The sugarcane kids and the empty cage by Charlie Archbold
Text Publishing, 2024. ISBN: 9781922790996. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is the second exciting adventure book in The Sugarcane Kids series. Written by South Australian author Charlie Archbold, the story is once again set in a small coastal town in far North Queensland, surrounded by lush, green, tropical rainforests, mangroves and the sea. In this latest publication, Andy and Eli and their friends, Bernie, Fletch and Harvey, are drawn to solve yet another mystery: the disappearance of native animals. At the beginning of the book are some very pertinent facts related to the plot that provide a glimpse of two of the much-loved animals, as well as the humorous side to Andy who is telling the story.
The narrative begins with an explanation of Nyepi Day, a Balinese tradition important to Eli’s family and friends. It is at Eli’s place that the reader learns about Gloria, an eclectus parrot who goes everywhere with Old Jean. Sadly, it is Gloria that is the first missing animal. This is devastating for many especially Old Jean. This is quickly followed by the disappearance of Anna, ‘not an anaconda’ but a scrub python housed in the library then Lenny, the bearded dragon that lives in the clubhouse at the golf course. Running parallel to this is the absent classroom teacher Mrs Cummins and canteen manager and bus driver Mrs Mathur, who have been replaced by Declan Nightweasel who basically lets the students do as they please, and Lyndell Hench who manages the canteen with an iron fist and drives the bus like it’s in a race.
It is not long before the intrepid Sugarcane Kids realise that something is not quite right with the Hench, as she is now called, and two twin visitors who seem to appear at the most obvious of times. The Kids meet daily to try to solve the mystery and it is while they are separated and finding out more about their suspects, that what has been happening and where the missing animals may be, falls into place. The evil adults in the story will stop at nothing to make money from the illegal trade of native Australian animals and the children do put themselves in danger on a number of occasions. But with bravery, clever problem solving and using the skills they each have they are able to out thwart the criminals.
The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is another rollicking read where children are given the freedom to roam and spend their days talking, bike riding, problem solving and enjoying their natural environment. The wonderful descriptive language used to describe different habitats add to the whole enjoyment of the story, and with the fabulous use of humour this a highly engaging read that will appeal to many middle grade readers.
Themes Family, Friends, Far North Queensland, Adventure, Danger, Excitement, Illegal Native Animal Trade, Suspicions, Investigative Skills, Humour.
Two German backpackers go missing in the hot, dry outback on their way to a job. They were last seen in the hotel in the village of Caloodie, where DS Lucas Walker is looking after his dying grandmother. Walker is tasked with unofficially looking into the case by the Federal Police. The local police believe that the backpackers have just moved on from the outback to the coast and that they will be in touch. Barbara a detective from Berlin, is certain something has happened to her sister as she was very regular with contacting her family. She travels to Caloodie to see what she can find. Walker and Barbara then bring their unique skills to an investigation that brings to light drugs trade and a serial killer. Will they be able to find the backpackers in time to save them?
Wolf’s descriptions of the outback bring it vividly to life. The heat, the dust, the danger of cars breaking down in isolated spots, the necessity to carry water and provisions and means of communication are all laid out as the young backpackers set off on a lonely road in an old car. Barbara, coming from the cold of Berlin, finds the heat overwhelming, but is still determined to find her sister and she is persistent in her researching of missing people who have disappeared in outback Queensland. The lives of the townspeople of Caloodie and the outlying areas and the effect of drought on them also provides a background to the story as does the machinations of drug dealers.
Fans of police procedurals and Australian noir will find Outback very difficult to put down. Wolf maintains the suspense as Lucas and Barbara follow different clues and I completed the book in a couple of sittings, so gripping was the tension around the missing backpackers. At the conclusion there are some threads left to complete, which are likely to appear in the second in the DS Walker series, Paradise, which I look forward to reading.
Themes Thriller, Mystery, Detectives.
Pat Pledger
Bidhi galing: Big rain by Anita Heiss
Simon & Schuster, 2023. ISBN: 9781761105258. (Age:5+) Recommended.
This inspiring picture book tells the story of the great flood of Gundagai in 1852, when many European settlers had taken the plains for themselves, unaware that the local people, the Wiradyuri had stories about the floods on these plains. Near Gundagai, the floods of 1852 are legendary, and Anita Heiss has written a book, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray, which documents this event. Now available as a picture book, the story will appeal to younger readers as they see what the local people did to save so many.
