A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan
$33.00 Inc GST
STAFF REVIEW
If you enjoy stories that delve into complex family dynamics and themes of love and loss, you will enjoy A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan.
Reviewed by Suzie
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‘I absolutely loved this page-turning family mystery and didn’t want it to end. The author so effortlessly transported me to another place and time, and every character leapt off the page. An extraordinary, exquisitely written debut.’ Liane Moriarty, author of HERE ONE MOMENT
As the summer holiday stretches ahead, with her older sister more interested in boys, her mother disappearing on long walks and her father, beer in hand, watching the cricket, the youngest in the family often finds herself alone.
At the beach, she meets Kahu, a boy who tells her a tragic story about a little girl who went missing, presumed drowned, a couple of years ago. Suddenly, the summer has purpose-they will find the missing girl and become local heroes.
With her family caught up in their own intrigue, she is free to diligently search for clues with her new friend. It also means she is the only one to notice her next-door neighbour, in turn, watching them.
Among dips in the ocean, afternoon barbecues and lazy sunbaking, their detective work brings to the surface shocking discoveries that will change all of their lives forever.
This thrilling debut is an assured, nostalgic meditation on growing up. A time where the space between what is observed and what is understood holds an innocent truth, on the cusp of being overtaken by an adult knowing. All seen through the eyes of a brave and funny protagonist, who is worthy of a place in the pantheon of beloved child narrators.
An eventful summer forever changes the lives of a family in the most gripping thriller you’ll read this year.
About the Author:
With a background in photography and children’s publishing, Jennifer is now a full-time writer living in Wellington, New Zealand, with her husband, son, daughter, dog and cat. When not at her writing desk Jennifer can be found in the garden.
03 Jun 2025
Additional information
| Format | Paperback / softback |
|---|---|
| Genre | Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945) |
| Readership Level | General (US: Trade) |
| ISBN | 9781761472015 |
| Publication Date | 03 Jun 2025 |
A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan ISBN 9781761472015