Member Reviews

Thank you to Random House Children's, Delacorte Press and NetGalley for an electronic Advanced Reader Copy of this novel.

The Night in Question is a sequel to The Agathas, a well-received teenage mystery set in Castle Cove.. This sequel continues to follow Alice and Iris as they deal with the aftermath of the first book. A dance at the fancy Levy Castle leads to a student viciously attacked and Alice uncovering an ex-friend standing over the body.

Well written and fast paced, The Night in Question is a fun and entertaining read. It deals with the tenacity of teenage girls and the precarious walk they take into adulthood. I enjoyed it and hope that this series continues!

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Iris and Alice are back, and not much has changed. Alice is still avoiding her homework. Iris is still terrified, even with her dad behind bars. Oh, and they yet again find themselves smack dab in the middle of a police investigation that they aren't going to let go.

Another fun trip into the lives of The Agathas

****

I still love diving into this world and the Agathas method of mystery solving, I just wish there had been a bit more progression for our characters, all of that progression felt very rushed at the end.

As for the actual mystery, it was perfect. After the last book it was a no brainer that we were going to dive into the Mona Moody murder, and the tie into today's mystery was excellent. While the tying up of the loose ends definitely also felt rushed, it still all made sense. This book suffers from just needing a bit more time to hit each note. Perhaps that is just the plight of a YA novel.

All in all, I think Glasglow and Lawson are at the top of the YA Mystery genre, and I cannot wait to see where they take us from here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for my ARC!

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Another great mystery set in Castle Cove with teenage detectives Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams. This one is actually two mysteries woven together -- one is an attack on their friend Brooke Kennedy and the other is the death of 1940s film star Mona Moody. Everything is well plotted with some unexpected twists. You don't have to read the series in order, but I think you would enjoy it more knowing the back stories from the first book. Highly recommended to mystery lovers, grades 8 & up.

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Are you ready to open a cold case of a 1940s actress? Let’s investigate this book:
Second in Series - In this second book in The Agathas series, we follow Alice and Iris and their gang of crime solving friends
Formal Dance - they are attending a formal dance at an historic mansion
Girl Attacked - When Alice happens upon one of her classmates attacked while exploring some secret passageways in the mansion
Historical Connection - Can the Agathas solve the mystery? And how does it connect to the death of an actress many years in the past.

Having loved the first book in the series, and YA mysteries in general, I had to read this book. The most interesting thing about it for me was how things connected in general, the past and the present. Even after this book, which does reference the first one so you are going to want to start there, there are still a few cold cases this group is trying to solve so I'm figuring there will be another book in the series. It’s just a fun time and the twist is good, even if you kind of figure it out. Cuz I am astute like that.

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This is the second book in this series and I LOVED the first one so much. This one didn’t live up to the first one for me.

There are a quite a few references to the first book and I read it so long ago I had to look up what happened, so definitely read the first one because they talk about it a little but don’t give a great summary of it (mostly I forgot how some characters were involved).

Alice and Iris are trying to solve an attack on their classmate at a dance that was held in a mansion but they are also interested in a famous actress that died in at the mansion a long time ago.

There were a lot of characters from the past that they talked about and it got confusing when you have basically two big sets of characters (the people from the past and present).

While the actress mystery is important I just didn’t love that aspect of it.

I’ll probably read a 3rd book if they write another but this one just didn’t match up to the first.

Thanks Netgalley for my ARC!

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Glasgow and Lawson kill it again (pun intended)!

When a friend gets attacked at a party, Alice & Iris team up again to figure out whodunnit - and the mystery isn’t as clear cut as it first seems.

The second installment in The Agatha’s series is even better than the first. I loved the mystery within a mystery and especially the portions of the story about the Mona Moody mystery from 1949.

The reveal of the perp and their motive was a little bit of a letdown for me; I was hoping for something a little more dramatic, but the clues and how Alice & Iris figured out the mystery had me guessing from beginning to end. I hope that there is a third installment!

