The download date was unfortunately missed, I would be happy to re-review it if it became available again. I have awarded stars for the book cover and description as they both appeal to me. I would be more than happy to listen and review it if a download becomes available. If you would like me to re-review please feel free to contact me at thesecretbookreview@gmail.com or via social media The_secret_bookreview (Instagram) or Secret_bookblog (Twitter). Thank you.

Set in Singapore in the 1890’s, Miss Cassidy is a governess who arrives to look after the remaining daughter of widow Mr Kay. The family are under a curse and many of his children have died along with his wife. While tutoring, Miss Cassidy also battles demons in this unique novel, part historical fiction and part fantasy. The narrator was fantastic and added to my enjoyment of the book.

Many thanks to Bolinda Audio and Meihan Boey for the advanced audio copy of The Formidable Miss Cassidy via NetGalley, in return for my honest and unbiased review. Quick note: I don’t recap plots in my reviews, as it’s easy enough to read the book’s synopsis and blurbs, I purely focus on my feelings & opinions of how the books makes me feel.

Miss Cassidy was an absolute delight, and formidable indeed. The story is a wonderful mix of historical fiction and fantasy, light-hearted with a dash of mystery. It contains several scenarios within it, which lends the entire story promise to become a multi-book possibility, both featuring Miss Cassidy and other characters of her ilk.

The narrative is woven cleverly, with pertinent information dropped in over time, not all at once at the beginning, which makes the whole crux of the story itself so much more interesting and sweeter.

Although labelled as a romance, it barely qualifies as such, and it really doesn’t need to. It is interesting enough not to require gooey romance and the decisions made by the protagonist with regard to this definitely add to the plot.

As someone who lived in Singapore - where the story largely takes place - in my youth and crucially as a white expat, it was fascinating to read this viewpoint, and wonderful nostalgia. I have lived in various different countries and have had various experiences, but Singapore was one of my favourites, and would have loved to have seen it as Miss Cassidy saw it.

The narrator, Paula Masterton, was superb. The accents and intonations were well done and largely accurate in my experience. The tone and cadence were engaging, and I would not hesitate to listen to more books read by this narrator.

Moods: adventurous, dark (at times), light-hearted (at times), mysterious

Tropes: arranged marriage, matchmaker, peril, unrequited love, widow/widower

Pace: medium

Character development: medium

Plot or character driven: 50/50

Diversity: high
Spice: 0/5

Trigger warnings: Death, Death of a family member, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Physical illness, Racism,

Rating
Story: 4/5
Audio: 5/5

Rating 4.5/5

I love it when I come across an audiobook that I can immerse myself in and this was one of them. I loved how unexpected this story was for me, I knew there would be a little bit of magic in this story but I didn’t expect it to be so fantastical. It caught me off guard but in the best way.

The story is set in 1890s Singapore and I loved the Malay folklore that was explored in the story. It captured my attention because I had never encountered them before and it helped make the setting come alive. I also liked that there was the appearance of some Celtic folklore but that both were brought together in an interesting way.

Something I quite liked about this story was that it is in three parts with a focus on different families but they are all acquainted so you can see how they progress from one section to the next. This does mean that there maybe isn’t an obvious driving plotline throughout the whole story but I enjoyed her getting to know each family and the different customs and traditions, so that didn’t bother me.

One thing I will say is that in the third part, as Miss Cassidy discusses her history, it became clearer to me why the story is put together this way and it made me appreciate it a little more. There is only maybe one little complaint I have about the format of the story, it is possibly due to my listening to this as an audiobook as I can’t tell if I would have felt the same if I read it on the page.

At one point in the story, it leapt from one pretty dire scene for Miss Cassidy to her in a completely different place. I thought I maybe hadn’t been paying attention and lost track of what the narrator had said. However, I soon realised that it had switched quite suddenly and what transpires for Miss Cassidy to go from this extreme situation to a different place altogether is revealed further into the third part. It was a little confusing in this format and took me out of the story a little as I jumped back to make sure I hadn’t missed a bit.

