Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
The first book was enough of a success with my kids that they asked me to get the sequel to continue reading at bedtime, even though I had my doubts about its accessibility to kids their age (7 and 9). I definitely had to pause frequently to explain things, but this is certainly not the author's fault. I'm sure a reader closer in age to Myrtle herself would struggle much less with some of the vocab and concepts.
I do take a certain pride in having my personal primary suspect confirmed as the murderer this time - this author is excellent at red herrings! I was totally wrong about the jewel theives though. Can't win em all.
I do take a certain pride in having my personal primary suspect confirmed as the murderer this time - this author is excellent at red herrings! I was totally wrong about the jewel theives though. Can't win em all.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
A jewel theft and a murder? On a train no less! This middle grade version of an Agatha Christie will probably annoy some- Myrtle is, after all, very spunky for the Victorian era. But there’s lots to enjoy on this train ride to the seaside.
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is such a delightful series and Myrtle has utterly charmed me again. I love all the quirky people she encounters and how much those that love her let her be herself (within reason because she is a child and they need to at least try to keep her safe). A locked room train mystery is my FAVORITE and this one was wonderful. So many twists and turns and the author lulls you into thinking you know what is going on, then easily slips you some misdirection and by the end you head is spinning with all the unlikely pieces of the truth. I am already excited to reading more from Myrtle's adventures.
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series. I don't even know why it took me this long to get to the second book. The first book was an easy, but entertaining read and I quite liked Myrtle and the way she dealt with the world and adults around her. However, today I finished another book earlier than planned and I knew that this book would fit perfectly in between lunch and dinner, which meant I could finish it before bedtime!
I have to admit that this mystery was quite chaotic and I had a little trouble really connecting with all the characters involved. However, a part of the mystery was actually quite easy to figure out when you're a little familiar with cases like this. I already knew a part of how this would end during one of the first chapters. Luckily the author also added in a few surprises and complications and managed to make it more interesting than it seemed.
I also didn't completely connect with the setting. And it's hard to pinpoint why, because I kinda knew what the place must look like a little after being to Blackpool. (Blackpool certainly looked better at the time this book is taking place than it does now) I guess it's because Myrtle herself is so focussed on the mystery and the clues and getting her aunt out of jail that in theory this mystery could have taken place anywhere, apart from a few details.
However, just like the first book this was indeed an easy and quick read. I could read it even faster than I had thought. I also love how the author includes footnotes to explain certain phrases, words and objects that might be unfamiliar for modern readers. It makes Myrtle sound like a kid of her time, while we can still follow the story without having to use the internet to look things up. I do hope though that there is a little more Peony in the next book!
I have to admit that this mystery was quite chaotic and I had a little trouble really connecting with all the characters involved. However, a part of the mystery was actually quite easy to figure out when you're a little familiar with cases like this. I already knew a part of how this would end during one of the first chapters. Luckily the author also added in a few surprises and complications and managed to make it more interesting than it seemed.
I also didn't completely connect with the setting. And it's hard to pinpoint why, because I kinda knew what the place must look like a little after being to Blackpool. (Blackpool certainly looked better at the time this book is taking place than it does now) I guess it's because Myrtle herself is so focussed on the mystery and the clues and getting her aunt out of jail that in theory this mystery could have taken place anywhere, apart from a few details.
However, just like the first book this was indeed an easy and quick read. I could read it even faster than I had thought. I also love how the author includes footnotes to explain certain phrases, words and objects that might be unfamiliar for modern readers. It makes Myrtle sound like a kid of her time, while we can still follow the story without having to use the internet to look things up. I do hope though that there is a little more Peony in the next book!
What fun! Multiple mysteries, multiple suspects and a case both on a train and by the sea! I think this series is getting better.