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This was a great sequel to The Agathas. I liked getting to see Iris and Alice's friendship grow as they tackle another mystery. I had no idea where this mystery was going and was definitely surprised by the twist. The action and stakes were definitely bumped up to another level in this book which I really enjoyed. Hopefully this series continues on with a third book!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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I received this ARC as from NetGalley. This is a such a great read . The plot is fast paced and fun, it follows two teen girls as they try to solve mystery and murders. I loved the first Agatha book, and this sequel was just as great. If you enjoy mystery novels, then you will enjoy this book.

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The sequel to The Agathas!
🕯️
The night of their school dance at Levy Castle Alice Ogilvie and Iris Adams get involved in another mystery after recently solving the murder of Brooke Donovan. That night a classmate is attacked and all signs point to the girl she was arguing with that night, Parks, but neither Alice nor Iris believe she did it. After digging into the past of a starlet’s mysterious death and a missing necklace, they soon realize how it’s all connected.
🏰
I adored The Agathas and wondered if this would be a series and was elated to find out it was! I love both girls and how much they rely on Agatha Christie to solve the murders and attacks that happen around them. The plot kept me guessing the entire time—all the spooky vibes for this one! This YA mystery book releases May 29! Add to your middle or high school library immediately!

CW: death, coma, blood, bludgeoning, violence, murder, pregnancy, parental abandonment, physical assault (discussed), PTSD, prison

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I am enjoying this series with all of its nods to Agatha Christie, and I think I even like book 2 more than book 1 in some ways. Although there were a few events that were a bit far-fetched, I thought the unraveling of the mystery was well done. I can definitely tell which author writes Iris and which one writes Alice (I do think one character is better written than the other but I won't say which one our of respect to the authors). I love the small coastal California town setting, and I liked the use of a castle as the scene of the crime in this one. I will definitely read whatever comes next in this series!

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"The Night In Question" by Kathleen Glasgow is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of teenage life and the consequences of one fateful night. Set against a backdrop of secrets, friendship, and self-discovery, Glasgow weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the search for redemption.

The story revolves around a group of high school friends whose lives are forever changed after a tragic event unfolds during a seemingly ordinary night. Glasgow's writing is raw and emotionally charged, drawing readers into the lives of her characters and making them feel deeply invested in their struggles and journeys.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Glasgow's ability to create complex and flawed characters that feel incredibly real. The protagonist's internal battles and the weight of her choices are portrayed with honesty and sensitivity, allowing readers to empathize with her and reflect on the nature of guilt and the consequences of our actions.

Glasgow's writing style is both lyrical and haunting, painting vivid images of the characters' emotions and experiences. Her attention to detail brings the setting to life, immersing readers in the small town where the story unfolds. The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced, gradually building tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, "The Night In Question" tackles important topics such as mental health, consent, and the impact of trauma, shedding light on the struggles many teenagers face. Glasgow handles these sensitive subjects with care, offering nuanced perspectives and fostering important conversations.

While the novel can be emotionally intense and at times heartbreaking, it ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience. It reminds us of the power of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the possibility of healing, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

In conclusion, "The Night In Question" is a gripping and impactful novel that explores the complexities of human nature, the weight of our choices, and the transformative power of self-redemption. Kathleen Glasgow's poignant storytelling and compelling characters make this book an unforgettable read, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit.

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I was SO excited to be approved for an ARC of The Night in Question, book 2 in The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson. Book 1 (The Agathas) was in my top ten reads of 2022. And I am here to report that book 2 was just as great – another five star read!

“How do you solve a murder? Follow the lessons of the master—Agatha Christie! Iris and Alice find themselves in the middle of another Castle Cove mystery. When their school dance at the infamous Levy Castle—the site of film starlet Mona Moody's unsolved death back in the 1940s—is interrupted by a violent assault, Iris and Alice pull out their murder boards and get back to work.”

