The Agatha Oddly Detective Series is a captivating collection of mystery novels that follows the adventures of teenage detective Agatha Oddly. The series is written by Lena Jones, a British author, and is targeted at young adult readers, specifically readers aged 11+. The series is made up of six books, with each book featuring a standalone mystery that Agatha and her friend Corvus Skye must solve. The books are well-written, engaging, and filled with plot twists and surprises that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Agatha Oddly Books in Order:
- The Secret Key
- Murder at the Museum
- The Silver Serpent
The series begins with The Secret Key, where we meet Agatha Oddly, a thirteen-year-old girl living in London with her family. Agatha is intelligent, curious, and determined, with a passion for solving puzzles and riddles. Her father works as a curator at the British Museum, and her mother is a successful businesswoman. Agatha is an only child and often feels lonely, which is why she is drawn to solving mysteries.
In The Secret Key, Agatha's father goes missing, and she sets out to find him. Along the way, she teams up with her classmate Corvus Skye, who is a bit of a troublemaker but also a genius when it comes to electronics. Together, they navigate the streets of London, decipher clues, and uncover a conspiracy involving the British Museum.
The second book in the series is The Murder at the Museum, where Agatha and Corvus investigate a murder that takes place at a museum. The victim is a famous scientist who was working on a groundbreaking new invention. Agatha and Corvus must use their detective skills to find out who killed the scientist and why.
The third book in the series is The Silver Serpent, which takes place in Venice, Italy, where Agatha and Corvus are on holiday. They stumble upon a stolen artefact, the Silver Serpent, which was taken from a local museum. Agatha and Corvus must track down the thief and return the artefact before it falls into the wrong hands.
One of the best things about the Agatha Oddly Detective Series is the characters. Agatha is a complex and relatable protagonist, with a troubled past and a sharp wit. She is not your typical teenage girl, and her unconventional personality makes her stand out. Corvus is the perfect foil for Agatha, with his easygoing attitude and technical expertise. The two of them make a great team, and their banter and camaraderie are some of the highlights of the series.
Another great thing about the series is the setting. London is a vibrant and diverse city, and Lena Jones does an excellent job of bringing it to life. From the bustling streets of Camden to the historic halls of the British Museum, the series is filled with vivid descriptions of the city that make it feel like a character in its own right. The fifth book, The Silver Serpent, takes place in Venice, which is another fascinating location that adds to the allure of the series.
The mysteries in the Agatha Oddly Detective Series are well-plotted and complex, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the end. Lena Jones does an excellent job of weaving together multiple storylines and clues, creating a puzzle that readers can try to solve along with Agatha and Corvus. Each book in the series has a satisfying conclusion that ties up all the loose ends and reveals the culprit behind the crime.
One of the themes that runs throughout the series is the idea of family. Agatha has a complicated relationship with her parents, who often seem distant and preoccupied. She is also an only child, which can be isolating at times. However, she finds a sense of belonging with Corvus and his family, who are warm and welcoming. The series explores the idea that family is not just about blood, but also about the people who love and support us.
Another theme that is touched on in the series is the importance of friendship. Agatha and Corvus have a strong bond that grows stronger with each book. They support each other through thick and thin, and their friendship is a vital part of the series. The books show that having someone to rely on and share experiences with is essential, especially when facing difficult challenges.
The Agatha Oddly Detective Series is a fantastic addition to the young adult mystery genre. The books are well-written, engaging, and filled with memorable characters and intricate mysteries. They are perfect for readers who enjoy a good puzzle and love to immerse themselves in a richly-detailed world. The series also has crossover appeal, with adult readers finding it just as enjoyable as younger readers.
From the publisher:
The Secret Key
Agatha Oddlow has been a detective for as long as she can remember – she’s just been waiting for her first big case. And nothing gets bigger than saving the City of London from some strange goings-on.
With a scholarship to the prestigious St Regis School, a cottage in the middle of Hyde Park, a room full of beloved sleuthing novels, and a secret key that gives her access to a whole hidden side of London, Agatha is perfectly poised to solve the mystery of what’s going on. But just who can she trust when no one is quite who they seem…
Murder at the Museum
Agatha Oddlow’s set to become the youngest member of the Gatekeepers’ Guild, but before that, she’s got a mystery to solve!
There’s been a murder at the British Museum and, although the police are investigating, Agatha suspects that they’re missing a wider plot going on below London – a plot involving a disused Tube station, a huge fireworks display, and five thousand tonnes of gold bullion…
The Silver Serpent
Agatha Oddlow is on the case with yet another adventure! An assistant at the National Gallery has gone missing, but when Agatha begins investigating, she uncovers a plot bigger than she could ever have imagined. Join Agatha as she travels throughout London and into the very heart of the mystery.