A Girl's Guide to Spying

Holly Webb author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oneworld Publications

Published:12th Feb '26

Should be back in stock very soon

A Girl's Guide to Spying cover

The first in a thrilling new historical mystery series from best-selling author Holly Webb. Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine.

An unputdownable historical mystery series from bestselling author Holly Webb.

'A rollicking, fun read written ... 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

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 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

ISBN: 9781836431213

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 22mm

Weight: unknown

304 pages