Parker Kelly Mystery Books And The Sullivan Universe

Let’s explore some of the enchanting characters from Parker Kelly books that have captivated young minds for a long time.

The Sullivan Detective Agency Characters

Carter Sullivan – The Firestarter

“Let’s do this!”

Carter jumps in first on every case. He’s brave and full of energy, but sometimes acts without thinking. Deep down, he just wants to keep his friends safe.

Strength: Fearless, quick to act

Weakness: Impulsive, gets frustrated when held back

Signature Scene: Rushing into the Forgotten House alone and finding the attic clue that started it all.

Cooper Sullivan – The Strategist

“Think first. Act second.”

Cooper studies every clue before moving. He stays calm in tight spots, but can overthink and hesitate. He wants everyone to rely on his smarts as much as on Carter’s courage.

Strength: Logical, stays cool under pressure

Weakness: Overthinks, doubts himself in a crisis

Signature Scene: Marking their path through the funhouse maze so no one gets lost.

Kylie – The Puzzle-Solver

“That doesn’t add up…”

Kylie spots details nobody else sees. She treats mysteries like puzzles to solve. She’s quick to call out a hunch, but can be impatient with feelings.

Strength: Sharp mind, detail-oriented

Weakness: Stubborn, not always patient with emotions

Signature Scene: Finding the hidden latch in the Willow Street house to free the team.

Brody – The Heart

“Guys… what if it’s ACTUALLY haunted this time?”

Brody makes everyone laugh and keeps spirits up. He’s nervous but will overcome fear when his friends need him most.

Strength: Loyal, very caring

Weakness: Easily spooked, anxious

Signature Scene: Despite his fear, running through the smugglers’ maze to get help.

Amos Murphy – The Guardian

“Lads, even detectives need to mind their necks.”

A retired detective with years of experience. He teaches the kids old-school investigation tricks and keeps them safe, though he still carries regrets from past cases.

Strength: Wise, protective

Weakness: Haunted by old mistakes, slow to trust new methods

Signature Scene: Throwing Dylan to the ground and revealing the werewolf hoax.

Tom Connor – The Silent Shield

“I’ll take point on this one.”

Amos’s reliable partner who acts before he speaks. When captured, he leaves secret clues so the kids can find and free him.

Strength: Brave, observant

Weakness: Keeps feelings inside, ready to put himself in danger

Signature Scene: Slipping a torn note about the sarcophagus’s hiding spot while pretending to be unconscious.

Ciara O’Brien – The Fierce Ally

“Try keeping up, Americans!”

A local Irish girl who knows every corner of Murphy Castle. She’s bold and proud of her home, but sometimes teases the twins too much.

Strength: Fearless, knows local lore

Weakness: Quick to tease, reluctant to ask for help

Signature Scene: Lifting the root-covered board to reveal the secret servant passage.

Finley O’Brien – The Eager Apprentice

“Did you see that? Did you see that?!”

Ciara’s younger brother who’s full of excitement. He spots clues fast, though he can’t help announcing them at the worst moments.

Strength: Enthusiastic, sharp eyes

Weakness: Easily distracted, blurts things out

Signature Scene: Screaming when the “werewolf” appears, alerting everyone.

Nessa Murphy – The Keeper of Wisdom

“Oh, lads—some stories exist for a reason.”

Amos’s mother, who knows all the old legends. She welcomes everyone with kindness and quietly guides them with her instincts.

Strength: Intuitive, nurturing

Weakness: Sometimes too trusting of strangers

Signature Scene: Giving Carter a protective charm as they leave the castle.

Joseph Dunn – The Architect of Revenge

“You children ruined everything… now I’ll return the favor.”

A criminal mastermind who uses ghost stories to cover his schemes. He underestimates kids—and pays for it.

Strength: Patient, manipulative

Weakness: Arrogant, lets revenge cloud his judgment

Signature Scene: Tossing off the Dullahan helmet to reveal himself.

Patrick – The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

“Just being neighborly, Amos…”

A friendly neighbor who stages werewolf scares to scare Nessa into selling her castle.

Strength: Charming, knows local legends

Weakness: Underestimates the kids, cracks under pressure

Signature Scene: Waving innocently as his “púca” rages unseen behind him.

Dylan – The Reluctant Monster

“I didn’t want to hurt anyone…”

Patrick’s son, forced into werewolf costumes. He’s athletic and convincing, but feels guilty inside.

Strength: Athletic, follows orders

Weakness: Morally conflicted, easily swayed

Signature Scene: Amos tears off his mask to show a frightened boy, not a beast.

Principal Gordon – The Corrupt Authority

“Curiosity killed the cat, boys.”

A trusted school principal secretly smuggling stolen artifacts through the school basement.

Strength: Authoritative, well-spoken

Weakness: Overconfident, underestimates kids

Signature Scene: Cornering the twins in a hallway before they outsmart him.

The Dullahan – The Omen

“The crack of a whip in the moonlit fog…”

A real headless rider from Irish legend. Sometimes it appears as Dunn’s costume, but other times it shows up on its own—proof that some stories are more than just tales.

Strength: Strikes instant fear

Weakness: Follows old folklore rules (it can’t cross running water)

Signature Scene: Riding out of the lake mist after Dunn’s arrest—showing the legend lives on.