What do you think?
Rate this book
Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen #4
The Seaside Corpse
For young detective Aggie Morton and her friend Hector, an opportunity to dig up fossils becomes even more thrilling when a corpse washes ashore.
After an invigorating but not exactly restful trip to a Yorkshire spa during which she survived a near brush with death and foiled a murderer, aspiring writer Aggie Morton and her friend Hector are thrilled to have the opportunity to stay at a camp by the sea and watch real paleontologists at work. The famed husband and wife team of the Blenningham-Crewes are about to become even more famous with the recovery of the fossilized bones of an ichthyosaur from the sea by Lyme Regis. This news has already caught the attention of an American millionaire, a British museum and a traveling circus owner, who each want the bones for their own collections. Tensions are running high throughout the camp, from the cook, to the collectors, to the Blenningham-Crewes themselves, and become downright dangerous after Aggie and Hector make a discovery of their own: a body on the beach. Not a fossil, but a human body.
After an invigorating but not exactly restful trip to a Yorkshire spa during which she survived a near brush with death and foiled a murderer, aspiring writer Aggie Morton and her friend Hector are thrilled to have the opportunity to stay at a camp by the sea and watch real paleontologists at work. The famed husband and wife team of the Blenningham-Crewes are about to become even more famous with the recovery of the fossilized bones of an ichthyosaur from the sea by Lyme Regis. This news has already caught the attention of an American millionaire, a British museum and a traveling circus owner, who each want the bones for their own collections. Tensions are running high throughout the camp, from the cook, to the collectors, to the Blenningham-Crewes themselves, and become downright dangerous after Aggie and Hector make a discovery of their own: a body on the beach. Not a fossil, but a human body.
354 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2022
17 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Marthe Jocelyn
57 books183 followersCanadian born
22 books published for young readers"
22 books published for young readers"
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 23, 2025
Not sorry or feeling guilty to give this one the perfect rating!
And here I am after getting myself 'lost' in the mystery of the young reader's fictional book with a very realistic protagonist, Aggie Morton. The fun of knowing a smart girl trying to fit in the world of boys and men.
The writing is so fun and so easy to read I say! Perfect for the target audience and anyone who wants to read a short, fun, easy to get through mystery reads.
The characters, the main character as well as the side characters, are quite lovely. I love James. There I said it. The characters are well developed and the plot has a very good story to tell.
I would say the side characters are so much fun to know. This is one of those books in which every character introduced has a good role to play in the story. I love this the most in the book.
The pace is medium, not too fast not too slow. It's fun I say.
I would suggest you to read this book with no comparison with the other mystery thriller stories/authors you know of.
Try to know the characters and the clues they are looking for. This is a book for the beginners and young readers.
I know for sure that the target audience will enjoy it a lot.
Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for the advance reading copy.
And here I am after getting myself 'lost' in the mystery of the young reader's fictional book with a very realistic protagonist, Aggie Morton. The fun of knowing a smart girl trying to fit in the world of boys and men.
The writing is so fun and so easy to read I say! Perfect for the target audience and anyone who wants to read a short, fun, easy to get through mystery reads.
The characters, the main character as well as the side characters, are quite lovely. I love James. There I said it. The characters are well developed and the plot has a very good story to tell.
I would say the side characters are so much fun to know. This is one of those books in which every character introduced has a good role to play in the story. I love this the most in the book.
The pace is medium, not too fast not too slow. It's fun I say.
I would suggest you to read this book with no comparison with the other mystery thriller stories/authors you know of.
Try to know the characters and the clues they are looking for. This is a book for the beginners and young readers.
I know for sure that the target audience will enjoy it a lot.
Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for the advance reading copy.
November 4, 2023
My favorite in the series! I love the Lyme Regis setting and I thought the cast of characters was particularly fun. Plus Aggie and Hector get some friends their age, too, and the author imagines one of them—Arthur—as a young Captain Hastings! How fun is that?! I enjoyed the mystery in this too and how it was woven into the paleontological dig for fossils in Mary Anning’s territory. We also get the amusing reappearance of the infamous Augustus C. Fibbley. I love the glimpse we get of this character’s future escapades at the end of the novel. Sadly this is the final book in the series, but the author ended on a high note. Brava!
