Description
Karen McManus and Holly Jackson meets Fleur Ferris in this fast-paced YA murder mystery.
Eleanor Jones has just started at her ninth high school in less than five years. Since she and her mum are always moving on, Eleanor likes to stay on the outer, to stay invisible. So maybe it's just bad luck that the very first person she talks to at Cooinda Secondary College, Angus Marshall, is stabbed and left for dead the same day. The last message on Angus's phone is from Eleanor Jones.
After being interviewed by the police, Eleanor realises they don't have all the facts and decides to investigate. In trying to understand what happened to Angus, Eleanor inadvertently becomes involved with an eclectic group of fellow students - all of whom have their own reasons to want to solve the mystery.
As they slowly unravel Angus's secrets, Eleanor discovers the true meaning of friendship - and uncovers a danger lurking at the heart of the town . . .
Review
Eleanor Jones is used to moving, adapting and trying to make herself invisible. Nine moves in five years will do that. But when she moves to Cooinda, how could she know that the super-smartscience nerd Angus Marshall, that she only talked to briefly, would soon be stabbed - having just sent her number a message?
With the police involved, Eleanor and her fast growing group of allies (and maybe friends?) want to find out the truth. This sees her aligned with the impossible to dislike Troy Masterson (the Mayor’s son), his mate Alfie, as well as the snobbish Namita, and supercool biker boy Ethan, whose family has always been trouble.
Together they take risks - crossing paths with drug fueled Bren, who is desperately looking for something that Angus had. But how could Angus have been involved with people like him? When Bren is found murdered soon after being seen with Eleanor, things go from bad to worse. Will they uncover the truth before one of them gets hurt, or is charged with murder?
This is a great murder mystery set in a small rural Australian town that contains themes of violence, drug problems, distrust, and the importance of friends, especially friends who don’t doubt you and are willing to put themselves out to help you. It is a terrific read suitable for all readers aged 14 and older.
Reviewed by Rob
