Nothing more to tell by Karen M. McManus

Karen M. McManus, author of the very popular One of us is lying and other mysteries, continues to draw in her readers with her latest mystery thriller, scattering numerous red herrings throughout the book. These keep the reader glued to the page, eagerly trying to work out who murdered Mr Larkin, Brynn’s favourite teacher.

The story is told from the viewpoint of two engaging teens, Brynn and Tripp. Brynn is returning to Saint Ambrose School after an absence of four years. She has just been given an internship in a true crime show and is determined to discover who murdered Mr Larkin. Tripp was once her best friend and with his friends Charlotte and Shane discovered the body of the teacher. The killer was never identified, the police finally putting the murderer down to somebody passing through, but Brynn has always believed that there was something to be uncovered. However, she (and the reader), are amazed at the secrets that she uncovers as she investigates.

The narrative flows along at a fast pace, as Brynn probes into the motives of all the people who could be involved. Her chapters concentrate on motives and opportunity. Tripp is a vital key to solving the mystery, and his narratives show his family background and what was happening at the time, giving an insight into his motivation while keeping the reader guessing.

McManus does not disappoint with Nothing more to tell. The pace is fast, the interlocking mysteries are well developed, and Brynn and Tripp are very likeable characters. Readers of her other mysteries will love this one, and fans of The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz  Lawson, or A good girl's guide to murder by Holly Jackson will welcome another great mystery.

Themes: Murder, True crime,Thriller.

Pat Pledger