About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to look beyond the surface of everyday life and starts questioning the motives of the adults around them. It is a sophisticated choice for a reader who is outgrowing simple mysteries and is ready for a story that combines atmospheric tension with the real-world complexities of family life and financial strain. Set in a large, crumbling house in the 1970s, the story follows a young boy who becomes a silent observer of a mysterious lodger. While the plot involves a murder mystery, the heart of the book lies in its poetic prose and the exploration of trust. It provides a safe yet gripping space for 9 to 12 year olds to explore themes of bravery and intuition. Parents will appreciate how the book treats the protagonist's observations with gravity, validating the idea that children are often more perceptive than the adults in the room.
