The Detention Detectives: Murder By Mistake
#2 of 3 in The Detention Detectives Series
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
The second book in Lis Jardine's contemporary murder-mystery series follows the Detention Detectives as they return to solve another case. Five months after solving their teacher's murder, Jonno, Lydia, and Daniel face a new mystery when murder strikes Hanbridge again. This time, twelve-year-old Lydia takes the lead, with the case hitting very close to home. Can the trio unravel the mystery and triumph once more? The book is perfect for fans of Sharna Jackson, Fleur Hitchcock, and Robin Stevens.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
If you were part of the Detention Detectives, what role would you choose and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in the characters’ shoes during a major plot point?
How do you think the title ‘Murder by Mistake’ ties into the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to envision themselves as a part of the story, asking them how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral decisions made by the characters and ask your child what they might have done differently, fostering a discussion on ethics and choices.
Highlight the teamwork aspect of the book, discussing how working together helped the characters solve the mystery.
Explore the concept of misunderstandings and mistakes with your child, as reflected in the book’s title ‘Murder by Mistake,’ to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Detention Detectives: Murder By Mistake', the group of students must collaborate to solve the mystery, demonstrating how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each other's input and strengths to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The young detectives analyze clues and suspects systematically, which showcases the importance of critical thinking and logical deduction.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically when faced with challenges or problems, whether in academic settings or in personal decisions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters take responsibility for solving the case, showing how taking charge of a situation can lead to personal growth and resolution of issues.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, which can help in fostering a sense of accountability in their daily tasks and relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the detectives interact with various suspects, they learn about different perspectives and situations, helping them understand the feelings and motives of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diverse perspectives and treat others with kindness and understanding, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks during their investigation, the group persists until they solve the mystery, underscoring the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not give up easily when encountering difficulties in schoolwork, hobbies, or personal goals.