Wagadhaany grew up near the Marrambidya Bila. She loved to dance in the rain, and loved hearing stories about the Bila from her father, Yarri. Seeing the white people building on the plains, Yarri tried to warn them but to no avail.
Years later, the big rains came. This flood is considered Australia’s most deadly flood, as 98 people were killed. But the toll would have been much higher had it not been for the efforts of a group of Wiradyuri men using their bark canoes to navigate the flood waters and bringing people to safety. Yarri and Jacky Jacky were the only two named.
Through the book, Heiss gives readers a sense of the culture, stories and lifestyle of the Wiradyuri people.
Heiss was learning her language, Wiradyuri when she came across the story of Bila and Jacky Jacky. She felt that their story would be a way of presenting the Wiradyuri culture to a wider audience. Illustrations by Samantha Campbell are majestic as they sweep across each page, the usually harmless river rising to a monumentally devastating flood, trapping all in its path.
This wonderful story epitomises Wiradyuri words for respect and caring for each other: (yindyamarra (respect), and winhangagigilanha (caring for each other)), and these are used in the text along with several others which give the readers a wider perspective. A glossary at the end of the book gives information about the words used, and an afterword by Heiss details her involvement in writing about this amazing event.
More can be found out about the Gundagai Floods in 1852 from the National Museum.
Themes Bravery, Floods, Great flood of 1852, Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Wiradyuri (Aboriginal people of southern New South Wales).
Willa and Woof: Camp Chaos is the seventh book in the delightful Willa and Woof series by best-selling children's author Jacqueline Harvey. Willa Jane Tait (as she introduces herself) is the delightful little central character (a year four student) and Woof is her albino Irish wolfhound. Each book in the series is about a different adventure involving Willa and Woof. In Willa and Wolf: Camp Chaos the adventure is set on a school camp.
Willa and Woof: Camp Chaos is perfect for year four teachers and children and would be particularly beneficial if read as a whole-class story just before the class goes away on camp. Year Four is often the first time that children go on camp and reading a story about the organisation of school camps, some of the activities, the fun and some of the things that can go wrong can offset some of the pre-camp nerves that many children experience.
With first person access to Willa, our chatty little narrator, the reader has a direct line to Willa's thoughts and observations. Sometimes she is spot on in her assumptions and views and sometimes she is hilariously wrong but she is always acutely observant. Willa is a plucky, smart and engaging central character. She is a very good friend to Tae who is mysteriously worried about camp and also a very good friend to elderly Frank who lives in a nursing home close to Willa's house. Harvey depicts intergenerational relationships beautifully. Willa is surrounded by secure and warm relationships with family, friends, her teacher and of course Woof. Harvey teaches Willa and Tae survival skills that become useful on camp and the children have the opportunity to display resilience and capability when faced with frightening situations.
The illustrations by Sydney based artist A. Yi are very appealing. A.Yi also teamed with Jacqueline Harvey on the Alice Miranda series. Sometimes one feels that authors and illustrators just belong together. Like Quentin Blake's illustrations define Roald Dahl's characters, A. Yi's sketches bring Jacqueline Harvey's characters to delightful life. Yi's illustrations of Woof with all his doggy exuberant emotions of happiness, worry, eagerness, concern and pride are an absolute delight.
Willa is like another Milly Molly Mandy but she is a little Aussie school girl. For all those fans of Jacqueline Harvey's Alice-Miranda, Clementine-Rose and Kensy and Max, the Willa and Woof series is just as captivating and Willa and Woof: Camp Chaos is a delightful addition. Recommended for all home and school libraries.
Themes School camps, Friends, Survival skills, Resilience.
Bea’s bad day is another in this series about feelings. The others in The big bright feelings book series are shown on the inside back cover and include Tilda tries again, and Milo’s monster. In this book about feelings, Bea is shown as an ordinary young girl doing things with her family, until something upsets her and she gives in to her temper.
Her birthday is in two days’ time. She is very excited. Her grandparents and cousins are all visiting to cut the cake and share her birthday with her. The day before her birthday she ventures outside and finds snow is falling. A few snowflakes hit her face, but then it keeps on snowing. The snow is so deep that the postman cannot call in to deliver her cards and presents.
On the day of her birthday she is more than disappointed when none of the expected visitors can come. Her sad feelings emanate from her. As her temper takes over shards fill the air around her. Mum tries to placate her and gives her a present. One of the grandparents rings her to wish her well, but her disappointment does not lessen and the shards are still around her.
