DOA Detective Files: Trouble at the Taj
#2 in DOA Detective Files Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
In 'DOA Detective Files: Trouble at the Taj' by Sonja Chandrachud, a group of young detectives, known as the DOA Detectives, embark on an exciting adventure to unravel a mystery surrounding the iconic Taj Mahal. When a precious artifact is stolen and strange occurrences begin to take place, the detectives are called in to investigate. Using their unique skills, teamwork, and quick thinking, they navigate through clues and challenges, determined to solve the case and restore order. The story is filled with suspense, cultural history, and engaging twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats as the detectives work to crack the case before it's too late. The chief architect of the Taj Mahal, Ustad Ahmed Lahauri, has been kidnapped, leaving work on the construction unfinished. Emperor Shah Jahan now has to find a new architect for his dream project. But the ghost of his dead empress, Mumtaz Mahal, is determined not to let any other architect work on her mausoleum. She summons the DOA detectives and commands them to find the missing architect before it's too late and she's saddled with a hideous tomb for eternity. Soon the detectives discover that there's much more to the Ustad's disappearance than a mere kidnapping. There is a traitor in the imperial court who will stop at nothing till he fulfills his evil designs! Who could it be? Will the detectives be able to stop his wicked plans? Will they be able to ensure that the magnificent Taj Mahal gets built?
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to solve the mystery at the Taj?
How did the setting of the Taj Mahal add to the suspense of the story?
What qualities do you admire in the main characters and why?
If you were part of the detective team, what would you have done differently?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters solve the mystery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story's setting to deepen their connection. Ask them to describe what they might see, hear, or feel at the Taj Mahal. Compliment their responses to instill confidence and invite them to explore the characters' traits that they most admire or relate to. Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown in the book and relate it to real-life situations in school or family. Lastly, let them guess alternate endings to nurture creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The young detectives in 'DOA Detective Files: Trouble at the Taj' collaborate to solve the mystery, demonstrating how working together brings diverse ideas and helps overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork in school projects or sports, learning how to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Cultural respect
Explanation: The story is set at the iconic Taj Mahal and incorporates elements of Indian culture, teaching children to appreciate and respect different cultures and histories.
Real-World Application: Children can show respect for various cultures in their community by participating in or attending cultural festivals and events.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the characters face puzzles and clues throughout 'Trouble at the Taj', they use critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach problems in academic subjects or daily challenges by breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts and finding solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of History
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of preserving historical landmarks, through the setting and plot that revolve around the Taj Mahal, instilling an appreciation for history.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in local preservation activities or visiting museums to learn more about their heritage and history.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The detectives' eagerness to uncover the truth about the mystery in the story highlights the value of curiosity and continuous learning.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace a curious mindset that encourages them to explore new topics, ask questions, and seek knowledge actively in their daily lives.