The title of this novel lures the reader in. A family goes on their summer holiday at the beach staying in a house close to the sea. The father wants to kick back, the mother wants to finish her novel, and the two daughters have ample time to amuse themselves.

The young 10-year-old narrator meets Kahu, a 12-year-old Māori boy. They, as per usual for young kids on holiday, instantly become best friends. Kahu, convinces the narrator to help him solve the mystery of ‘Charlotte’, a young girl who went missing not long ago and was presumed to have drowned in the ocean. Each day they meet up and scour the beach for evidence.

Not long into the book and the narrative starts drifting into a darker side. There is a definite palpable tension between the mother and father. She is keeping a secret from all of them. The 14-year-old sister is sneaking out at night drinking, debating whether to sleep with an older boy. And the narrator notices that the neighbour in the house behind theirs is constantly watching her. Every time she sees him, watching, watching, watching. Then somebody goes missing. With each page the story seems to edge further into the shadows.

It is always interesting to read a novel from the perspective of a younger person. They obviously have a very different view on the world than an adult, often finding danger in the ordinary, and many times blithely unaware of danger right in front of them. It is difficult to write well and capture a child’s thoughts and confusion convincingly. Trevelyan does a great job with A Beautiful Family. The narrator’s confusion and naivety are vital to the story.

Overall, this was a well-written and an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Neale Lucas

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With a background in photography and children’s publishing, Jennifer Trevelyan is a full-time writer living in Wellington, New Zealand, with her husband, son, daughter, dog and cat.

When not at her writing desk, Jennifer can be found in the garden.