Her brother Archie takes her outside and together they play and toboggan in the snow. Returning home she finds decorations in the house for her birthday and dad walks in with her birthday cake. Unfortunately he trips and the cake lands upside down on the table. Everyone holds their breath wondering what Bea will do. She gets a spoon and eats some of the cake, so does Archie, and then her parents because even though it does not look like it usually does, it is still delicious and they all laugh together as they spoon the cake into their mouths.
This charming story of one girl’s temper will have repercussions with the readers as they learn through the story that losing one’s temper does not change what has happened. Bea loses her temper over something which is unavoidable and her presents and brother show her that one disappointment can lead on to doing something else instead. And doing it all together with a laugh helps as well.
The Strange Sighting, by Ash Harrier, is the latest addition to the Alice England Mysteries series and will certainly not disappoint middle grade readers. Filled with an enthralling blend of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural, this story will keep readers intrigued from start to finish. The story revolves around 13-year-old Alice England, who, alongside her father, operates a funeral parlour. Alice possesses a special gift: she can uncover secrets about the recently deceased by touching their belongings.
This novel sees Alice’s unique abilities taking her into the intriguing world of marine scientist, Stingray Bolland, whose recent passing has left some unanswered questions. Along with her loyal friends Cal and Violet, and Cal’s cousin Hana, the group embark on a thrilling investigation into the mysterious events surrounding Damocles Cove and the Quay. Recent sightings of mythical creatures, the storm kelpies, surrounding the local waters, a stolen scientific logbook and read fortunes, will leave Alice and her friends trying to determine facts from fiction, but will the truth be hidden too deep to decipher?
Alice's love of science and logical thinking makes her character particularly captivating. Readers will find relatability and inspiration through her experiences of friendship complexities, struggles with the supernatural and proven science along with navigating newfound interaction with her estranged mother. This storyline encompasses her journey not just a quest for truth, but also a path of personal growth.
The Strange Sighting is a captivating read that combines mystery, fantasy and the complexities of adolescence. Harrier has crafted another story that will not only entertain young readers but also encourage them to think critically and value the importance of friendship and perseverance. Fans of the Alice England Mysteries will not be disappointed, and newcomers will quickly find themselves drawn into Alice's fascinating world.
What a dad is called in other countries may be a different word, but they are all the same. They may be short or tall, fat or thin, but they are still dads and in this book, children will see that no matter the name, these people are loving, supportive and kind.
In this charming heartfelt letter to all fathers, Ashleigh and Marina give kids a vocabulary rich text to puzzle over, learn and recite, while looking closely at the intriguing illustrations which give an insight into the world of the fathers on the page. From Baba to Papi, Da and Nan, these new words beg to be spoken aloud, put in a sentence, delving into the land where this word means the same as ours - dad. Perhaps some in the group or class can add others in other language, adding more words to learn and countries to visit on the map or in an atlas. This book introduces excited young readers aged 3+ to a range of new vocabulary and people. Adela, a Slovak girl takes her puppy to the vet, with the help of her Otec. And Ikemba travelling with his Nna, the Igbo word for father.
The rhyming stanzas introduce all readers to the scope of different words and families across the globe.
Enhanced by detailed illustrations, the image on each page depicts a dad in his environment, doing something with his child. Warm and encompassing, the bright, breezy images show families at their best, doing things together, even if huddled together under a blanket watching a movie, or playing soccer with a lot of other children and their fathers. At the end of the book is a glossary for each of the fathers. Ready for Father’s Day in September, the book is a useful tool for all year round as children learn of countries outside their own.
This is an awful dark descent into the mire of the magical world where the grasp for power and authority have created fractures in families and between friends and in the magical realms of the mostly black (but some white) community members in New Orleans. Focusing mostly on twins, Cristina and Clem, who tell the story of their own personal struggles with magic, with grief and relationships, and with the history of their magical family’s decline from its once lofty position in the magical arena. Sadly, the drama is awash with lots of awful behaviour and choices, and secrets abound, and magic is dark and disturbing.
This is a book I would not recommend to anyone. I was horrified as an adult by the magical darkness, there was nothing uplifting about the magic (Harry Potter is a nursery rhyme in comparison) - even the practice of necromancy was exploited as a plot twist. Sexual connection between the young gay main character and his new love interest was described with far too intimate detail; there was violence, a suggestion of voodoo and disturbing tension throughout the book. Friendship was fraught for most characters, and almost no magical characters could maintain a healthy relationship. Although the political and family drama created literary and plot tension, the pursuit of justice seemed inherently to lead to more violence in a horrific magical demonstration that as readers we are expected to feel satisfied with. I was not impressed. This is not a book I can recommend - I would not put it on any shelf where a teenager could accidentally become a consumer.
Themes Fantasy, Black magic, LGBTIQ, Murder, Power, Politics, Family drama, Horror.
Roswell Johnson saves the world! is a book, by a celebrity author, that is a fun and worthwhile read for Middle school readers, especially if they are fans of Star Wars, space and science. And if readers are not fans of the space/science genre, then Roswell Johnson saves the world! could just spark that interest.
The author of Roswell Johnson saves the world!, Chris Colfer, is a #New York Times bestselling author and Golden Globe-winning actor. Colfer's best-selling series of children's fantasy books, The land of stories, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Roswell Johnson saves the world!, described as Guardians of the Galaxy meets The land of stories, is the first book of a much anticipated new series. It is well structured; a circular story, with Roswell (the central character) leaving and then returning to the family farm after a step-by-step intergalactic quest is completed. Each chapter is preceded by full-page black and white interiors.
Colfer has a funny, whip-smart and warm authorial style. Time and time again, laugh out loud situations and conversations occur. Roswell Johnson is a great central character who the reader cannot help but want to cheer on. He is an 11 year-old orphan, living with his grandparents on the Johnson family chicken farm in Cherokee Springs county, Oklahoma. He is named after Roswell, New Mexico where one of the most famous sightings of a UFO occurred. Roswell is obsessed with all things UFO and the book introduces him presenting at the ubiquitous school Science Fair. Despite his obvious intelligence (or perhaps because of it) he is a lonely oddity - a nerd - but a delightfully smart and switched on one. After he fails to win the prize for the best exhibit, he tells his grandmother...'It doesn't matter how hard I work on something! People don't like me, they don't like my ideas, or they don't like the colour of my skin...I give up.' His grandmother tells him...'Life isn't always fair or easy...but life has also blessed you with a brilliant mind...' Colfer shares much wisdom for the young reader through the trials that await the young characters in the book.
At the end of chapter one there is a cliffhanger. The disappointed, shattered Roswell imagines himself climbing into a spaceship and leaving Earth, his classmates and '...although it was impossible for him to know it then...in just a few hours that's exactly what would happen...' Roswell is accidentally abducted by aliens and ends up leading a team of disparate other-wordly beings in an action-packed race to save the world from evil and disgusting reptoids. Each of the team represents different planets and constellations (some real and some imaginary) and each offers different skills that make them successful as a team. A mysterious UFO saves them from certain death at times and questions start to arise around Roswell's special status and this puzzling craft.
Themes of the destruction and pollution of Earth, the greed and war-mongering of humans as a species and questions about whether life as we know it is doomed sit behind Roswell Johnson saves the world! Compared to extra-terrestrial life forms, humans have only achieved a second grade rating; they are not nearly as sophisticated as more evolved and civilised E.T.s. Colfer's story though places agency in the hands of young people and the message is to use intelligence, band together with good allies, brave everything and work it out.
Roswell Johnson saves the world! is a rollicking story, with engaging characters, important messages and much imparted wisdom. In the Author's Note, Colfer encourages readers to research further the strange and true events that are described in the story. Roswell Johnson saves the world!, besides being an exciting read, is a book which will spark interest in many branches of Science.
Themes U.F.O.s, Extra- terrestrial beings, Space, Middle school science.
Wendy Jeffrey
I'll be waiting for you by Mariko Turk
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781760526603. (Age:16+)
The opening scene of this book takes place in a ‘haunted’ hotel around a ouija board, where teen friends Natalie and Imogen are trying to contact the dead. The Harlow Hotel where they are staying is renowned for spiritualists and mediums and particularly for the presence of the long-dead Agnes Thripp. The teen girls are fascinated by the story and yet the possibilities of speaking to those who have died seems far from primary in their busy lives away from their holiday destination. Sadly, Natalie must face incredible grief and her own doubts and beliefs about the possibility of encountering and hearing from those who have passed away. A return to the Harlow Hotel raises all sorts of metaphorical and real possibilities, and being thrust into a new friendship with the ‘new boy’ from school also gives her new ways of seeing the world without her old friend, Imogen.
