Catherine Jinks

Jane is a Covid-19 contact tracer, one of those trying to prevent the virus becoming endemic in Australia. So far her work has preserved her anonymity, but then she comes across a victim of domestic violence who gives Jane enough clues as to the identity of her perpetrator, and to her horror, Jane knows him!

A very engrossing read.

I was under the impression that this was a whimsical, quirky book, but it turned out to be a dark thriller. I didn't care for it, and that's probably a big factor.

Strongly recommended for a 9-12 yo reader who enjoys a bit of thrilling historical fantasy. Set in 1870s London, a plucky young apprentice monster hunter and her master trap and kill the child-eating "bogles" that infest dark places. This is a fun little adventure, with the pace and child well-pitched to the target audience. If read out loud, be sure to practise your best faux-Cockney accent.

Beautifully paced, with a central character that leans out from the page, daring you to feel her pain, frustration, panic, fear and resolve, TRACED is a novel that shows the reader what it feels like to be afraid, and what protecting the ones you love the most in the world will drive you to do.

Full Review at: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/traced-catherine-jinks