December 24, 2022
After meeting and adoring her brand new nephew, Aggie Morton is off on an exciting new adventure with her best friend Hector Perot. Aggie's brother-in-law, James, has arranged for them to stay at Camp Crewe, an archeological dig camp near Lyme Regis. Aggie, Hector and 2 other boys their age will be a part of The Young Scientists Leage "introducing inquiring youth to the facts and mysteries of Mother Earth." Aggie can't wait but Hector is nervous about the camping bit and fitting in with other boys. The youngsters are thrilled to learn a rare ichthyosaur skeleton has been unearthed and a team of archeologists are going to remove it at spring tide when the skeleton is exposed and the tide lowest. Unfortunately there's a difference of opinion on what happens to Izzy after she's been removed from the rock. Professor Blenningham-Crewe, a noted scholar, would love to sell the skeleton to the highest bidder, a Mexican-Texan millionaire who wants it to scare away coyotes on his ranch. Another bidder turns up and the professor's wife, Nina, is incensed. Aggie soon discovers it's Nina who has the passion for archeology and the knowledge to write papers and her husband takes all the credit! After an argument, Professor B-C heads off to the local pub, never to return. Aggie and Hector discover his body washed up with the tide the next day. The police suspect foul play and set their sights on Aggie and Hector's new friends. To make matters worse, someone is leaking information to the tabloid press! Can the children solve the mystery and save the expedition?
This story had a lot of promise but ultimately failed to live up to that promise. I was expecting a fun, archeological mystery like Amelia Peabody for kids but nothing much happens. The story is mainly about camping and one lengthy section on archeology, a bit about the circus. The death occurs halfway through and remains rather mysterious. There's not much investigating by Aggie and Hector and the excitement of the usual mystery plot is lacking. Still, I liked learning something new about Edwardian England. I was shocked Mary Anning was buried in a mass grave with her brother and 3 siblings who died as infants and there was no mention of her discoveries! Actually not surprising but sad. I'm glad she's finally been given her due. I bet Aggie would love to explore the new museum wing named after Mary Anning.
What I love best about this series is the characters. The friendship between Aggie and Hector is so sweet and it's a fun wink wink to those familiar with Agatha Christie's novels. I'm not familiar with a lot of them but I know the iconic characters and enjoyed learning more about Agatha Christie's writing. I did not know she was the first to use the phrase "the scene of the crime" which young Aggie here uses to describe where Professor B-C died. Aggie is sweet, loyal and loving. She embraces all the 20th-century has to offer girls but loves her Granny Jane and tries to please Granny. Granny Jane understand girls need to have their freedom sometimes and allows Aggie to run around and have adventures. Hector is more of a major player in this story. We seem him as a fish out of water in a camp site. He's fussy and doesn't like to get dirty, share a tent with noisy boys or use a "backhouse." I don't blame him! I felt very bad for the kid but it was nice to see him develop and learn to play and be wild with the other two boys. Hector is a champ after what happens to him in this book.
Everyone is in the story, besides Granny Jane, is a newcomer. The Blenningham-Crewes are a married couple leading the expedition. It becomes clear that he's a wannabe, a hanger-on and a terrible husband. He overrides everything his wife says, never consults her, asks her opinion and allows everyone to believe he's the genius scientist. Nina is brilliant. She's very, very focused. I think she is probably not the marrying kind and more single-minded in pursuit of scientific discovery. She's not super friendly and kind. She's just focused on the task at hand and how to get it done. Did she kill her husband because she finally had enough? I wouldn't blame her if she did.
Everertt Tobie, a friend of Aggie's brother-in-law, is a photographer and passionate about getting photos of the process of digging out the skeleton and the skeleton itself. Imagine the fame and prestige of publishing photos of something no one had ever seen or would see? Today we can Google "ichthyosaur" and come up with pictures of fossils and artist renderings of what this proto whale-like creature may have looked like but in the early 1900s, travel was still difficult for most and photography was new. Imagine how exciting Everett's job is! He seems like a nice guy and he shares Nina's passion for scientific discover but I get the impression he has a passion for Nina herself.
Alfonso Osteda is a Mexican-American millionaire from Texas who arrives with his son Oscar. Mr. Osteda tosses money around to get what he wants. He's never met anyone like Nina who is adament that the fossilized skeleton NOT go to the highest bidder but to a museum. He thinks he can have whatever he wants because he's rich. Mr. Osteda is prepared to stay in England as long as it takes to have his own way. Out of everyone, he had the least motive to kill Prof. B-C, unless of course, Prof. B-C reneged on an agreement. His rival, Cavalier Jones, the strongest man in the world, runs a circus. He wants the skeleton for the circus's museum of curiosities. He would make back his money easily on admission. Between the two, I like Mr. Jones better. He boasts too but he's interesting and not snobby. He's a better businessman than Mr. Osteda and knows how to schmooze with people and be friendly to get what he wants. He's a fun character but certainly strong enough to push a hefty man over a cliff.
Oscar Osteda is the son of Mr. Osteda and a moody teenage boy. He doesn't want to be there, he isn't interested in anything or hanging out with the other kids. He's rude and arrogant and likes to boast of his accomplishments. However, his character develops and grows over the course of the story. Arthur Heystead might be labeled as being on the spectrum today. He's nerdy but slow on the uptake and socially awkward. He reminded me of some of the kids I gave museum tours to who knew more than I did but were sweet enough to ask questions they pretty much knew the answers to. "What do YOU think?" was my standard response. I suspect Arthur is one of those kids. He may be slow but he's a true and loyal friend. He's just solid and probably will make a good PM some day.
