Changes

Let's take a look at the quirkiness. Throughout the novel , we're listening to the teenage Kiri, enveloped (almost a la Salinger) in the chaotic, butterfly mind that can often exemplify the age group. Kiri takes everything in although not always interpreting the way that older people would and therefore also prioritising differently. In this way , we witness the problems with the UK youth offenders' system, peer pressure, drugs, sexual exploitation by young people thought of as friends, racism, violence and many other things at a sometimes astonishing speed.

There are reviews around that view Scott's speed of coverage and breadth of subjects as a negative. It may be a bad trait for any writer who adopts it as a one-size -fits -all style throughout their novels but the jury's still out on that one as this is the first of his works I've read so far. I'm betting he won't.

Gradually , through Kiri , we meet and learn more about her family. Her Japanese mother is more family centred than practical while her father walks a thin line between being there for his family and being at the beck and call of the Laird. As for Keith, he doesn’t sound as if he had a great time 'inside' and fears for what may happen next.

There are just a couple of lines that gave me pause for thought. For instance, a teacher telling Kiri that her 'A' level exams are her ''final exams for life'' may be a good scare tactic to focus on the exams' importance, but these days no one is guaranteed clear of exams at 18. However , any whinges are minor and totally expunged by the compelling nature of Kiri's personality and voice. This is indeed a ''slow -burning thriller'' as advertised and, while we wait for the thriller element to kick in, there's much to keep us occupied. So much, in fact, Scott's sequel ''Train that Carried the Girl'' has definitely made it onto my reading list.

Further Reading: If you enjoyed this, we recommend [[The Heritage by Will Ashon]]. Don't let the 'Teens' tag put you off – a great read is a great read. You might also enjoy [[Can You Hear Me? by Elena Varvello and Alex Valente (translator)]].