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Agnes Kelly #1
Intrigue in Istanbul - An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure
** 2016 Moombeam Book Award Winner **
Everyone at the table is as surprised by Grandma’s little maneuver as I am, but I’m not looking at my relatives or even at Peggy, I’ve got my eyes glued on Grandma Agee. She’s reading Uncle Bob the riot act over at the dessert table…I’m concentrating hard on Grandma’s face, specifically her lips. But she’s turned ever so slightly away from me so I can only make out a bit of what she’s saying: “I told ya…” and “…button your lip” among the finger wagging and eye scowling she’s giving poor Uncle Bob.
With Grandma’s odd reaction and my dad being gone, unable to explain himself to me ever again, I feel an urgent need to find out what in the world he “got into” that Grandma Agee doesn’t want me to know about.
Book One of the Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure Series will make you laugh, set you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more - both the older and younger reader alike.
Agnes Kelly, a girl growing up in the 1960’s, is not unlike twelve year old girls of the 21st century. She is inquisitive, observant and thoughtful. Middle school readers will relish Intrigue in Istanbul-An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure by Christine Keleny from start to finish. I know my middle school students will thoroughly enjoy Agnes' exciting escapades and so will you.
Jill Peterson, teacher of 5th & 6th Grade Language Arts, Raymond, Wisconsin
Everyone at the table is as surprised by Grandma’s little maneuver as I am, but I’m not looking at my relatives or even at Peggy, I’ve got my eyes glued on Grandma Agee. She’s reading Uncle Bob the riot act over at the dessert table…I’m concentrating hard on Grandma’s face, specifically her lips. But she’s turned ever so slightly away from me so I can only make out a bit of what she’s saying: “I told ya…” and “…button your lip” among the finger wagging and eye scowling she’s giving poor Uncle Bob.
With Grandma’s odd reaction and my dad being gone, unable to explain himself to me ever again, I feel an urgent need to find out what in the world he “got into” that Grandma Agee doesn’t want me to know about.
Book One of the Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure Series will make you laugh, set you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more - both the older and younger reader alike.
Agnes Kelly, a girl growing up in the 1960’s, is not unlike twelve year old girls of the 21st century. She is inquisitive, observant and thoughtful. Middle school readers will relish Intrigue in Istanbul-An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure by Christine Keleny from start to finish. I know my middle school students will thoroughly enjoy Agnes' exciting escapades and so will you.
Jill Peterson, teacher of 5th & 6th Grade Language Arts, Raymond, Wisconsin
182 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
13 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Christine Keleny
21 books63 followersI am a writer, reader, author, editor, book designer and publisher. I am a mother of two, grown, children and a wife. I like working with my hands, so when the need or desire arises, I crochet, sew, tile, paint, cross stitch, frame pictures, stain furniture, cut and split fire wood, x-country ski, train and ride horses…
But my main loves are writing and helping others publish the book of their dreams. I started writing in college (a while ago!) and haven't stopped since. I'm having the time of my life!
But my main loves are writing and helping others publish the book of their dreams. I started writing in college (a while ago!) and haven't stopped since. I'm having the time of my life!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 26, 2016
This is a really fun middle-grade children's book with a very interesting plot. The book starts on a sad note, and we learn that Agnes' father has recently passed away. When her distant grandmother comes for the funeral she offers Agnes a trip to Istanbul with her.
While she is there, she tries to solve the mystery of what she overheard at the funeral and also learn about other people and their culture. It is a very intelligent book and middle school children will really enjoy reading this adventure book.
While she is there, she tries to solve the mystery of what she overheard at the funeral and also learn about other people and their culture. It is a very intelligent book and middle school children will really enjoy reading this adventure book.
October 24, 2021
Cute cozy mystery for teens with tons of information!
August 24, 2020
I received an ARC of this to read in exchange for my honest review, and was a little surprised to discover that it was written for middle-school-age kids. But as an adult, I’ve read lots of kids’ books that I enjoyed, so I went ahead and read this one, and sure enough, I enjoyed it.
The protagonist is a 12-year old, Agnes Kelly, growing up in the early 60s. She’s a bit of a tomboy, reads a lot, and likes to look stuff up, so I immediately felt at home with her. I have plenty of my own memories of getting lost in books to the exclusion of what was going on around me! And I felt like I was best friends with Agnes the moment she said she liked the smell of coffee, but that it tasted like burned dirt – that’s exactly the way I still feel about coffee, even as an adult.