This is a dramatic tale set within the haze of grief and psychological distress. With the idea of the possibility of ghosts and communication with the dead to be challenged or believed, this story has a dark and unsettling feel. Natalie is a devotee of horror movies, so there is an almost movie-like tension to the story too. The chance to regain psychological health after grief is explored, and romance wafts through an otherwise uncomfortable journey through haunted experiences. I was uncomfortable with the spiritualism and ghost story threads throughout the story, but the positivity of counselling help and debunking some of the myths of the mediums restored some reason and sense within the story. I am not sure that I would put this book into the hands of many young people, it has some hard and harrowing aspects. There are some positive aspects re ‘believing in yourself’ themes and a gentle teen romance, that are not uncommon in YA literature, that almost redeem what could be a depressing story.
Penguin, 2024. ISBN: 9780241702598. (Age:18+) Recommended for mature readers only.
This is a darkly uncomfortable teen romantic thriller, trespassing into the world of dysfunctional relationships and abuse. It feels more like a deep-dive into darkness and sad lies and psychological distress, but at the same time there are small moments when the warmth of family and friendship breaks through. There was also an X-rated journey into ‘almost’ teen-pornography as the author took the readers into hormone-fueled teen encounters that were perhaps too detailed. Certainly not comfortable being a fly-on-the-wall reader in these intimate moments, and perhaps not necessary either. The central character has to deal with an enormous cloud of guilt after a road accident that kills a friend, upends her life and connections to everyone around her. Can she recover from the worst day of her life? And will the diary notes from ‘beyond the grave’ provide comfort or fracture memories? Where can she turn now?
Told through the voices of Ella, Sawyer, and the diary entries of Hayley, the story of trust, mistrust, lies and doubt and the fear of a journey into an abusive relationship are all mingled together into a thriller few would see coming. The darkness of abuse is a hard theme to read for entertainment and so this is a book that must come with a cautionary comment. It is not for the vulnerable. The overly detailed physical and implied sensual/sexual relationship is also perhaps too intense for a light read and certainly not for young teens. The author cleverly obfuscates the perpetrator of abuse by hiding their identity with a single letter reference. Almost every male in the story seems a potential threat. Consequently, this reviewer is reluctant to whole-heartedly endorse the commendation of a compelling story that seems to be a ‘made-for-screen’ thriller. It is cleverly written, but a challenge to promote to teen readers.
18+ Readers only?
Themes Romance-Thriller, Abuse, Coercive control, Teen relationships, Friendship, Guilt, Generational dysfunction, Teen pregnancy.
Amelia, a teen for whom classical dance is everything, has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and devastated, she fears that this will end her ballet career at the Perth dance academy. She tries to sidestep her parents’ protective behaviour as she learns how to manage her condition, and realises how it also affects her other relationships. Amelia also has to contend with a new teacher who is choreographing modern dance, not her forte, for the academy’s showcase.
Her best friend Valentina comes from a large traditional Italian family and also fears her dancing ambitions are coming to an end as her family struggles to pay the tuition fees and she realises that she has stiff competition for being awarded a coveted scholarship.
The chapters alternate between Amelia and Valentina’s points of view. This gives both a ‘personal’ and ‘best friend’ perspective to their dilemmas, which include accepting a diabetes diagnosis and learning to manage it, and negotiating the conflict between migrant family values, and wider Australian culture.
Following the characters in One Wrong Turn, published in 2023, Marrapodi’s second ballet book shows the intense focus needed to succeed in the dance world. She has created a world that avid dancers, both classical and contemporary, would easily recognise and relate to. Marrapodi also addresses the difficulties of gaining independence from family, and forging and maintaining peer friendships, that most teen readers would have experience of. Her characters are strong young women who realise they need to both cooperate and compete, in order to achieve their dreams.
Marrapodi’s text incorporates many dance terms and Italian dialogue which would be appreciated by readers familiar with these terms, but do not make reading difficult for those unfamiliar, as they are well embedded within the context of the story.
This is a fast-paced read that will have readers invested in the characters and kept guessing right to the end; will Amelia be able to continue to dance? Will Valentina win the scholarship? Highly recommended for middle grade readers, particularly those interested in ballet. Teaching notes are available.
Dad is itching to do something new. He is sick of the zoo, and wants the kids to get away from eating popcorn by the television. He encourages them to follow him up the wall, to try out Parkour, just like him. The first attempt sees him slip and bump into a tree. He runs flat out and runs through a wall. Dazed he picks himself up and asks the kids what he can try next. He jumps onto a board to try out skateboarding, how hard can it be? But he of course, lands in a very smelly bin. He just brushes himself off and looks for a scooter. And his next accident is coming off the motorised scooter. He brushes off the children’s worries, telling them that he is OK.