The narrator, Paula Masterton, was amazing and brought the story to life. She managed to create unique voices for all the characters even though they came from a range of nationalities.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would be very happy to go on some more adventures with Miss Cassidy, she is a wonderful character.

This was shockingly good. The narrator was so expressive, did accents well and fully gripped my attention. The story was multi-layered and rich, and Miss Cassidy truly was formidable. Loved this.

The Formidable Miss Cassidy is the most charming book that I’ve read in a while. Set in 1890’s Singapore, we follow a Scottish woman named, funnily enough, Miss Cassidy. She is a paid companion, but not the kind you’ve read about before. She encounters a host of strange and unusual creatures (like a banana-tree ghoul) and learns to make friends along the way.

First of all, can I just say that this is a delightfully unique book. I have always been a fan of supernatural stories set in the Victorian era, so I have read a lot of books with similar premises. But the setting, the characters and the overall atmosphere sets this book apart. This is a short book, but you grow to love the colourful characters quite quickly. In particular, the interactions between Miss Cassidy and Mr Kay were entertaining and heart-breaking (depending on which page you are on). I wish there was more to read about them and their story!

I also thought that the narration added to the story quite well. In the audiobook, the Scottish accent of Miss Cassidy makes the character seem cheekier and full of life. It also helped me to picture the character as a real person as I struggle to think in accents when I read a physical book. But once again, it felt too short! I wanted the audiobook to last longer.

I would recommend this book to fans of historical fantasies like Half a Soul and The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater. If you just want to read to enjoy, this is a very feel-good novel. But if you’re more like me and you want to learn a little while you read, this is also perfect for that. I loved the elements of mythology that were incorporated into the book.

Well written and well paced this is a unique book with an interesting plot and larger than life characters. The story sweeps you along whilst being quite fun and also mysterious. The narration was great and I really enjoyed the main character

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

When I first started to listen to The Formidable Miss Cassidy by Meihan Boey I wasn't sure what to expexct but I have to say I was really impressed with it, the story is about a ladies companion Miss Cassidy who arrives in Singapore to be a companion to teenager Sarah Jane Bendemeer who is the sole surviving daughter to Captain Bendemeer, but as the story unfolds you begin to realise there is more to Miss Cassidy than meets the eye, as she has a certain magic to her and she will protect her new famly to the best of her abilities.
This story has a charming innocence to it but with some magic and suspence thrown in, the characters are all lovely and the narrator Paula Masterton does an excellant job with the voices so each character is unique in its own right and easy to follow.
I hope there will be a sequel.

The Formidable Miss Cassidy by Meihan Boey is an enthralling blend of historical romance and suspense, packed with intrigue, charm, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. Miss Cassidy, a fiercely intelligent young woman whose wit and courage shines in a society that often underestimates her.
Meihan Boey’s storytelling is superb, creating a world that feels vivid and alive with historical detail alongside light-hearted historical fantasy. Miss Cassidy is an outstanding lead who is sharp, determined, and far from conventional. She navigates complex social structures with finesse, all while grappling with personal challenges and daring pursuits that make her feel both relatable and inspiring. The plot is expertly paced, balancing romance with a suspenseful mystery, and the narrative tension keeps you hooked until the final page.
The audiobook, narrated with warmth and nuance, brings Meihan Boey’s characters to life in a wonderfully immersive way. The narrator perfectly captures Miss Cassidy's unique blend of poise and defiance, along with the rich atmosphere of the setting. It's easy to get swept up in the story’s twists and the characters’ emotions, which are made all the more vivid through the narrator’s skilful portrayal.
Thank you to @Bolindaaudio and NetGalley for providing an Audio Listening Copy (ALC) of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a delightful, captivating story for fans of historical romance and mystery, and an audiobook experience that adds depth to an already outstanding tale.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable historical fantasy almost entirely set in late C19 Singapore. The history of Singapore has been well researched, and the fantasy elements add to the plot in practical ways, rather than as add-on, optional extras. Characters are well-developed and believable, fantasy notwithstanding.

I listened to the audiobook which is brilliantly narrated by Paula Masterton, and am hoping that the sequel will also be produced as an audiobook, with the same narrator.

