wombat_88's review
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
jenncarty's review
Nell Warne has just lost her parents and is forced to move in with her estranged aunt in Chicago. Once there she learns her aunt is the only female detective for the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency. Nell is quick to insert herself into the action, and soon becomes a key part of a major operation (or two). Hannigan has created a lighthearted and fun read. There also puzzles hidden throughout the book that the reader can attempt to solve as they read. I would recommend this for any upper elementary library. A great mystery!
mystery-orphans-historical fiction-built in puzzles-female main characters-females having a voice in a male-driven world
mystery-orphans-historical fiction-built in puzzles-female main characters-females having a voice in a male-driven world
wiseowl33's review
4.0
I loved this story. It makes me want to read more about the real Kate Warne. Great story!
saraplovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book. What a great historical fiction book about the first female Pinkerton's agent.
stephrenaud's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
wagmore's review
3.0
Nobody supports girl empowerment more than I do, but this book was a so heavy-handed on the subject that it distracted from what was otherwise a pretty good story.
jamiereads's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
heathervickery's review
3.0
My daughter (9) and I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t terribly well written but it was an interesting and engaging story.
yapha's review
4.0
Based on the real-life cases of Kate Warne, the first female detective hired by the Pinkerton Detective Agency, this book imagines an eleven-year-old niece (Nell) for her. Nell has no other family than her Aunt Kitty and nowhere else to go. As she helps solve her aunt's cases, she ends up unraveling some of the mysteries around her own life as well. Taking place the year that Abraham Lincoln was elected president, their cases weave theft, murder, and the underground railroad into a fun adventure. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.