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Ratings: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Genre: Children's Mystery, Young Adult Fiction, Detective Fiction, Historical Fiction

Book Review:
Robin Stevens's ''A Murder Most Unladylike'' series has been delighting readers for years, and ''Death Sets Sail'' brings it to a close in spectacular fashion. It's a fitting finale—thrilling, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

The novel takes Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong to Egypt, where they're enjoying a cruise along the Nile. They expect ancient temples and mummies; instead, they get murder. Also on board is a group of eccentric English tourists who believe they're reincarnated pharaohs. When their leader is found stabbed to death, and her sleepwalking daughter wakes covered in blood, Daisy and Hazel have their most baffling case yet.

The Egyptian setting is a treat. Stevens evokes the Nile, the temples, the atmosphere of 1930s Egypt with her characteristic skill. The cruise ship setting creates a closed circle of suspects, perfect for a classic mystery. And the pharaoh-obsessed characters are wonderfully eccentric, providing plenty of motives and red herrings.

But the novel's real power lies in its emotional stakes. This is the final case for the Detective Society, and Stevens doesn't shy away from that fact. Daisy and Hazel have grown up over the course of the series, and their friendship has deepened through shared danger. Now they face their greatest challenge—and not both of them will survive. The tension is palpable, and the ending is genuinely moving.

The mystery itself is expertly plotted, with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing. Stevens pays tribute to classic mysteries—Agatha Christie's ''Death on the Nile'' is an obvious influence—while creating something fresh and original. The solution is satisfying, and the final pages leave room for hope even as they acknowledge loss.

The Guardian calls it ''thrilling.'' The Irish Times praises it as ''enormous fun.'' The Daily Mail describes it as ''a delight.'' All are right.

For fans of the series, ''Death Sets Sail'' is essential reading—a chance to say goodbye to beloved characters and see their stories through to the end. For newcomers, it's not the place to start (begin with ''Murder Most Unladylike''), but it's a reminder of why this series has been so beloved.

''Death Sets Sail'' is a triumph—a fitting end to one of the best children's mystery series of recent years. Highly recommended.