I really enjoyed this audiobook; the narrator was fantastic, bringing each character to life in a way that made them feel distinct and memorable. Miss Cassidy felt like an adult version of a magical Mary Poppins, adding a unique touch to the story. The author skillfully wove a narrative that matched perfectly with the audiobook.
The story was structured in chapters by episode so it was refreshing see this type of structure
As well I loved how deeply the characters grow in the chapters and I would definitely adore read more about this characters. Overall was a brilliant and entertaining opportunity to lisent this audiobook

Miss Cassidy is a distinctive character whose skillset ranges from supervising young females to solving urgent crisis of real life. Mr Kay's ever expanding family could do some help with strange events surrounding him & Miss Cassidy seems to be just the right choice.

This was a cozy little family story tied by threads of ghosts. I enjoyed the supernatural element that made the mundane muggle lives a bit more interesting. For the most part, I could imagine the story progressing in Jane Austen's timelines, though situated in Singapore. It would have been just another book I read had the twists towards the end not been so astonishing (without any spoilers). So if you give this a try, do stick till the end and you can have a good dessert 😉

1890s Singapore and MissCassidy takes up a new role as governess, English tutor and friend. Mr Kay asks her to teach and look after his twin daughters. Her duties will be varied and some will be dark and dangerous. But Miss Cassidy is a formidable woman.

Very well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Great characters, setting and plot twists. Often funny even at times of great peril. Can Miss Cassidy protect her charges from a blood thirsty demon? Read to find out.

Not what I expected at all, but this audio book was a delight. I love a historical novel and as The Formidable Miss Cassidy was set in Victorian Singapore, I thought I was on to a winner, I was, but not necesarily for the reasons I imagined. As well as well reseacrhed historical detail, we had supernatural suspence and fantasy thrown in. It was so well done I didn't have to suspend my disbelief for long.
The audio verion was exceptionally good. The accents, the characterisations, the pace and the dialogue led to an unexpectedly theatrical experience. I didn't want to stop listening.
I'd definately recommend this charming book to a wide audience. It is going into the stocking of a few people I know this Christmas.
As for me, I am looking forward to meeting Miss Cassidy again, and hope this becomes a series.

Miss Cassidy is hired to help a lonely teenage girl in Singapore, whose mother and siblings all succumbed to disease. Initially, Sarah-Jane almost ignores her, but eventually they start to get on well. Two years later Sarah-Jane and her father move and Miss Cassidy is hired by Mr Kay as an English teacher to his twin daughters.
Miss Cassidy is no ordinary governess, companion or teacher. She deals with mischievous and terrible beings, and protects those she cares for.
Pure escapism. Well read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you for providing me with a copy of The Formidable Miss Cassidy. This was an excellent cozy read, perfect for this time of year when the weather is cooling down and it’s becoming more cloudy and rainy. I loved the mysterious aspect to this book and how we slowly get to know more about Miss Cassidy but at the same time without giving much away. I also loved that she follows a few different families and we get to meet a variety of characters, each with really distinct personalities who all jump off the page. The comedy throughout is also excellent but in a way that’s effortless and genuinely funny, not forcing the humour onto the page. This is a great option for someone looking for a cosier fantasy read but where the fantasy elements are more subtle and where there are more comedic aspects to the stories and characters - nothing overly serious.

4 stars.

Really enjoyed this one, I listened to this and the narrator was fantastic. I could listen on 3 x speed and still listen along fine. The accents were good to my untrained ear, she convinced me that each character had different nationalities.
I liked how the story unfolded, Miss Cassidy seemed like a Nanny McPhee/magical governess at first but we soon see that she's something else altogether.
The rich blend of cultures and mythology was very well done, if I didn't love to read; I'd wish it were a movie. I honestly could read about Miss Cassidy forever. The chapters felt episodic and it was easy to put down if you needed to but I read this in one sitting.
I wouldn't like to guess at Miss Cassidy's age but it was refreshing to have a book centered around an older character for once.
The setting of the book was very immersive and for most of the book I felt as though I was a fly on the wall.
Love to see more of Miss Cassidy or other books from the author, I'll be checking her out.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the opportunity to listen to this.

