Reviewed by Craig Sisterson
First-time
Kiwi crime writer St John, who has written in other genres under another name,
explodes onto the scene with this dark and thrilling young adult tale. Jack
“Spade” Miller is a wayward teenager left looking for answers when his
ex-girlfriend Ella Lewis is found dead.
While others lay some of the blame for
the apparent suicide on Spade, he can’t believe Ella would kill herself, and
sets out to find the truth. A dangerous quest that scratches at the veneer of
stable suburbia and takes him deep into the Auckland underworld, where
nefarious deeds are committed behind closed doors.
St John isn’t scared to take
readers into some pretty dark and nasty places in this terrific debut; although
it’s tabbed as a young adult read, with a teenaged ‘hero’, there are some very
adult themes. Spade is a compelling centerpiece in a fearlessly told tale
packed with intriguing characters. A new voice well worth listening to.
Thanks for giving the book a read, Craig. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDelete