The Haunted House

Agent Zaiba Investigates #3

by Annabelle Sami

Determined to be the world’s greatest detective, Zaiba is always on the lookout for a crime to solve!

When a new family moves to the village, Zaiba is intrigued to hear about the strange happenings in their home. Things go missing, objects are smashed and unfriendly messages are painted on the walls. There have always been rumours that the house is haunted, but is a ghost really causing all this trouble? Zaiba and her team are convinced that the culprit is very much alive – and won’t stop until they get what they want…

The third book in a fun, fresh and exciting new detective series, for readers not quite ready for Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine, HIGH RISE MYSTERY and NANCY DREW.

Genres: Mystery, Crime

Paperback

Published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zaiba and Poppy have a new friend, Olivia, whose family has recently moved to Oakwood Manor. This home has a long and interesting history and there are plenty of rooms to explore, some of which have secrets to uncover.

There’s also one other minor detail; the Manor is haunted. Plates have been smashed, furniture moves on its own, items have gone missing and now sinister messages have been found within the home.

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“Wow, that’s a lot of creepy stuff. Why do you live here again?”

Although, not everyone agrees that this is a case for the Ghostbusters.

“From a scientific point of view, there is absolutely no hard evidence to prove that ghosts exist.”

Zaiba’s brother, Ali, may be right about that but whether the cause of the disturbances is supernatural or otherwise, it’s definitely something the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK are going to figure out. They have their next case and some extra investigators to help them solve it.

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Ali also has a new friend, Olivia’s younger sister, Flora. Ali and Flora both share a love of knowledge so they’re well matched. There are also Ade and Layla, whose parents are guests at the party Olivia’s parents are hosting.

I would love to live in Olivia’s new home. Befitting a good mystery, there are secret passages and there’s even a murphy door in the library. This home has its very own library! 😍

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While adult me solved the mystery alongside Zaiba, kid me probably would have been befuddled by all of the people acting suspiciously.

You could jump straight into this investigation without getting lost but some details of previous investigations are mentioned, so I’d recommend reading the series in order.

I always enjoy Daniela Sosa’s illustrations and they help bring the story alive here. From highlighting friendships to pointing out the clues (or are they red herrings?), the details line up well with the text.

Stick around after you solve the investigation for some fun extras: detective tips, some Oakwood Manor history, information about jinn, fun things to do during a sleepover, a recipe, jokes and an excerpt from Zaiba’s first investigation.

If there were two things that went well together, it was chocolate mousse and crime solving!

I’m already looking forward to Zaiba’s next investigation, The Smuggler’s Secret.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun!! I binged this whole series in a weekend and I love it so much: Zaiba's British-Pakistani identity is absolutely fantastically portrayed and I adored seeing a smart, determined girl solve mysteries while also being so connected to her cultural heritage! Zaiba's sidekicks, best friend Poppy and little brother Ali, are also fantastic, and I love that Poppy is interested in fashion and food and that that's shown to be an asset rather than trivial or silly!

I thought this mystery specifically was the most compelling of the three (so far - I don't know if there are plans for more books), and it took me the longest to solve myself. The stakes seemed slightly higher than in the previous two books, and the general atmosphere felt a little creepier, which was fun!

[Rebecca R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zaiba’s new friend Olivia has just moved into Oakwood Manor—a large, slightly dilapidated house with a colourful history. But strange things have been happening and Olivia is beginning to worry that either someone in the neighbourhood doesn’t want them there, or the house is haunted. But never fear when the Snow Leopard Detective Agency (UK Branch) is near, and with the help of her friends, Zaiba takes the case. When Olivia’s family throw a housewarming party to meet their new neighbours, it is the perfect opportunity for Zaiba to observe all the suspects and gather the evidence.

'The Haunted House' is the third 'Agent Zaiba Investigates' book—a gentle mystery series perfect for 7 to 9-year-olds who love exciting mysteries but might not be quite ready for murder. These books have a wonderfully inclusive range of representation and a strong thread of friendship, cooperation and kindness. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and will definitely be getting this series for the school library.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. This book had such a great atmosphere, coming mostly from the setting of a big country house full of secret passages and concealed doors. It was spooky but also really cosy! The mystery itself was compelling, with multiple believable suspects (maybe a few TOO many suspects as I found it a challenge to remember names and connections, and we only got to know side characters in a shallow way).

I liked that Zaiba gave everyone a chance, even if they were a bit rude. There was a lot of grace with that, and it payed off every time for her! She was also a great leader: skilled in teamwork and delegation with the detective knowledge to back it up.

All in all, this instalment took after the first book in the series in a lot of ways in terms of what I enjoyed! I’m sad I’ve only got one book left to go of Agent Zaiba.

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly waiting for the next adventure with my favourite British-Pakistani detective and so I was thrilled when I was granted an advanced read of ‘Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Haunted House’ through Netgalley. After successfully solving cases involving missing diamonds and poisoned cup cakes, Agent Zaiba returns to solve a third case and adds a few new members to the Snow Leopard Detective Agency UK Branch along the way.

The Booker family are thrilled to have moved into Oakwood Manor, a house steeped in history, and Zaiba is delighted to have made friends with Mr & Mrs. Booker’s daughter, Olivia. The family are looking forward to having their new neighbours over for a house-warming but some strange occurrences are threatening to derail everything. Step-up Agent Zaiba and her backpack of detective goodies to solve whether Oakwood Manor really is haunted or if there is another explanation for the strange happenings…

This is another cracking read in the ‘Agent Zaiba Investigates’ series which has the perfect mix of spooky, suspense and mystery with a big helping of Pakistani culture. With an ancient house that has all the traditional haunted house traits - set in the quieter part of town next to a dark forest - and filled with secret passages and hidden rooms, readers are in for a fast-paced narrative with plenty of heart-racing moments. Like the other reads in the series, the book follows a traditional detective style. Follow the clues and gather the evidence, interview the suspects, identify the red-herrings and then gather everyone together for the grand revealing of the culprit - hopefully achieving all of this before the arrival of an inept police chief.

The Agent Zaiba books are a great introduction to the detective and mystery genre and are perfect for giving readers a taste of the joys of such reads. Whilst they lack the gore and deaths that appear in ‘The Murder Most Unladylike’ series they are still big on drama and are incredibly exciting reads. Amateur sleuths will have great fun discovering the clues with Zaiba and trying to piece together the evidence to identify the culprit. I hope readers do a better job of it than I did, I definitely need more detective practice before I’m ready to join Zaiba’s detective agency.

Author, Annabelle Sami, is big on increasing the representation of funny girls and diverse characters in children’s books and this is successfully achieved in her latest read. Zaiba, Poppy and the other girls all bring their own charm and humour and there are characters of different ethnicities and the inclusion of different family dynamics including mixed-race parents, a step-mum and a same-sex couple. It is so important that young readers can see themselves and their families represented in the books that they read. Loveable Zaiba is the star of the show and her delightful character shows readers the importance of friendship, teamwork and valuing others.

As in the previous books, Daniela Sosa provides the lively illustrations which are great fun and packed with character as well as providing readers with opportunities to pause as they build up their reading stamina. In addition to the story there is plenty of bonus content included at the back which amongst other things includes a bit of history, information on jinn, some very awkward dad jokes and a recipe for Ali’s stuffed aloo burgers. I am very much looking forward to the next case, Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Smuggler’s Secret.

Recommended for 8+.

With thanks to Stripes Publishing (an imprint of Little Tiger Group) and Annabelle Sami for the review copy that was received through Netgalley. Coming April 2021.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Little Tiger Group and Netgalley for the earc to read and review.

This book was filled with diversity such an amazing range of characters and that was something that instantly makes you drawn to how good it was.

Zaiba, Poppy and her brother are at their new friends house and weird things keep happening, making the new residents very scared. Without hesitation Zaiba is on the case ready to help her friends feel safe and stop whatever is going on and do it quicker than the police ever could. Is the house haunted or is someone making it look haunted?

I loved solving this mystery with Zaiba and her friends it was so fun. I loved following the clues, trying to cypher who was who and what was what, who might be the culprit. I must admit I literally only had the tiniest idea who was it was doing everything so this book was incredible to follow along and solve. I thoroughly enjoyed solving this mystery.

Zaiba is one incredible character, she’s incredibly smart, the things she knows how to do are just amazing, she’s a great leader, an incredible friend and loves her family. I seriously found an attachment to her instantly she’s so well written. I also adored how she wanted to be like her Aunt Fouzia and also Eden Locket her favourite book character be a detective and she learnt all she knew from them.

This book is so much fun, I can see the younger demographic enjoying it so much, it’s got good representation, a great cast of characters, a lot of fun mysteries to solve, great lessons on how to be a good friend and it’s written so well. If you are looking fir something diverse, fun, easy to read but also incredibly exciting then seriously I recommend this book highly.

I cannot really say more on how much I loved this book because I did love it, there wasn’t one thing that I didn’t love and enjoy from this story. The mystery was so exciting to solve, there were wonderful characters, very easy story to follow, and most of all the time disappeared as I was literally escaping into this world.

[Hannah Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to finish this one as I’d lost my reading mojo. Eventually finished it and really enjoyed it.

Zaiba, Ali and Poppy make friends with Olivia and Flora who have recently moved to their village in an Old Manor House that needs a revamp.

The locals haven’t welcomed them with open arms and as such, Flora and Olivia’s parents decide to throw a party. However, mysterious things keep happening in and around the house and they are all starting to believe the house is haunted. When the lights go out and a brick is thrown through the stained glass window, Zaiba decides that it is definitely a case for the Snow Leopard Detective Agency branch to investigate. Will they discover if it’s a an evil Jinn or ghost or is it a neighbour who wants them out?

I liked the fact that the more I read, the more twists and turns it had about who the culprit might be. I thought i knew, then didn’t and was back to square one. I like how all the friendships come together and how Zaiba tries to bring in even the ones that haven’t been nice to her as she believes everyone deserves a chance.

Not only did we have the main story in the book, scattered throughout it, there are references to the history of the house. This is then carried on at the end with a more comprehensive history of Women’s football. As well as Ali’s recipes.

All in this is a lovely Year 3/Year 4 Mystery/who dunnit read. Would recommend the series.

[Tamsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the Agent Zaiba Investigates series and this time Zaiba, her brother Ali and her friends investigate the case of ghostly happenings at a spooky old house in their village. Zaiba has learnt all of her detective skills from reading detective fiction and also from her Auntie who runs a detective agency in Pakistan. They have set up their own branch of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency and work together to solve crimes.

I loved the diversity in the cast of children and how, despite their differences and disagreements, they worked together to solve the case. There were plenty of hints in the story and it was plotted carefully so a reader could work out what had happened if they managed to connect all of the clues.

It's a great, fast-paced story and makes such a refreshing change to read about a young British Pakistani girl being a detective. It also made a good change to see the police officers treat the children with respect when they had solved the case - too often you see the adults undermining the children, whereas here all of the adults were very respectful of what the children were doing and celebrated their success.

Overall, a really enjoyable book and a great next installment in the series.

(I received an ARC from the publishers of this book via netgalley).

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zaiba befriends the new girl in school and is invited to what has to be one of the oldest houses in the city. She discovers that mysterious things have been happening, and that there is talk of ghosts. How fortunate that Zaiba is a detective and more than willing to take on this case with her friends!

This might be the third installment in a series, but you can get into it without any prior knowledge. We're roughly told what happened before, in bits and pieces here and there, avoiding a boring info dump.

The setting is gorgeous: In an old manor, at a house warming party which will be followed by a sleepover. I loved how diverse the cast it, Zaiba is no token minority person. Every character had their own story to tell.
But let me be honest with you, I have a thing for old houses. Especially if they come with secret compartments and hidden rooms. I'd love to go there exploring myself.

The crime as such was pretty straightforward and my strong suspicions about the culprit's identity proved to be right. But I had a fun time with this, and am sure that especially younger readers will have some, too.
If you look for a middlegrade book with an American-Pakistani main character, look no further, you found it.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series of books, so I was really pleased to receive an ARC of Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Haunted House. I was not disappointed!

This book somehow manages to exceed my high expectations. I Zaiba so much, she’s smart, kind, and always tries to include everyone. Her family and friends are great, and by this point I feel like I know them pretty well.

I particularly love the mystery in this story. It’s full of secret passages, hidden rooms, and intriguing clues. The selection of suspects is interesting, and all of them seem suspicious at one point or another.

The illustrations that pepper the book are of the always excellent quality. They really bring the story to life, and come across well on my kindle.

Overall, this is a fun and entertaining mystery, enjoyable for children and adults alike. I highly recommend it.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[rohini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet quick mystery with likeable protagonist and side characters.
This was a quick read and quite funny at places. Zaiba was a strong leader with excellent detective instincts, Poppy was a lovable fashion-lover and Ali was the smartest of the bunch. Their friendship was cute and the theme was nice however I found the actual plot to be quite predictable.
The ghost mystery has been done quite a lot before so it wasn't anything new. I would have liked the adults to be a bit more memorable as there were quite a lot of them and I had to keep checking who was who.
The writing was simple and readable. The characters were good. The plot lacked a bit of suspense but it was a nice read!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the E-arc!

[Kirsten Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to get a copy via Netgalley to read.

I was drawn by the title and was delighted to discover that the story was set in Pakistan. I haven't read the other books in the series, however this didn't detract from the story at all, it was easy to follow even without reading the previous books.

Zaiba is a courageous, brave, strong and curious main character. She reminds me of the delight I used to have when reading Nancy Drew. I feel that many children will see themselves reflected in her character and that of her family.

This mystery will keep young readers wondering who the culprit is...if there even if one. #nospoliers.

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun, charming, action-packed third installment in the Agent Zaiba series didn't disappoint. In fact, I think it's the best book in the series yet. The mystery is intriguing from the very beginning and the reveal was brilliantly satisfying. I absolutely love the characters in this series. I once again found my heart swelling with joy at the thought of all the South Asian kids reading this book and finding such excellent representation in Zaiba, who is a brilliantly smart, kind, inquisitive, and fun main character. I liked how the team grows in this book as well, which promises some fun dynamics in future books.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Neelam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and I just love them so much! The stories are fun and exciting and also have such wonderful Pakistani culture rep. I love seeing a young Pakistani girl aspire to be a detective and follow in her mums and aunts footsteps.

This story had some new characters and I really loved seeing Zaiba’s detective agency grow. Honestly we don’t give kids enough credit they are smart and resourceful and can achieve so much more than we believe they can. They also know how to have fun as evidenced by the fact that they have so much fun at the party while investigating the haunted house!

This book introduced new kids and we see how some of them get a long immediately and some take time to learn to work together and it was great to see both sides and show how kids are different. We also get a bit of discussion about jinns and Islamic folklore so that was so great to see because I grew up with jinn stories as opposed to ghost stories and honestly this is why we need representation. So many of us grew up with jinn stories but it’s never in spooky kids books.

The story and how the kids have to catch who is haunting the house was so much fun and how they discovered the history and secret passages in the house. Zaiba is such an observant child and she picks up on so much and it’s so much fun to see them working out what’s happening. Ali is another character I love because for someone so young he picks up so many facts about all different things that end up being useful in catching the person. I love how they kids support each other and work off each others strengths and weaknesses. How Zaiba knows which of them is best for the each job.

This story like the first two is so much fun to read and I love the illustrations too. I love that we get to see Zaiba in Pakistani clothes and that she is told she looks beautiful and not made to feel as though she doesn’t fit in because she lives in the west. Everyone needs a friend like Poppy! I love Poppy because she loves make up and accessories and getting dressed up and she isn’t looked down for it. Contrasting with Zaiba who prefers to wear what’s comfortable and somehow always gets her clothes dirty. Neither is looked down on and it will be so important for kids to see that whatever they enjoy it is accepted.

I just need you all to go read these wonderful books and to give them to all the kids you know!

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again another fabulous book in the series! Genuinely I couldn’t recommend them enough.

[Tracey Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive a finished copy of Agent Investigates The Haunted House written by
Annabelle Sami and illustrated by illustrated by Daniela Sosa who does the most amazing full illustrations and published by Little Tiger. This is the 3rd book in the series so I am not going into too much detail since this is a mystery book and it is really not fair if i spoil anything. What I will say is that I love the main characters of Zaiba, her little brother Ali and her best friend Poppy and how they work together to solve the mystery but also how they include others mainly children to help them. In this book we have Olivia and Flora who live in the house and even little Layla who used to live in the house. I also like the way Annabelle shows just how bad the adults can really be. For these reasons I have to give it 4 stars.