Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Keep Your Friends Close
When Chloe Roberts is cheated out of being Head Girl at Morton Academy by her supposed best friend, Nikhita Patel, everything changes. No longer assured the benefits which this position brings and having been dumped by her boyfriend, she finds herself clinging to her position in the school’s secret society, Jewel and Bone. Then Chloe stumbles upon the ‘Book of Crime and Punishment’, the misdeeds committed by Morton students recorded along with a fitting punishment, and suddenly it seems as if certain marked entries match up with the deaths of members of Jewel and Bone. And it looks as if Chloe is next…
Pacy and tense, ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ is a compelling, ‘can’t put it down until finished’ read!
Hardworking and competitive, Chloe has her sights set on the bright future offered by being a member of Jewel and Bone and being Head Girl of Morton Academy. Having spent the previous year on course for the top spot, she is devastated when one of the girls in her friendship circle deprives her of this by cheating. Pushed to the fringes of the group and finding herself sharing a room with girls who are not part of the ‘elite’, Chloe realises how unpleasant Nikhita can be and, to her horror, is forced to acknowledge that she (Chloe) has also behaved badly towards others. Knowing that her only course of action now is to work harder than ever to secure the future she longs for, she tries to adapt to her new life at school, making friends with her new room mates.
Readers are kept guessing as Chloe strives to unpick the mystery. As the tension mounts and sinister event follows sinister event, her nerves are stretched to breaking point, leading to a twisted ending. The story poses many questions about power and privilege and how far people are prepared to go gain and keep these, offering plenty to think about.
Set in 1999, the book is set at Morton Academy which some readers will recognise as the setting for ‘Win, Lose, Kill, Die’. ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ works perfectly well as a stand alone, although true fans will enjoy recognising some details.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Keep Your Friends Close
Cynthia Murphy
Penguin ISBN: 978-0241712788
Electric Life: Surge
Having left Estrella, Alara has been living in London Under for six months. Although desperate to escape the restrictions of the city and feel alive, she is struggling to adapt to her new life and longs to escape to the surface and be free to travel with Jay. But tension is mounting in London Under as anti-Estrella rises and Jay no longer has the time to devote to their relationship, leaving her feeling even more disconnected. Alana soon finds herself having to make some difficult and dangerous decisions about her future- and that of London Under and Estrella.
Every bit as enjoyable as ‘Electric Life’, ‘Surge’ offers a thoroughly satisfying and absorbing continuation of Alara’s story. I refuse to say ‘conclusion to’ in the hope that there might yet be more to come…
Fast paced and engaging, plenty happens in this action-packed sequel. Very relevant in today’s climate, it reflects how quickly ‘ideas’ can take off and gain almost cult following, an unquestioning attitude where mobs look to rhetoric spouting leaders to tell them what to think and provide them with a common enemy. There is a sense that the voice that shouts loudest is ‘right’ and that those who disagree with you are instantly ‘wrong’ and that there is no common ground, offering plenty to pause and reflect on.
Having lived her new life for a while, Alara is puzzled to find that things are not as utopic as she expected. The first flush of passion and infatuation with Jay has passed and daily life is now taking its toll on their relationship as so often happens. As the story develops, she comes to realise what true happiness is- how it takes effort, develops and needs to be appreciated for what it is- leading her to re-evaluate her decisions and strive to make life better.
‘Electric Life: Surge’ is an excellent, thoroughly engrossing and satisfying read. Highly recommended!
Ask Me Anything
Mary-Elizabeth Baxter is a girl brimming with confidence. Agony aunt for the university’s magazine, she offers up-beat advice to her fellow students and, having set her sights on Felix Balfour, she is looking forward to a year of fun- sex with no strings attached. When she meets grumpy Laurie, who works on the uni newspaper, Mary- Elizabeth is convinced that he is behind the sudden appearance of a rival problem page which offers far harsher advice. However, when things with Felix start to go wrong and Mary- Elizabeth finds her confidence shaken, Laurie proves he is not the bad guy after all.
Lively and engaging, ‘Ask Me Anything’ is a fun read about university life which offers plenty to think about.
