Jack and Jill

Author: Lucy Cavendish
Publisher: Penguin books

This book is about a young boy who is called Jack and his sister who is called Jill. He is 7 years old and she is 3 years older than him. They live in London with their mum. Their dad left them when Jill was 5 years old. She does not know much about him because she has only a little memory of him and there are no photos of him at home. Also she could not ask some questions about her dad because her mum never liked it.

Jill loves her brother very much but her brother cannot speak at all and she does not know why that is. Actually he is not dumb because her mum said he used to speak until he was two and he had a lovely voice, pure and high like an angel.

One day they had to go to Auntie Glenda's and Uncle Paul's house in the country because their mum said that she had to work over the summer holidays so she could not take care of them. However, when they went to their auntie's house Jill heard some bad news about her brother from a boy, who is called Dick and lives next door. It was a story about a murder and a horrible thing that had happened to Jack. Jill was very angry and she really wanted to know about it. Uncle Paul told her about the reason why Jack could not speak and their father's secret.

While I was reading this book it was a bit disturbing for me because it made me have lots of questions and doubts. Firstly, why Jack cannot speak. Secondly, why they do not live with their dad and why they have to live in their auntie's house. Thirdly, what the village people talked about; about her brother and why it was a secret. Finally, is their dad really a murderer?

I thought this book was gripping because I could not stop reading it. The reason was because the plot was so interesting and the secret was not revealed until the ending. I would like to recommend this book to children and students who learn English at intermediate level because you will be interested.

Review written by Ho-Kyoung Song (Skills for Life English Language)

Jack and Jill by Lucy Cavendish

This is heart-warming mystery story about a brother and sister. She understands what he's thinking. Jack doesn’t speak.

They are taken to the country to stay with an aunt and uncle. Jill decides to find out what’s going on, why she cannot speak about her dad and the truth about her brother's silence.

I could relate to this story. It made me think of my own brother. We were so close when we were little. I always answered for him.

Recommendation and Rating (1-5 stars)
3 stars

Reviewed by Tracy Blakeman

A Cool Head by Ian Rankin

This is a murder mystery story, and the main character is Gravy.

It’s about a man called Gravy who works in a graveyard, until his friend Benjy turned up with a bullet in his chest and asked Gravy to hide his gun.

Gravy looks in the car to find blood, a balaclava and a bag full of money. Gravy is now caught up with some very nasty people who will do just about anything to get their money back.

Gravy is not his real name. It’s just a nickname because he works in a graveyard. I don’t know why he just didn’t call the police. He’s a bit simple.


Recommendation and Rating (1-5 stars)
4 stars

Reviewed by Tracy Blakeman

Clouded Vision by Linwood Barclay

This is a murder mystery. The main characters are Kelsha Ceylon and Mr Garfield.

Ellie wakes up covered in blood. She is trapped in a car on a frozen lake. The ice is breaking.

This is a good book to read. You never get close to finding out who killed her until the end of the book. I won't tell you who the killer is. You will have to read the book to find out.

I rate this book 4 stars.

Reviewed by Derek Gunnell

Chicken Feed by Minette Walters

This is a true-life murder story, and the main characters are Norman Thorne and Elsie Cameron.

It's about a murder which took place on a chicken farm, based on a true story in the
county of East Sussex in December 1924. Norman Thorne was found guilty of murdering Elsie Cameron.

I liked this story. It was easy to read. He was executed in April 1925 still swearing his innocence. You have to read this story to make up your own mind.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Tracy Blakeman

The Corpse's Tale by Katharine John

This is a murder mystery published by Quick Reads. The main characters are David Dai Helpful, Sergeant Trevor Joseph and Sergeant Peter Collins.

It tells the story of a man who was sent to jail for 10 years, who was then released and who may or may not be guilty of a murder.

The book was OK, a bit slow to begin with, but soon builds momentum.It has strong characters and it keeps you guessing right till the end, then surprises you. Fans of stories about forensic evidence and solving cases will definitely get a kick out of this book.


I give this book 3/5 - mostly gripping throughout.

Reviewed by Clive Neal