Things I like:

The throwback style that feels like Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, if these teenagers were obsessed with comparing their “real life crimes” to Agatha Christie novels and how Hercule Poirot solved the mystery.


Things I don’t like:

This book bounces between multiple characters points of view, not just the two teenage girls Alice and Iris, such as newscasters… text messages…
Each short charter is written from one of these perspectives.

If you’re in the mood for a fun and fast-paced mystery, The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson is worth picking up. As the second installment in The Agathas series, it continues the adventures of teen detectives Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams with plenty of intrigue and humor.

This time around, the duo finds themselves investigating a new case that interrupts their school dance at Levy Castle, a site with a haunting history tied to a 1940s film star’s unsolved death. The mix of past and present mysteries creates an engaging backdrop as Alice and Iris use their sleuthing skills to uncover hidden secrets.

The characters remain likable, and their banter adds charm to the story, though there’s nothing groundbreaking here. It’s more about the journey than any surprising revelations. The pacing is solid, with enough twists to keep you interested without overwhelming the plot.

Overall, The Night in Question delivers what it promises: a solid mystery with clever leads and a touch of high school drama. It’s not a game-changer, but it’s a fun addition to the series that fans of modern whodunits will appreciate.

🎉 Buckle up, mystery lovers, because Alice and Iris are *back at it again*! This time, they're not just solving puzzles—they're untangling family secrets, the glitzy drama of the ultra-rich, *and* the suspicious death of a famous actress. Real-time sleuthing? Yes, please! 🔍💃 There’s no shortage of intrigue as the dynamic duo dives into their latest case, but I’ll admit, the excitement didn’t hit quite the same heights as book one. Some moments felt a little... meh (sorry, Alice and Iris, I still love you). That said, watching these two young women grow into their detective skills and navigate the messy world around them keeps me hooked. Bring on more cases, more chaos, and more Alice & Iris! I can’t wait to see what trouble they stir up next—especially as they transition into adulthood. High school mysteries are just the beginning for these two! 📚✨

I'm the odd one out here, but I just felt kinda eh about this one. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but this time I found most of the characters annoying honestly.

Really enjoyed the second book in this series! Such a good mystery and am anxiously hoping for another installment!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

“After solving the murder of a high school student that shocked their coastal town, Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams have come back down to earth, life returning to normal for the time being. Things are quiet as the girls prepare for the Castle Cove High School Sadie Hawkins dance, perhaps too quiet. The dance is taking place inside Levy Castle, the site of actress Mona Moody’s unsolved murder, and that should’ve been warning enough. When a student is violently attacked, Alice and Iris are back in action with their murder board. Although they have the help of their friends Neil, Spike, and Zora, that won’t be enough. They’ll have to go back to the 1940s and let an infamous cold case be their guide.”

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

The second installment in The Agathas series takes us back to Castle Cove, and this time, murder finds Alice and Iris at a school dance inside Levy Castle. Guess who else is back? The girls’ sleuthing sidekicks Neil, Spike, and Zora. Like the first book, the chapters are preceded by quotes, alternating between Agatha Christie and fictional actress Mona Moody who was also murdered inside Levy Castle. As the investigation progresses, the teen detective duo brings back their Murder Board which proved very helpful during their first case. We also see an emergency alert system notification, news articles, text messages, and transcripts of breaking news and a PA system announcement.

The Scooby gang and sprinkles of mixed media formula was the same but better the second time around, much smoother around the edges. The stormy castle setting draws you in from the first chapter, and your seatbelt should be buckled for one adventure after another. This is the kind of book series that won’t shock adult readers with its twists and turns but rather connect on a nostalgic level. The modern dialogue might go over your head, possibly even annoy you, but following teenagers as they solve crimes in a coastal town just feels right. It takes me back to reading mystery novels late into the night and spending the next morning walking around my neighborhood to find clues and take notes. Amateur sleuthing hijinks will always have a piece of my heart so I’m giving “The Night in Question” a high 4 stars and wishing upon a shooting star that authors Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson announce book three.

•

Content Breakdown: Alcohol, Blood, Death/Murder, Descriptions of Wounds, Drugs, a Flashback to an abusive parent, Intoxication, Language (cursing & taking God/Jesus’ name in vain), Sensual/Sexual language & situations, Smoking, Threats, & Weapons

Mentions of Affairs, Animal heads in a trophy room, Death of a parent, Drugging, Embezzlement, a Love affair, Nude photos, & a Strip club

This book was so cute! I love Agatha Christie so I was immediately interested in this book. It was fast paced, kept my attention and I read this very quick. I would absolutely recommend.

Kathleen Glasgow did not disappoint me! This was a great book and I read it in one day! I loved the characters and the storyline! I would definitely recommend this book.

Growing up, Agatha Christie novels were my favorites, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The writing of this novel was addicting, and I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced, cozy mystery,

This book was entertaining enough, it was a cute YA mystery so there were obviously some aspects that were a little far-fetched and not believable but the plot did keep me entertained. If you are a fan of A Good Girls Guide to murder I would recommend this series.

These books are so fun to read! I loved being back with Alice and Iris and their crew of crime-solving friends as they solved this case and even got to know more about the celebrity Mona Moody that we learned about in the first book. This book is very fast-paced because of all the people involved and because of how Alice and Iris must figure out who the suspect is and how this connects to the past, before the local police catch on to what they are doing and arrest them for interfering with a case. I read this book in two days because I needed to know who it was and how it all connected together with so much time in between the two cases.