Next he tries dirt bikes, certain that he will recall his youth when he was adept at tricks with a dirt bike. Unsurprisingly he lands on his back, but this does not deter him at all. Rock climbing is the next event to be tried. He climbs the rock wall, but finds an eagle at the top intent on moving the intruder and so he lands in the rose garden
While in hospital he thinks of all the other things he could try: a jet ski, or hang gliding, or parachuting, but back home, encased in plaster, he is confined to the couch where he has no choice but to watch with the kids as his attempts to be epic go viral.
A wonderfully funny look at fathers trying to be epic with their kids. Showing off with attempts at everything, he models the virtue of trying again, of attempting something that may be scary, of trying and trying again, of not giving up. All these virtues are ones to be aimed for, so will be great to discuss with a group of kids. They will be amazed at the tings Dad gets up to, despite failing so epically at things he tries.
Children will laugh out land at the things Dad tries and the end product of his attempts. He is spectacularly inept, always splendidly confident and superbly Dad.
A loving tribute to the lengths dads will go to work with their kids, providing a mentor and model for their fun.
Similarly wonderful illustrations show Dad doing his best in front of his kids, ending in many slips all shown with great fun.This is the third book in a series about the epic dad, after My epic dad takes us camping and My epic dad takes us fishing, all triggering much laughter from the target audience.
Themes Adventure, Fathers, Fathers and sons, Verse, Determination.
Fran Knight
Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold by Ashleigh Barton. Illus. by Peter Cheong
Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold by Ashleigh Barton is a witty and delightful story in the new series of Freddie Spector books. Certain to capture the hearts of young readers with its charming protagonist and engaging storyline, 8-year-old Freddie, has a unique hobby of using sticky notes to capture and share his interesting facts with others.
In this novel, everyone at Freddie’s school is excited and preparing for sports day; an event that fills Freddie with dread because he isn’t good at sport. So, to overcome his sports day reservations, Freddie dives into his comfort zone, collecting a plethora of weird and unusual sports facts. These interesting discoveries are interspersed throughout the book, adding an extra layer of fun and education.
Despite some early morning trainings, run by his athletic Auntie Lou and joined by his sporty best friend Theo and sister Henrietta, Freddie doesn’t feel any more confident about his physical abilities. However, the story takes an exciting turn when the sports day medals are stolen. Freddie, though not keen on sports day, understands its significance to his peers and steps up to solve the mystery. He is determined to retrieve the medals, as he is worried the event will be cancelled. But, is being the fastest athlete the only thing that is important on sports day, or are there other elements that are more significant?
Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold is a must-read for children, offering a perfect blend of humour, adventure and life lessons. Barton masterfully weaves a narrative that highlights important themes; teaching readers about perseverance, friendship and the true spirit of sportsmanship, along with Freddie’s fascinating facts, which add an educational twist, making the book both entertaining and informative. Cleverly paired with Peter Cheong’s black and white illustrations, this short novel is sure to resonate with young readers and remind them that everyone has unique strengths to contribute in all situations.
Tipping point is the 3rd in the Detective Kate Miles series following The torrent and Taken and is another gripping police procedural with the intrepid Kate Miles bringing all her intelligence and tenacity to solve a case, this one very close to home. Her brother Luke has come home for the funeral of his best friend Ant Reed, from school. The Queensland police have closed the case as suicide, but his father is adamant that he would never have committed suicide and begs Kate to investigate. Then shortly after, another of Luke’s friends, Marcus Rowntree, the son of a famous actor, is found dead on his property. Is it suicide or murder? Luke is the prime suspect and Kate is taken off the case because of conflict of interest. Her father begs her to help her brother and she begins a parallel investigation into the two deaths.
During Kate’s investigation, McKenzie explores topical issues in Tipping Point, including the impact of date rape, the sharing of intimate photos on social media, suicide and mental health. Kate too must work through her conflicting loyalty to her family and to her job as a police officer, at the same time as she struggles with two young children and a husband who is increasingly dissatisfied with her long hours and his work as chief carer for the children.
There are many suspenseful moments in Tipping Point as Kate gradually unravels what has happened to the two young men. Readers who enjoy police procedurals will love Tipping Point and the family tensions add an extra dimension to the character. It will be interesting to see what happens to Kate in any further books in the series. A great read.
