Matty and Chess undergo their own investigation of two possible murders. Readers view the perspective of Matty, who writes in diary form, referring to his thoughts at the time and how the events occurred. This means all of his frustration towards Chess and the mystery is not held back. In reference to Chess, her character is not inconsistent. She is considered blunt and shameless, but she puts her morals first which makes her secretive; thus, no longer blunt or shameless. It is refreshing to have a protagonist who doesn't know everything. However, it does get exhaustive to have a secretive friend who could have revealed all when she knew everything, despite wanting all the proof first.

The story is formatted so Matty recounts the events in chronological order, then all is revealed like in the traditional whodunnit stories. This means, by re-reading the books, all the clues should be there despite Matty being clueless most of the time, and readers can attempt the solve the mystery alongside the characters - or avid mystery solvers can uncover the truth first.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )

A coming-of-age thriller based in a bleak small community in Australia where the local quirky misfits attempt to solve a couple of murders. The author does an excellent job highlighting several possible culprits to keep readers guessing. Gritty but not gruesome, with a male MC as the storyteller,

BookSirens Review Copy ( )

Matty and Chess undergo their own investigation of two possible murders. Readers view the perspective of Matty, who writes in diary form, referring to his thoughts at the time and how the events occurred. This means all of his frustration towards Chess and the mystery is not held back. In reference to Chess, her character is not inconsistent. She is considered blunt and shameless, but she puts her morals first which makes her secretive; thus, no longer blunt or shameless. It is refreshing to have a protagonist who doesn't know everything. However, it does get exhaustive to have a secretive friend who could have revealed all when she knew everything, despite wanting all the proof first.

The story is formatted so Matty recounts the events in chronological order, then all is revealed like in the traditional whodunnit stories. This means, by re-reading the books, all the clues should be there despite Matty being clueless most of the time, and readers can attempt the solve the mystery alongside the characters - or avid mystery solvers can uncover the truth first.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )

My thanks to the Author publishers and BookSirens for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is a quality book a beautifully descriptive and atmospheric story of teenagers in rural small town Australia. Clever intriguing well written murder mystery with engaging teenage sleuths. A modern day famous five but brought up to date, with arson and murder. Tense with plenty of plot twists. So why only four stars, this aged old memory struggled and was confused with alternating between characters names and nicknames. Ending slightly open ended but I understand there is a second book which may clarify, and which I will look to read.
Recommended. ( )