When Mally Biddle agreed to spy upon the King of Lenzar and his overbearing knights she knew she was heading into danger. She didn’t know she’d find a family unlike any other.
Posing as a servant in Bosc Castle, Mally serves tea and restocks the fires for the most dangerous men in the kingdom. Her goal is to learn the truth of what happened sixteen years ago, when the infant princess met her death … a death that has more questions than answers.
Along her search for the truth, Mally meets the energized Lita Stump, the strict and matriarchal Meriyal Boyd, and the opinionated Archibald Diggleby. Then of course there are the knights: Sir Leon Gibbs who is slicker than a greased hog, Adrian Bayard, hot tempered and violent, and the worst of the lot: Sir Illius Molick, Captain of the Knights. And then there is Maud, a mysterious woman who just might know everything…
My Rating: 
The Tale of Mally Biddle reminded me a lot of a Disney movie. It was very innocent – it was never too “scary,” the romance was barely present, and familial relationships were strongly focused on – and would appeal more to a middle grade audience.
Mally was an admirable character: spunky, kind-hearted, and fiercely loyal to both her friends and her kingdom. Her loyalty caused her to make some rather impulsive decisions at times, but that just made the adventures that much more fun to read about. And she has such a fun name!
Aside from one major mystery, there isn’t too much suspense or action. I had correctly guessed the plot twist as soon when I read the synopsis, but it was still nice to see how it came about.
Overall, The Tale of Mally Biddle is a cute, light read for younger teens.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
