Linda Maria Frank’s mysteries give readers more than a story to solve. The books can support conversations about evidence, history, art, archaeology, family, courage, friendship, respect, and critical thinking skills.

This resource page collects discussion angles for the Annie Tillery Mysteries and related classroom or book-club use. The sample questions below are adapted from Linda’s own discussion materials. Full printable guides can be added once the documents are cleaned up and approved for download.

Start with The Madonna Ghost

  • What does Annie’s reaction to seeing her aunt talking to a strange man on the ferry tell us about Annie’s feelings for her aunt?
  • How would you have reacted to meeting Ty? Do you ever practice what you will say when you meet someone new?
  • How does Ty prove to be a real friend as well as a boyfriend?
  • What evidence in the book supports the idea of respect in the personal relationships?
  • By the end of the book, were you a ghost-believer, a ghost-still-need-more-proof, or a ghost-non-believer? Explain.

Art, Evidence, and History in Girl with Pencil, Drawing

  • Annie seems nervous about starting her art lessons, even though she has won a contest. Why do you think she is unsure of herself?
  • What was the best evidence to connect Francesca to DiCristiani’s murder?
  • How did Frau Helriegel’s story make you feel about her and the secret art society?
  • Review the science used to make sure an art piece is authentic. Was Horst Blau convincing?
  • Were Annie and Francesca good friends to each other? Give examples.

Archaeology and Travel in Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys

  • How would you feel about working at an archaeological dig?
  • Do you think Annie is brave, rash, or simply acting like a teenager?
  • What did you think of Istanbul and Cappadocia?
  • How important were the twins to the plot?
  • What was your favorite scene in the book?

Family History and WWII Mystery in The Mystery of the Lost Avenger

  • What can old photos and letters tell us about our ancestors and ourselves?
  • Why did the plane crash matter after more than 70 years?
  • Did the code Ty and Annie discovered inspire you to create your own code?
  • What was the story of the Avenger in WWII?
  • How do you think Annie’s discoveries affect how she feels about her family and herself?

How Teachers and Librarians Can Use These Guides

  • Book club discussion.
  • Classroom reading circles.
  • Creative writing prompts.
  • Mystery-structure lessons.
  • Evidence and observation exercises.
  • History, art, archaeology, and forensic-science tie-ins.
  • Parent/teen or mother/daughter reading groups.

Printable discussion guides (PDF)

Download free printable discussion guides for classrooms and book clubs: