Promises and Other Lies
Age 10+
General Fiction
A gripping middle-grade mystery from Australian author Sue Whiting, in which a small coastal town is torn apart by more than just a bushfire
One year on from a devastating bushfire, the small coastal town of Wangaroo Bay is still reeling. Fletch’s family lost their home, and his best friend Immie lost her beloved dad, a volunteer firefighter. Throughout it all, Fletch and Immie have had each other …
Immie’s grandparents push for the Bayfire investigation to be reopened, but Fletch’s mum, dad and elder brother Cooper want to put the past behind them. And when a local, one of their own, is charged with arson, emotions flare, sides are taken, and promises – and secrets – are at stake.
The fire has already destroyed Wangaroo Bay, now its aftermath threatens to destroy Fletch and Immie and their families too.
Creators
Sue Whiting is an award-winning children’s and YA author, editor and former primary school teacher. Sue writes for many age groups, from picture books through to YA, including the bestselling Missing, the acclaimed The Book of Chance and several CBCA Notable Books. Sue’s latest books are Tilda a historical novel for readers 10+ and the second book in her middle grade fiction series, Pearly and Pig and the Lost City of Mu Savan. As a storyteller and schools’ performer, Sue has informed, inspired and entertained thousands of kids across the country. Sue is passionate about the power of story and is an advocate for reading and writing for pleasure.
Reviews
Sue Whiting’s Promises and Other Lies is a compelling middle-grade novel that explores the lingering impact of disaster on a close-knit coastal community. Whiting draws on themes of climate change, grief and community recovery, weaving in a respectful nod to First Nations cultural burning practices
Katie Haydon, Books+Publishing
Whiting’s writing is snappy and addictive, pulling you along with short, sharp chapters and just enough mystery to keep you guessing. It’s messy, emotional, and totally bingeable—the perfect mix of heartfelt feels and jaw-dropping drama.
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Every aspect of this book will speak to readers aged ten and older at different levels and in different ways that will create different meaning for all individual readers. This is a book that captures the rawness of grief and the aftermath of crime and arson. As well as the lengths some people might go to so they can alter how a community sees the people within it. This is a very intriguing book that I think readers of crime and mystery will devour and come to understand the intricacies of suspecting people or assuming things without all the facts.
The Book Muse
The brilliant Sue Whiting has created a gripping mystery, full of tension which challenges the reader scene after scene, throughout the entrances and exits of characters, to guess who is responsible for what.
Kids Book Review
Young readers will find this book stimulating and thought provoking on many levels
Magpie Magazine