Helen Malone, the assistant cook, has been assigned to look after Aggie and the boys. She quickly becomes a confidant and older sister figure to Aggie. Yet... Helen has a secret and it could have led to murder. I feel bad for Helen and don't think the same way Nina does but I feel Helen has been sexually harassed and needs to stand up for herself. IF she pushed Prof. B-C off the cliff, it was in self-defense and no more than he deserved. I would suspect her father, Spud Malone, of murder before Helen. Spud, the cook, is an overprotective father. He loves his daughter but doesn't treat her very well. She's his drudge and does all the work. He won't let her be independent yet he loves her enough not to want to see her hurt by powerful men. Or maybe any man. If he killed Prof. B-C, it was to protect his daughter.
The other adults are not so pleasant. Miss Sylvia Spinns is a spinster secretary/clerk to the archeologists and always turning up late and simpering. She's one of THOSE old ladies who ingratiates herself with the male. UGH. I want to like her because she's working for a living but I have my suspicions about her. I strongly believe she's the source of the leaks. How awful! I suppose I should be sympathetic to the spinster trying to make a living whichever way she can. When/where will Augustus Fribley show himself or will he continue to rely on Miss Spinns?
P.C. Ronnie Guff is Arthur's cousin and if Arthur is a bit slow, Ronnie is MAJOR slow. He's dull to the extrememe and not bright enough to do anything or think anything on his own. Sargeant Harley is imperious and officious. He has a suspicious mind and doesn't trust the nobility or women or anyone really. Those qualities might serve well as a policeman in a city like London but in Lyme Regis with women and children, he's very rude and gruff. P.C. Sackett is a silly man obsessed with his boat. What is a mere boat compared to scientific knowledge?
I'm sad to say goodbye to Aggie and Hector. They've been fun to get to know and easy to relate to. I enjoyed learning more about Agatha Christie in the process and I will seek out more of her books in the future. I hope Aggie helps her newest family members learn to be super sleuths in the future.
This story had a lot of promise but ultimately failed to live up to that promise. I was expecting a fun, archeological mystery like Amelia Peabody for kids but nothing much happens. The story is mainly about camping and one lengthy section on archeology, a bit about the circus. The death occurs halfway through and remains rather mysterious. There's not much investigating by Aggie and Hector and the excitement of the usual mystery plot is lacking. Still, I liked learning something new about Edwardian England. I was shocked Mary Anning was buried in a mass grave with her brother and 3 siblings who died as infants and there was no mention of her discoveries! Actually not surprising but sad. I'm glad she's finally been given her due. I bet Aggie would love to explore the new museum wing named after Mary Anning.
What I love best about this series is the characters. The friendship between Aggie and Hector is so sweet and it's a fun wink wink to those familiar with Agatha Christie's novels. I'm not familiar with a lot of them but I know the iconic characters and enjoyed learning more about Agatha Christie's writing. I did not know she was the first to use the phrase "the scene of the crime" which young Aggie here uses to describe where Professor B-C died. Aggie is sweet, loyal and loving. She embraces all the 20th-century has to offer girls but loves her Granny Jane and tries to please Granny. Granny Jane understand girls need to have their freedom sometimes and allows Aggie to run around and have adventures. Hector is more of a major player in this story. We seem him as a fish out of water in a camp site. He's fussy and doesn't like to get dirty, share a tent with noisy boys or use a "backhouse." I don't blame him! I felt very bad for the kid but it was nice to see him develop and learn to play and be wild with the other two boys. Hector is a champ after what happens to him in this book.
Everyone is in the story, besides Granny Jane, is a newcomer. The Blenningham-Crewes are a married couple leading the expedition. It becomes clear that he's a wannabe, a hanger-on and a terrible husband. He overrides everything his wife says, never consults her, asks her opinion and allows everyone to believe he's the genius scientist. Nina is brilliant. She's very, very focused. I think she is probably not the marrying kind and more single-minded in pursuit of scientific discovery. She's not super friendly and kind. She's just focused on the task at hand and how to get it done. Did she kill her husband because she finally had enough? I wouldn't blame her if she did.
Everertt Tobie, a friend of Aggie's brother-in-law, is a photographer and passionate about getting photos of the process of digging out the skeleton and the skeleton itself. Imagine the fame and prestige of publishing photos of something no one had ever seen or would see? Today we can Google "ichthyosaur" and come up with pictures of fossils and artist renderings of what this proto whale-like creature may have looked like but in the early 1900s, travel was still difficult for most and photography was new. Imagine how exciting Everett's job is! He seems like a nice guy and he shares Nina's passion for scientific discover but I get the impression he has a passion for Nina herself.
