Five parts dead by Tim Pegler
Text Publishing, 2010. ISBN 9781921656286.
(Age 14+) Highly recommended. Dan is dragged off for a family holiday
on a remote island. It's the last thing that he wants to do. He is
still grieving the loss of three of his mates in a devastating car
accident that has left him on crutches and another friend brain
damaged. While staying in the old cottage once belonging to the
lighthouse keeper, he feels the presence of a mysterious girl and
begins to delve into her tragic past with the aid of the lighthouse
keeper's log and his twin sister's friend, Pip.
There are two mysteries in this book, how the tragic drink driving
accident occurred and what happened to the girl who lived on the island
many years ago. Each is completely engrossing.
Pegler explores in depth the consequences of teenage drink
driving. In a cleverly crafted exposition, the reader gradually
learns the events leading up to the tragic accident for which Dan is
blamed by the parents and relatives of the boys who were killed. The
themes of partying, peer pressure, not dobbing your mates in and
underage drinking are examined in a situation that many teens would be
familiar with. Dan's luck in dodging the Grim Reaper after a series of
almost lethal accidents is also explored as he tries to comes to grips
with what has happened.
Running parallel to the mystery of the accident is the puzzle of the
young Miss Wilton, who has been left without a family and resources
when her father died. I was fascinated to follow the historical events
described in the lighthouse keeper's log - the death of her father, the
petty quarrels among the three families looking after the lighthouse, a
shipwreck and the arrival of a sailor. Dan's quest to find out what has
happened helps him face life again.
Pegler's strong characterisation, his authentic dialogue and a touch of
romance make this a great read.
Pat Pledger