The Night in Question has everything from secrets, murder, lies, rich people being terrible humans, and history!

The Veronica Mars fan in me was so happy to see this sequel be available because I loved loved loved the first in this series. While I think a little of the suspense the first one captured turned into something closer to intrigue, I still flew through this. We get to learn more about our mains and how they relate to one another while encountering another mysterious scenario in their coastal town. Will keep my eye out for another in this solid series!

The Night in Question takes place a few months after the crime that took place in The Agathas was solved. This time we start off at a Sadie Hawkins' Dance at Castle Levy. Of course, it's stormy outside and things get tense quickly. One of Alice and Iris' classmates is assaulted and ends up in a coma. They did see their classmate standing over her with the weapon that was used, but that's too simple of course. I loved that we started this book off on a dark and rainy night.

Alice and Iris have a feeling things don't feel right and they don't think Helen was the one that was behind hurting Rebecca. This was such an entertaining mystery, because this also uncovered a lot of town secrets and what happened to the film starlet Mona Moody. I love that this was intertwined with everything happening in the present.

This crime solving duo couldn't be more different, but they're also more alike than they seem. The friendship they've formed is something both of them really need in their own way. I love their group of friends and how all of them participate in their own way. Alice and Iris also go through some character growth in this one and it definitely added an extra emotional element to The Night in Question.

I haven't personally read any Agatha Christie novels yet, but I love the quotes from different things at the start of each chapters and how both girls talk about these stories throughout the book. All in all, I enjoyed The Night in Question a lot and I hope this author duo brings us more cases.

My review will also be published on https://thebookdutchesses.com on April 27th.

"The Night in Question" by Liz Lawson and Kathleen Glasgow is a poignant and powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the complexities of human emotions. This collaboration between Lawson and Glasgow weaves a narrative that is both harrowing and hopeful, showcasing their unique ability to capture the raw essence of their characters' experiences.

The novel delves into the lives of two protagonists, each grappling with their own devastating pasts and the aftermath of a singular, tragic event that connects them. Lawson and Glasgow masterfully portray the intricacies of grief, guilt, and the search for forgiveness, making their characters' journeys resonate deeply with readers. The narrative switches between perspectives, allowing a comprehensive insight into the emotional landscapes of the protagonists, making their pain, struggles, and eventual healing palpable.

The writing style is both elegant and accessible, with Lawson and Glasgow employing a language that is rich with emotion and imagery. Their skillful handling of such sensitive topics is commendable, offering a narrative that is not only engaging but also thought-provoking. The authors do not shy away from the harsh realities of their characters' situations, yet they manage to infuse the story with moments of tenderness and hope.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its character development. The protagonists are fleshed out with such depth and complexity that they feel incredibly real. Their flaws, fears, and desires are laid bare, allowing readers to connect with them on a profound level. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding layers to the narrative and contributing to the protagonists' growth.

The pacing of the novel is deliberate, with Lawson and Glasgow taking their time to build the story's emotional core. This slow burn might not appeal to all readers, but it is essential in creating a meaningful and impactful reading experience. The culmination of the protagonists' journeys is both satisfying and heart-wrenching, leaving a lasting impression.

it sucks to say that i actually never fully got around to finishing this book. unlike the first book (which i loved), this one was kinda slow pacing to me and felt like a drag. i’ll try to pick this book up again soon

One of my favorite movies is the 2007 Emma Roberts film, Nancy Drew. This book is so reminiscent of that movie that it's a little insane (in a good way).

I really enjoyed this sequel to The Agathas. The Agathas was one of my favorite summer reads of 2022, and this was a welcome continuation to the amateur sleuths, Alice and Iris. This sequel did a good job of reminding the reader what happened in the first book, without completing retelling.

I enjoyed the slight romances in the first book and felt that was missing a little bit in this book. The character of Cole felt stunted throughout this book and almost like an afterthought, when it felt like he was going to be a bigger role in the beginning.

I had a lot of fun with this book!

Get ready to dive into my latest obsession—the Agatha series, where it's all about quirky crime-solving and a duo that's redefining the term "misfit magic." Meet Alice and Iris, two girls on opposite ends of the social spectrum who channel their inner Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple to crack cases wide open. Alice, with her high-society background and a penchant for keeping emotions under lock and key, meets her match in Iris, a warrior with a heart of gold, fighting for justice after turning her own life's lemons into lemonade.

This round, the dynamic duo tackles the near-fatal mishap of their classmate, Rebecca Kennedy, which might just tie back to the decades-old mystery surrounding movie icon Mona Moody's dramatic demise. Picture this: a glitzy dance at Levy Castle turns chaotic when a fashion faux pas escalates into a full-blown catfight, only for Alice to stumble upon a bloodied Rebecca in a scene straight out of a classic whodunit.

With the castle locked down by a mudslide and suspicion swirling, Alice and Iris put their detective hats on. Despite the local law's side-eye (looking at you, Officer Thompson), these girls are on a mission, weaving through a web of clues that might just link back to a scandal from the 1940s.

In a tale where every twist is more gripping than the last, I can't help but cheer for Team Agatha and admit a soft spot for Iris. If you're craving a mix of mystery, history, and high school drama served with a side of sleuthing brilliance, then look no further. The adventures in Castle Cove are just getting started, and I'm here for the ride—bring on more of Alice and Iris's escapades!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I love a good who did it book. This was good and kept my attention through the whole book. I loved the Agatha Christy references. I read the first book and loved. I loved this one too!