The Brownout Murders (Luke C Jackson & Kelly Jackson, illus Maya Graham, Scribe)

The year is 1942, and Melbourne is a city consumed with fear in The Brownout Murders, a gripping historical graphic novel. With the threat of a Japanese attack looming, the city is under a ‘brownout’ – a not quite compulsory blackout – making the enforcement of such rules a challenge for wardens like Beatrice. The youngest of three sisters, and with a mother still struggling after the death of their father, Beatrice is determined to do her part to protect her family. But while the skies overhead remain quiet, a new threat stalks the streets: a killer is murdering young women. With thousands of US servicemen stationed in camps across town, the pool of suspects is vast. Basing their work on actual events, writers Luke C Jackson and Kelly Jackson, working with artist Maya Graham, keep the suspense levels high while highlighting the struggles of women in wartime. Beatrice is a likeable and relatable heroine, standing up against the victim-blaming mentality while staying aware of the dangers lurking around her. Both the dialogue and narration are straightforward and authentic, while Graham’s energetic and sketch-like linework is as much about driving the story forward as it is about creating the atmosphere. Suitable for young adult readers with an interest in women’s safety and the struggles of ordinary people during wartime, The Brownout Murders is a gripping page-turner that doesn’t shy away from historical issues that remain relevant today.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anthony Morris is a freelance reviewer, novelist and podcaster. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews