Bunce, Elizabeth C. Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity: A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery. Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries. Algonquin, 10/2023. 368pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-64375-314-0. Paper $8.99. 978-1-5235-2428-0. GRADES 5–8. ADDITIONAL.
When her beloved governess inherits a Scottish castle, Myrtle acquires two problems to solve: investigate the possible murder of Miss Judson’s beneficent uncle, and prevent her newly enriched governess from falling in love with, and remaining on, her island estate. Mysteries, missing persons, hauntings, and lost clan treasure divert the intrepid sleuth while plenty of Scottish vernacular adds to the atmosphere. Myrtle fans will be delighted, but readers who crave more realism may roll their eyes. The atmosphere and central characters remain strong, but the plot gets lost in outlandish details while secondary characters, including the villain, behave in unbelievable ways. Miss Judson is biracial—French Guianese and White British—and all other characters read as white.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired