Promises and Other Lies
CBCA Book of the Year, Younger Readers, Notable Book
$16.79
- Paperback
304 pages
- Release Date
1 September 2025
Summary
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 …
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781760658649 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1760658642 |
| Author: | Sue Whiting |
| Publisher: | Walker Books Australia |
| Imprint: | Walker Books Australia |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 304 |
| Release Date: | 1 September 2025 |
| Weight: | 274g |
| Dimensions: | 32mm x 132mm x 198mm |
| Audience Age: | 10-14 |
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Critics Review
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. * bluefairytales_ via instagram *
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 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. – Anastasia Gonis * Kids Book Review *
Young readers will find this book stimulating and thought provoking on many levels – Janet McFadden * Magpie Magazine *
Sue Whiting
Sue Whiting is an award-winning children’s and YA author and editor who has worked in publishing for over 20 years. Sue served as senior commissioning editor and publishing manager for Walker Books Australia for many years before leaving in 2016 to focus on her writing.
As a storyteller and schools’ performer, Sue has informed, inspired, and entertained thousands of children across the country. She also works as a freelance children’s book editor and writing coach.
Sue is the author of numerous books, including the bestselling Missing, the acclaimed The Book of Chance, and several CBCA Notable Books. Her latest publications include the historical fiction middle-grade novel Tilda; the Pearly and Pig fiction series for middle grade; and the narrative nonfiction picture book The Echidna Near My Place, illustrated by Cate James, and The Wheelbarrow Express, also illustrated by Cate James.
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