Description
A gripping middle-grade mystery from Australian author Sue Whiting, in which a small coastal town is torn apart by more than just a bushfire.
One year on from a devastating bushfire, the small coastal town of Wangaroo Bay is still reeling. Fletch’s family lost their home, and his best friend Immie lost her beloved dad, a volunteer firefighter. Throughout it all, Fletch and Immie have had each other …
Immie’s grandparents push for the Bayfire investigation to be reopened, but Fletch’s mum, dad and elder brother Cooper want to put the past behind them. And when a local, one of their own, is charged with arson, emotions flare, sides are taken, and promises – and secrets – are at stake.
The fire has already destroyed Wangaroo Bay, now its aftermath threatens to destroy Fletch and Immie and their families too.
Review
Immie and Fletch have always been best friends and they have always looked after each other. When a devastating bushfire destroyed most the their town, it was awful. Immie’s dad was a volunteer firefighter who died in the inferno, and Fletch lost his home.
When a new investigation onto the fire leads police to announce that a local started it deliberately, suddenly everyone is suspicious. Emotions are running high when Fletch’sstep-brother Cooper is charged with arson. Did he really start the fire? Or is he being framed? And can Immie and Fletch find their way back together, or is their friendship over forever?
This is gripping story of family, friendship, secrets, grief, trust, community and resilience. You’ll love Immie and Fletch, and the wonderful friendship that they share. This story tackles the aftermath of a terrible disaster, and how, in this case, it can cause almost as much heartache as the fire itself, as well as the challenges of rebuilding your life after something like this. It will be enjoyed by readers in lower secondary.
