All that's left to say by Emery Lord

This is another one for fans of Emery Lord’s books dealing with emotional issues such as suicide, grief and loss. In this latest novel, the central character Hannah is trying to come to grips with the death of her cousin and closest friend, Sophie, from a drug overdose. Hannah had no idea that Sophie was even taking pills, and is determined to find out who supplied the fatal dose. Slowly she comes to realise that while the two of them were inseparable, there were aspects of Sophie’s life she didn’t know about.

The story becomes like a detective novel with Hannah and another of Sophie’s friends, Gabi, piecing together the clues of who was last with Sophie on the night of her death, and who could possibly be a drug dealer. It is told in two time frames, Junior year leading up to the death, and Senior year where Hannah, disguised and hiding her true identity, enrols in Sophie’s school, and secretly investigates. There is also a romance, an enemies to lovers trope, where Hannah has to overcome her innate competitiveness to better appreciate the contribution of others.

Lord presents a convincing portrayal of the shock and denial that follows the death of a loved one, and the different ways that people try to cope. Hannah’s quest for vengeance becomes a gradual understanding of the complexities of drug addiction and the need for compassion. It is a worthy read, though the format of the two timelines can be confusing, and Hannah is not always the most likeable character. The values are positive and it is good to read a novel showing parents who, though divorced, are understanding and supportive.

Themes: Drug abuse, Addiction, Grief, Detective story.

Helen Eddy