I inhaled this book in a day and a half, delighted when I had to drop my daughter off somewhere early and just wait because waiting meant more book time. I love stories of teens needing to step in and solve the mystery because the adults are ding-dongs. I love the references to Christie. I especially love the group of pals (from across all the school’s social groups) Alice and Iris have formed and how they each use their specific talents to help the cause. The dialogue is witty and I felt like I was 100% along for the ride. It is all so much fun. The kids aren’t perfect–they are growing and figuring it all out and despite my mom-self wanting to holler at them sometimes, I could put that aside and fall into the pages. I loved it. What a great summer read for adults and teens. And if you haven’t read the first one yet, I am jealous.

I think fans of The Inheritance Games would enjoy this series and I was also reminded of The Spellman Files. Out on May 30th, add this to your summer reading stack, BUT you MUST promise me that if you have not read book 1, you will do so first!

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A ton of fun. Loved these characters and the mystery; got totally swept up in it. Can’t wait for the next one!

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Another delightful outing for two teen detectives in this YA mystery. The character development is very natural and appealing; the authors do a great job writing teenage girls without making them too whiny and angst-filled. The mystery itself is quite engaging and complex. I look forward to a third book and highly recommend this book to readers of all ages!

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Another crime in Castle Cove and Alice & Iris are out to solve it again. I just love them! And the second book did not disappoint.

There were multiple mysteries to be solved in this one and I was very invested in figuring them out. A big plus for me was although these are teenagers solving crimes, they felt pretty believable which isn’t often the case.

These books give off strong Veronica Mars vibes and I’m totally here for it. Highly recommend to anyone interested in YA mysteries!

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Night in Question coming out May 30, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Last October, Alice Ogilvie's old best friend, Brooke Donovan, was killed. If it weren't for Alice's unusual alliance with her tutor, Iris Adams, and her library of the complete works of Agatha Christie, the wrong person would almost certainly be sitting in prison for the crime. The Castle Cove police aren't really great at solving crimes. In fact, they're notorious for not being able to solve crimes according to the duo.

Castle Cove High's annual Sadie Hawkins dance is at the mysterious and possibly haunted Levy Castle. Alice takes the opportunity to explore the castle, which is the site of one of Castle Cove's most mysterious deaths. The beautiful classic film star Mona Moody died there almost a century ago, and Alice is pretty sure the police got that invest­igation wrong, too. But before she can even think about digging into that mystery, she walks right into the scene of a new crime. Rebecca Kennedy is on the ground in a pool of her own blood. And standing over Kennedy? Another one of Alice's ex-friends—Helen Park. 

The Castle Cove Police Department thinks it's an open-and-shut case. Helen Park did it. But Alice and Iris think it can't be that simple. Park isn't a murderer—and the girls know all too well that in life, and in mysteries, things are rarely what they appear to be. To understand the present, sometimes you need to look to the past. 

Castle Cove is full of dark secrets, and Alice and Iris are about to uncover one of its biggest—and most dangerous—secrets of all.

I love this series so much! I was so excited to receive the second book. I love the Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew vibes. The quotes at the beginning of the chapters are fun and I love the backstory of the 1940s Hollywood starlet. Alice and Iris are one of my favorite crime solving duos. They’re opposites that work well together. The writing is fun and fresh. I love the different formats with text and news reports. I would definitely love to read more in this series.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys modern teen mysteries with a twist!

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Short and Sweet Review
Alice and Iris are back to solve another mystery in The Night In Question. Castle Cove High School’s annual Sadie Hawkins dance is being held at Levy Castle, and Alice thinks this is the perfect time to do some exploring. Levy Castle is where the famous actress Mona Moody died almost a century ago, and knowing Castle Cove police Alice thinks that investigation wrong, but she doesn’t have much time to think about that because she just walked in on Kennedy laying on the ground in a pool of her own blood and Park standing over her. Castle Cove police believe this is an open and shut case, and Park is about to face some serious charges, but Alice and Iris believe they can help her. This case involves more than meets the eye and this time the girls are about to look into the past to help them in the present.
After solving Brooke Donovan’s case, Alice and Iris have learned that the Castle Cove Police aren’t always reliable or competent when it comes to these matters so they decide to offer their new found expertise to try to prove Park’s innocence. Alice and Iris find themselves in dangerous situations that always put me on edge because they’re usually on the right trail but some people don’t want them to be and they end up in more trouble just for thwarting the police. I love how Alice still uses what she has learned from Agatha Christie novels and applies it to solve mysteries. I will say that I do love the friendship between Iris and Alice, they’re an unlikely pair and I think they still have a lot to learn about each other. They do get on each others nerves and still may say things to trigger or set the other one off but they do genuinely care for each other, and we see their friendship grow and evolve. We also get to see our other friends who help with the mystery solving: Raf, Neil, Spike, Zora, and Angelik. All of the characters add something to this book that truly makes it special. I will say this mystery is pretty complex and it not only involves what happened to Kennedy but also Mona Moody. I love the direction that this book took and we see Iris and Alice become better detectives but also learn that this is a dangerous job especially when others don’t want you to succeed. We also get to see a bit more of Alice’s parents in this book and see their relationship and how much their absence has actually affected Alice.
Everything about this book was amazing to me. I did end up figuring out who the culprit was but that didn’t ruin anything for me mainly because trying to figure out what their motive was and learning about it was crazy. I love this series, it’s actually one of my favorites and I just can’t get enough of Alice and Iris and their crew of mystery solvers. I’m excited to see what book 3 has in store!

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I was so excited to return to Castle Cove! Alice and her crime solving posse, with newcomer Iris, are such a treat to read. Easy and quick and ever engaging, this sequel to "The Agathas" was just as entertaining to read. The tie-ins to Agatha Christie novels are so innovative and Kathleen and Liz are a powerhouse team. I loved it. 4/5 stars.

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🌟:4.5/5

Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson have done it again! When I first read The Agathas last year I was dying for it to be made into a series, and this sequel did not disappoint.

The story picks up with Alice and Iris a few months after the events of the first book, during a school dance being held at the famous Levy Castle, the site of actress Mona Moody’s tragic demise in the 1940s. Alice sees the dance as an opportunity to dig into the decades-old mystery, and see if there is more to Mona’s death than meets the eye. But when a student is attacked at the dance, Iris and Alice take it upon themselves once again to play detective and get to the bottom of things. But to solve the crimes of the present, the pair have to dig further into the past, and attempt to untangle a dangerous web that might just get them killed.

I was hooked immediately with this new mystery, and I wanted to simultaneously fly through the book to get to the bottom of things but also savor it because it was just that good. I loved the way the mysteries of the past and present were woven together, and I found myself as invested in what happened to Mona Moody as I was with Alice and Iris’s classmate. The only thing I wanted more of was the development of Alice and Iris as characters, and their relationship with those around them. The mystery was so well written, but at times I found myself wishing for more interactions between the characters that would advance the status of their relationships, whether they were platonic or romantic. This did not take away from my enjoyment of the book as a whole, however.

If you are a fan of YA mysteries with teen sleuths like Veronica Mars or Nancy Drew, and Agatha Christie-style whodunits that hook you immediately, then this is a series you need to check out!

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As as follow up to their twisty The Agathas, Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson bring us The Night in Question, which once again has poor little rich girl, Alice, and best friend from the seeming wrong side of the tracks, intelligent and driven Iris, solving the stabbing of one of Alice’s former friends during a Sadie Hawkins dance in a historical NY castle. The mystery becomes more than one as Alice and Iris find themselves investigating as well the suspicious death of a 1940s Hollywood sweetheart, Mona, which had been labeled an accident. They have help with their investigation with their version of the Scooby gang aka the Zoners.

Along the way, Alice and Iris have to navigate the difficult waters of dealing with parents, who only want the girls to have the best futures possible, as well as themselves.

Veteran mystery readers will probably deduce the culprit early on but not to the detriment of the mystery ride that Glasgow and Lawson have provided. Fans of Agatha Christie will especially enjoy the quotes and the mentions.

While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone but I’d suggest reading the first one for context. It’s a fun read, just in time to be added to a summer reading list.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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