Danger Road (A L Tait, Scholastic)

In Danger Road, seasoned middle-grade author A L Tait has created a compelling standalone mystery about a cold case, small-town secrets, and the difficulties surrounding sibling dynamics. Set in a quiet coastal town haunted by the decades-past death of teenage footballer Corey Armstrong, a true-crime podcast reignites interest in the unsolved Danger Road hit-and-run. When brothers Alex and Leo decide to investigate the case themselves, what starts as a curious adventure turns into a serious quest for truth. The deeper they dig, the more they realise that the past is far from buried. Tait’s writing has a sharp sense of pace and atmosphere, balancing the tension of uncovering secrets with the thrill of potential discovery in a way that will appeal to fans of Tristan Bancks and Amy Doak. The podcast element adds a modern touch, and the suspense is enough to keep readers aged 10+ guessing without overwhelming them. The relationship between Alex and Leo is at the heart of the story. Together, they navigate not only the case but also their own coming of age and the complexities of brotherhood. Danger Road has an emotional depth that always feels grounded and accessible. Alongside the mystery, there is a thoughtful exploration of grief, memory, and the ways communities can both protect and silence people. Tait raises important questions about whose voices are heard and what justice really looks like.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, an author, and the education advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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