Alfonso Osteda is a Mexican-American millionaire from Texas who arrives with his son Oscar. Mr. Osteda tosses money around to get what he wants. He's never met anyone like Nina who is adament that the fossilized skeleton NOT go to the highest bidder but to a museum. He thinks he can have whatever he wants because he's rich. Mr. Osteda is prepared to stay in England as long as it takes to have his own way. Out of everyone, he had the least motive to kill Prof. B-C, unless of course, Prof. B-C reneged on an agreement. His rival, Cavalier Jones, the strongest man in the world, runs a circus. He wants the skeleton for the circus's museum of curiosities. He would make back his money easily on admission. Between the two, I like Mr. Jones better. He boasts too but he's interesting and not snobby. He's a better businessman than Mr. Osteda and knows how to schmooze with people and be friendly to get what he wants. He's a fun character but certainly strong enough to push a hefty man over a cliff.
Oscar Osteda is the son of Mr. Osteda and a moody teenage boy. He doesn't want to be there, he isn't interested in anything or hanging out with the other kids. He's rude and arrogant and likes to boast of his accomplishments. However, his character develops and grows over the course of the story. Arthur Heystead might be labeled as being on the spectrum today. He's nerdy but slow on the uptake and socially awkward. He reminded me of some of the kids I gave museum tours to who knew more than I did but were sweet enough to ask questions they pretty much knew the answers to. "What do YOU think?" was my standard response. I suspect Arthur is one of those kids. He may be slow but he's a true and loyal friend. He's just solid and probably will make a good PM some day.
Helen Malone, the assistant cook, has been assigned to look after Aggie and the boys. She quickly becomes a confidant and older sister figure to Aggie. Yet... Helen has a secret and it could have led to murder. I feel bad for Helen and don't think the same way Nina does but I feel Helen has been sexually harassed and needs to stand up for herself. IF she pushed Prof. B-C off the cliff, it was in self-defense and no more than he deserved. I would suspect her father, Spud Malone, of murder before Helen. Spud, the cook, is an overprotective father. He loves his daughter but doesn't treat her very well. She's his drudge and does all the work. He won't let her be independent yet he loves her enough not to want to see her hurt by powerful men. Or maybe any man. If he killed Prof. B-C, it was to protect his daughter.
The other adults are not so pleasant. Miss Sylvia Spinns is a spinster secretary/clerk to the archeologists and always turning up late and simpering. She's one of THOSE old ladies who ingratiates herself with the male. UGH. I want to like her because she's working for a living but I have my suspicions about her. I strongly believe she's the source of the leaks. How awful! I suppose I should be sympathetic to the spinster trying to make a living whichever way she can. When/where will Augustus Fribley show himself or will he continue to rely on Miss Spinns?
P.C. Ronnie Guff is Arthur's cousin and if Arthur is a bit slow, Ronnie is MAJOR slow. He's dull to the extrememe and not bright enough to do anything or think anything on his own. Sargeant Harley is imperious and officious. He has a suspicious mind and doesn't trust the nobility or women or anyone really. Those qualities might serve well as a policeman in a city like London but in Lyme Regis with women and children, he's very rude and gruff. P.C. Sackett is a silly man obsessed with his boat. What is a mere boat compared to scientific knowledge?
I'm sad to say goodbye to Aggie and Hector. They've been fun to get to know and easy to relate to. I enjoyed learning more about Agatha Christie in the process and I will seek out more of her books in the future. I hope Aggie helps her newest family members learn to be super sleuths in the future.
January 29, 2024
Being an ardent Agatha Christie fan, I've enjoyed all 4 books in this series which takes its inspiration from the life and works of the Grand Dame of Crime. This being the last book in the series, I'm going to miss Aggie and Hector, and all their lovely family members and stalwart friends.
June 21, 2025
This book series is absolutely amazing! I love how the author lays out the clues threw out the book and makes the plot so interesting. I was sad in the epilogue, not going to say why in case you read it and want that part to be a surprise. Really sad that the 4 books had to come to an end. Also recommend this series if you like murder mystery books. :)
March 23, 2023
So happy I finally read this 4th book in the series. Its 1 of my all time favorite series for a reason. I think I read in the back that this is the last 1, & that makes me so sad! I hate to say goodbye to Aggie, Hector, Grannie Jane & all the amazing cast of characters we encounter along the way. Aggie & Hector's friendship just gets stronger each book, & has the best dynamics. Can't say much since this the 4th book, but we have yet another exciting new location with an archaeological dig off the coast, a whole new murder mystery of course, with a new cast of delightfully entertaining cast of suspects. Aggie is such a strong female MC, who is trying to be the strong female she is in a world that doesn’t recognize strong female women at all in 1903. We see this in a certain reporters story, & even the head archaeologist who does all the work, but her husband is the 1 who gets the credit. Mary Anning is discussed in here, & her grave is actually not far from the site. The humor of historical fiction detective mystery MG is on point with these, & this 1 maybe even more with the unpleasant temporary living conditions & nasty food & how Hector hates it all lol. Love Grannie Jane so much, she contributes so much to their little detective team, & I loved reading in the authors note how the author came up with her character/personality. HIGHLY recommend this whole series. Another STUNNING cover by Isabelle Follath too. 💜
March 6, 2023
So gutted to know this is the last in the series. My daughter and I love Aggie so much. Such a bittersweet ending to a series we love so much, review to come.
August 29, 2024
This was a really fun book, and a great end to the series. Jocelyn gives us another murder mystery, but then does something very different with it from the other books in the series (the details of which I won’t divulge because, spoilers). Aggie and Hector (especially Hector) are out of their element in this book, attending a seaside camp to learn about paleontology and help two paleontologists with retrieving the skeleton of an ichthyosaur from the shore, where it spends a majority of its time covered by the tide. No more hotels and grand houses, they’re now sleeping in tents, eating food of questionable quality, and spending their days in the great outdoors. But then one morning, the children discover a dead body on the shore. Only this time it’s human, not a dinosaur. As the children do their own sleuthing (not trusting the local police who seem to want to find a quick, simple answer without digging too deep), they discover an answer that is surprising and, to two kids who want more exciting answers, maybe a bit disappointing, but that is satisfying overall. The book also gives us a bittersweet ending as all the loose ends are tied up. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the books in this series, I would recommend reading this conclusion to the children’s mystery escapades.
Content:
• Language – several d words
• Drugs and Alcohol – mentions of people drinking alcoholic drinks, several mentions of one man being drunk (one instance in which it occurred, but discussed several different times)
• Sexual Content – an older man comes onto a younger girl (17), mentions of a man having affairs
• Violence – a dead body, a fist fight, characters discussing various physical altercations
Content:
• Language – several d words
• Drugs and Alcohol – mentions of people drinking alcoholic drinks, several mentions of one man being drunk (one instance in which it occurred, but discussed several different times)
• Sexual Content – an older man comes onto a younger girl (17), mentions of a man having affairs
• Violence – a dead body, a fist fight, characters discussing various physical altercations
October 10, 2023
Aggie Morton has apparently convinced me that corpses are more interesting than they are morbid. Although, I think I will leave the investigating and sleuthing to Aggie and Hector. They really do make this series what it is. Their friendship is top notch; I love how that is expanded and honored through each book.
I enjoyed the new characters, although not nearly as much as in the other books. And the antics of reporter Gus Fibbley had me cracking up this time; he really does know how to get himself out of the trouble he gets into. The setting on the beach was an interesting place to be and the excavation of the fossil was very cool to "witness". I thought the work around that was all fun to learn about - but the adults involved left much to be desired in responsibility and care of the children. I suppose that is sometimes necessary to allow for children to do their sleuthing, but the neglect seemed extreme in a couple of different situations. As usual, Grannie Jane was a favorite and I wish she was in the story more!
The epilogue was amazing. I may have shed a tear or two.
See this review on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/11...
The conclusion to this mystery had me feeling unsettled. It came rather abruptly and was somewhat difficult to believe after reading through the entire story, but I suppose that is bound to happen in mysteries. This installment I would suggest holding off reading until the teen years as opposed to middle grade age because there are a couple of characters who are not afraid to use strong language as well as many insinuations of trysts carried on by a married man.
I enjoyed the new characters, although not nearly as much as in the other books. And the antics of reporter Gus Fibbley had me cracking up this time; he really does know how to get himself out of the trouble he gets into. The setting on the beach was an interesting place to be and the excavation of the fossil was very cool to "witness". I thought the work around that was all fun to learn about - but the adults involved left much to be desired in responsibility and care of the children. I suppose that is sometimes necessary to allow for children to do their sleuthing, but the neglect seemed extreme in a couple of different situations. As usual, Grannie Jane was a favorite and I wish she was in the story more!
The epilogue was amazing. I may have shed a tear or two.
See this review on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/11...
The conclusion to this mystery had me feeling unsettled. It came rather abruptly and was somewhat difficult to believe after reading through the entire story, but I suppose that is bound to happen in mysteries. This installment I would suggest holding off reading until the teen years as opposed to middle grade age because there are a couple of characters who are not afraid to use strong language as well as many insinuations of trysts carried on by a married man.
November 9, 2023
Aggie Morton Mystery Queen, The Seaside Corpse, by Marthe Jocelyn, is the fourth installment in the popular series of books for young people. The character, Aggie is inspired by the Agatha Christie, the great mystery writer. The book is set in early 1900’s England as Aggie and her Belgian friend, Hector Perot are excited to be invited to witness the recovery of an ancient fossil at the seashore. Aggie assumes this will be a slight change from her previous adventures, as they all resulted in her solving the mysteries surrounding the finding of dead bodies, not so. The body of the head of the archaeological dig is discovered by Aggie and Hector floating in the surf on the beach near the fossil remains. This turns the scientific outing into another mystery for Aggie and Hector to solve with the help of an interesting cast of characters. There is no end to suspects as all the members of the dig seem to have a motive for doing away with the victim. This is just the type of mystery that Aggie and Hector relish. The writing is enhanced by the wonderful illustrations by Isabelle Follath giving us a look at all the main characters involved. This book was provided for review by LibraryThing and Tundra Books.
December 27, 2022
Four stars for this novel, five stars for the series as a whole.
It immeasurably saddens me that this delightful, clever, and beautiful middle-grade series is at an end. The only consolation is that Aggie and Hector, as their alter egos Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot, have gone on to gain immortality.
The mystery structure is strong, and, once again, I loved all the references both to Christie’s real-life adventures and to the tales she spun. Aggie and Hector go camping, which is initially a strange thought, but no stranger than the finicky and fastidious Poirot traveling to Egypt multiple times. Most importantly, it gives Jocelyn the opening to allude to many archeological outings in Christie’s life and novels.
I would have preferred, in this concluding tale, if Aggie and Hector had been the only children present so that we could relish one last week of what makes this friendship so sweet. Yes, the character of Arthur is a lovely homage to a dim-witted but kind and loyal friend, but his presence (and that of Oscar) divides the attention, and sometimes the deductions, of our duo. I would have preferred his inclusion in an earlier entry. (Perhaps this was not originally meant to be the end of the series?)
Oh, that ending! Absolute perfection. And those last six words? I can’t remember the last time I read a novel, even those for adults, that managed to wallop so much heartache and hope in such a phrase.
It immeasurably saddens me that this delightful, clever, and beautiful middle-grade series is at an end. The only consolation is that Aggie and Hector, as their alter egos Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot, have gone on to gain immortality.
The mystery structure is strong, and, once again, I loved all the references both to Christie’s real-life adventures and to the tales she spun. Aggie and Hector go camping, which is initially a strange thought, but no stranger than the finicky and fastidious Poirot traveling to Egypt multiple times. Most importantly, it gives Jocelyn the opening to allude to many archeological outings in Christie’s life and novels.
I would have preferred, in this concluding tale, if Aggie and Hector had been the only children present so that we could relish one last week of what makes this friendship so sweet. Yes, the character of Arthur is a lovely homage to a dim-witted but kind and loyal friend, but his presence (and that of Oscar) divides the attention, and sometimes the deductions, of our duo. I would have preferred his inclusion in an earlier entry. (Perhaps this was not originally meant to be the end of the series?)
Oh, that ending! Absolute perfection. And those last six words? I can’t remember the last time I read a novel, even those for adults, that managed to wallop so much heartache and hope in such a phrase.
March 16, 2024
This was a cute middle reader mystery, and I really enjoyed the paleontology infused into the story.
This book was my first crack at this series, and I enjoyed it enough to read another. My kids were less enamored of this one, probably because it’s a bit less inventive and evocative than the best kids’ mysteries, and because they aren’t old enough to appreciate Agatha Christie and her contributions to the mystery genre.
None of us loved the solve, which felt like a bit of a cop out, but getting there was fun, and I thought the seaside setting was well rendered.
In all it’s a great concept for a series, and very age appropriate for young readers. As an adult reader it’s fun to imagine your way into a sort of proto Agatha Christie’s early world.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was my first crack at this series, and I enjoyed it enough to read another. My kids were less enamored of this one, probably because it’s a bit less inventive and evocative than the best kids’ mysteries, and because they aren’t old enough to appreciate Agatha Christie and her contributions to the mystery genre.
None of us loved the solve, which felt like a bit of a cop out, but getting there was fun, and I thought the seaside setting was well rendered.
In all it’s a great concept for a series, and very age appropriate for young readers. As an adult reader it’s fun to imagine your way into a sort of proto Agatha Christie’s early world.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 17, 2024
With this being the last book of the series, I had to give it five stars. Hector and Aggie are on the case one more time. With a very obvious victim, it was left to the reader to pick through a variety of suspects alongside Aggie and Hector. I won’t say anything about the conclusion of the case because I don’t want to give any spoilers but the Epilogue almost brought me to tears. This was more a celebration of friendship, and two young people coming together with a shared passion for solving crimes. I wish we could have more of Aggie and Hector but the author gave her readers a beautiful ending. This is not just a series for young adult readers, but is for fans of Agatha Christie no matter what age you are.
March 3, 2023
This is the last book in the Aggie Morton series, and unfortunately my least favorite. I felt no connection to the characters or the storyline and I didn't find the mystery as exciting as the other books. As well as, besides the first two books the second two books had quite a bit of swearing mixed in, which I really feel should be left out of children's books most of all.
May 18, 2024
Sad to see the series end. Very cute!
December 2, 2024
Як завжди Еггі та Ектор славетні юні детективи потішили своєю дедукцією , кмітливістю і сміливістю , я в щирому захваті від них ...
August 14, 2023
I really liked the ending of the Mystery Queen series. I liked the murder mystery. I’ve really enjoyed the whole series, I think it was a really good ending.
December 9, 2022
The swift end piece of a terrific short series.
Aggie Morton and Hector Perot solve their last childhood mystery, while the bright young things are volunteering / learning at an archaeological dig on the Devon coast.
Whilst amid adult mayhem, mirth, merriment, murder, inedible food and occasionally under the benevolent gaze and guidance of Grannie Jane, Aggie, Hector with help from Oscar and Arthur eliminate the suspects with intriguing results.
Brilliant book series, thank you Marthe Jocelyn, much appreciated. :-)
Aggie Morton and Hector Perot solve their last childhood mystery, while the bright young things are volunteering / learning at an archaeological dig on the Devon coast.
Whilst amid adult mayhem, mirth, merriment, murder, inedible food and occasionally under the benevolent gaze and guidance of Grannie Jane, Aggie, Hector with help from Oscar and Arthur eliminate the suspects with intriguing results.
Brilliant book series, thank you Marthe Jocelyn, much appreciated. :-)
November 9, 2022
I am devastated that this is the final installment for this series. The first book was also my first read of the year and it truly set the tone for how wonderful a reading year this has become. I really love this series. It’s so warm and comforting. It would have been so wonderful to read this as a young girl and finding it as a cure for solitude. When I stumbled upon this series, I had thought this would become a lifelong ongoing series with as many installments as Ms Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Marple novels. What a heartbreak to only find at the notes section of this book that it won’t be!
The epilogue was very difficult to finish knowing there won’t be a next one but I do appreciate that the resolution to this mystery was like that… it felt fitting.
I like that Hector and Aggie always ended up finding good company in their adventures. I finished this first through an audiobook, I already got my hands on the book and plan to go through it next. I can’t say goodbye to this series yet.
The epilogue was very difficult to finish knowing there won’t be a next one but I do appreciate that the resolution to this mystery was like that… it felt fitting.
I like that Hector and Aggie always ended up finding good company in their adventures. I finished this first through an audiobook, I already got my hands on the book and plan to go through it next. I can’t say goodbye to this series yet.
December 7, 2022
This fourth and final Aggie Morton installment moves slowly at first, introducing an array of side characters and focusing on fossil recovery efforts. However, once the story really gets going, it's back to business for my favorite child sleuths, and the previously plodding book becomes a page-turner. I really enjoyed this, thought that the unconventional ending worked, and found the very end touching. I have loved this series, and even though I wish there could be more, I'm so glad that it exists.
November 7, 2022
As someone who enjoys reading Agatha Christie books I am finding this series adorable. The latest addition was no exception. I love the relationship between Aggie and Poirot. But the real appeal is the mysteries. They are just as good! I love that such young detectives are enjoying their time solving the mysteries!
May 29, 2024
I'm so sad to say goodbye to Aggie and Hector after this last adventure. A wonderful way to end this fabulous series!
June 19, 2023
I'm so sad to have already finished this delightful series. Aggie and Hector were endlessly endearing as main characters, and I also adored the Miss Marple-esque Granny Jane! There were so many fun references to Agatha Christie's works woven throughout and I loved every single book!
June 19, 2023
I think this was my favourite Aggie Morton story. Having the backstory of fossil finding on the English coast was a brilliant addition. And of course, another murder to solve. Naturally I’d love to read more Aggie Morton mysteries, but if it ends with this one I’ll be a happy re-reader.
July 31, 2022
I've been enjoying the Aggie Morton Mystery Queen series so far. The setup of having a young Agatha Christie solve murder mysteries with a young Hector Perot is a charming one. This most recent book unfortunately didn't quite meet the high standard set by the previous books in the series. To start, the death in question doesn't occur until a quarter of the way through the story, and the story focuses more on the archaeological aspect of recovering a fossil and camping than it does on investigating a murder. The story reads more as an adventure mystery than it does an investigative mystery. There's not anything wrong with that style of story-telling, but if you're coming to the story expecting the usual sleuthing, you might be disappointed. Aggie does do some theorizing about who the culprit might be, but she is noticeably less active in terms of searching for clues and evidence.
