /><br />I’m really looking forward to the next one, as there are still some staff secrets left unexposed, despite Gemma’s best efforts. Plus, I want to see if her slow-burn flirtation with romance might spark to a regular flame…!<br /><br />Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2022/11/23/blog-tour-st-brides-series-sinister-stranger-at-st-brides-debbie-young/">https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...</a>

<strong>Enjoyable</strong><br /><br />I have to use the same headline as I used for the first book in the series which I finished this morning . I did look in a theasuarus for another word to use but enjoyable was the only way to describe. I have now finished the second book and will have to buy the next in the series. No murders etc but great interaction with the characters.ok in a the book.

This is the second book in the St. Bride's series and just as good as the first one. I like the way the author includes the village and characters from her other series, but the main focus is always on the school. There are strong bonds of friendship developing between the characters which leads to a cosy glow when all is resolved.

<strong>Lighthearted read</strong><br /><br />I enjoyed this second story about St Brides, it was a pleasure to read, perhaps Miss Lamb should have been a detective! I look forward to reading the next St Brides book, whenever it is published