Written by: Helena Duggan @heldideas
Illustrations by: Karl James Mountford @klaus1987 and David Shephard @doodlingdave
Published by: Usborne Books @UsborneBook
Published on: August 2017
Price: £6.99
First line: He waited.
Genre: Mystery, Adventure
Age: 10+
Thanks to my local library for a review copy.
What’s it all about? Violet and her family have just moved to the mysterious town of Perfect, for her father has been offered a job there. Violet really didn’t want to go. Everyone in Perfect wears glasses (because otherwise they would be blind) and drinks the local family’s (the Archers) tea. And, everything in Perfect is…Perfect. No child misbehaves, there’s no litter, everybody is calm and sensible. Why? Violet and her new friend, Boy, are determined to find out. Especially as now, her Dad is missing, her Mum is acting strange and no-one else can see Boy.
Why should I read it? Firstly, there is an amazing map at the front of the book (drawn by David Shephard) and all books with a map are worthy of reading. Secondly, you must want to find out the answer to the question: why is everyone in Perfect blind? Violet is an eager, sadly miserable but pugnacious character, a truly inspiring protagonist who you will want to meet and get to know. She is determined and strong and the only reason you will get any answers in the end. There are continuous setbacks throughout the story, but Violet always confronts them head on and with bravery. The adventure itself is fully creative, Dahlesque in story map and character gruesomeness and keeps the reader wanting more. The only reason Ive put it as 10+ is that it is quite a long story- I found myself wondering if it would ever end at some points. Luckily there are more in the series!
Kinkajousreadtoo 
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