Murder on a School Night

By Author / Illustrator

Kate Weston

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Electric Monkey

ISBN

9780008540968

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

06-07-2023

Synopsis

Sex Education meets A Good Girl's Guide to Murder in this darkly hilarious YA murder mystery by Comedy Women in Print Prize and Carnegie Medal nominated author, Kate Weston. Fiercely funny, feminist and FUN! I bloody loved it' M.A. KUZNIAR

'There's never a good time to find a dead body. But finding a dead body while you're trying to kiss your crush? Dead awkward.'

All Kerry wants to do is stay at home with her rom-coms and strict retainer schedule. Instead, her BFF Annie has roped her into going to their first sixth-form party to investigate who's cyberbullying Heather, the most popular girl in school.

On the cusp of kissing her dreamy crush, Scott, Kerry discovers the body of Heather's second in command - suffocated with a menstrual cup. Within days, another student turns up dead, this time with a sanitary pad across the eyes. Now Annie and Kerry are officially on the case to stop the menstrual murderer . . . period.

Reviews

Kitty - Age 13

I think this book is really good, as it's quite feminist and encourages girls to talk about their period and if you catch your boyfriend cheating with your bff, do not call HER the slut! I think that anyone can read this depending on the maturity of the person. If you know how babies are made, then read it!

336 pages / Reviewed by Kitty, student

Ruth

The mysterious case of the menopause murders in Murder On A School Night offers older readers an exciting crime novel which is highly relatable, fast-paced, humorous and contemporary.

The main characters Kerry and Annie are life-long friends who are just starting sixth form when they are embroiled in a mystery in their local community. Annie is extremely confident that, with her keen interest in solving murders, they will be able to get to the bottom of the mystery which is impacting their friends and neighbours. Worryingly for Kerry, she is also desperate to be part of the student 'in group' and this makes Kerry unsure of the solidity of their friendship. Coincidentally, when the murders start, a new boy, Scott, starts at school and romance adds to the heady mix of teen emotions.

Kate Weston has managed to blend crime with real life teen issues, along with a very clear feminist message about periods. Because the story is so authentic, the author uses strong language including swearing which, whilst appropriate to the story, means that I recommend this book to older students of 14 years and above.

Kate Weston's writing style is fast page-turning, her characters are likeable (or not, in the case of Heather, the leader of Les Populaires) and the plot offers twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end. A hugely enjoyable book. Highly recommended.