Robin Stevens

1940. Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies.

Enter May Wong: courageous, stubborn, and desperate to help end the war so that she can go home to Hong Kong (and leave her annoying school, Deepdean, behind forever). May knows that she would make the perfect spy. After all, grown-ups always underestimate children like her.

When May and her friend Eric are turned away by the Ministry, they take matters into their own hands. Masquerading as evacuees, they travel to Elysium Hall, home to the wealthy Verey family – including snobby, dramatic Nuala. They suspect that one of the Vereys is passing information to Germany. If they can prove it, the Ministry will have to take them on.

But there are more secrets at Elysium Hall than May or Eric could ever have imagined.

And then someone is murdered…

Student Reviews

Commended Review
I recently finished reading “The Ministry of Unladylike Activity ” by Robin Stevens, which was a captivating and thrilling read. The story is set in the 1940s during World War II, and it offers an insightful glimpse into the lives of evacuees during that time. What I loved most about Robin’s writing style was her ability to vividly describe each scene, making it easy for me to imagine myself right there in the story.
The characters in the book, Fiona, May, and Eric, were incredibly well-developed with intriguing personalities that were brought to life through Stevens’ writing. The themes of mystery, action, adventure, and drama kept me hooked from the beginning until the very end, and the many plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book.
I particularly enjoyed how the protagonists explored the mysteries in-depth, providing multiple possibilities for who the culprit could be. This left me with much to contemplate as I tried to solve the murder myself. After finishing the book, I was left with a strong desire to read more, which is a clear indication of how much I enjoyed this novel. Overall, I would highly recommend “The Ministry of Unladylike Activity” to anyone looking for a thrilling and well-written book with amazing characters and a captivating storyline.
– Sophia, The Joseph Rowntree School

This book was amazing! I loved it. Ever since I started to read it I knew I and others like me would love it. I adore books like these and think there should be more published like them.
It was really relaxing and entertaining to read. I admired the use of the cliff-hangers. I also thought the amount and background of all the characters were really creative.
I changed emotions as the book went on. The ending was really shocking! I got stuck into this book a few pages in. The book is about a person called Uncle Sidney (who is also called Uncle Sid) who magically gets murdered but by who? That’s what Eric, May and Finnoula O’Malley try to solve. They’re in a detective society together but their actual mission was to find a spy but they came across a murder! I recommend this book to others as well.
– Mira, The Joseph Rowntree School

Spies, was, MURDER? What will young May, Eric and Nuala come across in the Ministry of Unladylike Activity?
This book is about three children a little younger than me and how they react to World War 2. They aren’t the classic English children though. One sister of a spy, one German and one Irish actor. Naturally they start looking for a German spy to prove their worth to the Ministry who refused to work with children. But they find more than a spy. They find a murder. With one lead after another they finally find the killer. But who was it?
The three trouble-makers are none other than May, Eric, and Fionnuala: how much trouble could they cause? A lot! May is a perfect example of an enthusiastic character. She comes from a rich family in Hong Kong and escaped from a boarding school called Deepdean School for Girls. I find her rebellious traits admirable and intriguing. She is the opposite of her sweet calm sister. Eric on the other hand is an animal loving person who is always polite and helpful. After leaving Germany his family struggled and it all got worse when his father got arrested at the start of the war. I adore his personality and think he would make a perfect team with May and Nuala. Fionnuala is a brilliant character for many reasons. She has the perfect mix of the other two personalities. She comes from Ireland and her dad owned a theatre company which felt like family which made her heartbroken when she had to leave after her father’s death. I love how she can help in many ways and the drama between her and May. Nuala has to be my favourite character.
The first person story has to be one of my favourites and I think the changes between Nuala and May helped show two ways of thinking. I think Robin Stevens worked hard on showing personalities and describing scenes like a detective was describing them. My favourite moment has to be the faked attempted murder because it worked with the story so well. I can’t think of any needs for improvement.
I think this is one of the best books I have read, and Robin Stevens has been my favourite author since I read her “Murder Most Unladylike” series which were my first ever murder mysteries and my favourites.
The character of Eric made me think about people in his situation during World War Two and I can’t forget about how we mistreated Germans during World War Two. It also tells me that you can’t assume someone is telling the truth unless you know if they are.
That is the end of my book report on The Ministry of Unladylike Activity.
– Manor CE Academy

I thought that it was an amazing book. The characters had such good things about them I think that each character is so special. The start of the book was so interesting and I loved the book in general.
– Lyv, The Joseph Rowntree School

I recently finished The Ministry of Unladylike Activity and it was intriguing, imaginative and suspenseful. This amazing book is set during World War Two and it gives us an informative insight on what life was like for evacuees during this unfortunate time period. I particularly enjoyed the historic factor and the suspenseful genre. The adventurous storyline left me craving more and me refusing to put the book down; this of course is a sign of a good book. Overall, I highly recommend this book to thrill-seeking readers.
– Louisa, The Joseph Rowntree School

