Gus and the burning stones by Troy Hunter

Gus is back with another investigative adventure. Troy Hunter’s first book Gus and the missing boy was such a winner, I am sure readers will be eager to get hold of this latest book. It’s like an Agatha Christie mystery, or a game of Cluedo. There’s a dead body, a closed circle of suspects, and the question is, who among the strange mix of characters, was in the place, had the time, the weapon, and the motive. Gus and his trusty friends Shell and Kane are thrown in the deep end when they find themselves trapped at the mysterious stone circle site, waiting out a raging storm . . . and suddenly there’s a murder to solve.

It begins with the ongoing mystery from the first book, Gus’s search for his birth mother. He loves Meg, the mother he grew up with, but still feels like a part of him is missing. When an anonymous message tells him that his birth mother can be found at ‘The Circle’, an isolated site with a strange ring of stones, Gus and his two friends decide to investigate.

The prologue launches the reader into drama, with fire, burning stones, and a hooded figure in pursuit. The chapters are short and the action fast-paced. Shell’s record of timelines keeps the investigation focussed. It’s a puzzle the trio are determined to solve.

Once again Hunter explores issues of identity and anxiety. Gus suffers from panic attacks that lead to him seeking release in self-harm, but his personal resolve and the support of his friends see him through those situations. At the same time, Shell is trying to work out whether she is asexual, and Kane is obsessed with body image. These are all themes handled sensitively by the author, building empathy and understanding. Hunter's latest book can confidently be recommended for young adult readers, with themes that will resonate, and dramatic tension to keep them engaged.

Teaching notes are available from Wakefield Press.

Themes: Thriller, Detective novel, Identity, Anxiety, Body image, Self harm.

Helen Eddy