Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic mysteries help two teen detectives solve a murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE AGATHAS is told in the alternating voices of high schoolers Alice Ogilvey and Iris Adams. Alice has returned to Castle Cove High School after what's become a much talked about local mystery -- she went missing after breaking up with her basketball player boyfriend Steve and she's never told anyone where she went or what happened. Since she's missed the first few months of school, her parents have arranged for Iris to tutor her. Alice is absolutely not OK with the idea and Iris isn't all that enthusiastic about tutoring someone like Alice, whom she sees as privileged and entitled. But Iris really needs the money, as unlike Alice, she doesn't come from a wealthy family. Her mother works in a bar, they're struggling financially, and her abusive father is constantly violating the restraining order they have against him. Everything changes between the girls when Brooke Davidson, Alice's former best friend, disappears after a fight with her now-boyfriend, Steve. When Brooke's grandmother offers a $50,000 reward for information about her disappearance, Iris sees the money as a chance for a new life for herself and her mother somewhere far away from Castle Cove and her father. Alice isn't interested in the money, she just wants to know what happened to Brooke. So Iris and Alice team up. Alice brings crime- solving wisdom from Agatha Christie characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple to the search, and Iris enlists friends from the high school forensics club. When Brooke is found dead, suspicion falls on Steve. But Alice and Iris have a long list of other potential suspects on their Murder Board -- Brooke's stepfather, fellow students, and even "Unknown."
Is It Any Good?
This bright and engaging series debut is filled with long-buried secrets, unexpected suspects, and strong messages about teamwork, courage, and friendship. Fans of Veronica Mars are sure to be delighted with The Agathas and its intrepid teen detectives. At the conclusion of the novel, Iris and Alice are discussing two unsolved murders in Castle Cove, so readers can look forward to more adventures and crime-solving from the duo and their friends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance teamwork played in The Agathas. Have you ever been on a team where the members seemingly had nothing in common but worked together to achieve a goal?
A shouting match between Brooke and Steve leads to shoving and grabbing shoulders. Do you think something like this is no big deal or would you see it as teen dating violence?
Do you have a favorite mystery author? What makes them your favorite?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : May 3, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 405
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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