I also enjoyed the look back at the early 60s. At age twelve in the early 60s, Agnes is just a bit older than I, but not too far off. I especially liked the descriptions of flying in the early 60s, which were not too much different than my memories of flying in the late 60s. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Istanbul, which I visited only in the 2010s, but whose monuments, such as the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn still felt familiar.
The main premise of the book is sort of sad – Agnes’ father has died abroad, and her grandmother is trying to find out more about the somewhat suspicious circumstances of his death. But the author manages to keep most of the book from being too sad, and instead, it’s an engaging tale of Agnes’ twin paths of enjoying her big adventure abroad, while also trying to figure out what her grandmother is up to.
As you might expect, for an adult, this was a very quick read, and I finished it in one setting. I only had two minor quibbles about the book. The first was that it was a fun conceit to have Agnes put the definitions of big words in brackets in the text, and also a sly way to help young readers learn some vocabulary, but I felt it was just a bit overdone. Eventually though, I managed to start skipping over those without being distracted. And the other is that the story doesn’t come to a totally clean close at the end – although it isn’t a traditional “cliff-hanger” ending, some key elements are left unresolved for the next book, which feels a bit like cheating. Since I enjoyed this book, I’m not going to mind reading the next one, which hopefully will complete the story arc, but I didn’t really expect this in a kid’s book.
All-in-all, I enjoyed the book a lot, and suspect I’ll enjoy the next one as well. Please note that I tend to be pretty conservative in awarding stars, only giving five stars to maybe one in thirty or forty books, the ones I think I’ll read and re-read and re-read again. So four stars is a great rating from me and means I really recommend a book. And my thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
The protagonist is a 12-year old, Agnes Kelly, growing up in the early 60s. She’s a bit of a tomboy, reads a lot, and likes to look stuff up, so I immediately felt at home with her. I have plenty of my own memories of getting lost in books to the exclusion of what was going on around me! And I felt like I was best friends with Agnes the moment she said she liked the smell of coffee, but that it tasted like burned dirt – that’s exactly the way I still feel about coffee, even as an adult.
I also enjoyed the look back at the early 60s. At age twelve in the early 60s, Agnes is just a bit older than I, but not too far off. I especially liked the descriptions of flying in the early 60s, which were not too much different than my memories of flying in the late 60s. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Istanbul, which I visited only in the 2010s, but whose monuments, such as the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn still felt familiar.
The main premise of the book is sort of sad – Agnes’ father has died abroad, and her grandmother is trying to find out more about the somewhat suspicious circumstances of his death. But the author manages to keep most of the book from being too sad, and instead, it’s an engaging tale of Agnes’ twin paths of enjoying her big adventure abroad, while also trying to figure out what her grandmother is up to.
As you might expect, for an adult, this was a very quick read, and I finished it in one setting. I only had two minor quibbles about the book. The first was that it was a fun conceit to have Agnes put the definitions of big words in brackets in the text, and also a sly way to help young readers learn some vocabulary, but I felt it was just a bit overdone. Eventually though, I managed to start skipping over those without being distracted. And the other is that the story doesn’t come to a totally clean close at the end – although it isn’t a traditional “cliff-hanger” ending, some key elements are left unresolved for the next book, which feels a bit like cheating. Since I enjoyed this book, I’m not going to mind reading the next one, which hopefully will complete the story arc, but I didn’t really expect this in a kid’s book.
All-in-all, I enjoyed the book a lot, and suspect I’ll enjoy the next one as well. Please note that I tend to be pretty conservative in awarding stars, only giving five stars to maybe one in thirty or forty books, the ones I think I’ll read and re-read and re-read again. So four stars is a great rating from me and means I really recommend a book. And my thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
July 26, 2019
A great idea for children and young adults, this story teaches the reader while telling a tale, giving word definitions and describing the historical sights used as settings. It's about a young girl who accompanies her grandmother on a trip to Istanbul, but it turns out not to be just a holiday.
While it had a good plot, there were too many errors, in particular the use of wrong words (eg crumbled instead of crumpled). The Turkish was also inconsistent, with Turkish characters used in direct speech but not in names etc, and the pronunciation given in phonetic form was also inconsistent. This should have been corrected in editing. If the book was correctly edited then I'd give it five stars!
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
While it had a good plot, there were too many errors, in particular the use of wrong words (eg crumbled instead of crumpled). The Turkish was also inconsistent, with Turkish characters used in direct speech but not in names etc, and the pronunciation given in phonetic form was also inconsistent. This should have been corrected in editing. If the book was correctly edited then I'd give it five stars!
