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portybelle's review against another edition
5.0
This is an exciting historical novel featuring characters based on real passengers on the Titanic. Young Bertha is determined to find some mysteries to solve while she is on the crossing to her new life in America and together with Madge, forms the Collyer-Watt Detective Agency. They are convinced there is something odd about the way Mr Hoffman behaves with his children Lolo and Momon so that's their first investigation. A Swedish teenager Johan needs help interpreting a treasure map he has found, so there's another case. Their detection efforts are interrupted by the fateful collision with the iceberg, a familiar story to adults but perhaps not to young readers. Lindsay Littleson brings the danger and terror of that night to life through the eyes of her young characters. With mystery, excitement, adventure and danger, I'm sure this is a book kids will love. The author rounds off the story beautifully resolving all the mysteries and explaining what happened next to the significant characters in the book. I particularly liked the photos of the passengers we read about, which really brought home that they were real people, not just characters in a book. First class children's fiction.
bigbeardedbookseller's review against another edition
4.0
Though the story does come with a well-known ending, The Titanic Detective Agency explores the story of the Titanic from a different angle.
This is the story of Bertha and her dreams, travelling from Aberdeen to America she has to fill her time and sets up the titular detective agency. Mysteries, treasure maps, friendship, and family relationships are at the core of this well-written and fast-paced story.
Lindsay brings the Titanic to life through the eyes and mind of children on their own adventures.
The foreshadowing of the inevitable tragedy is peppered throughout the book, but my favourite is the tea-leaf reading scene early on and not only because my nan’s surname is Toomey.
The class divisions are writ large throughout the book as well, making it difficult for the protagonists at times.
A wonderful middle-grade historical novel which gives a fresh take on a well-worn story, well-paced with great characters.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review by Cranachan Publishing.
This is the story of Bertha and her dreams, travelling from Aberdeen to America she has to fill her time and sets up the titular detective agency. Mysteries, treasure maps, friendship, and family relationships are at the core of this well-written and fast-paced story.
Lindsay brings the Titanic to life through the eyes and mind of children on their own adventures.
The foreshadowing of the inevitable tragedy is peppered throughout the book, but my favourite is the tea-leaf reading scene early on and not only because my nan’s surname is Toomey.
The class divisions are writ large throughout the book as well, making it difficult for the protagonists at times.
A wonderful middle-grade historical novel which gives a fresh take on a well-worn story, well-paced with great characters.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review by Cranachan Publishing.
cheyburn92's review
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sophs_pageturners1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
suzannedow's review
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
bookmarkedbyamy's review
4.0
I read this book with my P5 class and they all LOVED it! They would all simultaneously groan when I closed the book over at the end of a chapter as they were all so desperate to find out what happened next
indiebookshops's review
4.0
Though the story does come with a well-known ending, The Titanic Detective Agency explores the story of the Titanic from a different angle.
This is the story of Bertha and her dreams, travelling from Aberdeen to America she has to fill her time and sets up the titular detective agency. Mysteries, treasure maps, friendship, and family relationships are at the core of this well-written and fast-paced story.
Lindsay brings the Titanic to life through the eyes and mind of children on their own adventures.
The foreshadowing of the inevitable tragedy is peppered throughout the book, but my favourite is the tea-leaf reading scene early on and not only because my nan’s surname is Toomey.
The class divisions are writ large throughout the book as well, making it difficult for the protagonists at times.
A wonderful middle-grade historical novel which gives a fresh take on a well-worn story, well-paced with great characters.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review by Cranachan Publishing.
This is the story of Bertha and her dreams, travelling from Aberdeen to America she has to fill her time and sets up the titular detective agency. Mysteries, treasure maps, friendship, and family relationships are at the core of this well-written and fast-paced story.
Lindsay brings the Titanic to life through the eyes and mind of children on their own adventures.
The foreshadowing of the inevitable tragedy is peppered throughout the book, but my favourite is the tea-leaf reading scene early on and not only because my nan’s surname is Toomey.
The class divisions are writ large throughout the book as well, making it difficult for the protagonists at times.
A wonderful middle-grade historical novel which gives a fresh take on a well-worn story, well-paced with great characters.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review by Cranachan Publishing.
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