Is Anybody There?

Beneath the bright cover this is a solemn book. The central characters are another inseparable trio of very different young girls: Dee is quiet and studious, Chloe a scatty extrovert, while Joanne, the narrator, a bit of both, with a touch of something extra – clairvoyant powers. But a story of boys and crushes quickly turns dark.

Joanne accepts a lift home from Dee’s brother, but his behaviour is very strange and, terrified, she jumps from the car and runs for her life. Though badly shaken, she keeps this to herself. Then a girl from school is abducted. Should Joanne report what happened? Did anything happen?

In the end she does tell; it turns out the brother is innocent and there are tragic reasons for his odd behaviour. The girls’ friendship survives – but not for long. The events haven’t changed them – just made them see each other as they are. Ure skilfully turns a well-used formula into a thoughtful, thought-provoking novel.