Annie Tillery Mysteries by Linda Maria Frank

The Madonna Ghost by Linda Maria Frank.

Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 1.

Seventeen-year-old Annie Tillery and her Aunt Jill set off for Long Island’s Fire Island for a vacation of surf, sun, and sailing. Annie is happy to leave behind the stress of her relationship with her parents.

Aunt Jill, who is an NYPD detective, is mixing her vacation with a case she must keep secret from Annie, who is suspicious nevertheless. Annie finds romance and intrigue when she meets Ty Egan, the nephew of their host on the island. They find themselves in the middle of an eerie adventure when she and Ty investigate the tragic and perplexing story of a local ghost.

Annie becomes increasingly uneasy and the investigation turns sinister when Aunt Jill goes missing, the ghost appears, and the troublesome neighbors in the cottage next door become hostile. When they find one of Aunt Jill’s special earrings on the neighbor’s porch, they begin to wonder what she was doing there.

Will they find Aunt Jill before it’s too late?

In the breathless conclusion to their investigation, Annie and Ty narrowly escape death solving the mystery of The Madonna Ghost.

Review by Martha A. Cheves (VINE VOICE): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The good people from Bay Shore tried to comfort her. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 16, 2015. Verified Purchase.

“The story goes that the women lashed their small child to themselves with their shawls before they jumped overboard to swim ashore. This action proved to be fatal for some of the children. They couldn’t struggle to the surface to breathe, and most of the mothers were not swimmers anyway. They were at the mercy of the waves.”… “Some could be revived, and this drove one woman in particular to wander up and down the beach, trying to find someone who could revive her baby. When they saw that her child was dead, the good people from Bay Shore tried to comfort her…. She wandered the beach, her baby clutched to her, until she collapsed and died herself. Her grave is in the old cemetery in Bay Shore… Even today, the Madonna Ghost, as she is called, is sighted by people on occasion.”

Annie and her Aunt Jill are vacationing on a small island out from New York called Fire Island. The island is small and Annie is really hoping that there will be at least a couple of people her own age. She was in luck. They were staying at the summer home of a friend of Jill’s who just happened to have his nephew Ty staying with him. Now the vacation was looking up and even more so when she learned there was a ghost on the island. Maybe she would be able to see the Madonna Ghost for herself, making it a first for her. And of course, with Ty by her side, it would be fun.

What Annie and Ty soon learn is that there is more than a ghost on the island. The men staying in the cottage next door seem a little strange. And when Jill comes up missing, they are both sure the neighbors have something to do with it.

The suspense and mystery in this book had me rapidly turning the pages. I read a lot of books and usually have them pegged at least halfway through. Not this one. It kept me guessing all the way to the end. So much so that I’ve ordered the next two books by this author… Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys and Girl with Pencil, Drawings

Review by Melissa Kuch: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Mystery and Fire Island Perfect Summer Read. Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2013. Verified Purchase. When I was a young adult, I used to love the Nancy Drew books, which is why I was drawn to The Madonna Ghost. The novel revolves around a modern-day young detective, Annie Tillery. She is a great role model for young girls. Not only is she smart, but she is down to earth and someone people can relate with. She is not only facing the mystery of the Madonna Ghost on Fire Island, but she is also facing family issues, with her mother’s drinking problem and her father always being away on business. The mystery itself is engaging and the reader is uncovering the clues and helping to solve the mystery along with Annie and her crush, the cute college boy Ty. I really enjoyed how Ty and Annie’s relationship grows throughout the novel, and though there is romance, the two bond on another level as well. Ty understands what Annie is dealing with and shows her there is a path toward forgiveness. Linda Frank is a very talented author who not only sucks you into this mystery, but her beautiful descriptive passages about Fire Island will make you feel like you are on the beach along with the characters. The ending is a page-turning, nail-biting experience, and I recommend this story for mystery lovers, both young and old. I can’t wait to read the next Annie Tillery mystery!

Review by Vito Gentile: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Madonna Ghost. Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2013. Verified Purchase. I spent my youth on Fire Island and thought it was exciting and very interesting and then I read Linda Maria Frank’s “The Madonna Ghost, an Annie Tillery Mystery” and realized all the excitement that I was missing. Packed with adventure and adversity – this thriller doesn’t let go as it infuses romance and the supernatural to name just two of the many elements that rock what was to be a peaceful vacation. It was one of those books you can’t put down. Buy “The Madonna Ghost” and see what I mean.

Product Details:
Paperback: 132 Pages
Publisher: iUniverse (January 20, 2010)
Language: English
Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA)
Mysteries (Detective)
Grade Level: 5th-10th
Reading Level: 9-15 Years

Amazon Hardcover Print:
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Girl With Pencil, Drawing by Linda Maria Frank.

Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 2.

Seventeen-year-old amateur detective Annie Tillery is at it again.

After she wins a series of art lessons at a prestigious art gallery, Annie shows up for her first lesson to find her instructor, Francesca Gabrielli, in a volatile argument with John DiCristiani, the art gallery’s director. He is demanding that she illegally copy art masterpieces. Unwittingly, Annie is about to be drawn into the illicit, treacherous, and unpredictable world of art forgery. When DiCristiani is found murdered in cold blood, Francesca becomes the prime suspect.

She calls upon Annie to help solve the crime along with her NYPD detective aunt, Jill Tillery. They must brave the dangers of an international art fraud ring in an attempt to clear Francesca’s name. They discover that the key to solving the case revolves around a mysterious brownstone in Brooklyn whose inhabitants present tantalizing and elusive clues. As Annie and company attempt to stay one step ahead of DiCristiani’s murderer, they escape one deadly trap after another. The stakes are high in the glamorous yet dangerous world of illegal art trafficking. Annie must solve the crime to save her life and that of her friends.

5 Stars: Spectacular Read for Students and Young Adults!

Annie Tillery Mysteries book two Girl with Pencil, Drawing is a spectacular read for students and young adults of all ages. Each book in the Annie Tiller Mystery Series is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.

The story line in ‘Girl with Pencil, Drawing’ by Author Linda Maria Frank draws the young reader into an adventure where young Annie Tillery goes for her first art lesson at a prestigious Art Gallery. With youthful exuberance and an eagerness to advance her drawing skills Annie arrives early. When she enters the studio, she overhears a heated argument between two people who turn out to be her Art Instructor Francesca Gabrielli and the Art Gallery Director John DiCristiani.

Annie’s empathy for others and her sleuth personally draws her into a murder mystery when John DiCristiani turns up dead and Francesca Gabrielli is the prime suspect, Annie enlists the help of her Aunt Jill who is a NYPD Detective to help clear her new-found friend and art mentor’s name.

With strong characters, flowing dialog and layers of mystery, soon everyone is caught up in a real who-dun-it that involves a long list of suspects and hidden clues. Twists and turns with all the dangers that come into play when an International Art Fraud has been perpetrated.

I invite you to go beyond this headline: “Manhattan Business-Man Found Slain in Chelsea. John DiCristiani, a wealthy business man, whose financial interests reached as far as Hong Kong and Istanbul, was found shot to death in his posh apartment overlooking the Hudson River. Mr. DiCristiani’s body was found by an employee from his Soho gallery. The police questioned the employee, Ms. Francesca Gabrielli, at headquarters, but subsequently released her. Police would only confide that the murder weapon was found at the scene and that all other leads were being investigated. Mr. DiCristiani is survived by a son, Mark, twenty-five, a law student at New York University.”

Learn the ins and out of the art world that include how scientists’ tests for authenticity in original paintings by world renown artist like Renoir and the lucrative forgeries that make this underworld as treacherous as any international mob association.

Follow the clues, wait for the DNA evidence and sift through the ashes left by an arsonist. Inspire a young reader to discover the innate detective skills of Annie Tillery who is fast becoming the next Nancy Drew. This series should be placed on our schools’ summer reading list.

Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).

Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. When I was a young girl, I loved reading the Nancy Drew mysteries and to this day. Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2015. Verified Purchase. He busied himself rummaging through the kitchen drawers, two sets of panic-stricken eyes following his every move. He found some emergency candles and went into the small dinette adjoining the kitchen. He lit them, let the was drip onto some paper plates from the counter and affixed the candles to the plates. There were six candles in all. Was he into satanic rituals? He came back into the kitchen and turned on all the gas jets at the range and the oven, leaving its door ajar. He blows out the flames, letting the gas escape freely. “Bye, bye, ladies.” He hurried out the back door locking it behind him.

When I was a young girl, I loved reading the Nancy Drew mysteries and to this day I still enjoy the style and mysteries of the young ‘detective’ but you can only read them so many times before you know them by heart. Well… Author Linda Maria Frank has brought my young memories back. Annie Tillery is today’s Nancy Drew! In fact, she is great at getting herself into trouble but working it out in a fashion that would make Nancy proud. In Girl With Pencil, Drawing Annie goes to art school and finds that her instructor/teacher is mixed up in a murder that Annie doesn’t believe she committed. Can she prove her innocence without getting both of them killed? What do you think?

This the second book in the Annie Tillery Mystery Series. I’ve read the first, loved it and couldn’t see how it could get any better. Well, it does. I’m now looking forward to reading the third book to see what Nancy, oh excuse me, Annie gets into and how she gets through it.

Review by A.S.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written, quick reading, exciting mystery! Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2012. Verified Purchase. The characters are fun and interesting. This is the 2nd book in this series that I’ve read and I really enjoyed them. I’m looking forward to the next book. I recommend this series for teenagers as well as adults.

Review by Geoffrey Wells: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The guts and charm of a likable young leading lady. Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2022. We all need an Aunt J. She’s Annie’s mentor and guide in this sleazy world of crime that Annie Tillary finds herself in. Being under Aunt J’s recognizance has its advantages, especially when it’s based on her many years of service to the NYPD. And this is how we, the reader, accept Annie’s smarts when it comes to cracking a crime; she has learned from the best. Author Linda Maria Frank makes no bones about the talent Annie has inherited; we’re reassured that Annie knows what she is doing because crime-solving is in her blood. Consequently, her apparent precociousness at first leads us to discovering that she is in fact an effective sleuth, and along with her guts and charm, she’s also a very likeable young leading lady.

Adding further credence to this story is the author’s knowledge of forensics from teaching science for many years. In all, a fun and interesting read. (I received a free copy of this book.)

Product Details:
Paperback: 190 Pages
Publisher: iUniverse: Illustrated edition (November 4, 2013)
Language: English
Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA)
Mysteries (Detective)
Grade Level: 5th-10th
Reading Level: 9-15 Years

Amazon Hardcover Print:
https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Drawing-Linda-Maria-Frank/dp/1491711191/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys by Linda Maria Frank.

Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 3.

Amateur sleuth Annie Tillery has been warned to stay away from Nevshehir, Turkey, where she is heading to meet her boyfriend, Ty Egan, and Cedric Zeeks, Ty’s best friend. Intent on helping the two excavate an archeological site where they hope to link human remains to the first African ancestors, Annie does her best to shakes her foreboding feelings as her plane lands in Istanbul and she prepares to embark on her next adventure.

But when a stranger claims he is there to pick her up and then disappears once he sees Ty, Annie is immediately thrown back into worry mode—especially after Ty tells her there is unexplained tension surrounding the dig and she receives a threatening note at the hotel. Still, as the three head to Nevshehir, Annie is buoyed by the excitement surrounding ancient Turkey and the possibility of uncovering secrets. The dig is plagued by accidents and theft, however, and the three friends, assisted by the head archeologist’s twins, must search the ancient city of Istanbul and the caves of fantastic Cappadocia to find who is sabotaging their work.

In this young adult thriller, detective Annie Tillery must once again walk on a dangerous path in an attempt to unravel a complicated mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy chimneys.

5 Stars: Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI.

Annie Tillery Mysteries book three ‘Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys’ can be summed up as Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI. A mystery unfolds amidst a mix of ancient history and modern innovation, in an ageless Eastern country where time moves at a camel’s pace.

Dedicated research by author Linda Maria Frank leaves no stone unturned while great description text transports the reader to the streets of Turkey with it mosques and minarets, towers and modern buildings. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Water droplets plunked into the pool from the vaulted ceiling. After the heat of the bazaar and the street chase, it was deliciously cool. Ornate columns with carved capitals supported the ceiling. The bases were decorated with animal and human figures. There were a few visitors, but the enormity of the space muffled their conversations.”

Strong characters with great dialog bring us to dusty archeological site in one of the oldest towns in human history called Catalhoyuk. Nothing can explain it better than this quote: “We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay-like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush.”

Cosponsors from Vermont University are looking for a DNA connection between residents of Catalhoyuk and our original nomadic ancestors in Africa. Annie Tillery and her team go to work excavating this archeological site, with all the inherit dangers and a mystery brings out the detective in Annie.

From the spell of a Ouija board to a magical balloon ride in the sky nothing is lost as this time and space makes all their senses come alive with amazing black and white graphics that bring the main characters to life.

Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy Annie Tillery Mysteries. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.

Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).

Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2015. Verified Purchase. We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush. Some of the fairy chimneys had windows and doors. Could people actually live inside? It was dry here, and hot.

Anne Tillery has joined her boyfriend Ty at an archaeological dig in Turkey. He and his best friend Cedric are at the dig representing Vermont University. They will be working alongside a Dr. Atsut who is in charge of the project. Ty, Cedric, and Dr. Atsut are trying to prove that human remains at one of the earliest known archaeological sites in Turkey contained DNA that would link them to the first humans that evolved in Africa. But, accidents and missing artifacts seem to be plaguing the site and there is even fear that it may be shut down.

As I’ve found out in other books of this series, Annie is quite a detective. Hopefully she, with the help of Dr. Atsut’s twin children, will be able to make the connections that will end the accidents and theft before the Turkish government steps in to put a halt to everything. In doing so, Anne finds herself escaping two attempts of kidnapping which leaves her no choice but to call her own father for help.

This book gave me so much history of the Fairy Chimneys that I had to see for myself if they were real. They are and they are amazingly beautiful! Seeing what these unusual cities look like made the book even more enjoyable. As I read, I was not only enticed by the story but I could also picture where events were happening. If you like mystery as well as archaeology, you’ll not want to miss reading this book.

Review by Messages For The Soul:  5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fascinating and fun adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2015. Verified Purchase. The writing in Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys can be really breath-taking at times so much that I found myself backtracking to reread passages and take it all in again. Lots of depth in description of character and place to bring the exotic into your home and you take in the words. Apart from the CSI angle which, as you would expect from a forensic scientist, is acutely poignant, the rest must have been thoroughly researched as well as nothing about events seems out of place. A captivating and charming plot and a very enjoyable YA book overall. Looking forward to reading more by Linda Frank.

Review by Russell F Moran: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Annie Tillery on the Case. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2014. Verified Purchase. Terrific read. Although I’m not a typical YA reader (a bit too old) I thoroughly enjoy this series. Young Annie Tillery is a character that the reader can engage as she soldiers on with her adventure in the face of some ominous threats. Her relationship with her boyfriend, and archeological dig partner is touching. The scene descriptions of the archeological site in Turkey are well done and enlightening. The author not only knows how to tell a compelling story but she adds some interesting scientific information. I have heard of mitochondrial DNA, but never knew its significance until I read this book. A fast-moving fun read, with plot twists, clues, and a great ending.

Product Details:
Paperback: 294 Pages
Publisher: Archway Publishing; Illustrated edition (February 28, 2014)
Language: English
Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA)
Mysteries (Detective)
Grade Level: 5th-10th
Reading Level: 9-15 Years

Amazon Hardcover Print:
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Fairy-Chimneys-Linda-Maria/dp/1480805599/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank.

Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 4.

The wreckage of a World War II plane is found in the mountains of Appalachia. It mysteriously crashed in 1943 on its way to a naval base. Inside the plane is a note, written by Annie Tillery’s great-grandmother, Charlotte, who was in love with a fighter pilot. Young Charlotte tested the planes and flew them to naval bases; her fiancé flew the planes in battle.

While investigating the crash site, NCIS finds the note in the plane, which they trace to Charlotte and then to her surviving family members, Annie and her mother Carol. The mystery begins. Why did the plane crash, and what does Charlotte’s note mean? Annie and her mother decide to dig into Great-Grandmothers past by way of the aged family attic.

There, they find love letters written by Charlotte and her Navy pilot fiancé. There is a code to be broken in those letters and The Mystery of the Lost Avenger to be solved. As they explore, Annie suspects Charlotte’s ghost is reaching out to tell her something, but what? She enlists the help of her boyfriend, newly licensed pilot Ty Egan, but Annie feels she may be the key to her great-grandmothers top-secret life.

5 Stars: This book educates young minds!

Good news for all Annie Tillery Mystery Followers. The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger (book 4) is finally here. This book educates young minds using this fictional mystery that involves NCIS investigating the crash site of a World War II plane.

Turns out the pilot was Annie Tillery’s great-grandmother Charlotte who was a test pilot for Grumman and actually flew in battle. Annie, her mother Carol are intrigued by Charlotte’s note and decide to dig through the old family attic to see what they can find out about this mysterious family member. What they discover in the attic only adds to the mystery and soon Annie suspects that Charlotte’s ghost is reaching out to them from beyond the grave with an important message.

Annie’s decides to get her boyfriend Ty Egan who happens to be a pilot involved. Here is their conversation.

…“Ty, you won’t believe what Mom has been telling me about a mystery concerning my great-grandmother. Mom, this is your story, and maybe Ty can see something we don’t. Can you fill him in on the details, so far? I’m just hearing this story for the first time, too.”

…“Well, let me start with . . .” She shuffled the papers in her lap. “Here’s the letter we received from the Department of the Navy. And here’s a copy of a note we found in the plane. The note is written on some sort of a company form with and identification number on it. The number belonged to Charlotte, my grandmother.”

…“I also have a letter from the Naval Crime Investigation Service about the condition of the plane where they found the note, and the pilot they found in the wreckage. There are skeletonized remains of a person whose identity they are trying to confirm. They know who flew the plane when it went missing, but they must confirm that it is that person. It is a woman.”

…Mom added a new thought, “You know, it’s ironic. Charlotte did die in a plane crash many years later. She continued to fly recreationally after the war. When I went to Maryland to see if there was any record of her time at Grumman, I found these letters in the house where Charlotte spent her last years.”

Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.

Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).

Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Has everything you want – mystery, history & a ghost! Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2018. Verified Purchase. Charlotte Wheeler suspected that sabotage was happening at the Grumman plant. She was able to figure out the faulty hinges for the Avenger’s bomb bay doors were being randomly replaced for the good hinges, by someone who had access to the plant. Charlotte and her buddies checked all the planes and prevented the faulty parts from being switched. They did their best to stop the saboteur, things got rough and Charlotte was attacked one night while she was waiting to catch him in the act.

Charlotte Wheeler was a WASP during WWII. She not only helped build the planes, she also flew them to their destination where they were turned over to the fighting pilots. She was scheduled to fly one of the bombers out but noticed a problem with the bomb bay doors. While she went to check on something the plane was given to another WASP to deliver. Her name was Brenda McPhee and she never made it to her destination. Her plane disappeared.

Many years later Annie, who is Charlotte’s great grand-daughter, finds out that the plane has been found and there was a letter inside that was written by Charlotte. Through further research and the help of her boyfriend Ty, Annie decides to solve the mystery of the downed plane and who the saboteur was.

As with all of the Annie Tillery Mysteries, this one kept my interest. It not only had some history; it also had a great mystery and of course a ghost. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.

Review by Theresa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing, Informative, and Well Written! Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2023. Although this is a YA novel, the expertise of the author, Linda Marie Frank, brings it up to another level. Her knowledge of WWII era planes and methods of decoding encrypted messages, combined with her background in forensic science and genetics, makes this novel not only fascinating, but educational! In addition, there is this sense of connection between generations within a Charlotte’s family and the longevity of friendships between Charlotte and her friends. This is an historical mystery that allows the reader to collect the clues along the way while trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Highly recommend this book!

Review by Frances O’Sullivan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What really happened? Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021. The Mystery of the Lost Avenger is the fourth book in Linda Maria Frank’s Annie Tillery Mystery series. Aimed at confident young readers, the series follows Annie, who in this book is getting ready to go to college, as she solves intriguing mysteries.

The Mystery of the Lost Avenger takes readers back in time to 1943, to learn about the women involved in aviation during WWII. Annie’s great-grandmother, Charlotte, was a WASP, flying planes to transport them to military bases. When a note written by Charlotte is found in the remains of a crashed plane which disappeared in mysterious circumstances, the whole family gets involved in untangling the mystery of what really happened.

I loved that this book focused on a part of history I didn’t know much about, and it would be a great read for mystery-loving children who are learning about WWII in school. It was also really fun learning about how Annie, as well as Charlotte back in the 1940s and the professionals at NCIS, approached solving mysteries. There are codes to crack, and forensic evidence to process.

For me, this is a five-star book. It’s a really fun read and gave me lots to think about. I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series and was able to follow the story without any issues, but now that I’ve read it I’m keen to go back and read about the other adventures Annie’s had!

Product Details:
Paperback: 194 Pages
Publisher: Archway Publishing (June 15, 2016)
Language: English
Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA)
Mysteries (Detective)
Grade Level: 5th-10th
Reading Level: 9-15 Years

Amazon Hardcover Print:
https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Avenger-Linda-Maria-Frank/dp/1480831670/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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Making A Mystery With Annie Tillery: The Madonna Ghost.

Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 5-With Enhanced Interactive Material.

In addition to the first Annie Tillery Mystery, this book contains an insight into how the author wrote the book.

These are materials pertaining to writing style, character development and research, as well as ideas for additional activities such as lesson plans for teachers, and discussion questions. Follow the writer’s journey toward producing a page-turning adventure with history, mystery and science. “The Madonna Ghost” which is the basis for this exploration into the writer’s journey is described as follows.

How lucky can you get? A vacation at a beach brings Annie Tillery a ghost story and a boyfriend. But what is the ghost hiding, and will Ty Egan and Annie Tillery discover the secrets of the Madonna Ghost, and the menacing neighbors who seem linked to her?

Review by Angela Reich: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining and Educational: Teachers, Parents and Home-School Families Will Want to Read! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 4, 2020.Verified Purchase. Author Linda Maria Frank has created an inside look into her craft in her latest book, Making A Mystery With Annie Tillery: The Madonna Ghost.

The stand-alone volume of The Madonna Ghost delivers an engaging main character, Annie Tillery, her romantic interest, Ty, and more than one mystery to solve. In addition, the reader is treated to some lovely descriptive writing: a nighttime walk on a Fire Island boardwalk is given a lyrical feel with: “Small, low lights intermittently illuminated the path.” But Frank’s natural, breezy style is deceptive, for while the author beguiles, she is quietly seeding the clues for the novel’s mystery from the start.

Now, Frank reveals her writer’s methods in “Making a Mystery With Annie Tillery…” in which the writer’s craft, like an easy conversation, flows with commentary after each chapter. Frank fills in with her creation of character, motivation, and real Fire Island history, including a poignant personal experience while volunteering as a guide for the Fire Island Lighthouse.

We learn that sailing scenes are realistic because Frank spent many years sailing the Long Island waters; the logic of the chase is realistic because Frank, a teacher of the scientific method of inquiry applied to forensic science, is used as we witness Annie Tillary observe, deduce, conclude, and formulate; test and modify hypotheses.

A lifetime educator, Frank knows what is needed in the classroom, and this volume provides a marvelous teacher handbook for easy use with students where lessons in Language Arts, Creative Writing, Science, Geography, History all may be applied. There are tips on writing sets and scenes from places near and far, use of sensory images and research methods, motive, characterization, plot, and theme. Also provided are websites for research and further reading, lesson plans, and discussion questions, including a book workshop activity using a clue list and series of anecdotal evidence.

Any teacher, parent, or home-school family would benefit from this entertaining way to deliver real, valuable educational material to children in an entertaining and creative way.

Review by Angela Reich: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining and Educational: Teachers, Parents and Home-School Families Will Want to Read! Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020. Verified Purchase. Author Linda Maria Frank has created an inside look into her craft in her latest book, Making a Mystery With Annie Tillery: The Madonna Ghost.

The stand-alone volume of The Madonna Ghost delivers an engaging main character, Annie Tillery, her romantic interest, Ty, and more than one mystery to solve. In addition, the reader is treated to some lovely descriptive writing: a nighttime walk on a Fire Island boardwalk is given a lyrical feel with: “Small, low lights intermittently illuminated the path.” But Frank’s natural, breezy style is deceptive, for while the author beguiles, she is quietly seeding the clues for the novel’s mystery from the start.

Now, Frank reveals her writer’s methods in “Making a Mystery With Annie Tillery…” in which the writer’s craft, like an easy conversation, flows with commentary after each chapter. Frank fills in with her creation of character, motivation, and real Fire Island history, including a poignant personal experience while volunteering as a guide for the Fire Island Lighthouse.

We learn that sailing scenes are realistic because Frank spent many years sailing the Long Island waters; the logic of the chase is realistic because Frank, a teacher of the scientific method of inquiry applied to forensic science, is used as we witness Annie Tillary observe, deduce, conclude, and formulate; test and modify hypotheses.

A lifetime educator, Frank knows what is needed in the classroom, and this volume provides a marvelous teacher handbook for easy use with students where lessons in Language Arts, Creative Writing, Science, Geography, History all may be applied. There are tips on writing sets and scenes from places near and far, use of sensory images and research methods, motive, characterization, plot, and theme. Also provided are websites for research and further reading, lesson plans, and discussion questions, including a book workshop activity using a clue list and series of anecdotal evidence.

Any teacher, parent, or home-school family would benefit from this entertaining way to deliver real, valuable educational material to children in an entertaining and creative way.

Review by Lois W. Stern, Author, Creator of tales2inspire: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Teens and educators Beware: Once you start this book, you will find it difficult to put it down! Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2018.If you want to ply your teenager away from her Smart Phone for a few hours of old fashion pleasure, just put a copy of Madonna Ghost in their hands. This well-crafted novel carries all the key ingredients to mesmerize its readers, capturing the essence of summer romance, sinister plots and a touch of the occult.

As Annie Tillery embarks on a two-week beach vacation with undercover FBI agent, Aunt J, they become guests at the home of Doc and his handsome nephew, Ty. Although first attracted to Ty for his “Mr. Gorgeous” good looks, this appealing young twosome soon forge a relationship extending well beyond physical attraction. Their bond deepens as they share dark family secrets, explore mysterious island happenings, and assist in the apprehension of a monstrous criminal.

Although written for a young adult audience, this ‘senior citizen’ remained transfixed by author Linda Maria Frank’s well-crafted story. Buy it for that special young person in your life, but treat yourself to several hours of reading pleasure before handing it over to them. The Madonna Ghost promises plenty of fodder for rich conversation!

It is no surprise to note the Frank, a master teacher herself, included lesson plans, activities, discussion questions and websites as educational tools for students. What a wonderful gift for educators as well! Making Mystery – The Madonna Ghost is a ready-made curriculum to help your students develop research, writing and critical thinking skills.

Product Details:
Paperback: 374 Pages
Publisher: Annie Tillery Mysteries (May 29, 2018)
Language: English
Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA)
Mysteries (Detective)
Grade Level: 5th-10th
Reading Level: 9-15 Years

Amazon Print:
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mystery-Annie-Tillery-Madonna/dp/0998971405/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mystery-Annie-Tillery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07DD7T43W/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Customer Ratings:
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mystery-Annie-Tillery-Madonna/dp/0998971405/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8#customerReviews

Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys (2nd Edition) by Linda Maria Frank.

Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 6.

This enhanced edition of “Fairy Chimneys” reveals the story behind the story of writing this exciting mystery.

To add to the readers’ pleasures, I have included book discussion questions, a writing activity, and a little gem about how the story came about from the author’s perspective. I have answered the who, why, when, where, and how of the book. And here is a peek into the story.

A young detective volunteering at an archeological dig in turkey embarks on another adventure where she must unravel an ancient mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy chimneys. Amateur sleuth Annie Tillery has been warned to stay away from Nevshehir, Turkey, where she is heading to meet her boyfriend, Ty Egan, and Cedric Zeeks, Ty’s best friend.

Intent on helping the two excavate an archeological site where they hope to link human remains to the first African ancestors, Annie does her best to shake her foreboding feelings as her plane lands in Istanbul and she prepares to embark on her next adventure .But when a stranger claims he is there to pick her up and then disappears once he sees Ty, Annie is immediately thrown back into worry mode—especially after Ty tells her there is unexplained tension surrounding the dig and she receives a threatening note at the hotel. Still, as the three head to Nevshehir, Annie is buoyed by the excitement surrounding ancient Turkey and the possibility of uncovering secrets.

The dig is plagued by accidents and theft, however, and the three friends, assisted by the head archeologist’s twins, must search the ancient city of Istanbul and the caves of fantastic Cappadocia to find who is sabotaging their work.

In this young adult thriller, detective Annie Tillery must once again walk on a dangerous path in an attempt to unravel a complicated mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy chimneys.

5 Stars: Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI.

Annie Tillery Mysteries book three ‘Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys’ can be summed up as Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI. A mystery unfolds amidst a mix of ancient history and modern innovation, in an ageless Eastern country where time moves at a camel’s pace.

Dedicated research by author Linda Maria Frank leaves no stone unturned while great description text transports the reader to the streets of Turkey with it mosques and minarets, towers and modern buildings. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Water droplets plunked into the pool from the vaulted ceiling. After the heat of the bazaar and the street chase, it was deliciously cool. Ornate columns with carved capitals supported the ceiling. The bases were decorated with animal and human figures. There were a few visitors, but the enormity of the space muffled their conversations.”

Strong characters with great dialog bring us to dusty archeological site in one of the oldest towns in human history called Catalhoyuk. Nothing can explain it better than this quote: “We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay-like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush.”

Cosponsors from Vermont University are looking for a DNA connection between residents of Catalhoyuk and our original nomadic ancestors in Africa. Annie Tillery and her team go to work excavating this archeological site, with all the inherit dangers and a mystery brings out the detective in Annie.

From the spell of a Ouija board to a magical balloon ride in the sky nothing is lost as this time and space makes all their senses come alive with amazing black and white graphics that bring the main characters to life.

Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy Annie Tillery Mysteries. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.

Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).

Review by Dan Mariani Author of Bicycling With A Purpose: Shift Gears to Lower Stress, The Road to Chapulepec Park: Surviving The Big Freeze. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great addition to the Annie Tillery Mysteries Series! Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020. Verified Purchase. Eloquently written young adult mystery story that adults will like too!

Follow Annie has she uncovers clues leading to mysterious crimes at a dig outside Istanbul. Fast-paced page turner that will keep you engaged and satisfied with its intricate plot.

Just when I thought I knew whodunit the plot thickened and sent me off in another direction. The twists and turns were well-placed throughout and kept the narrative whole.

If you haven’t read a Frank mystery this is a good one to start with. You won’t be disappointed!

I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy well-crafted stories that make you think and where you can learn something new along the way.

Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is a page-turning, fun filled, nail-biting, adventure. Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2019. Verified Purchase. It was great fun to write, and I love getting accolades from my readers. One 60ish lady was angry at me, because she stayed up until 3AM. She couldn’t put it down. Don’t really know why Amazon wanted me to review my own book, but what the heck.

Product Details:
Paperback: 422 Pages
Publisher: Bowker (July 15, 2019)
Language: English
Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA)
Mysteries (Detective)
Grade Level: 5th-10th
Reading Level: 9-15 Years

Amazon Print:
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Fairy-Chimneys-Tillery-Mysteries/dp/0998971413/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Fairy-Chimneys-Tillery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07W19LPHC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Customer Ratings:
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Fairy-Chimneys-Tillery-Mysteries/dp/0998971413/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=#customerReviews

Message From Linda Maria Frank: Hello, fellow mystery lovers. As a teacher of forensic science for almost 20 years, I decided to create mysteries around the science I found most interesting. I also wanted to create a smart, edgy, young female detective to solve my cases. The result was Annie Tillery. I like to call my books “Nancy Drew meets CSI”. My books capture, not only my love of mystery and science, but those things I found most exciting in life; sailing, falling in love, and my fascination with New York City.

Currently, I am living on Long Island and working hard to promote my books.

The third Annie Tillery mystery, Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys, revolves around another topic I find fascinating, and that is archaeology. It takes place in Turkey. This story is packed with heart stopping page turning drama.

The latest book, The Mystery of the Lost Avenger, investigates a cold case involving Annie’s great grandmother who was a test pilot for Grumman Aviation during WWII. Go back in time to solve an unexplained plane crash involving sabotage and great grandma, Charlotte Wheeler and her fighter pilot fiancé.

Stay tuned for more thrilling and dangerous adventures for Annie and that oh-so-sexy Ty.

AN EXPLANATION OF THE AWARDS

The Author Show Awards1, 2.4.and 7) – are writing contests. The winning entries appear in an anthology, “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading”.

The Top Female Writers Award (6) is based on an entry the author chooses to submit of their writing.

The other awards are for individual books I submitted to various contests.

The first award I received was “Rising Star” for “The Madonna Ghost”, awarded by iUniverse, the original publisher.

  • 2013 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
  • 2014 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
  • 2015 Wishing Shelf Awards Red Ribbon Winner, “Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys”
  • 2016 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
  • 2017 Finalist, Book Excellence Awards, “Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys”
  • 2018 The Authors Show Top Female Author
  • 2018 The Authors Show, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
  • 2019 First Place, Royal Dragonfly Book Award, “Making a Mystery with Annie Tillery”
  • 2019 Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favorite, “Making a Mystery with Annie Tillery”
  • 201 Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorite, “The Mystery of the Lost Avenger”.

Book Awards: Young Adults/Teen: Linda Maria Frank, New York
https://wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShowTopFemale-results.html

Amazon Author’s Page:
https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B004XD6AOK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0?redirectedFromKindleDbs=true

Professional Website:
http://www.lindamariafrank.com/

Professional Blog (newsletters):
http://lindamariafrank.com/my-blog/newsletters/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AnnieTilleryMysteries/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AnnieTillery123

Secrets In The Fairy Chimney’s Prologue by Linda Maria Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9h_6J9TIes

Secrets In The Fairy Chimney (Commercial)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2XBSawaw3s

The Madonna Ghost by Linda Maria Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3VMvQnOznI

Girl With Pencil, Drawing (Ch 1 Audio Book) by Linda Maria Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZGR9EDvTYQ

Linda Maria Frank Interview At The Children’s Author Radio Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g50Le-ULa40

Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:
http://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/book-marketing-global-network/linda-maria-franks-books/

Meet Friend & Author Alice Reiter Laby

Meet Friend & Author Diane Kurtz Calabrese

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