First Class Murder (WELLS & WONG 1ST CLASS M)

I got this for my daughter. She could not put it down until she finished. This is the third book in this series. They are beautifully written, clever books in the style of Agatha Christie. I think middle graders 5th - 8th grade will love these. The two main characters are beautifully developed. My daughter's read 1-3 and absolutely loves them. I've read the first two, and plan to get to this one soon. With the first two, my daughter would read them in the evening and leave them at my nightstand for me to read at night. We'd speculate about who the murderer was and my daughter (who reads faster than I do) would leave me notes inside the book with lines like, "I was wrong!" or "I know who the killer is now!" Anyone who loves Agatha Christie will love these books. Even adults who love Christie would love to read these. They are wonderful. I cannot wait to read them all. They have different names in the UK, and the release dates are ahead of us, but I'm waiting for the US versions for the sole reason that I love the US covers so much.

I do hope Daisy finds her comeuppance by the end of the series. Hazel is my hero! So glad she gets to shine in this book.At first I was dismayed by the similarity to "Murder on the Orient Express," but this is a respectful homage to that, and the scenario (other than the train and its contained venue) is very different. Besides, MotOE was based on the Lindbergh Baby case, fictionally enhanced to make a nice case for M. Poirot, so everything leans on something else.Hazel is Hazel in this book, Daisy is most definitely Daisy, and a couple characters from previous volumes pop up. If I'm reading a Middle Grade book, should I be proud of myself that I finally solved the mystery before the spot in the book where Our Heroines put things together? (Hazel is so intelligent!) So very good to see Hazel not only get her due from everyone whose opinion is worth something, but reveal her birth name. I had wondered. (Oh boy, just discovered that one of the volumes is set in Hong Kong! Can't wait to get to it.)So yeah, hand this to your local middle schooler to read, but don't forget to enjoy it yourself!

I have recently discovered this series and absolutely love it. I am not a "young" adult as this series is geared but love the stories and the writing is so good. It is a blend of Nancy Drew meets Agatha Christie. It is a delightful who dun it and for the two books I have read, they are fantastic and a wonderfully light yet complex mystery that is perfect afternoon tea reading. Would highly recommend

It's good but it takes a very long time for it to be to the murder.

it was a very well written book... but it was very slow and boring. not good for young readers.

The third "Wells and Wong" mystery series takes place in a very familiar locale for anyone with a love of crime novels: the Orient Express. Robin Stevens's love for Agatha Christie's famous mystery is clear throughout the book (Daisy even has a copy), but this is certainly not a retread of "Murder of the Orient Express".Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are on holiday in Europe with Hazel's father, who is hoping his supervision will ensure the two of them don't get into any more trouble (the teenagers having already solved two murder-mysteries in the past). Hazel is a little intimidated by her strict and traditional father, but Daisy's drive and vivaciousness means that she's caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the strange goings-on in the luxurious train. How can she solve a crime in such a confined space without her father realizing what she's doing?It's obvious that everyone in the first-class carriage has something to hide: the Russian countess, the wealthy magnate, the impoverished writer, the eccentric clairvoyant, mysterious stage magician – though Hazel is curious about Alexander Arcady, the young man about her age who's accompanying his grandmother and seems just as interested in crime-solving as she does.With a locked-room mystery, a missing ruby, a host of suspects and a disapproving father, "First Class Murder" is another great instalment in this mystery series, and definitely the best when it comes to atmosphere. What can possibly top the luxury and intrigue of the Orient Express? As ever, Daisy and Hazel butt heads over how exactly to proceed with the investigation (this time with the added strain of keeping it hidden from Hazel's father), with Daisy preferring the direct approach and Hazel wanting to be more conscientious about people's feelings.I'm really enjoying the "Wells and Wong" books: Robin Stevens has created two fantastic characters in Daisy and Hazel, and their friendship is much more complicated than just two besties solving crimes. Daisy can be too demanding and headstrong, while Hazel is more introverted and thoughtful; gradually learning that it's just as challenging to stand up for herself as it is for victims of crime.There are also some poignant hints regarding the fact that World War II is just around the corner, and the constant micro-aggressions that Hazel and her father have to endure from Europeans who are immediately suspicious of any foreigners. It's a great read in a great series.

This clever, witty, gripping story is a must-read! I would recommend it to 10-14 year-olds. First is the same high standard as the other two books in the series, murder most unladylike and arsenic for tea.Set on the orient express in the 1920s, it is the story of hazel Wong and Daisy Wells. When a fellow passenger is murdered, they begin investigating their 3rd murder mystery, but with false evidence, secrets everywhere and adults getting in the way, it is not easy! How is the clever locked room mystery be possible? Read it!

Super murder mystery stories in Agatha Christie style - I'd recommend all the current books as good reads and have bought them all for my 10 year old niece who devoured them.This is the only one I've read - and I'm a bit out of the target audience, being 53 - but I found it a well paced read with just the right amount of danger, thrills, murder and multiple suspects, all spiced up with an exotic location and a good dash of being a jolly bit cleverer than the grown-ups! Fab and fun!

Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are back for another adventure, and it's the best one yet!Heading off with Hazel father on a holiday which is supposed to be relaxing and definitely not dangerous in any way, leaving no chance for the schoolgirl detectives to do any detecting, you know it isn't going to be long before something happens which will lead them into their favourite pastime; especially as they are aboard the Orient Express.Murder, spies and other amateur detectives abound in a whirlwind story, all set in the glorious and opulent 1930s surroundings of the Orient Express.This one is so much fun you won't put it down until you've finished it.

A thrilling book full of unexpected twists and turns. I recommend this book for children of the age10+. If you love trying to solve the crime yourself you'll be surprised on what weird and wonderful clues you'll find along the way! I would recommend reading Robin Stevens amazing series in order just so that you have more understanding of how the amazing Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong came to be. Such a thrilling journey of cases justice and crime! AMAZING!

This is an absolutely amazing book!! It keeps you gripped from the start and has some really good twists. I loved the plot and the characters and how it was written I would definitely say it is a must read book and I was excited to hear that there is a whole series!!!!!! :) can't wait x