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
January 17, 2018
Although I’m an adult, I enjoyed reading this story geared towards middle schoolers. The protagonist, Agnes Kelly, is an intelligent twelve year old that loves to read and learn new things. The book is full of idioms that Agnes does a good job with explaining their meanings and origins, which I thought was fun to read. The story is set in the later half of the twentieth century, referencing many things from that era.
The story begins with a memorial service for her father who had died in an accident while in another country for work. From the beginning there were unanswered questions surrounding his death which raised suspicions about what really happened, and where. While on vacation with her grandma in Istanbul, their suspicions are realized as some truths are discovered.
The story begins with a memorial service for her father who had died in an accident while in another country for work. From the beginning there were unanswered questions surrounding his death which raised suspicions about what really happened, and where. While on vacation with her grandma in Istanbul, their suspicions are realized as some truths are discovered.
August 21, 2017
This book is written for young adults but I also enjoyed it
This book starts with a funeral and it was so well written from Agnes perspective. The same thing happened to me and I could see myself in her description.
Agnes is a plucky little gal who goes to Istanbul with her grandma. I love the Agnes character and her story telling of her first airplane ride and foreign travel.
Looking forward to the second book in the series. Set in Norway.
Christine writes this age group very well.
Recommend it for young girls and boys but adults will enjoy it also
This book starts with a funeral and it was so well written from Agnes perspective. The same thing happened to me and I could see myself in her description.
Agnes is a plucky little gal who goes to Istanbul with her grandma. I love the Agnes character and her story telling of her first airplane ride and foreign travel.
Looking forward to the second book in the series. Set in Norway.
Christine writes this age group very well.
Recommend it for young girls and boys but adults will enjoy it also
May 28, 2019
Great start to a new series. It's perfect for fans of Nancy Drew and Robin Stevens. Agnes is an endearing character and I look forward to seeing her relationship with her grandmother grow as they continue their adventures. The author did a wonderful job describing Istanbul . My only criticism is that it was too short, more of a novella, it left me wanting more. If all of the stories are shorter, I hope that all of Agnes' adventures will bound into one book for publication.
December 24, 2018
This is a cute story of a 12 year old girl who travels to Istanbul, has adventures, and tries to uncover information about her father.
Overall, I liked the story okay but I *hated* the constant defining of words and idioms. I found this annoying and distracting. Helping with the pronunciation of turkish words was nice though. In general, I found the narrator overly pedantic and needing to explain things.
The book takes place between 1961-1963. Several times things are drawn attention to to accentuate this time period.
Overall, I liked the story okay but I *hated* the constant defining of words and idioms. I found this annoying and distracting. Helping with the pronunciation of turkish words was nice though. In general, I found the narrator overly pedantic and needing to explain things.
The book takes place between 1961-1963. Several times things are drawn attention to to accentuate this time period.
March 30, 2018
A middle-grade read (it could extend either sides of the spectrum.)
I enjoyed how the author integrated explanations for words and phrases young readers might not understand. This is the story of a twelve year old after-all. It flowed well with the writing style and I offer two thumbs up for that! The letter from Agnes at the end was a nice touch as well.
The story itself was well written and enjoyable! The book is the perfect length to hold the interest of young readers as well.
I enjoyed how the author integrated explanations for words and phrases young readers might not understand. This is the story of a twelve year old after-all. It flowed well with the writing style and I offer two thumbs up for that! The letter from Agnes at the end was a nice touch as well.
The story itself was well written and enjoyable! The book is the perfect length to hold the interest of young readers as well.
February 4, 2018
I thought it was a cute book that upper elementary aged children would enjoy. It had a nice balance of detail about Istanbul and culture paired with this young girl and her grandmothers search for truth about her fathers disappearance.
April 8, 2018
Intrigue in Istanbul by Christine Keleny
Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure #1
WOW! THIS BOOK IS AMAZING AND FUN
5 Stars
Well peeps, yet again I have read a book that's way out of my genres zone, but I did it with my 12 year old.
Agnes Kelly is a young girl (sort of ) struggling with the death of her father and at the same time taking the trip of a lifetime with her Grandmother. Agnes has silly quirks and amusing ways of explaining herself.
When I first started this I was thinking it was more of a vocabulary lesson attached to a story, but nah... it's both and what a story it is!
Agnes and her Grandmother will take you on an adventure of mystery, amusement, and optimism and you’ll laugh most of the way.
The story is well written and the dialogue flows nicely. I’ve actually learned some new words and laughed out loud many times. What a beautiful story!
Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure #1
WOW! THIS BOOK IS AMAZING AND FUN
5 Stars
Well peeps, yet again I have read a book that's way out of my genres zone, but I did it with my 12 year old.
Agnes Kelly is a young girl (sort of ) struggling with the death of her father and at the same time taking the trip of a lifetime with her Grandmother. Agnes has silly quirks and amusing ways of explaining herself.
When I first started this I was thinking it was more of a vocabulary lesson attached to a story, but nah... it's both and what a story it is!
Agnes and her Grandmother will take you on an adventure of mystery, amusement, and optimism and you’ll laugh most of the way.
The story is well written and the dialogue flows nicely. I’ve actually learned some new words and laughed out loud many times. What a beautiful story!
June 22, 2019
This is the first of what is to be a trilogy known as the Agnes Kelly Mystery Series. The novels are more akin to the Nancy Drew Mystery Series, but it's set in the 1960's during the Cold War.
Agnes' father unexpectedly dies on a business trip to Istanbul. Unaware of the circumstances of her father's death, she accidentally overhears her Uncle Bob with her Grandmother Agee talking about her father's death and Grandmother Agee quickly silences Uncle Bob. As a distraction, Grandmother Agee abruptly asks Agnes if she wants to go with her on a trip to Istanbul, which Agnes is thrilled about. So, the adventure begins.
They arrive in Istanbul, with Agnes believing her dad worked for the US government selling insurance. Agnes' eyes are opened to a foreign place in the world, where one only dreams about. She enjoys and is curious about her visits to the Blue Mosque and the Hagi Sophia. The colors of the tiles and their structures amaze Agnes, as well as learning for the first time that Muslims pray on their knees on rugs, not in pews, which are absent from the mosque. The street sounds and the many people crowded throughout the city are magic to her sight and ears, especially the spice market.
Agnes has an active and vivid imagination, like most early teens possess and she is instantly curious about things, which she is made aware of for the first time. She has a fertile imagination and an ever expansive awareness, which at times can be humorous for us adults, but perfectly normal for someone of Agnes' age.
Agnes slowly becomes aware that Grandma Agee is subtly inquiring about her dad and his death, and Agnes is curious to know more. Agnes befriends a young boy Yusuf who is similar in age and they team up to investigate and follow Grandma Agee. They embark on their journey and they soon discover things about her dad, which make Agnes even more curious. Her dad's working for the US government selling insurance is becoming increasingly doubtful, as their journey deepens. It is soon revealed to Agnes that her dad did work for the US government, not as a salesmen, but as a spy for the CIA. And to further add to her mysterious father's activities, it is soon disclosed that he did not die in Istanbul, but in Norway. The end of the book concludes with Grandmother Agee telling Agnes we're off to Norway, so the mystery continues for another day.
This book is an easy read and quite humorous at times. Adults will enjoy this series, even though it's more suitable for teens. It's a nice introduction for teens wanting to know what lies outside of the US and their curious minds will not be disappointed, as they can only imagine what is in store for them in the next book of the series.
Agnes' father unexpectedly dies on a business trip to Istanbul. Unaware of the circumstances of her father's death, she accidentally overhears her Uncle Bob with her Grandmother Agee talking about her father's death and Grandmother Agee quickly silences Uncle Bob. As a distraction, Grandmother Agee abruptly asks Agnes if she wants to go with her on a trip to Istanbul, which Agnes is thrilled about. So, the adventure begins.
They arrive in Istanbul, with Agnes believing her dad worked for the US government selling insurance. Agnes' eyes are opened to a foreign place in the world, where one only dreams about. She enjoys and is curious about her visits to the Blue Mosque and the Hagi Sophia. The colors of the tiles and their structures amaze Agnes, as well as learning for the first time that Muslims pray on their knees on rugs, not in pews, which are absent from the mosque. The street sounds and the many people crowded throughout the city are magic to her sight and ears, especially the spice market.
Agnes has an active and vivid imagination, like most early teens possess and she is instantly curious about things, which she is made aware of for the first time. She has a fertile imagination and an ever expansive awareness, which at times can be humorous for us adults, but perfectly normal for someone of Agnes' age.
