The Night in Question: An Agathas Mystery
#2 of 2 in The Agathas Series
on Goodreads (6,667)
What’s inside...
Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams became the talk of Castle Cove when they solved the murder of Brooke Donovan. After the case, life seemed to return to normal, but they knew it wouldn't last long. At a school dance held at Levy Castle, the site of an unsolved murder from the 1940s, events take a dark turn when a violent assault occurs. Determined to solve the new mystery, Alice and Iris dive into the past to uncover the truth, potentially putting themselves in grave danger.
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters act the way they did?
How would you have solved the mystery differently?
What did you learn about trust and teamwork from the story?
What was your favorite part of the mystery, and why?
If you could ask any character a question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what clues led to solving the mystery.
Discuss each character’s role and ask your child who they felt was most like them and why.
Link the book's themes to real-life examples of teamwork and problem-solving to make the discussion more relatable.
Use expressive reading to highlight suspenseful parts of the book, making the reading experience more engaging.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to create an alternative ending, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the plot and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists in 'The Night in Question' use their deductive reasoning skills to solve the mystery, demonstrating how gathering and analyzing information is crucial.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in academic settings or personal situations where decision-making is needed.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate and leverage each other’s strengths to uncover the mystery, showing that teamwork can achieve more than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in group activities and appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering a cooperative spirit in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: As the story unfolds, characters face the repercussions of their decisions, which emphasizes the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the potential outcomes of their actions, helping them to be more responsible in their daily interactions and choices.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the interactions of diverse characters, the book illustrates how understanding different viewpoints and emotions is vital.
Real-World Application: This can help children in developing empathy towards their peers, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.