*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the authors, Oneworld - Rock the Boat and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: The most popular girl in school is dead. And everyone's blaming the wrong guy.
After falling from grace last summer, Agatha Christie-obsessed Alice Ogilvie needs to stay out of trouble. While smart and reclusive Iris Adams just wants to get the hell out of Castle Cove.
But now they have a murder to solve. There are clues the police are ignoring, a list of suspects a mile long and some very dangerous cliffs.
Amateur detectives Alice and Iris are about to uncover just how many secrets their sleepy seaside town is hiding…
Blending a modern murder thriller with numerous respectful nods to classic mystery stories, The Agathas is a thoroughly entertaining, well-written read.
I love the juxtaposition of the very different teenage lead characters, Iris and Alice, who each struggle with their own personal problems but attempt to set them aside when another's life is at stake. Both girls are cleverly established and then develop and deepen as the story progresses until I was left pining for another 'Agathas' investigation as soon as this one was resolved.
The side characters were less fleshed out generally, but still showed a lot of potential for development in future stories. Have I mentioned that I really want there to be future stories?!
Some of the issues handled as the murder mystery plot unfolds are potentially triggering - especially the issues of domestic abuse and teen relationship violence - but the way they are handled feels authentic and sympathetic (and there are resources at the back of the book for those who have been affected by the issues raised).
I got a real 'Twin Peaks' vibe (minus the supernatural!) when reading this novel and enjoyed how this slightly old-fashioned atmosphere contrasted with the use of mobile phones, internet searches and social media during the investigation - a perfect balance of old and new, classic and modern, familiar and fresh.
My only quibble at all was that Alice's secret informer didn't turn out to be who I had hoped, and I really can't blame the authors for that one! Plus, who it was turned out to fit very nicely with some of the side plot (which is why they are the writers and I stick to reading!).
I am now following both of these authors in eager anticipation for more from this outsider investigative duo, and I suggest that if you enjoy well-plotted, engaging mystery stories then you should do likewise!
'What would Agatha Christie do right now? Would she let them get to her? Run her out of the school? Is that what she did when her first husband cheated on her? Hell no. She squared her shoulders and became a multinational bestselling author.'
- Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
About the Authors
Kathleen Glasgow is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel Girl in Pieces, as well as How to Make Friends with the Dark and You'd Be Home Now. She lives and writes in Tucson, Arizona. To learn more about Kathleen and her writing, visit her website, kathleenglasgowbooks.com, or follow @kathglasgow on Twitter and @misskathleenglasgow on Instagram.
Liz Lawson is the author of The Lucky Ones, a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2020, and the upcoming YA mystery The Agathas which she co-wrote with NYT Bestselling author Kathleen Glasgow. She lives outside of Washington DC with her family and two cats.
The Agathas is available on Amazon right now!
Don't forget to stop by the other blogs on this tour (see the poster below for details) for more great content and reviews!
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