My first read of 2025 was a new middle grade mystery from BookTrust’s Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence. You know that you’re going to get a quality reading experience when you crack open one of Patrice’s novels so I went in with high hopes (especially as other bookish people had said how good it was!)

“Three 13-year-old strangers are connected by one big secret. Nervous Ayrton was stolen away from his mum as a baby. He was returned safely, but now Mum won’t let him out of her sight. Curious Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother. His mum won’t even talk about her. Homeless Sen has finally found a place to live, but she’ll be out on the street if she upsets her secretive landlady.

What happens when their paths cross…?”

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One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that it’s was told from the perspective of multiple protagonists. This not only kept the narrative voice fresh, but also gave me lots of opportunities to try and join the dots and solve the mystery.

I think readers are going to identify with aspects of each of the characters and recognise parts of themselves within them. Although each of the characters are facing their own difficulties alongside navigating life as a teenager, there are plenty of humorous moments which add little bursts of joy to the text. These are important as the themes of fractured families, secrets, and the threat of homelessness are also skilfully woven into the story.

Mystery novels are very popular with young readers at the moment and this one, with its fresh, youthful feel, is a great one!

I’d recommend this for readers aged 9+

Jo.

*Many thanks to Scholastic for sending me this copy to review*