Smartáis a crime story featuring a detective with a difference. When a homeless man drowns in the canal, everyone thinks that it is an accident, but Kieran thinks otherwise. The police donÆt take any notice of his offer to help in the investigation soáKieran decides that he is going to find out what really happened.
It is not easy and could put him in danger, but Kieran has some special skills to help him. Fans of books such as The London Eye Mystery and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time will enjoy this mystery and its quirky hero.
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Dear Bolton Book Awards Reader,
I am reviewing the book æSmartÆ, by Kim Slater.
Let me say, after reading the blurb, I had an open mind going in to reading this book as it sounded like a new take on the detective genre.
æSmartÆ is a good book as it has many twists and surprises, something I often enjoy in a book. Through the book you follow the story of Kieran Woods a boy with disabilities. However, the writer leaves these disabilities unknown, allowing the reader decide what they might be for themselves. Personally I believe that this adds an empathetic feeling to the book because of the mystery surrounding the disability you really want Kieran to succeed.
Kieran is dragged into solving a detective case after a homeless man, called Colin, is killed. KieranÆs drawing skills helps him solve the murder. In fact the way he solves the murder, by drawing, is a brilliant twist on the usual way a detective solves crimes in other such books.
Now I wonÆt go much into the plot here because I donÆt want to ruin the read of this book as you definitely need to read it in order to understand its brilliance!
Kim Slater takes on the detective genre in a new fashion and does this well. The only downfall of this book is the ending as it is a bit predictable and lazy. This is definitely a book you need to read and will definitely be enjoyed!
8/10
By Josh James
What a well written and thoughtful review James. I’m glad you mostly enjoyed the book. Maybe if you meet Kim you can ask her why she chose to end it that way and whether she had any alternative endings.
I like this book because the author slowly shows us bits of evidence so that we can try to solve the crime too. The author writes realistically.
The main character is Kieran (he tells the story) and he sees the evidence of a murder but didnÆt see it happen so doesnÆt know who did it. The police donÆt care so Kieran is going to find out what really happened. It is also about his hard time with his brothers (Tony and Ryan) because he doesnÆt like them, they are mean.
I can tell that the characters are well devolved because I know exactly what they would do in different situations. I can empathise to Kieran because I like drawing and he does. I like, in the book, that the author makes reference to books and TV. Shows e.g. CSI.
Fantastic book review, Sammy. I’m sure that it’ll inspire other students to read this book. Well done!
Mrs McCarthy
DACA
I loved Smart and was pleased when Kieran and his mum got their happy ending. Kieran and Karwana’s antics made me laugh out loud- they make great detectives!
I really liked this book because it was exciting and made me want to read on. I felt sorry for Kieran but he was an interesting character.