Murder Is Bad Manners (A Wells and Wong Mystery)

Name: Murder Is Bad Manners (A Wells and Wong Mystery)
Author: Robin Stevens

Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

Published: 2014
Ages: 10–14

About the book

Two schoolgirls at a 1930s boarding school set up their own detective agency and get their first real case when a teacher is murdered.

AI summary

Two schoolgirls at a 1930s boarding school set up their own detective agency and get their first real case when a teacher is murdered.

Why parents choose this book

What makes Murder Is Bad Manners (A Wells and Wong Mystery) worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 10–14 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Mystery.
Personality fit: puzzle-solvers who like to figure things out.

Parents love this book because

Age-appropriate content for the 10–14 band with no significant flags.
Written by Robin Stevens, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy Murder Is Bad Manners (A Wells and Wong Mystery) if they…

Enjoy solving mysteries

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 10–14 age band.

Things parents should know

Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
Language: clean language throughout.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Middle grade

Works as read-aloud

Usually read independently

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We think Murder Is Bad Manners (A Wells and Wong Mystery) is a confident pick for the 10–14 age band. It leans into mystery in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Robin Stevens's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.