Book Review – ‘Black’ by Fleur Ferris

People can be scary, and the past can be even scarier…

Genre: Y/A, Mystery

No. of pages: 276

From Goodreads:

Ebony Marshall is in her final year of high school. Five months, two weeks and four days . . . She can’t wait to leave the town where she’s known only as ‘Black’. Because of her name, of course. But for another reason, too. 

Everyone says Black Marshall is cursed.

Three of her best friends have died in tragic accidents. After Oscar, the whispers started. Now she’s used to being on her own. It’s easier that way.

But when her date for the formal ends up in intensive care, something in quiet little Dainsfield starts to stir. Old secrets are revealed and terrifying new dangers emerge.

If only Black could put all the pieces together, she could work out who her real enemies are. Should she run for her life, or stay and fight?

I’d seen ‘Black’ pop up on my recommendations a number of times, and had some fellow book bloggers also gently nudged me to pick up this title. I’m really glad I did. It’s great to add a title from an Australian author, and I had a blast reading it. ‘Black’ has moments of suspense, but wasn’t a compulsive page-turner, though, engaging enough for me to complete in a few sittings.

Ebony ‘Black’ Marshall is an intelligent, gutsy protagonist. I found her engaging and interesting to read. Not a loner, or warrior-heroine, she’s just a girl going about her own business, trying to get through high school, and ignore vindictive gossip.

 

I liked her moxy. She thinks things out for herself. Investigates. And doesn’t need to be mooning over a guy to make her life worth anything. The backdrop of the National Park and Water reservoirs added a point of difference for me. Black wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and get dirty.

I had guessed most of the plot early on, however, I got few surprises, but still enjoyed the book despite the predictability. Fleur has a unique narrative style that feels everyday Australian. After so many American authors, I felt relaxed and the writing style resonated with me. It really did feel like home. As though no-one was pretending to be someone they are not.

This is a well-paced mystery. I liked the elements around Black’s past and gave me a shiver or two. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves YA mystery. While it didn’t blow me out of the water, it has a unique style that is very appealing.

Overall feeling: Sensational ‘Straya

 

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