The Secret Key Review

Title: The Secret Key
Author: Lena Jones
Series: Agatha Oddly #1
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: 28 June 2018
Source: Jonathan Ball
Format: Paperback
Pages: 328
Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:


Meet thirteen-year-old Agatha Oddly – a bold, determined heroine, and the star of a stylish new detective series.
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…



Book Review:
Pre-reading Thoughts:

Middle-grade mystery novels are popping up everywhere and I am so excited. There is just something about young individuals solving mysteries better than adults and I cannot wait to see what mystery Agatha solves in this one.

Thank you so much to Jonathan Ball Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book. Just a small disclaimer for those reading this review, I have received this book for free. Please note that this does not affect my opinions in any way. All thoughts are my own. 

Writing Thoughts:

The writing was light and filled with mixed media to keep the reader immersed in the book. The dialogue was fun and interesting when it needed to be and more serious when it was necessary. I liked the description in this book because it wasn’t too heavy. It gave the book that extra little something.

Plot Thoughts:

The plot pulls you in from the first page. I do wish that there was a little more focus on how people reacted to crisis at hand as I actually forgot it was happening until some brought it up. However, with that being said, the plot takes us on a whirlwind adventure that will have young individuals turning the pages. Agatha is faced with many problems and her ability to overcome them is not only fun but also really smart. 

Character Thoughts:

I loved Agatha. She was a strong character that might do some not so good things in the eyes of adults but despite that, she is a great role model. She stands up to her bullies and she goes above and beyond for her friends. I liked the relationship that Agatha had with her friends. They were always there for her and she was always there for them. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Not only was the mystery more than an open and closed case but it led to some amazing adventures and questions that help to set up the next book. I loved the mix media in this book that just changed things up a bit and the plot which was an incredible experience that takes the reader through slimy tunnels and funny moments. Agatha’s personality is incredible and as a character, I believe that she could be a great inspiration for young readers. Thank you so much to Jonathan Ball Publishersfor providing me with a copy of this book!


Yours in Reading,
Melleny

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