Murder Most Unladylike (Murder Most Unladylike Mystery, #1)

by Robin Stevens

This book is obscenely racist. I assume this is supposed to be historically accurate but frankly I'm surprised any publisher agreed to print a middle grade book with such controversial views. As an adult I can recognise what I believe the author was trying to do (historical accuracy) but I highly doubt most middle grade readers would. (And frankly a waste of time because I can't say I particularly believe the historical accuracy in terms of setting, behaviours and fashions.) At no point does the author properly condemn Daisy's casual racism or bigotry or her lack of self acceptance and utter contempt for anyone not conforming to the status quo. Ergo, letting middle grade readers think this behaviour is normal and therefore right. I'm not big on positive messages being rammed down your throat but if there's one place positive messages are important it would be middle grade fiction.

But that's only one issue with this book. Frankly I don't even know where to begin. None of the characters actually make a point of learning about or accepting Hazel's heritage. At worst they mock her and at best, they ignore her - pretending she's English. There is one part in the book where Hazel actually says most people when they get to know her, simply ignore her heritage. Like what the hell? Yes, let's just dismiss your entire background, that's not traumatic or anything. Only one character - Beanie, goes so far as when making a racist comment - apologising for forgetting that Hazel may be offended. Hazel doesn't even really feel offended - she basically brushes it off - only mentioning that it can make it hard to be polite. Yes because I'm sure that someone insulting a rather central part of my makeup wouldn't hurt or anger me at all.

Daisy is a complete and total jerk. She is selfish, dismissive, disparaging and somewhat vicious. The one nice thing she says to Hazel (apparently Hazel is clever) is diminished by her actions. She orders Hazel around and continually ignores her ideas and suggestions. But the worst character would have to be Hazel herself. She has no self confidence or self worth and constantly disparages herself. She not only accepts her role as a lesser being but embraces it. It's like she honestly believes she is worth less than Daisy. When they have a fight, Hazel actually proceeds to apologise as though it were her fault. Then there is what I suppose is to be the positive message - Daisy stops her apology and makes her own - but it seems contrived and insincere. Furthermore it diminishes Hazel herself because she didn't do anything wrong and she appears weak willed and needy.

The fact is although Hazel does have some moments of clarity and insight into Daisy's character - she mostly is just as obsessed with Daisy as everyone else. Apparently if you're not blonde hair and blue eyes you may as well just drop dead. There is constant talk of how pretty Daisy is and how smart and funny, etc. But Daisy is petty and biased and manipulative. And somewhat a total and utter psychopath. Or a spoilt brat. It could go either way I guess.

The mystery itself was interesting enough and perhaps the only redeeming feature of the book. I'll likely read the rest of the series as it's brainless entertainment. To be honest I just really love the covers and the idea of this series - hopefully the rest of the series will tone down the racism. Seriously how did this book get published? I am honestly shocked that a publisher would agree to publish something so controversial in middle grade fiction.

I'd suggest that this should be given to older readers who can discern between fiction and appropriate behaviour.