A Girl's Guide to Spying
Published on 12. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-83643-121-3 (ISBN)
Description
An unputdownable historical mystery series from bestselling author Holly Webb.
'A rollicking, fun read ... Rich with historical texture that brings the past vividly to life, Holly once again proves why she's a true superstar of children's fiction.' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear
'A gripping, believable 9+ historical mystery, full of courage, high stakes and quick wits.' Guardian
Did you know that the Girl Guides worked undercover for MI5 during the First World War?
When Phyl is dragged along to the Girl Guides by her younger sister, Annie, the last thing she expects is the adventure of a lifetime. Then her Guide captain offers her a job as a messenger for MI5. Phyl is desperate to help the war effort and is thrilled to be working with spies.
But she can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of the grumpy Major Warren. When he suddenly disappears, Phyl and Annie suspect that he may in fact be a double agent. The two sisters must solve the mystery of his whereabouts, before it's too late. Luckily their friends from the Rose Patrol are ready to help...
Perfect for fans of Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike series, Fleur Hitchcock and Katherine Woodfine.
'A rollicking, fun read ... Rich with historical texture that brings the past vividly to life, Holly once again proves why she's a true superstar of children's fiction.' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear
'A gripping, believable 9+ historical mystery, full of courage, high stakes and quick wits.' Guardian
Did you know that the Girl Guides worked undercover for MI5 during the First World War?
When Phyl is dragged along to the Girl Guides by her younger sister, Annie, the last thing she expects is the adventure of a lifetime. Then her Guide captain offers her a job as a messenger for MI5. Phyl is desperate to help the war effort and is thrilled to be working with spies.
But she can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of the grumpy Major Warren. When he suddenly disappears, Phyl and Annie suspect that he may in fact be a double agent. The two sisters must solve the mystery of his whereabouts, before it's too late. Luckily their friends from the Rose Patrol are ready to help...
Perfect for fans of Robin Steven's Murder Most Unladylike series, Fleur Hitchcock and Katherine Woodfine.
Reviews / Votes
'A gripping, believable 9+ historical mystery, full of courage, high stakes and quick wits.' Guardian 'A rollicking, fun read written with all of Holly's trademark warmth. Rich with historical texture that brings the past vividly to life, Holly once again proves why she's a true superstar of children's fiction. And who wouldn't fall in love with Hector the dog?' Hannah Gold 'This is vivid historical fiction that will transport you, charm you, and make you cheer at the brilliance of the real-life Girl Guides who played their part in the war. Hoorah for Phyl and Annie!' Joanna Nadin "A compelling blend of intrigue, mystery and puzzle solving. Join Rose Patrol as they find themselves caught up in a dangerous race against time to uncover the identity of a double agent. Packed full of twists and turns, this is a real page-turner of a read. Inspired by the real-life work of Girl Guides during the First World War, this historical mystery is a must have for fans of Robin Stevens." Jo Clarke 'A Girl's Guide to Spying has all of Holly Webb's wonderful warmth and storytelling superpowers wrapped up in a brilliant real-life historical mystery. I absolutely loved it - classic storytelling, heart-pounding adventure, brain-busting mystery and some of the most delightful characters imaginable.' Sophie Kirtley 'Holly Webb is always a dream and this is no exception. A Girl's Guide to Spying is so smart and clever and full of fun that I devoured every inch of it. Go Rose Patrol!' Daisy May Johnson 'The author's love of Guiding is apparent throughout the book... This is a well-written multilayered read... there is also plenty of humour and, at its heart, this is a coming-of-age story with appealing characters who find their own space to develop their unique personalities over the course of the book. Highly recommended, this book is a wonderful start to a new series that was hard to put down once started.' Children's Books Ireland (Inis Magazine) 'This is a ripping yarn where sensible, clever Girl Guides are under-estimated by most of the adults around them... The first in a series of thrilling historical mysteries.' BookTrust 'All the classic ingredients of a spy drama... With real history as the backdrop, an intriguing mystery to solve, danger always just around the corner, plenty of twists and turns, and the thrill of joining a group of gutsy Guides with a case to crack, this is the perfect opener for what promises to be a must-read series!' Lancashire Post 'This is a unique and thrilling adventure, full of twists and turns, set as it is within the historical background of war and suspicion, where everyone was looking for the spy in their midst... Full of intrigue, dramatic chases, murder, Morse Code and spies, this first book in the series is a wonderful addition to the current popular crime and mystery genre, inspired by the true stories of the brave Girl Guides working undercover during the First World War.' Books for Keeps 'A thrilling read which will keep you on your toes and thinking!' Armadillo MagazineMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 9 to 12 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
280 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83643-121-3 (9781836431213)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Holly Webb
A Girl's Guide to Spying: Volume 1
E-Book
02/2026
Rock the Boat
€6.91
Available for download
Person
Holly Webb started writing while she was working as an editor at a children's publisher, and is now one of Britain's best-loved children's authors. She joined the Brownies aged 7, and still volunteers as a Brownie and Guide Leader. Her Guide unit has never discovered a murder (or at least they've never admitted it...).
Holly's first book was written mostly sitting on the floors of trains while she was commuting into London, and it was published in 2004. She has since written over 170 books, which have been translated into 33 languages. Holly lives in Reading with her husband, three children and three cats.
Holly's first book was written mostly sitting on the floors of trains while she was commuting into London, and it was published in 2004. She has since written over 170 books, which have been translated into 33 languages. Holly lives in Reading with her husband, three children and three cats.