Hello, dear Reader!

It has been a marvellously eventful month, and I returned from birthday celebrations to much Maddie promotion. As I’ve said before, it’s always nerve-wracking, waiting to see whether readers connect with your book baby, and I am immensely relieved that folk love Maddie as much as I do. The team at Fremantle Press are doing the most amazing job, and I am very grateful.

Liz Derouet, in her review for Magpies, said:

This book is thought provoking and will be the cause of many discussions, I’m sure. The writing style is tight and characterisation strong. Lawrinson positions the reader well to view the narrative from various characters’ viewpoints. The story is a believable one and many readers this age, regardless of gender, will be able to identify with Maddie trying to impress and make friends with someone she is infatuated with. …

This book would make a most suitable read aloud in the primary classroom and will prompt much discussion. It will also do well in public libraries and private collections. Highly recommended.

Hannah at Alphabet Soup wrote this fabulous review, including:

I found that it was so easy to get captivated in the plot, with each chapter ending in a cliff hanger and I was wanting more and more with every word. I just could not put this book down; in fact I ended up reading the whole novel in one night! I found myself feeling the inner emotions of every character and also relating to them, rocking with anticipation as I longed for the conflict to be resolved.

This book moves at quite a fast pace, adding to the suspension and overall feels of the storyline. I think that the author has executed the characters absolutely beautifully. They are relatable and loveable while still being able to construct the main conflicts.

I would recommend this book to ages 12+ as some of the themes are quite emotionally demanding. This would be a great book to read with your children to help them understand some of the main aspects (e.g. divorce, poverty, conflict in friendships).

This would make for a fantastic movie. I would even go as far as to say it is the best psychological thriller I have read this year. I can’t wait to read her next book.

And my lovely local paper The Voice featured Maddie and me here.

If you’re interested in books and writing, or in a fun night out, Maddie and ten of her friends (grown up and kids) are going to be launched on 23 October here. As well, the Hungerford award will be announced, so it will be a great night for everyone concerned.