Thicker than water by Brigid Kemmerer

Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781743318638
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Mystery. Paranormal. Thomas Bellweather's mother has been murdered and he is the prime suspect. His new stepfather, Stan, is a cop and his colleagues are very suspicious of him. The only person who is prepared to believe in his innocence is Charlotte Rooker, whose three brothers are cops. Her best friend had been murdered many years before and she wants answers to both of the murders.
Written in alternating chapters with the voice of Thomas and Charlotte, the reader gets to know both of the characters very well. Thomas is a damaged boy and gradually the author, who has a great capacity to describe male protagonists, lets us know what his life has been like. It is not difficult to become supportive of him as his voice seems so honest and his love for his mother very real. Charlotte is very protected by her three brothers, but she is strong enough to form her own opinions about Thomas and his involvement in the murder. The romance takes second place to the tension that the mystery generates, but it will satisfy those who enjoy a romantic touch in their reading. Stan, Thomas' new stepfather, is also a well-developed character and the reader can sympathise with his actions as he tries to come to terms with his changed family circumstances.
Kemmerer ramps up the suspense in this exciting thriller with a touch of the paranormal that is very surprising. There is a lot of excitement, some shocks and an ending that the reader won't expect. It is a gripping mystery and leaves the reader wanting to know more about the characters and hope for a continuation of Thomas and Charlotte's story.
Pat Pledger