"Mystery, destiny and nourishing romance "
Eighteen-year-old Birdie is fanatical about mystery and crime fiction, a world in which she immersed herself while being brought up by her strict grandparents following the death of her mom. Birdie’s perception of detectives reveals much about her own aspirations and personality: “Detectives were cool, calm, and capable. They were usually loners, helping people from a distance...underdogs that people miscalculated.” Now, following the death of her gran and with the support of her mom’s fabulously flamboyant best friend, Birdie tries to find her own way in the world by taking a summer job as a night clerk at a glamorous historic hotel. It’s here that she forms a swoon-some, life-changing relationship with Daniel, the hotel’s handsome, hearing-impaired night driver, as they try to solve a real-life mystery involving a guest. Then, alongside the edge-of-your-seat twists and turns of their investigation, and their fast-blossoming, fated romance, it turns out that Daniel is harbouring secrets of his own.
Underpinned by relatable real-life complications and curveballs aplenty, this engaging feast of young adult fiction fizzes with multiple mysteries and the jittery joys of first love. Head here to discover the author’s previous novels, which come equally recommended for their compassionate championing of offbeat, authentic young adult characters.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: |
This book is an inventive, amazing cracker that will knock you off your feet, firmly into your chair and straight to downtown Seattle.
This book is a wonder to behold and is just a delicious as the pies in the moonlight diner. I really, really enjoyed it, it has the balance right with romance and mystery, and though there’s a lot going on, this only held my interest more! The characters are completely original and come straight out of Seattle, Birdie is my absolute favourite and you can’t help but feel sorry for her in the ups and downs that only seem to keep on coming!... Read Full Review
I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one sitting.
This book took me on a journey of twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one sitting. This is because it was a mystery worked into a romance fitted together into one beautiful adventure about freedom and love. What I first expected of the book soon changed into a much more complex and interesting narrative that kept me wanting more. The characters were quite relatable and fully developed so that I could imagine myself as their friend. This book showed the importance of childhood and the balance between it and adulthood.... Read Full Review
This book has SO MANY cute characters! Birdie was adorable and Daniel was super sweet! He & Birdie had some really cute, funny banter. The romance plot is good but the end of the mystery was a bit anticlimactic-just don't read it just for the mystery!
This book has SO MANY cute characters!
I loved both Birdie’s & Daniel’s crazy families! Birdie’s ‘aunt’ is so crazy and wacky! Her thing is making different costumes for herself (wigs and all!) and her friendship with Birdie is so sweet and supportive. Birdie’s granddad is really nice too & we don’t get to know too much about him but he’s there for Birdie when she needs him.
Then Daniel’s grandparents are pretty darn adorable! His mum & grandmother have such a funny moment over the cooking of food when Birdie visits them!
I liked how Birdie was portrayed – she was ‘innocent’ but not ignorant or stupid to anything going on around her & I appreciated the mid-ground.... Read Full Review
