Murder on the Intergalactic Railway (1) (The Ritchie and Fitz Sci-Fi Murder Mysteries)
#1 of 6 in The Ritchie And Fitz Sci-Fi Murder Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (197)
What’s inside...
For Murdina Ritchie, acceptance at the Oymyakon Foreign Service Academy means one last chance at her dream of becoming a diplomat for the Union of Free Worlds. For Shackleton Fitz IV, it represents his last chance not to fail out of military service entirely. Strange that fate should throw them together now, among the last group of students admitted after the start of the semester. They had once shared the strongest of friendships, but that all ended a long time ago. When an insufferable but politically important woman turns up murdered, the two agree to put their differences aside and work together to solve the case. Because the murderer might strike again, but more importantly, solving a murder would just have to impress the dour colonel who clearly thinks neither of them belong at his academy.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery on the Intergalactic Railway?
How did Ritchie and Fitz work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you solve a problem?
What would you do if you were a character in the book facing the same mystery?
How do you think traveling on an Intergalactic Railway would be different from a regular train ride on Earth?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book to make your child feel comfortable sharing theirs.
Relate aspects of the story to your child’s experiences, like solving problems or working as a team, to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate endings or plot twists to stimulate creativity and engage deeper with the book’s content.
Ask your child about their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them to better understand their interests and perspectives.
Encourage your child to draw or write about a scene they enjoyed or found intriguing, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Ritchie and Fitz solve the mystery on the Intergalactic Railway by working together, each using their unique skills to gather clues and piece together the puzzle.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value collaborative efforts and learn how to work well with others to achieve common goals, helpful in school projects and sports teams.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonists frequently use deduction and logical reasoning to solve the mystery, demonstrating how to approach complex problems methodically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these critical thinking skills in their academics and daily decision-making processes.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ritchie and Fitz face moral dilemmas and make choices based on honesty and justice, underscoring the importance of doing what is right.
Real-World Application: This instills values related to integrity and justice in children, guiding them to make ethical choices in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Respect
Explanation: The diversity of characters in the intergalactic setting promotes an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and celebrate diversity, preparing them for a globally connected world.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Explanation: The protagonists' adventure sparks curiosity and a thirst for knowledge about the universe and its mysteries.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and embrace learning as a continual, exciting journey.