What This Book Is About
At Deepdean School for Girls in the 1930s, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong have set up their own secret detective agency—the Wells & Wong Detective Society. Daisy is the daring, aristocratic president; Hazel, who has recently arrived from Hong Kong, is the loyal secretary and narrator. They've been looking for a real mystery to solve, but when Hazel discovers the body of their Science Mistress, Miss Bell, in the school gymnasium—and the body vanishes before anyone else sees it—they get far more than they bargained for.
With suspects among the teachers and a mounting sense that the adults around them are hiding dark secrets, Daisy and Hazel must crack the case before the real killer strikes again. Robin Stevens, who grew up between the UK and Hong Kong, channels Agatha Christie through the eyes of two brilliant schoolgirls, creating a mystery series that has sold over a million copies and been translated into 37 languages. Think of it as Knives Out meets boarding-school charm—witty, twisty, and impossible to put down.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
The fact that one of the two protagonists is Hazel Wong—a Chinese girl navigating a British boarding school—gives this book a natural connection to UWC's internationally diverse student body. Hazel's experience of being between cultures, of feeling like an outsider while proving herself through intelligence and loyalty, mirrors what many UWC students experience when they arrive from different countries. It is rare to find a mystery series with an Asian lead character written this well.
The mystery genre itself also builds critical thinking skills that UWC's curriculum values highly. Students must evaluate evidence, question assumptions, and distinguish red herrings from real clues—skills that transfer directly to analytical writing and classroom debate. The book's witty, fast-paced prose is also a proven hook for reluctant readers, especially those who find literary fiction intimidating.
Reading Level Guide
Challenging at A2 due to period-specific vocabulary and British school slang. Try City Spies for a more accessible mystery first.
Perfect difficulty. The fast-paced plot keeps you turning pages, and the clues reward careful reading.
A fun, breezy read at B2. Fans can continue with the eight sequels in the series for sustained reading practice.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.