Books Jack Reads

Set in New Zealand's West Coast in 2015 when their coal-mining industry was on its way out, 15-year-old Annie's small town is shaken when her neighbour Pete is accused of murder.

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The police investigation brings new people to Annie's small town, including handsome rodeo rider Jack Robertson and his horse Tassie.

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But as the days go by and the two become closer, Annie starts to wonder. Pete is someone she has known and trusted her whole life. Would he really be capable of murder? And how far will Annie and Jack go to uncover the truth?

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What I enjoyed most about this story, and what you will too, is the close bond people share in the small town where Annie lives. Everyone knows everyone else, and almost all of them have a secret.

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Also, it rains constantly in the town, so there are heaps of jokes about it to break up the tension. My favourite is about how the rainy season "starts about the first of August and goes through until about the end of July."

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Overall, this is an exciting thriller, with a touch of romance thrown in, best suited to readers 13 and up (as there are mature themes and swearing in some places).