I have to confess that initially I found Mary-Elizabeth intensely irritating! Her personal brand of chirpy optimism and self-assurance felt over-blown and false. However, she quickly became more endearing as the cracks in her armour developed and she became more rounded and plausible. In her pursuit of Felix and her determination to stick to her rules, she ignores her true feelings and the warning signs which she would be sure to have plenty of advice to offer to others in the same situation. There is an element of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in her relationships with Laurie who she quickly takes against, and Felix, the Wickham of the piece, and like Lizzie Bennet, she emerges stronger, wiser and more self-aware by the end of the story.
Mary-Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents also gives an interesting twist to the tale. Never quite at ease with her mother, events lead to greater understanding between the two whilst her father seems to feel that financial support can replace in person contact and interest.
University life makes an appealing background to the story with plenty of friendships and fun and empathetic, supportive staff offering guidance when needed. The problem letters which Mary-Elizabeth answers give some sound advice which may well support readers - of any age!- experiencing similar issues.
Written in a very easy-to-read style, ‘Ask Me Anything’ is thoroughly enjoyable.
Ask Me Anything
Bethany Rutter
Hot Key Books ISBN: 978-1471419362
Out on 6.11.2025
Girls of Dark Divine
The Marionettes are a famed troupe of dancers whose beauty and skill draw huge audiences night after night. But a dark curse hangs over them. The Puppet Master controls them and the girls live in fear, performing under his control until they turn to dust. Star of the show, Emberlyn, is determined to escape and sees her chance when the troupe is taken to a new theatre in the city of Parlizia. However, she meets an elusive boy made of shadows and together, they must find a way to overcome the evil power the Puppet Master holds over them.
Not my usual kind of read, I found ‘Girls of Dark Divine’ both compelling and unsettling. Offering a mix of romance, friendship and dark fantasy, the real focus of the story for me was about the control and manipulation of the young girls, or Marionettes, who were forced to dance to the tune of Malcolm, the Puppet Master.
In Malcolm, the author has created a character with absolutely no redeeming qualities. His callous control and abuse of the girls and their total fear of him makes him completely repugnant. Throughout the book, he attempts to shift the blame for his actions onto the girls, taking no responsibility, showing no common decency, telling them that it is their fault, not his, that he acts in this way and that it is for their good. My fury levels were off the scale at certain points.
Brought together by their desire to perform and their love of dance, each girl has been tricked into joining the troupe and once initiated, is unable to speak about it to anyone who does not already know about it thus preventing the Marionettes from warning potential new members. Bound by the way they live and their shared suffering, a very close bond has developed between them. When Emberlyn decides she must act in an attempt to save them, she initially tries to distance herself from the others, causing hurt and confusion. For the reader, both her sense of isolation and the reaction of the others deepens the feelings of empathy for their plight. I won’t add anything about the romantic element so as not to spoil it for others.
The story is dark and disturbing, but the ending offers a real sense of hope and possibility as the girls are freed from the darkness of their existence and are able to make their own choices. Although the story is obviously fiction, the experiences of manipulation, control and gaslighting are ones which are, sadly, all too common in some people’s lives, adding a level of poignancy to the story.
Girls of Dark Divine
E V Woods
Usborne ISBN: 978-1805077633
Circle of Liars
When seven teenagers arrive for a school retreat, they find themselves at the Motel Loba, abandoned and rundown, not the top location they were expecting. But things only get worse when they find they are trapped and forced to play a game where every hour they must vote one person out, deciding who is to live and who to die. For each one of the seven has a secret about a school fire which ended in tragedy…and only one can survive.
A tense, dramatic read, ‘Circle of Liars’ is absolutely unputdownable! Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s ‘And then there were none’, it is full of twists and turns sure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat!
Told from different viewpoints, the story unfolds, highlighting the thoughts and feelings of certain characters as the truth about everyone’s involvement in and responsibility for the fire. The story not only explores how the different players deal with their feelings of culpability, but also how far they will go to save themselves, manipulating and coercing others, so that they will survive, sure to make readers wonder how they would act in a similar situation.
It is hard to review a book like this without spoiling it for others so suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and would readily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a pacy, compelling read with plenty of action and plenty to think about!
