February 2026
A Girl’s Guide to Spying is a completing captivating First World War mystery for readers age 9+ that shares and celebrates the history of Girlguiding. The resilience, strength, courage and intelligence of young girls takes centre stage in a time of uncertainty and fear. I see the legacy of these types of girls every week at my Brownie and Guide meetings where young girls are empowered to be true to themselves and show just how much they can do. This story proves Girlguiding is so much more than camping and badges – it’s an organisation that gives girls and young women the tools and confidence to believe they can do anything.
The first in a new series, A Girl’s Guide to Spying introduces readers to 13-year-old Phyllis and her younger sister, Annie. Looking for adventure and fun, they’re thrilled to be asked to join the 1st Holburn Guide Company. Their parents worry the Guides are unladylike but they soon see how much their daughters gain from being a part of the group. From traditional games like Kim’s Game that tests memory to observation and tracking to knots, morse code, first aid and making clothing, the girls learn so many skills that allow them to contribute to the war effort and their community. Recognised for their abilities, some of the girls are recruited to work at Watergate House – headquarters of MI5. Surrounded by spies and war secrets, this is serious work.
Phyl is thrilled to be offered the job of a messenger at Watergate House. With her older brother fighting at the front, she really wants to do something to help. Thoughtful and intelligent, she’s a fast learner and a quick thinker. When a man goes missing along with an important document, she must use everything she’s learned at Guides to find clues, unscramble ciphers and reveal who’s to blame. Could there be a spy at Watergate House?
Holly Webb has created a rich text absolutely overflowing with details about life in 1915 London. Readers are invited to explore the treatment of German families accused of being spies, the impact of the Suffragettes, gender stereotypes faced by women, the fear of zeppelin attacks, the reality of fighting and returning home from the front, and what it meant to live under the Official Secrets Act.
The values and traditions of Girlguiding are cleverly woven into the story. Each chapter begins with a quote from a historic text: newspapers, letters, government warnings, documents from MI5, The Handbook for Girl Guides and others. These reveal opinions of the time and some are shockingly outdated in their portrayal of women. Girlguiding has changed with the times as girls have proven again and again just how capable and independent they can be.
These girls are fun and full of personality. They get along (or don’t) just like any other group of children but always come together for the common purpose of serving their community and doing something good. Their relationship with their Guide leaders is lovely, showing the importance of these role models who encourage and inspire. Similarly, the Guide meeting is a safe space for the girls, a place where they can be themselves and feel like they belong. The Guide Law runs through every part of this story, particularly the clause “A Guide is a good friend and a sister to all Guides.” This sisterhood was essential in working together to not only solve the mystery but to get through the war together.
This story of spies, ciphers and adventure reveals the heart of Girlguiding. With its wonderfully engaging mystery full of secret codes and double agents, it will have independent readers from Year 4 onwards completely engrossed – although I can imagine my Year 2 and Year 3 Brownies listening in wide-eyed delight as it’s read aloud. I’m certain this will be my personal book of 2025/2026 as it so beautifully honours the uniqueness of Girlguiding within an outstanding historical mystery.
Thank you to Rock the Boat & Liz Scott PR for this brilliant book!
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