Hannah Hendy's The Dinner Lady Detectives Books in Order

1.

Margery and Clementine lead a tranquil life together in the picturesque town of Dewstow. They eagerly await retirement after spending years working on the front lines, serving meals to the students of Summerview secondary school.

However, their peaceful existence takes a dark turn when their kitchen manager is discovered dead in the school's walk-in freezer. Despite the police insisting it was an accidental death, Margery and Clementine are certain there's more to the story – a sinister plot lurking beneath the surface. Maybe they've just watched a few too many crime dramas…

Determined to uncover the truth, they embark on their own investigation. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they realize that someone is determined to silence them, no matter the cost. Will the culprit face the consequences they deserve before it's too late?

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2.

In the midst of a wintry season in Dewstow, Margery is excitedly preparing for her first Christmas as the kitchen manager at Summerview school. Her supportive wife, Clementine, stands by her side, encouraging her to focus on her responsibilities.

While Margery and Clementine aim to steer clear of the Christmas concert planning, which has consumed the rest of the staff, fate intervenes. During the first practice, tragedy strikes as the stage lights collapse, resulting in the death of Mrs. Large, the music teacher.

The situation takes a puzzling turn when Mrs. Smith, the Head of Drama, becomes the prime suspect and seeks help from the Dinner Lady Detectives (Margery and Clementine) to clear her name. She firmly believes that her rival, Mrs. Blossom, the drama teacher at Ittonvale Secondary, is behind the sabotage. However, there are also indications pointing to Mrs. Smith's potential involvement.

As they grapple with this dilemma, Margery and Clementine face a difficult decision – can they trust their friend, Mrs. Smith? Moreover, as tensions rise in the kitchen, they must act swiftly to ensure their safety. Will they manage to uncover the truth and safeguard themselves before it's too late?

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3.

With the school term over and summer in full swing, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker decide to make the most of their vacation period by setting off for the charming village of St-Martins-on-the-Water. Their plan is to explore the scenic locale and enjoy some restful days before the whirlwind of Mrs. Smith's upcoming hen do. Unfortunately, their tranquil getaway takes a sinister turn on their very first night.

Tragedy strikes when the local mayor is found dead on the floor of the hotel restaurant, a victim of poisoning. The villagers are convinced that “The Poisoner,” a notorious figure from the past, has returned to wreak havoc once again.

As suspicion falls on Margery and Clementine, they find themselves ostracized by the wary residents. Perplexed and hurt, they're puzzled by unanswered questions. Why are the villagers so quick to believe the worst about them, especially Clementine?

And as more people in the village fall ill, the chilling question remains: is it the work of the infamous Poisoner, or is there a new, sinister presence at play? Will the mysterious killer strike again, and can Margery and Clementine uncover the truth before it's too late?

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4.

As the half term comes to a close, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker, dedicated dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary school, eagerly anticipate the upcoming break and the local harvest festival. However, amidst the festive chatter, a sense of concern looms. Mr. Weaver, the maths teacher, has been absent from work for days, and nobody knows why.

During an evening walk, the duo stumbles upon a grim discovery – Mr. Weaver's lifeless body in the woods, accompanied by an enigmatic symbol painted on a nearby tree. It becomes evident that something sinister is unfolding in Dewstow.

As darkness descends, mysterious symbols continue to appear around town, drawing the attention of the Dinner Lady Detectives. Determined to unravel the truth, they delve deeper into the case. Deceit and chaos swirl around them, but they refuse to back down.

Can they crack the case and expose the killer's deadly tricks before more harm befalls the town, or will the culprit outwit them at every turn? The race to uncover the secrets has begun.

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