2018
WISE Score
Amazon
Sherlock Holmes meets the British Museum in this sharp, stylish mystery about a 13-year-old girl who's much smarter than the adults around her.
4.5
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This is a winner for the 'I don't know what to read' kid. It's fast, smart, and doesn't have that dusty 'required reading' smell. Lena Jones nails the balance between a fun adventure and a legitimate whodunnit.
It’s the kind of book that makes kids actually want to visit a museum, which is a rare feat in the age of short-form video. Highly recommended for kids who like puzzles and don't mind a protagonist who is a bit of an oddball.
Best for 9 to 13-year-olds. It’s sophisticated enough for middle schoolers but accessible enough for a strong 4th-grade reader who is over the 'babyish' stuff.
Agatha is a quirky, independent protagonist who values intelligence over fitting in. The story emphasizes logic and persistence without relying on mean-spirited humor or toxic social dynamics.
The setting—a secret apartment inside the British Museum—is a dream for curious kids. The mystery involves historical riddles and hidden London tunnels that spark genuine curiosity.
Very safe middle-grade territory. While there is a hit-and-run and some suspenseful 'peril,' it stays well within the bounds of a standard whodunnit without graphic violence or mature themes.
Encourages deductive reasoning, historical interest, and vocabulary building. It’s a great 'gateway' book for getting kids interested in more complex mystery structures.
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