Circle of Liars
Kate Francis
Usborne ISBN: 978-1836042389
I Dare You
Best friends, Willow and Alma, are best friends who crave the attention which filming dares brings them. They might get into a little trouble, but it’s completely worth it as the likes keep clocking up. However, when they come up with the perfect prank which they are sure will go viral, things go horribly wrong.
‘I Dare You’ is a really powerful story, exploring the lure of fame and the negative power of social media.
Although from very different backgrounds, Willow and Alma formed a firm friendship the day they met. Willow never means to get into trouble, but always seems to find herself there and although slightly more cautious, Alma is determined not to let her friend down. They egg each other on to plan and film more and more risky, dangerous stunts until they finally hit on one which goes horrendously wrong, threatening to destroy more than just their friendship.
Both girls are thoroughly likeable and alternating chapters allow the reader to see events from each viewpoint. Some readers may relate to their overwhelming desire for likes and followers and yet as they steadily up the ante, feel a sense of impending doom at the risks they are taking. Without wishing to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, Tamsin Winter offers a far happier final outcome to the girls’ prank than the one which might have happened, allowing the story an optimistic conclusion whilst still being thought-provoking and cautionary.
The girls’ obsession with on-line popularity and their poor decision making make this an excellent book to provoke discussions. The girls are extremely relatable and sympathetic, neither are perfect, making this a poignant and important read.
I Dare You
Tamsin Winter
Usborne ISBN: 1805075721
Best of All Worlds
When Xavier wakes up on the first morning of a family weekend with his pregnant step-mum, Nia, and dad, Caleb, which he doesn’t want to be on, he doesn't recognise where they are. Everything inside seems the same- but it’s as if the house has been transported to a different location. Having thoroughly explored their new surroundings, the family discover that they are trapped in what appears to be an invisible, self-healing dome from which they cannot escape and have mysterious markings on their lower backs. When the birth of Nia’s baby proves complicated, it becomes apparent that they are being monitored by a benevolent, unseen power which intervenes when they need help.
Three years later, although he still desperately misses his real mother and older brother, Sam, who were left behind, Xavier and his family, including his little brother, Noah, have adapted to life on the farm which they have been given, adopting a self sufficient lifestyle and living off the land. Suddenly, another farm and then a new family- the Jacksons- appear in the dome. A family with very different views, a family with weapons…and a teenage daughter. Tension mounts on many levels as these differences drive a wedge between the two families as the actions of one seems to bring consequences for the other, creating an impossible situation.
‘Best of All Worlds’ is an utterly absorbing read which is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. On one level, it is an intriguing dystopian novel, with people trapped, controlled and isolated, forced to live their lives according to the ‘rules’ imposed upon them. However, it is also a provocative, challenging read, designed to spark discussion- argument even!
Once Xavier’s family- the Oaks- have explored all possibilities for escape, they have become resigned to their fate and adapted to their new lives, believing they have been victims of an alien abduction. For Xavier- Zay- things are different. Thirteen when first trapped, sixteen when the Jacksons arrive, there are things which he struggles with- missing his mother and brother, his friends, gaming, no sex; however, he too has fallen into the new daily rhythm of life. The appearance of a teenage girl, albeit one with a boyfriend, is unsettling enough, but he is also presented with the government conspiracy theories of Riley Jackson, father of the new family, and someone who is determined to escape. Zay finds himself caught between the two families.
There are other differences. The Oaks are pacifists, environmentally aware whilst the Jacksons are weapon-owning, deeply religious and hold some extreme racial views. This gulf between them highlights many political and social divides, encouraging exploration of human nature and disparate viewpoints. There is so much to explore here, not least the hints at the reasons behind the abduction, making this an excellent read for a book group.
Well written and engaging, ‘Best of All Worlds’ is a real page turner which leaves the reader with much to mull over, long after they close the book.
Best of All Worlds
Kenneth Oppel
Guppy Books ISBN: 978-1916558458
The Hive
Having picked this one up at FCBG Conference, I couldn’t wait to read it!
Feldspar awaits execution. As shield to an ascendant, a member of the Hive’s royal family, she should have died when her charge, Euphemie, was murdered, but she survived. Expecting no clemency, Feldspar is surprised when a member of the royal family, Niko, comes to her defence and starts investigating. They have three days to prove Feldspar’s innocence, three days to catch a killer- and in doing so, destroy everything she has been raised to believe.