This brilliant book is an exceptional story, following the diaries of May Wong, Eric Jones and Fionnuala O’Malley. It is set in WW2, and involves a Nazi spy, a lonely house, and great distress. It is so real, it made me feel as if I was actually living in a world of rations and bombs, entangled with big empty fields. As May and Eric get to Elysium Hall, they realise there is more than just spies to deal with. May Wong, abandoned by her dad who went back to Hong Kong, and left with her older sisters, Rose and Hazel, she can’t stay out of trouble. Eric, from Germany, is quiet and kind, with a good hand for animals, worries about his dad, her tries to be helpful and is very nice.
– Isla W, St Peter’s School

This book certainly lives up to the bestselling reviews of ‘Murder Most Unladylike’. It’s narrated by one of my favourite characters in the series and in the book – May Wong. I also got introduced to another main character, Fionnuala O’Malley. The book is gripping, reminding me of the courage and stubbornness of May and surprising me with the wit of Fionnuala. Set in WW2, this book is action-filled and interesting, giving me a glimpse of what life was like in WW2. However, sometimes the book isn’t as gripping as I would’ve liked and can be a bit boring, but this could just be my experience.
My favourite character is definitely May, as she is comically stubborn, brave and not afraid to do what she thinks.
I think that this book, although interesting, doesn’t live up to the first series and I would like to see more of Daisy and Hazel. Overall, I would rate it 7/10 stars.
– Srija, St Peter’s School

This story is set around a murder mystery in England during World War II. It begins as May Wong and Eric Jones want to join the Ministry of Unladylike Activity, but are rejected. They try to join by proving their ability. This story is recorded from May and Nuala’s report and diary. This is important because we can know their minds and feelings.
Apart from the murder, May and Eric’s original goal in this murderous (and haunted?) house is to find a Nazi spy. This adds to the story a sense of mysteriousness. Each page is filled with discovery and danger – you’ll want to keep reading!
The main characters were May, Eric, and Nuala – the detective team of the mystery. They are also being suspected of murder and spying, because they’re not pure English. They rely on each other and make friends with someone who was an enemy at the start.
I really enjoyed this book even though I normally don’t read murder mystery books. This book stands out from all the books I read throughout the year.
– Isaac, St Peter’s School

CHARACTERS:
MOLLY: The characters in this book are really in depth and thought through. Each has their own personality and there are barely any cliches or stereotypes which is common in these sorts of books. My favourite character is Eric because he and May are one of my favourite duos. He kind of dilutes her rudeness. May is quite annoying when reading the book, but I think that makes me feel even more connected to the book since I’ve met people like May who seem cold and distant but are really softies.
PLOT:
EMILY: The story is about May Wong as she travels to London to help protect Britain from the Nazis. She and her new friend Eric travel to Elysium Hall to find a spy. But they also have to solve a murder! This story is full of opinions and thoughts, so the reader knows how the characters feel, and shows their personalities.
WELL WRITTEN:
MOLLY: I think her writing style is not as good as it used to be. It has developed so much since May is very different from Hazel. At first, I struggled to like her new writing style and lack of descriptions, but I’ve grown to love it and realise these changes fit May a lot more.
EMOTIONS:
EMILY: This book was entertaining and funny. It made me feel happy and excited for the murderer to be revealed. When they were, the solution was so perfect that I loved it! The backstory for the grandfather is so good and totally fits.
Overall, this is a great, entertaining and unequivocally amazing story!
MOLLY: I agree! As someone who has been a fan of Robin Stevens for years, I have to say that this book definitely makes it into the top three of her best books!
EMILY: And to conclude, there is one last thing to say – this book definitely deserves to be in the York Book Awards!
– Molly and Emily, All Saints

A heartwarming story about friendship is my favourite. The characters are shown amazingly through personalities that are created passionately and thoughtfully. The story was laid out in a fun, meaningful way to engage the reader and make them feel a jumble of emotions all at once. My favourite character is obviously Finn Jones because he is a fun, brave person who will do what he enjoys and I look up to him for that.
– Seri, All Saints

What happens in this story you may ask, so the story is based when Britain was at war and a secret arm of British government called The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies. Something strange about this book is the fact that you expect the book to be about her and her sisters in the war and what happens, but really it’s about the complete opposite cause she goes looking to be a spy and finds something much bigger.
In this story there are two main characters: May and Eric. These two characters have two completely different personalities but I love them both, Eric being quite quiet and May being really loud. These two characters are both described in much detail towards the start of this story. I think it’s roughly between chapter one to around chapter six. My favourite character is probably May as she is always wanting to do something new and create new adventures for herself.
I think that maybe the author may have been a part of the war or at one point in her life they have lost someone to the war.
– Manor CE Academy

Sequel series to Murder Most Unladylike, Ministry of Unladylike Activity has several similarities – and differences. Like the previous series, it focuses on children in early 20^th century England attempting to solve a murder mystery – with twists, drama, danger and exploration of the ideas and attitudes of the time period along the way.
However, there are some differences. The new series is set during the Second World War, with the conflict having a noticeable effect on the story. The first-person perspective is divided between two characters with very different viewpoints, and two of the main characters are solving a murder not in a school, but in a country home they had been evacuated to.
Fortunately, what has not changed is Robin Stevens’ talent for original, surprising and understandable mystery writing or her ability to make the reader understand the different world of the early 1900s.
– Toby, All Saints

‘The Ministry of Unladylike Activity’ is a delightful blend of mystery, wit and historical charm. Set in a time when societal norms were rigid, the protagonist’s unapologetic defiance and clever escapades within the clandestine ministry make for an engaging and empowering read. The attention to historical detail adds a sense of reality, while the humour brought into the narrative ensures a thoroughly enjoyable experience. This novel is a refreshing take on the detective genre, offering a compelling protagonist who challenges conventions with finesse.
– Laura, All Saints

The main characters (Eric, May and Nuala) were really good. I would think that they were very mischievous and I liked them. Whilst reading the story, I felt worried, excited, happy and a bit sad. The story was easy to read and understand and it flowed very well. The plot was very good. There were two plot twists and they were big plot twists. Overall, really good and amazing, would recommend to everyone.
– Niamh, All Saints

The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is a murder mystery about a girl named May and her friends Eric and Nuala. At the time this story is set, Britain is at war and life has changed drastically for everyone. After finding a secret note, May and Eric set out for Elysium Hall, desperate to find German spies and help their country. However, whilst there, they uncover more than just spies. They find a murder! I found this book very exciting and gripping, particularly near the end. After having read the whole first Murder Most Unladylike series, it had a lot to live up to and it certainly did not disappoint. I was able to picture descriptions and found myself laughing a lot at points. I would definitely recommend this book to other people as it was easy to read with very mixed emotions and a shocking ending. I really enjoyed the story.
– Isla H, St Peter’s School

I absolutely loved this so much that I couldn’t put it down! I really liked the connection to Robin Stevens’ older series with Hazel and Daisy. The starting of the book was really gripping, and I liked how it went straight into the action which is reinforced by the book being a report. It flicks back and forth to Nuala then to May which gives a different perspective. The first-person writing means that you can understand their emotions and feelings. I would recommend this to people who love mystery, spies, and a little sprinkle of comedy.
My favourite character is Nuala. She has emotions that are beyond May and she is compassionate and has sympathy for her friends. She is bright and breezy and seems fun to be around. She may have anxiety but who wouldn’t when they are solving a murder?
I think this could be improved by there being slightly less dawdling on the tiny details in the moment. However, I can understand why as those details link up in the end.
– Millie, St Peter’s School

The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is a fantastic, mysterious and exciting book about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. This story is set whilst the Nazis were planning to invade England and is set in a house near Coventry called Elysium Hall. The two main characters, May and Eric, arrive there searching for a German spy, only to find a murder.
I like this book because it is full of twists and turns, and is an absolute page-turner! I especially like the part when they explained everything in the air-raid shelter.
– Joanne, St Peter’s School

The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is a novel that follows May Wong, Eric Jones and Fionnuala O’Malley on their mission to uncover a spy amongst them and stop them from reporting to Berlin and the Nazis. Will they succeed? You’ll have to find out for yourself!
I thought this book was written very well and I loved how it jumps between different people’s diaries and points of view. I love the strong, cheeky personality of May and the more reserved and thoughtful personality of Eric. But Nuala was my favourite because she switched between different personalities when she interacted with different people. I found this very interesting and it came across very well due to the author’s amazing descriptive skills.
I could definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a witty murder mystery and I would give it 5 stars.
– Lucy, St Peter’s School

The book was great, it was interesting with a nice story, but the characters didn’t have much emotion to them. It was fun to guess who was the killer, but in the end, sort of a bit obvious. The story at points was quite tedious, but in general it was a great book with a compelling tale, but could be written a little better. With more emotion, it would be great.
– Henry N., All Saints

I think this was an incredible book, with a deep story on friendship within the stunning mystery. I was trying to figure it out at the same time, and I thought the way the author used sentence lengths to create a thrilling mystery was really good. I enjoyed the twist at the end, where Ruth had been hiding lots of things that could have solved the mystery a lot quicker. I often felt confused, as there were lots of twists to make it more complicated, which made me enjoy it even more.
– Henry M., All Saints

The Ministry of Unladylike Activity is a great book about a spy agency in WW2. Readers will be fascinated at the complexity of the plot and will be drawn into it. It highlights the power of teamwork and unity used in a fight against enemies. I recommend it for anyone who likes an adventure/mystery read.
– Vihaan, All Saints