The characters are all still there, but their interactions were also a bit diminished compared to the previous stories. This may be due to the interactions centering around Aggie, Hector, and two boys their age, Oscar and Arthur, instead of Aggie and Hector interacting with adults as much as they usually do. Despite the points that I've noted, it wasn't a bad book, and if there is another book published in this series, I'll very likely read it.
The characters are all still there, but their interactions were also a bit diminished compared to the previous stories. This may be due to the interactions centering around Aggie, Hector, and two boys their age, Oscar and Arthur, instead of Aggie and Hector interacting with adults as much as they usually do. Despite the points that I've noted, it wasn't a bad book, and if there is another book published in this series, I'll very likely read it.
July 25, 2022
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
There's a lot to like in this book. I'm familiar with Agatha Christie's work, particularly her Poirot series, so I was interested to see how the author would adapt them for a younger audience. The author does a great job of mixing real people and events from Christie's childhood with fictional stand-ins for some of her most well-known characters (here, Hector and Authur, and possibly many other, are modeled off some of Christie's creations) to create a completely new story that still feels similar to Christie's books. This entry takes place in Lyme Regis, where a crew of scientists are excavating the fossil of a ichthyosaur. While there, they have to contend with the nosy press, interested buyers, and in-fighting amongst the dig crew, all culminating in the death of the lead scientist on site. Aggie and Hector step in to solve the case, and the unraveling of the mystery was very well done. I particularly liked Aggie and Hector's characters, they were well-written and unique in their setting. This is the first book i've read in the series, and while it worked well as a standalone, I plan on reading the rest.
There's a lot to like in this book. I'm familiar with Agatha Christie's work, particularly her Poirot series, so I was interested to see how the author would adapt them for a younger audience. The author does a great job of mixing real people and events from Christie's childhood with fictional stand-ins for some of her most well-known characters (here, Hector and Authur, and possibly many other, are modeled off some of Christie's creations) to create a completely new story that still feels similar to Christie's books. This entry takes place in Lyme Regis, where a crew of scientists are excavating the fossil of a ichthyosaur. While there, they have to contend with the nosy press, interested buyers, and in-fighting amongst the dig crew, all culminating in the death of the lead scientist on site. Aggie and Hector step in to solve the case, and the unraveling of the mystery was very well done. I particularly liked Aggie and Hector's characters, they were well-written and unique in their setting. This is the first book i've read in the series, and while it worked well as a standalone, I plan on reading the rest.
August 19, 2022
I have enjoyed the Aggie Morton series from start to finish*. As an Agatha Christie fan, the little winks and nods to the author herself and the characters she creates were an absolute treat. It felt as if Marthe Jocelyn and I were trading little winks over the page.
This book wasn't the same as the previous, feeling more like an adventure as opposed to a mystery. I did enjoy having Aggie out on a dig, since her future husband had similar interests, and she would travel with him in the future. I also like the mention of Mary Anning because I find her interesting. I did miss the unraveling of a crime, the hunting for clues, and those sorts of escapades that Aggie and Hector had gone on prior. But, I did like this chance for Aggie to grow and develop as a character. expanding her world beyond murder and fleshing out her lived experience.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for the ARC. The above opinions are entirely my own.
*Yes, this is the final book, and as the end approached, I could feel the goodbye in the final words. The author's confirmation in her afterword left a bit of a sad feeling inside. I love this little crime-solving duo, and I will enjoy rereading this series.
This book wasn't the same as the previous, feeling more like an adventure as opposed to a mystery. I did enjoy having Aggie out on a dig, since her future husband had similar interests, and she would travel with him in the future. I also like the mention of Mary Anning because I find her interesting. I did miss the unraveling of a crime, the hunting for clues, and those sorts of escapades that Aggie and Hector had gone on prior. But, I did like this chance for Aggie to grow and develop as a character. expanding her world beyond murder and fleshing out her lived experience.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for the ARC. The above opinions are entirely my own.
*Yes, this is the final book, and as the end approached, I could feel the goodbye in the final words. The author's confirmation in her afterword left a bit of a sad feeling inside. I love this little crime-solving duo, and I will enjoy rereading this series.
October 2, 2022
This book is the fourth in the series, and is the perfect opportunity for young readers to get a taste of mystery. I believe that Aggie is based on Agatha Christie, transforming the favourite author of many adults into a relatable and interesting book character for younger readers. I love the characteristics of Aggie and think she is a great role model for girls, while also showing that especially in the past, girls often had to prove themselves to their male counterparts. While focusing mainly on archaeology and fossils, with a bit of murder investigation, this book is written in a way that is not too scary for most young readers while still having an authentic mystery genre feel to it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews