At the age of seven, Cadel Piggott is expelled from school and in trouble with the police for hacking into computer systems and creating chaos. His adoptive parents take him to see psychologist Thaddeus Roth, whose guidance they hope will help Cadel become a happy, well-adjusted boy. As he grows up, Cadel’s life is monitored … Continue reading “Evil Genius, by Catherine Jinks”
When Grace finally leaves her abusive husband, she takes refuge with an elderly uncle on his outback property. Still, even there she doesn’t feel safe. When someone brutally murders the uncle’s two dogs, she realises that her escape hasn’t worked. On the highway nearby, travellers drive the barren highway between Mildura and Broken Hill. A … Continue reading “The Road, by Catherine Jinks”
Not so long ago, but almost in another lifetime, Helen had everything a girl could want: a great job, a good figure, a cutting edge haircut and a gorgeous boyfriend. Now, though, Helen seems to be losing control. She has two kids, a renovation that seems to be a never-ending story and a part time … Continue reading “Spinning Around, by Catherine Jinks”
When Ally’s friends Michelle and Peter suggest they start up an Exorcists’ Club, Ally isn’t too keen. After all, playing about with ghosts can be dangerous – as Ally knows from experience. But when Bettina, a lonely girl from school, begs for help in contacting a dead relative, Ally gives in. The four children try … Continue reading “Eloise – A Ghost Story, by Catherine Jinks”
Allie thinks she’s through with ghosts. Eglantine, the one who haunted her new home, has moved on, and Allie doesn’t like to talk about it. She would rather put the whole incident – and people’s reactions – behind her. So when she attends a school camp, the last thing she’s looking for is another ghost. … Continue reading “Eustace, by Catherine Jinks”
In the early 1800s, Dorothea Brande accompanies her new husband on his regimental tour of duty to colonial New South Wales. From the polite circles of her Devonshire home, to the harshness of the colony proves a terrifying adjustment for the couple. Dorothea struggles both with the physical harshness and the desperation and brutality of … Continue reading “The Gentleman's Garden, by Catherine Jinks”
Allie and Bethan can’t wait to move into their new house – because they will finally have their own bedrooms. When Mum buys it, it is a bit of a dump, but by the time they move in it’s been repainted and renovated. Perfect. But something strange is happening in Bethan’s bedroom. Mysterious writing is … Continue reading “Eglantine, by Catherine Jinks”
I had lots of reading fun in March. I’m currently immersing myself in collections of children’s poetry, which has given me a chance to rediscover some old favourites and discover some new (to me) gems. Of course, I’ve read lots of prose, too, but it may be the first month ever that the amount of … Continue reading “March Reads”