‘The Hive’ is an excellent murder mystery, set in a dystopian society which bases its structure on that of a bee hive. At the top are the queens, the Apex or council made of of members of the royal family, and their children, ascendants, known by the position of their birth. Each ascendant has a shield, with whom they are bonded at birth. Shields are conditioned to protect their ascendant above all else- the death of an ascendant results in the death of their shield. So when Euphemie dies, Feldspar should have died as well. Her survival is seen as treason. This chilling society is well imagined and developed.
Feldspar is a compelling and complex character. Initially racked with guilt and grief over her survival and Euphemie’s death, her feelings gradually change as she learns more about her world and begins to question everything she has been brought up to believe. It is easy to empathise with her turbulent emotions, making her a very sympathetic character, challenging readers to reflect on her situation and the importance of individuals being allowed to choose for themselves, rather than live in restricted dictatorships.
The murder mystery is extremely well handled and as the days pass, the reader is kept guessing to the very end, with various false starts and red herrings along the way. My only quibble with this story is the ending. For me, everything ended very quickly so I hope that there will be another story set in this world, showing what happens to Feldspar and Niko next.
A gripping and pacy read!
The Hive
Anna February
Chicken House ISBN: 9781915947277
Under a Fire-Red Sky
Stuck on a train full of younger children being evacuated, there are four who do not want to go. Gradually, each comes to realise that they could simply get up and leave the carriage- and so they do. First to go is the Gremlin, followed by Lawrence, Olive and Franklin. Linked by this experience, they form an unlikely friendship as they face the Blitz in Greenwich.
Trying to summarise a book by Geraldine McCaughrean is almost impossible! Drawing on her firefighter father’s experiences of the London Blitz, ‘Under a Fire-Red Sky’ is a story driven by the experiences of these four unlikely friends as they cope with family life and changing relationships against the backdrop of the horrific events of the war. All their hopes and dreams are ruined as the world they knew drastically changed.
The Gremlin is a runaway, trying to escape her abusive father, ending up living in an abandoned van with her dog, Mutt. Despite being too young, Franklin is desperate to join the fire service. Described by his teacher as ‘rather intense’, Lawrence is determined to finish his secret ‘project’ and Olive, dutiful, well-behaved daughter, really doesn’t want to leave home. Although Olive and Lawrence vaguely know one another from school, the four teenagers are strangers to one another, yet are now bound together by their decision to leave the train.
Meticulously research and thus rich in historical detail, ‘Under a Fire-Red Sky’ is a compelling and absorbing read, conveying a strong sense of what life must have been like in London during the Blitz, with beautifully written, powerful descriptions throughout. Both content and style make this one for older readers as the lives and experiences of the four main characters and various events in the book are hard hitting, presented without sentimentality, yet made all the more poignant by this.
Geraldine McCaughrean is a master storyteller. This is one not to be missed.
Under a Fire-Red Sky
Geraldine McCaughrean
Usborne ISBN: 978-1836040774
This Song is About Us
As The Kerbs, a four piece band, are on the verge of success, lead singer, Drew, and his long term girlfriend, Ruby, have to decide whether to make their relationship public or to continue in secret. Wanting to maintain their privacy, it seems like an easy decision to make. However, fame comes at a price and Ruby is soon questioning this choice. As Drew- already vulnerable and troubled- faces the challenges of being in the public eye, it seems that their love might not stand the strain.
Told over the course of three music festivals, ‘This Song is About Us’ is told through Ruby’s eyes as Drew and The Kerbs rise to fame. Her relationship with Drew which blossomed under the unlikely conditions of lockdown is intense. Ruby sees the vulnerable side of Drew, who is naturally charming, presenting a carefree face to the world, which hides his troubled upbringing and his need to belong.
Without Ruby’s grounding influence, Drew begins to struggle with the demands of life behind the scenes in the music business, leading to a crisis in their relationship. Already a heavy drinker, Drew’s addition to alcohol and drugs starts to affect his mental health and his friendships within the band. Each character is skilfully nuanced, allowing the reader to empathise with their situation and become invested in them. Moving in places, the story hits hard in others, raising questions about the power and cruelty of social media and the ‘price’ of fame amongst other things.
