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A Pocket Full of Murder

by R.J. Anderson

In her new middle-grade novel, fantasy and sci-fi author R.J. Anderson introduces readers to the late-Victorian city of Tarreton, whose infrastructure relies on magic for everything from heating to electricity. Living on the outskirts of the city is 12-year-old Isaveth Breck and her friend Quiz. When Isaveth’s father is wrongly accused of murder, the two children band together to uncover the truth.

A Pocket Full of Murder R.J. AndersonA follower of the less-common Moshite religion, Isaveth experiences discrimination from members of the predominant Unifying Church, who regard her as troublesome and untrustworthy. To gain vital information for her father’s defence, Isaveth hides her religious affiliation and relies on help from Quiz, an adventure-loving street kid who can talk to anyone and get into anywhere. He also brings method and strategy to the search for clues when Isaveth is overcome by the emotional burden of her situation. Over the course of the story, however, Isaveth evolves from being merely determined to clever, fearless, and insightful.

Isaveth’s perseverance is rewarded with the truth and the release of her father, but both she and Quiz make sacrifices along the way, illustrating that sometimes justice comes at a cost. Though Anderson keeps the murderer’s identity hidden until the story’s end, perceptive readers may connect the dots much sooner.

A Pocket Full of Murder honestly and sensitively addresses themes of poverty, bullying, friendship, racism, corruption, justice, and being true to yourself. Readers of fantasy and mystery craving a fast-paced, suspenseful story will find Anderson’s latest adventure a worthy addition to their bookshelves.

 

Reviewer: Inderjit Deogun

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster Canada

DETAILS

Price: $21.99

Page Count: 352 pp

Format: Cloth

ISBN: 978-1-48143-771-4

Released: Sept.

Issue Date: December 2015

Categories: Children and YA Fiction

Age Range: 9-12