Yumna has always dreamed of becoming a detective, but mysteries are hard to come by in Silverbrook, the small village in which she lives with her dad. Yumna’s mum isn’t in her life, and Yumna doesn’t know why. Yumna’s cousin, Nafisa, tells her of a mysterious figure seen in the fields at night. Maybe she could discover who, or what? Weird things start to happen when a new family takes residence at the village castle. The Maidstones have lots of money and spread it around the village, updating buildings. Their generosity comes at a cost, though, as they turn the village against its Muslim residents.
Meanwhile, Yumna discovers that mysterious figure is a scientist, who tells her that he’s looking for an endangered newt. Things don’t add up, though. In the woods, she’s startled by a golden horse. Later, Yumna sees her friends, Nafisa and Sadeeqa, with boys, but it’s not what you think. They’re honing supernatural skills via Islamic mythology. Sadeeqa’s brother, Kareem, is able to turn into that flying golden horse … but soon both the horse and Kareem disappear. Yumna believes that the meddling Maidstones have captured Kareem. Yumna learns that her great-grandfather was a djinn (genie) and that her family has a long history with the Maidstones, who have sold themselves to Shaytan (Satan).
This is the first story in an ongoing battle between good and evil, where Yumna’s eye for detail will be essential. Her kind neighbour, Mr Turner, sees her talent and recruits her for his detective agency. Yumna’s next mission will be to find out what happened to her mum.
Reviewed by Bob Moore
Age Guide 9+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yassmin Abdel-Magied is a Sudanese Australian writer, recovering mechanical engineer and award-winning social advocate who writes and speaks on politics, society, culture and technology. She has published three books with Penguin Random House, including two middle grade novels (You Must Be Layla and the award-winning Listen, Layla), which she is now adapting for screen. Yassmin is also developing a slate of projects for the stage and screen.
A globally sought-after adviser on issues at the intersections of race, gender and faith, Yassmin has spoken in over twenty-five countries on social justice and inclusive leadership. She founded her first organisation, Youth Without Borders, at the age of sixteen, leading it for nine years before co-founding two other organisations focused on serving women of colour. Her TED talk ‘What does my headscarf mean to you?’ has been viewed over 2.5 million times and was selected as one of TED’s top 10 ideas.
In all her work, Yassmin is an advocate for transformative justice and a fairer, safer world for all.
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