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mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
edshara's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and mostly due to all the historical references. I had never heard of Kate Warne and it was fascinating to learn about her from the book as well as my own research. Kate Hannigan did a great job of blending what actually happened with fictional elements.
I also especially liked the progression of time in this book. It always amazes me how in fictional books so many drastic things can happen in a short amount of time(a few days, a couple of weeks). I appreciated that Hannigan stretched the story out over the span of more than a year. It was good not just for the historical references, but also for the flow of the story.
I liked the inclusion of the Underground Railroad, as well as, the fact that Nell's best friend, Jemma was an African-American. Even though Hannigan touched briefly on the horrors of slavery during that time period, I was glad that she focused more on the good, though perhaps at times unseen, was abundant during that time. Good people of all races suffered trying to help all people to be free, regardless of skin color. The book also had some action, secret codes and some pretty interesting cases. This was a neat book and I'd recommend it to children and adults alike.
I also especially liked the progression of time in this book. It always amazes me how in fictional books so many drastic things can happen in a short amount of time(a few days, a couple of weeks). I appreciated that Hannigan stretched the story out over the span of more than a year. It was good not just for the historical references, but also for the flow of the story.
I liked the inclusion of the Underground Railroad, as well as, the fact that Nell's best friend, Jemma was an African-American. Even though Hannigan touched briefly on the horrors of slavery during that time period, I was glad that she focused more on the good, though perhaps at times unseen, was abundant during that time. Good people of all races suffered trying to help all people to be free, regardless of skin color. The book also had some action, secret codes and some pretty interesting cases. This was a neat book and I'd recommend it to children and adults alike.
libwinnie's review against another edition
3.0
A account of the first female private detective as seen through the eyes of a fictional niece. Lots of adventure and action.
brandypainter's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
If you are looking for a fun adventurous historical fiction for MG readers, The Detective's Assistant by Kat Hannifin is a great choice.
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives on her aunt's doorstep lugging a heavy sack of sorrows. If her Aunt Kate rejects her, it's the miserable Home for the Friendless.
Luckily, canny Nell makes herself indispensable to Aunt Kate...and not just by helping out with household chores. For Aunt Kate is the first-ever female detective employed by the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency. And Nell has a knack for the kind of close listening and bold action that made Pinkerton detectives famous in Civil War-era America. With huge, nation-changing events simmering in the background, Nell uses skills new and old to uncover truths about her past and solve mysteries in the present.
Nell is such a fun character and she has a strong unique voice. Smart and witty, she is more than a match and the best partner for her Aunt Kate, a Pinkerton detective. Kate is an excellent character in her own right, blazing a path for herself in a world that has not always been kind. Both Nell and Kate have suffered a lot of heartache. They are both prickly and wary of each other. Watching their relationship unfold over the course of the story was fun, endearing, and touching.
The story is rich in historical details, but is not encumbered by its historical significance. Important events occur and are discussed of but their purpose is in serving the lives of the characters rather than the characters serving the events. This is an important distinction for me in historical fiction, and one I find doesn't occur as often as it should.
My one complaint about the book is that it takes quite some time to get to the point. I feel like some of the set up could have been cut down to make the book shorter.
This is a great recommendation to give to kids who like adventure and humorous narrators.
If you are looking for a fun adventurous historical fiction for MG readers, The Detective's Assistant by Kat Hannifin is a great choice.
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives on her aunt's doorstep lugging a heavy sack of sorrows. If her Aunt Kate rejects her, it's the miserable Home for the Friendless.
Luckily, canny Nell makes herself indispensable to Aunt Kate...and not just by helping out with household chores. For Aunt Kate is the first-ever female detective employed by the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency. And Nell has a knack for the kind of close listening and bold action that made Pinkerton detectives famous in Civil War-era America. With huge, nation-changing events simmering in the background, Nell uses skills new and old to uncover truths about her past and solve mysteries in the present.
Nell is such a fun character and she has a strong unique voice. Smart and witty, she is more than a match and the best partner for her Aunt Kate, a Pinkerton detective. Kate is an excellent character in her own right, blazing a path for herself in a world that has not always been kind. Both Nell and Kate have suffered a lot of heartache. They are both prickly and wary of each other. Watching their relationship unfold over the course of the story was fun, endearing, and touching.
The story is rich in historical details, but is not encumbered by its historical significance. Important events occur and are discussed of but their purpose is in serving the lives of the characters rather than the characters serving the events. This is an important distinction for me in historical fiction, and one I find doesn't occur as often as it should.
My one complaint about the book is that it takes quite some time to get to the point. I feel like some of the set up could have been cut down to make the book shorter.
This is a great recommendation to give to kids who like adventure and humorous narrators.
apotts's review against another edition
4.0
Packed with action, spunk, and characters that make you laugh and sigh, The Detective's Assistant is the perfect blend of mystery, history, and heart. The main character, Nell, is a shining example of a young person who is comfortable in her own skin, not falling into the traps of stereotypes that might limit her aspirations in life. Her Aunt Kitty is a woman of her own making, one who likely leaves modern day women jealous of her adventures (although I don't envy the limitations of the times when it comes to women in general).
From the middle school perspective, I can see my 6th graders easily getting hooked from page one. I have not seen voice pop from the page so early in a long time. I honestly think that 7th and 8th graders would enjoy the story, as well, but the cover (a bit elementary for those that are sensitive to such things) and font size may turn them off. If you can find a hard cover edition and lose the jacket, The Detective's Assistant would be a perfect pick for older middle schoolers who might be struggling readers. This is not to say that all middle schoolers wouldn't enjoy the book, I just know I am always looking for "safe" content to recommend to my strugglers.
From the middle school perspective, I can see my 6th graders easily getting hooked from page one. I have not seen voice pop from the page so early in a long time. I honestly think that 7th and 8th graders would enjoy the story, as well, but the cover (a bit elementary for those that are sensitive to such things) and font size may turn them off. If you can find a hard cover edition and lose the jacket, The Detective's Assistant would be a perfect pick for older middle schoolers who might be struggling readers. This is not to say that all middle schoolers wouldn't enjoy the book, I just know I am always looking for "safe" content to recommend to my strugglers.
jenleah's review against another edition
3.0
Read this aloud with Ainsley. We both really liked it and were surprised by the author's note at the end!
wombat_88's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0