Theodore Boone

There was plenty of Radio 4 coverage for this multi-million selling author turning his hand to books for teens and it sounded like he’s planning a series.

The precocious young hero knows more about the law than many lawyers and his playground and preferred milieu are in the local court complex. Not surprisingly his family are lawyers going back generations. In this tale he manages to make unenviable enemies by finding a crucial surprise witness to a scandalous local murder, where the dastardly husband looks set to go free. The scene is set for Theodore Boone II.

The novel is full of clearly explained legalise and the parents and uncle are charmingly eccentric and worthy; Theo is all right in a nerdy way and definitely well meaning but it is a bit short on page turning excitement. What thrills there are, are a bit over-blown and forced. Maybe he’ll do better next time! It will be enjoyed by lower and mid-secondary, but I’d wait for the paperback if it were me buying.