Miss Cassidy travels from Scotland to Singapore to be the governess to Sarah Jane Bendemeer, only surviving child of widowed Captain Bendemeer. It soon becomes apparent there is more for Miss Cassidy to do. For she is no ordinary governess and there are sinister supernatural beings threatening the Captain.

After helping the Bendemeers Miss Cassidy moves to the Kay family. Trouble follows her or rather she finds different demons at work, threatening Mr Kay and his family.

I had started to read this but I had stopped. I liked the idea for the story but I had felt like I’d walked in part way through, or missed a bit that explained who or what Miss Cassidy was and how she can see these other world beings. It wasn’t that I hadn’t been enjoying it but I felt on the back foot. I did find I preferred to listen to it on Audio and once I started it didn’t take long to finish.

I liked the setting of the book, in early 20th Century Singapore and later in the UK. It was easy to imagine the scene depicted, the streets and the houses where Miss Cassidy works as governess, and supernatural hunter.

There’s a nice gentle pace to the story without it dragging and a hint of romance between Miss Cassidy and Mr Kay, who finds her amusing.

I liked the idea of the different supernatural creatures she came across. I would have liked a bit more background about them, their history and legend, the stories they come from, though as the story progressed that did happen more.

Having only just started to read more fantasy type books I’m not familiar with historical fantasy but this one was a good introduction with a fair balance of reality and mystical.

After an unsure start, this was a fun way to spend a few hours listening time.

🌈 Historical mystery
🌈 Fantasy elements
🌈 Romantic elements

Miss Cassidy arrives in Singapore as a paid companion to a young lady. There's more to her than meets the eye. The indomitable Miss Cassidy has supernatural powers and a compassionate heart - and she is about to be put to the test in more ways than one.

While battling local magical beings who are trying to destroy those who she cares for, she also finds herself drawn to the persistent and attractive Mr Kay.

This is not really romance but the romantic subplot is very sweet. Mr Kay is a wonderful character.

I absolutely loved this story and how Miss Cassidy's adventures join together.

Singapore history and folklore is so interesting - it's a melting pot of cultures. The descriptions of food made me so hungry!

The only thing I wasn't completely taken with was Miss Cassidy's voice which seemed at times to be a bit too 'Mrs Doubtfire'. Miss Cassidy sounded older than her (apparent) 38 years of age and, at times, the voice didn't seem to match the dialogue. The other characters are read very well.

This book is award winning and I can understand why. I am very much looking forward to reading the next one.

I received an ARC of this audio book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Very, unusual book but I loved it!

Miss Cassidy a governess with echoes of both Mary Poppins and Miss Jean Brodie, travels to turn of 19th Century Singapore to teach Miss Sarah Jane Bendemeer. The Bendermeer family has been mostly wiped out due to illness and Miss Cassidy helps Sarah-Jane and her father deal with their grief and the mess left behind.

The narration of this Audiobook was OUTSTANDING, at first listen Miss Cassidy was reminding me a lot of Maggie Smith as Miss Jean Brodie and I did wonder if that would annoy me by end of book. I am happy to say it did not. There was a huge list of characters, each had their own voice. There were so many different accents too, Scottish, English, Irish, Indian, Chinese and Malay, they were all very distinct . Baffling how good Paula Masterton was at giving the characters life.

Aside from the narration the prose was excellent, there was a lot of humour in the book and the characters were very likeable . The author also conjured up images of late 19th century Singapore very well you can just imagine yourself immersed in this multicultural Island. A couple of loose ends were tied up a bit quickly at end is my only criticism of whole book.

I am not sure if I would have read this book, the super natural elements may have put me off but having listened to it I am quite sure I would have enjoyed it if I had, I am just as sure that Paula Masterton's excellent narration turned this from a solid 7 book to a 9 out of 10 highly enjoyable audio experience 😀. I look forward to hearing about Miss Cassidy's and Mr Kay's next adventure.