Agnes slowly becomes aware that Grandma Agee is subtly inquiring about her dad and his death, and Agnes is curious to know more. Agnes befriends a young boy Yusuf who is similar in age and they team up to investigate and follow Grandma Agee. They embark on their journey and they soon discover things about her dad, which make Agnes even more curious. Her dad's working for the US government selling insurance is becoming increasingly doubtful, as their journey deepens. It is soon revealed to Agnes that her dad did work for the US government, not as a salesmen, but as a spy for the CIA. And to further add to her mysterious father's activities, it is soon disclosed that he did not die in Istanbul, but in Norway. The end of the book concludes with Grandmother Agee telling Agnes we're off to Norway, so the mystery continues for another day.
This book is an easy read and quite humorous at times. Adults will enjoy this series, even though it's more suitable for teens. It's a nice introduction for teens wanting to know what lies outside of the US and their curious minds will not be disappointed, as they can only imagine what is in store for them in the next book of the series.
May 18, 2016
Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite
Christine Keleny’s Intrigue in Istanbul, An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure, a book for Middle Grade readers, is the American version of Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce. It begins with the early death of Agnes’ father while he is away on a business trip. Agnes is puzzled by something Uncle Bob starts to say at the funeral, but Grandma Agee silences him and distracts Agnes with an invitation to travel with her to Istanbul “for company”. The basis of the story is tragic but it twists and turns, through the mysterious plot and the captivating streets of Istanbul.
Intrigue in Istanbul, An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure, by Christine Keleny is any parent or teacher’s dream book, packed with accurate facts put over so vividly youngsters are likely to remember them. She even contrives to include phonetic pronunciation of many long words without being in the least boring; Agnes enjoys languages, and finding out the origins of proverbs and quotes, herself. Pre-teen children are going to absolutely love Intrigue in Istanbul. Dad died in “suspicious circumstances” so Grandma Agee isn’t the innocent tourist she purports to be. Everything Agnes sees or encounters is coloured by her thoughts and feelings. My personal favourites among Agnes’ experiences are her first flight when the plane runs into a storm and her visit to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, but every reader will have their own. Buy this book for your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, but be sure to read it before you tackle gift-wrapping. How else will you ever find out what Agnes discovers from the one-sided telephone conversation she hears when she applies an inverted glass to a bedroom door?
Christine Keleny’s Intrigue in Istanbul, An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure, a book for Middle Grade readers, is the American version of Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce. It begins with the early death of Agnes’ father while he is away on a business trip. Agnes is puzzled by something Uncle Bob starts to say at the funeral, but Grandma Agee silences him and distracts Agnes with an invitation to travel with her to Istanbul “for company”. The basis of the story is tragic but it twists and turns, through the mysterious plot and the captivating streets of Istanbul.
Intrigue in Istanbul, An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure, by Christine Keleny is any parent or teacher’s dream book, packed with accurate facts put over so vividly youngsters are likely to remember them. She even contrives to include phonetic pronunciation of many long words without being in the least boring; Agnes enjoys languages, and finding out the origins of proverbs and quotes, herself. Pre-teen children are going to absolutely love Intrigue in Istanbul. Dad died in “suspicious circumstances” so Grandma Agee isn’t the innocent tourist she purports to be. Everything Agnes sees or encounters is coloured by her thoughts and feelings. My personal favourites among Agnes’ experiences are her first flight when the plane runs into a storm and her visit to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, but every reader will have their own. Buy this book for your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, but be sure to read it before you tackle gift-wrapping. How else will you ever find out what Agnes discovers from the one-sided telephone conversation she hears when she applies an inverted glass to a bedroom door?
March 21, 2016
I was pleased to receive a free e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Intrigue in Istanbul is less intrigue, in my opinion, and more about a plucky, (bold) clever young lady in search of solace and adventure after the unexpected death of her father. Agnes Kelly reminds me of a 1960s Harriet the Spy except she uses her notebook to jot down vocabulary words she doesn’t know to check later in the dictionary. How proactive!
A sudden (unanticipated) trip to Istanbul with her grandmother yields shocking revelations (news) about Agnes’ father and the life she never knew he had.
I loved the descriptions and brief history of Istanbul, the throwback references of Idlewild Airport and the disgusting practice of smoking on airplanes before that was discontinued (terminate! YES!) made me want to puke.
But what I enjoyed the most was how open minded Agnes was; she was adventurous and curious, a modern girl genuinely interested in a new culture who soon befriends a local boy. I especially appreciated the subtle (indirect) yet timely reference to racism and how she grasped that no one would want to be treated differently, even her.
I felt this story had more of a coming of age feel than young adult and would recommend this book to young girls especially those interested in travel and adventure. I look forward to reading more of Agnes’ adventures in the future.
Intrigue in Istanbul is less intrigue, in my opinion, and more about a plucky, (bold) clever young lady in search of solace and adventure after the unexpected death of her father. Agnes Kelly reminds me of a 1960s Harriet the Spy except she uses her notebook to jot down vocabulary words she doesn’t know to check later in the dictionary. How proactive!
A sudden (unanticipated) trip to Istanbul with her grandmother yields shocking revelations (news) about Agnes’ father and the life she never knew he had.
I loved the descriptions and brief history of Istanbul, the throwback references of Idlewild Airport and the disgusting practice of smoking on airplanes before that was discontinued (terminate! YES!) made me want to puke.
But what I enjoyed the most was how open minded Agnes was; she was adventurous and curious, a modern girl genuinely interested in a new culture who soon befriends a local boy. I especially appreciated the subtle (indirect) yet timely reference to racism and how she grasped that no one would want to be treated differently, even her.
I felt this story had more of a coming of age feel than young adult and would recommend this book to young girls especially those interested in travel and adventure. I look forward to reading more of Agnes’ adventures in the future.
June 18, 2019
If Lemony Snicket met Harriet the Spy, and threw in a healthy dose of international travel, it would be almost as good as Intrigue in Istanbul! Agnes’ story starts with something sad, but we quickly move onto an adventure with plenty of fun and a touch of danger. Throughout the novel, Agnes does a great job of explaining large or unfamiliar words for the reader as well as idioms she has encountered. One great thing about Agnes is that if she doesn’t know something, she looks it up!
This novel would be a great read for upper elementary or middle school students (although this grown up enjoyed it very much) because it is a fun and quick story that will teach you something along the way. This novel would be wonderful for a read aloud for parents, homeschooling families, or classrooms. It would be easy to create a whole lesson on idioms using the novel itself as well as Agnes’ letter at the end which covers even more idioms. There could also be tie in lessons on history, geography, and culture.
I will definitely be reading the next two novels to see if Agnes solves her mystery!
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This novel would be a great read for upper elementary or middle school students (although this grown up enjoyed it very much) because it is a fun and quick story that will teach you something along the way. This novel would be wonderful for a read aloud for parents, homeschooling families, or classrooms. It would be easy to create a whole lesson on idioms using the novel itself as well as Agnes’ letter at the end which covers even more idioms. There could also be tie in lessons on history, geography, and culture.
I will definitely be reading the next two novels to see if Agnes solves her mystery!
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2016
Christine Keleny allowed me to read her book. Thank you Christine.
This is a cute story about Agnes. After her father dies, her grandma, Agee, takes her on a trip to Istanbul. They enjoy exploring the sights and trying the different foods.
A street boy steals Agnes purse. She takes after him while grandma Agee tries to stop her. Another street boy on a bicycle sees what is happening and takes off after the first boy. He catches him and gets Agnes' purse back for her. They become friends.
Meanwhile, Grandma starts getting phone calls that she doesn't want Agnes to hear. She also tells Agnes that she has to go places alone to meet with people that wouldn't interest Agnes. Agnes engages her new friend, Yusuf, to help her follow Grandma to see what she is up to.
Agnes and Yusuf have many adventures while following Grandma. To find out what Grandma was up to, read the book.
Fast paced and fun. A good book for teens and tweens.
This is a cute story about Agnes. After her father dies, her grandma, Agee, takes her on a trip to Istanbul. They enjoy exploring the sights and trying the different foods.
A street boy steals Agnes purse. She takes after him while grandma Agee tries to stop her. Another street boy on a bicycle sees what is happening and takes off after the first boy. He catches him and gets Agnes' purse back for her. They become friends.
Meanwhile, Grandma starts getting phone calls that she doesn't want Agnes to hear. She also tells Agnes that she has to go places alone to meet with people that wouldn't interest Agnes. Agnes engages her new friend, Yusuf, to help her follow Grandma to see what she is up to.
Agnes and Yusuf have many adventures while following Grandma. To find out what Grandma was up to, read the book.
Fast paced and fun. A good book for teens and tweens.
November 17, 2017
There is so much to love about this fast, middle-grade mystery. Even though the main narrative comes from a preteen, Agnes, it makes an enjoyable read for adults as well. That is because not only is Agnes extremely articulate for her age, intelligent and inquisitive, but she takes the time to explain anything that might be over the head of younger readers. Her voice also has a humor to it that lightens things perfectly for younger audiences.
Intially it starts with a very sad moment as Agnes is at her father’s funeral, but that leads to questions and an adventure with her grandmother to Istanbul. It was refreshing to see the trip from her perspective. The plot thickens once they are there and we meet new characters, who are also rich. I especially enjoyed Yusuf.
I recommend this for middle-grade through adult readers who are looking for a different type of narrative.
Intially it starts with a very sad moment as Agnes is at her father’s funeral, but that leads to questions and an adventure with her grandmother to Istanbul. It was refreshing to see the trip from her perspective. The plot thickens once they are there and we meet new characters, who are also rich. I especially enjoyed Yusuf.
I recommend this for middle-grade through adult readers who are looking for a different type of narrative.
March 28, 2017
From the first page of the book I was drawn into the delightful world of Agnes Kelly. She is young and quirky with a great sense of humour. This is a great read for young readers and pre-teens.
I love books that are set in countries that are slightly out of the norm for Western novels and the descriptions of Turkey were apt and entrancing.
I wasn’t expecting the book to be the first of a series so it ended a bit abruptly for me but I am looking forward to the next installment and to sharing this one with my (currently still young) children in a year or two.
I received a free copy of Intrigue in Istanbul in exchange for an honest review though I am not acquainted with Christine Keleny in any way.
I love books that are set in countries that are slightly out of the norm for Western novels and the descriptions of Turkey were apt and entrancing.
I wasn’t expecting the book to be the first of a series so it ended a bit abruptly for me but I am looking forward to the next installment and to sharing this one with my (currently still young) children in a year or two.
I received a free copy of Intrigue in Istanbul in exchange for an honest review though I am not acquainted with Christine Keleny in any way.
April 30, 2018
Enjoyable adventure mystery
This is a wholesome detective mystery that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is set in the early 60s at the time of the cold war and old-fashioned spies and the author has done a good job re-creating the era. The author has packed the story with mystery, action, suspense humour and adventure in which twelve-year-old Agnes Kelly's father has died in Istanbul and she is determined to discover what happened to him. Characters are well drawn, enjoyable and fit perfectly into the story. The pace is perfectly set and the mystery unfolds at just the right points to keep me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
This is a wholesome detective mystery that will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is set in the early 60s at the time of the cold war and old-fashioned spies and the author has done a good job re-creating the era. The author has packed the story with mystery, action, suspense humour and adventure in which twelve-year-old Agnes Kelly's father has died in Istanbul and she is determined to discover what happened to him. Characters are well drawn, enjoyable and fit perfectly into the story. The pace is perfectly set and the mystery unfolds at just the right points to keep me turning the pages. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2019
This was a very interesting book. I found the main character to be intelligent and engaging. As it targeted towards middle schoolers, the definitions were a good addition. I felt like I could still enjoy the story even as an adult because it wasn't dumbed down. I thought is was exciting for someone like Agnes to get to go on an adventure during the 60's to a place like Istanbul. She is there with her grandmother and figures out that her grandmother is trying to find out how Agnes' father really died. My main complaint about the book is that it wasn't complete in itself and I will have to read the second book to find out what is the conclusion.
December 4, 2022
I chose this book based on the title. I found that it was intriguing.
After reading the first couple of chapters I came to realize that this was not an adult fiction book. However, I did realize that this was a very interesting book and that I would finish it as I have started.
If you pick this book up you will not want to put it down. The author has excellent way of creating mental images of the store she is telling. I would highly recommend anyone, of any age, to read this book.
I am planning on reading any and all books in this series.
So, please take a chance and read the first book in this series. I believe you enjoy this Book as much as I did.
David M
Tennessee
After reading the first couple of chapters I came to realize that this was not an adult fiction book. However, I did realize that this was a very interesting book and that I would finish it as I have started.
If you pick this book up you will not want to put it down. The author has excellent way of creating mental images of the store she is telling. I would highly recommend anyone, of any age, to read this book.
I am planning on reading any and all books in this series.
So, please take a chance and read the first book in this series. I believe you enjoy this Book as much as I did.
David M
Tennessee
March 18, 2022
I was looking for a book set in Turkey for my kids. Surprisingly there's not a lot on the market despite the rich cultural history of the country. I appreciated all the facts and trivia for some of the main tourist sites as well about the country itself.
The story is cute. This little girl ends up going to Istanbul after her father's death. Once there they discover that there was more than meets the eye to her father. She doesn't really uncover much of a mystery yet. I felt like the book ended too early.
The story is cute. This little girl ends up going to Istanbul after her father's death. Once there they discover that there was more than meets the eye to her father. She doesn't really uncover much of a mystery yet. I felt like the book ended too early.
March 9, 2016
A little gem of a book!
Delightful read for the younger set and a trip down memory lane for some of us older readers. Beautifully written, this book is the start of a series that will entertain young minds just as Nancy Drew did for teens in the 50s and 60s. The mystery's story concept, that of a determined Grandma and a smart preteen girl, is clever but a little risky, so I was pleased to see that it was carried through to perfection. Looking forward to the next installment!
Delightful read for the younger set and a trip down memory lane for some of us older readers. Beautifully written, this book is the start of a series that will entertain young minds just as Nancy Drew did for teens in the 50s and 60s. The mystery's story concept, that of a determined Grandma and a smart preteen girl, is clever but a little risky, so I was pleased to see that it was carried through to perfection. Looking forward to the next installment!
March 12, 2016
OK, I'm immediately hooked on this first of the series! Main character Agnes is a smart, witty, curious young lady with a penchant for observation and experiencing each event with humor and tongue-in-cheek commentary. The story line moved along smoothly with interesting scenes and action, and the author's inclusion of historical and cultural information was very well done. I can't wait to share this one with my nieces and hope the author has book two planned for release very soon.
March 8, 2017
Agnes reminds me a lot of myself as a kid: big vocabulary, wise beyond her years, and trying to save/protect the rest of her family as she tries to find out what happened to her father on his work trip. Agnes is a 12-year-old who teams up with her Grandma to travel to Istanbul and learn some local facts while teaching vocabulary and dodging danger. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 25, 2019
Intrigue in Istanbul, An Agnes Kelly Mystery Adventure by Christine Keleny , set in 1961, a time of the cold war and space race, is packed with information in a way that will engage children, parents and teachers alike.
I loved everything about this book: its plot, the vivid characterization, the information (of course… I’m a parent and a teacher!).
Thank you so much BooksGoSocial for this absolute gem!
#IntrigueInIstanbul #NetGalleyFrance
I loved everything about this book: its plot, the vivid characterization, the information (of course… I’m a parent and a teacher!).
Thank you so much BooksGoSocial for this absolute gem!
#IntrigueInIstanbul #NetGalleyFrance
June 9, 2019
Agnes Kelly's father has just died. He worked for the US Government, selling insurance. When Agnes's grandmother invites on a trip to Istanbul, Agnes discovers that there was more to her dad's life than insurance. Yes he worked for the government, but he wasn't selling insurance. Luckily she's a very enterprising 12 year old.
A book to make you laugh out loud.
A book to make you laugh out loud.
June 20, 2019
I think this book can be appreciated at all ages.
It well written, engrossing and entertaining.
I loved the plot, the cast of characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It well written, engrossing and entertaining.
I loved the plot, the cast of characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
February 5, 2016
Great book!
June 18, 2019
If Lemony Snicket met Harriet the Spy, and threw in a healthy dose of international travel, it would be almost as good as Intrigue in Istanbul! Agnes’ story starts with something sad, but we quickly move onto an adventure with plenty of fun and a touch of danger. Throughout the novel, Agnes does a great job of explaining large or unfamiliar words for the reader as well as idioms she has encountered. One great thing about Agnes is that if she doesn’t know something, she looks it up!
This novel would be a great read for upper elementary or middle school students (although this grown up enjoyed it very much) because it is a fun and quick story that will teach you something along the way. This novel would be wonderful for a read aloud for parents, homeschooling families, or classrooms. It would be easy to create a whole lesson on idioms using the novel itself as well as Agnes’ letter at the end which covers even more idioms. There could also be tie in lessons on history, geography, and culture.
I will definitely be reading the next two novels to see if Agnes solves her mystery!
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This novel would be a great read for upper elementary or middle school students (although this grown up enjoyed it very much) because it is a fun and quick story that will teach you something along the way. This novel would be wonderful for a read aloud for parents, homeschooling families, or classrooms. It would be easy to create a whole lesson on idioms using the novel itself as well as Agnes’ letter at the end which covers even more idioms. There could also be tie in lessons on history, geography, and culture.
I will definitely be reading the next two novels to see if Agnes solves her mystery!
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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