The friendship between Ruby and Stel is a real joy. Girlfriend to another member of the group, Stel has a very different experience of the band’s fame as she and Lex choose to go public with their relationship. As Ruby watches, she sometimes envies how differently their relationships are playing out, but is glad of Stel’s affectionate company and loyalty throughout.
‘This Song is About Us’ certainly captures the spirit of summer with fun and festivals, but also the pressures of being young and in love. It is a compelling, thoroughly enjoyable read (I could not put it down!) which will leave everyone hoping for a happy ending!
This Song is About Us
Sara Barnard
Walker Books ISBN: 9781529525366
The Notorious Virtues
Honora Holtzfall- known as Nora- has always been considered her place in the succession of the most powerful family in all of Walstad. However, when her mother, the current Holtzfall Heiress, is found dead, suddenly the chance to control the wealth and the magic of the country is open to Nora’s cousins as well. Pitted against each other in the Veritaz Trials, a magical competition which decides the true heir, Nora and her cousins are stunned to learn of another contender, Lottie, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When she most needs to be focused on the events which will decide her future, Nora’s attention is diverted as she suspects that her mother’s death was actually murder.
‘The Notorious Virtues’ is a fabulous read. Utterly compelling, it mingles fantasy and fairy tale against a background of social unrest and revolution. Intrigue, deception, betrayal and loss have contributed to the creation of a highly dysfunctional family, living a life of untold privilege, clearly showing that money does not buy or guarantee happiness.
Events are related through the eyes of four different characters, but the story really revolves around the lives of Nora, the heiress presumptive, and Lottie, the cousin who grew up in a harsh convent with no idea of her true identity. Characterisation is one of the huge strengths of this story as the author skilfully develops each, creating genuine, flawed, interesting individuals where she might have settled for less. Both of these girls learn a great deal about themselves, the world they live in, family and trust as the story builds to its compelling- but open for the next step- climax.
Woven into the fabric of the story is ‘The Tale of the Woodcutter’, a fairy tale which explains how the Holtzfall family gained their position and how the trials came to be. The family are not only powerful in terms of wealth, but also of magic, creating huge tension between the haves and have-nots of society and leading to unrest, headed by a faction known as the Grims. However, there are shades of grey throughout the story with good and evil on both sides and a sense that equality for all might not be the true endgame. The story offers plenty to think about as well as an entertaining and engaging read.
It is a long book, but it is very well written and words are not wasted, making it very easy to escape into and enjoy! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The Notorious Virtues
Alwyn Hamilton
Faber ISBN: 978-0571342150
Watch Your Back
Starting the new school year has been a challenge for Kara. Her best friend, Eden, has a new boyfriend and has completely cut her off, leaving her friendless. When the year ‘freak’, Romilly, comes to her aid, Kara finds herself drawn into a friendship which she is unsure about and when unsettling things start to happen, Kara can’t help but suspect Romilly is behind them…
I love a book by Sue Wallman and I think this might be the best yet! ‘Watch Your Back’ is both thought-provoking and compelling, an absolute one-sitting read…and it took me almost to the conclusion to work out what was going on!
The story is cleverly plotted with plenty of clues, red herrings and twists, making it a very satisfying mystery. A sense of uneasy tension mounts as Kara starts to doubt all those around her, losing trust in them and feeling betrayed when her suspicions are not taken seriously. As she finds the tables turned so that she appears to be the aggressor rather than the victim, Kara’s sense of panic is all too real as she struggles to prove her innocence.
Kara is a really likeable, flawed, genuine character, with a loving family, living a messy, ‘real’ life which many readers will be able to relate to. When her close relationship with her one, best friend suddenly ends, she is completely derailed and confused. Her sense of bewilderment and hurt at this sudden rejection and at Eden’s apparent enjoyment of being part of the ‘cool’ group is really well captured as Kara circles through feelings of anger, confusion, loss and self-doubt.
Romilly is also really well captured. Ostracised by her peers, she is desperate for friendship and finds the muddy waters of how she is expected to behave difficult to navigate. The casual, thoughtless unkindness she faces is a harsh reminder that our school system is not kind to everyone.
Manipulation, control, deceit and true friendship are all explored in this engrossing story. One not to be missed!
Watch Your Back
Sue Wallman
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702332920
Published 13th March 2025
Capitana
Ximena Reale is determined to become a Cazadoro at La Academia de los Cazadores, but despite being a star student, her prospects are tarnished by her heritage. Five years ago, her parents were executed for being pirates and now her older sister’s behaviour is casting a shadow on Ximena’s rising star. When it seems that Gasparilla, a notorious, but supposedly dead, pirate captain, is in action once more, Ximena sees this as her opportunity to prove herself and achieve her dream…
‘Capitana’ is not normally the sort of book I would pick up- however, I am very glad that I did as I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you haven’t read it, please continue at your peril as I might give some bits away!
The plot moves at a lively pace, full of action and with plenty of twists, as Ximena gradually begins to question everything she has known and believed in all her life. Strong, determined and single-minded, she has done her duty ‘to the Law, to the Queen and to the Empire’ without thinking, rejecting friendship and expecting the ill treatment caused by her parents’ disgrace. As the book develops, there is a real change in her persona and she begins to question the system she has always believed in as she sees the harm done by imperialism and ruthless authority on her journey to defeat Gasparilla, ultimately leading to her defying the Empire and taking a very different path.
The writing is really atmospheric, scattered with Spanish vocabulary, immersing the reader in Ximena’s world with vivid descriptions. Although there are many deaths and plenty of violence, the author manages to avoid being overly gory. Similarly, the simmering romance between Ximena and her arch rival, Dante de Leon, who has progressed through nepotism rather than effort, is really well handled, not over-done as it is in some ‘teen romance’ stories!
Great good stuff!
Capitana
Cassandra James
Hot Key Books ISBN: 1471416743
Out on the 4th February
After Life
Cycling home after school one day, Amber Crane notices a few things are different; however, nothing prepares her for the shock of her mother screaming in horror when she sees her. Amber should be dead. Victim of a hit-and-run seven years ago, her death sent shockwaves of grief through her family and friends, impacting even those who barely knew her. So how is it possible that she has returned- and why?
‘After Life’ is a very powerful and thought-provoking novel, exploring ideas around grief, love and how one person can affect others in varying ways.
Told from differing view points through shifting time frames, the story builds the picture of what happened to Amber, her relationships when alive and the aftermath of her death, exploring range of ways people respond to and cope with (or not) surviving someone they knew, particularly one so young. There is much to absorb here. Her parents’ relationship- a love-at-first-sight dream match- cannot withstand the loss of their child; nor can the close bond of her mother and aunt. The building of the back story here through the time shifts and differing viewpoints emphasises the weight of what is lost. Similarly, it allows the reader to learn that not all in Amber’s life was as she thought it was, meaning her loss is weighted with guilt and regret for others who knew her.
There is so much to this moving story, but one of the most powerful elements for me is how Amber’s sister, Melissa, has kept her relationship with her sister alive after death by continuing to have conversations with her, nurturing her love for her and finding comfort in this way.
A beautiful book- have tissues at the ready!
After Life
Gayle Forman
Hot Key ISBN: 978-1471418310
The Party
When Bessie and her friends decide to attend a secret party at a remote and desolate castle, they are looking forward to a brilliant weekend. However, things quickly start to go wrong and as the weather worsens, one of their number dies…followed by another…and another… Left suspecting everyone, is there anyone one Bessie can trust and will she get out alive?
I’ll just read a couple of pages before getting on with some work, I said to myself! However, once I started reading ‘The Party’ there was no way I was going to stop until I’d finished.
Trapped in the castle by the storm and the flooding moat, a group of friends from boarding school quickly find themselves facing danger. The castle is owned by the parents of twins, Allegra and Fergus, whose plans to develop the building into luxury flats has caused outrage and hostility from the locals. When exploring the (vividly described!) castle, Bessie is unsettled to discover threatening graffiti in the cellar which she ascribes to this group. Her feelings of unease are shared by the reader as tension quickly mounts and the situation moves from bad to worse.
As ever when reviewing a book like this, it is really hard find a balance between doing the book justice whilst not spoiling it for those yet to read it, but I’ll try to be careful. After a steady start, scattered with details and hints about the group and their relationships, the story builds quickly, gaining pace as the suspense and action mount. There are plenty of red herrings as the reader is left guessing and second guessing as the death count mounts in a scenario reminiscent of ‘And Then there were None’ as you find the very person you thought was doing it couldn’t have- or could they?! It’s a real page turner, leading to a very satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
If you enjoy a good murder mystery, ‘The Party’ is a must read!
The Party
Natasha Preston
Hot Key Books ISBN: 978-1471418266
Mondays are Murder
After the death of her friend, Ivy, Kay thought she had left Longrove for good. However, when her parents go on a cruse to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary, she finds herself sent back there, ‘dumped’ on her Uncle Dara and her cousin, Nikki. Just as she thinks things can’t get any worse, she finds a letter on her bed, a letter telling her that there will be a thrill on Tuesday, a wreckage on Wednesday, treachery on Thursday, a fire on Friday, sabotage on Saturday, a stabbing on Sunday - and her murder on Monday.
From the first page, ‘Mondays are Murder’ is a gripping read, full of red herrings and twists which all build to a very satisfying conclusion.
As well as the death of Ivy, Longrove is also full of memories of her Aunt Sandra, Nikki’s mother, idolised by Kay for her ability to solve puzzles and the work she used to do as a detective. Whilst looking through some of her things, Kay and Nikki discover a notebook which suggests that Aunt Sandra was conducting her own investigation into Ivy’s death, adding another layer of intrigue and mystery to the story, intertwining with the girls’ determination to discover the identity of Monday and prevent Kay’s predicted murder.
Flashbacks to past events are interspersed through the action, affording readers a glimpse of the events which led to Ivy’s death and offering clues and misdirection along the way. The plot is skilfully constructed, combining murder mystery with thriller whilst exploring family dynamics, relationships and grief. Dark in places, the combination of compelling action, appealing characters and an atmospheric setting make this a compulsive read!
Mondays are Murder
Ravena Guron
Usborne ISBN: 978-1805075707
Whispering Hollow
Pippa Newton loves nature and loves the time she spends with her grandfather at his cottage in the woods. Her brother, Jed, used to enjoy these trips as well, but now lacks enthusiasm. However, they arrive to find their grandfather reluctant to let them stay and Pippa soon realises that something malevolent is lurking, causing Grandpa to be fearful and act strangely. When Pippa disobeys her grandfather and creeps out into the woods at night to use her night vision binoculars, things quickly spiral out of control.
In ‘Whispering Hollow’, Rachel Burge has created a spooky tale, full of suspense and menace, perfect for the darkening evenings- if you are someone who likes a good scare! The strange behaviour of her grandfather, his unkempt appearance, the sinister twig men hanging around the house create a tense atmosphere from the outset, leaving the reader wondering what might happen next.
Set in Cornwall, the story draws on the rich folklore and traditional tales of that area with hidden folk, spriggan and changelings and the narrative moves between the two worlds. But the story is also about siblings and the deep bonds they can share, of loss and change and family and the wonders of the natural world, making it a satisfying read as well as a dark and creepy one.
Whispering Hollow
Rachel Burge
Welbeck ISBN: 978-1804536179
The Twelve
Kit and her little sister, Libby, find themselves with their mother on a winter holiday on the Welsh coast. When Libby vanishes, not even their mother can remember her - it is as if she has been erased from the world. Then Kit meets Story, a local boy, who clearly remembers Libby and determined to solve the mystery surrounding her sister's disappearance, they join forces, embarking on a quest which takes them into a world of myth and folklore, where Kit must face her fears to save her sister.
Deeply atmospheric and compelling, ‘The Twelve’ is a magical read, throbbing with ancient power and mystery. Perfect for those who love something a little different, it is thought-provoking, in places eerie and tense, but also a deeply satisfying adventure.
The relationship between Libby and Kit is really well developed and special. Often animosity and bickering characterise sibling relationships in books, but these sisters have a close bond. Libby is bubbly and energetic, full of passions and impulsive interests, at times exhausting to be around, but the two share wild imaginations and lots of laughter, meaning Kit’s sense of loss is sharp and real when her sister goes missing. Kit is a wonderful character. Tormented by a bully at school, she is vulnerable and full of self doubt; however, her new friendship with Story offers her someone who actually believes in her, someone who sees her worth and allows her gradually to come to see herself in a new light, find the courage she needs to save her sister and, ultimately, to seek help with her tormentor.
Stunning descriptions of the natural world underline the environmental message running through the tale. The beauty of the newly fallen snow, the wonder of the bird life, the power of landscape are all vividly conveyed, forming a magical background to a magical story. A perfect read for this time of year!
The Twelve
Liz Hyder, illustrated by Tom de Freston
Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782693987
Raz Beri
Billy Turpin has cerebral palsy and is finding life at secondary school challenging. Dealing with bullies, thoughtless teachers and an over-helpful helper, he just wishes everyone would stop treating him differently. Mia, also a wheelchair user, has recently started his school and constantly challenges him to stand up for himself. When it is announced that Mia’s uncle is a famous footballer and is going to visit the school, Billy is thrilled and hopes that this might be his chance to prove he is just like everyone else. However, when the footballers act disgracefully, Billy realises he needs to take matters into his own hands.
‘Raz Beri’ is not a comfortable read, but it is completely absorbing and packs a very powerful punch. Told from Billy’s perspective, the story exposes the thoughtlessness, casual cruelty and hideous bullying which make up Billy’s daily experiences, creating real empathy. There is nothing self-pitying about his narrative, even in the face of some incredibly cruel name calling which he calmly explains whilst making it clear how hurtful this is. His relationship with Mia adds a new perspective as she is fiercely independent. Whereas Billy is happy to let Mrs Welbeck, the helper who has transitioned with him from primary school, continue to help him with things he is now able to do for himself because he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, Mia insists that he should be more independent and challenge people when they patronise or hurt him. She is an amazing character!
The book also challenges the education system in its meaningful provision for children with additional needs where purposeful planning in lessons like PE would have positive outcomes rather than just occupying students during a lesson. Mr Marsh very much represents the stereotypical games teacher whose lessons are torture for anyone not a keen athlete and who I had very much hoped we had consigned to the last century. There is much food for thought for teachers here too.
In places, ‘Raz Beri’ is a painful, challenging read, yet it is ultimately up-lifting, powerful and poignant. A must read for everyone.
Raz Beri
Matt Stephens
Firefly ISBN: 978-1915444615
Published 29th August 2024
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Having enrolled at a girls’ boarding school on a remote island in an attempt to escape her past, Charley is determined to keep a low profile. She and her room mate, Olive, share a passion for horror films and so know all the rules of how to survive in these situations. Or they think they do… When someone starts killing her classmates, Charley finds herself at the heart of her own horror movie where she not only keeps finding dead bodies, but is also haunted by the ghosts of those who have been murdered. Charley not only needs to follow all the rules learned from watching films, but to listen to the dead if she is to catch a killer.
This is absolutely NOT the sort of book I would normally pick up! I hate horror films, run a mile at ghost trains and avoid scary situations at all costs…however, I am really pleased I read this as despite the title and some grisly murders, it was an excellent read!
A fast paced, easy read, ‘How to Survive a Horror Movie’ brilliantly plays on all the tropes of the genre as Charley hurtles from death to death, her worst fears being realised as the ‘suicides’ as her school seems determined to call them prove to be increasingly vicious murders. The story includes some gory descriptions, but the there is a real tongue-in-cheek sense of humour running through everything which somehow means even a wimp like me managed to read everything.
Behind all the blood and suspense, there is a strong storyline which makes sense of the events which take place- but I am not going to offer any spoilers! Although I worked out who was behind things, I was only partially correct and the actual conclusion was far more satisfying than the one I had envisioned. The characters are very well formed, particularly Charley and Megan, one of the ghosts of those who have been murdered and it is easy to get swept up in the action.
I absolutely loved this one despite all expectations to the contrary! Can’t wait for book 2!
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Scarlett Dunmore
Little Tiger ISBN: 978- 1788957120
Published September 5th 2024