Dead of Summer

Camilla Way has penned a short book with a huge impact, and it will be very easy to sell to young adult readers, particularly those who are after a good mystery and don't mind some "intense" scenes of violence.

It's 1986 and oh so hot in Greenwich UK when three misfits form an uneasy alliance and explore the river and old caves under the city. Kyle, the loner, is prone to fits of anger and disconnection from his mates. Denis, the village "special needs" loner, talks about the A-Team incessantly and hangs out with Kyle, regardless of what other people think. Anita, the odd new girl, comes to town and gets drawn into the "gang" mainly by default. They avoid bullies, steal row boats and wander aimlessly, drawing suspicious stares and fear from the locals. To add to their cache, Kyle's sister, Katie, disappeared in a well-publicized kidnapping the summer prior.

Way's tone remains detatched throughout this intense book. Anita is relating the events of 1986 to her psychiatrist, seven years after the events in the cave. We know that Anita is the only survivor, so that tension is placed in our minds early on. Even though the book is short, the tension builds at the same slow languid pace as the summer progresses. Way's description of the heat and the stench of the environs only adds to the reader's feelings about these three characters.

I have to admit that I was not expecting the ending. Some people that I've talked with about this book said they saw it coming, but I absolutely did not. I thought I had it all figured out, too, but it was the obvious solution. I guess that's why I like whodunits so much; I never know before I get to the end.

Why is this for young adults? Robert Cormier's Tenderness continues to be one of the best sellers in my library, and I see this as a step up from that book. It explores the mindset of violent teenagers, and I think there is a lot to relate to for teens in this book, unfortunately. The bullying is a major topic, as is the bored restlessness of the teens. This is a literary read that will appeal to teen readers across the board. You will be able to see it to your reluctant readers because of its subject matter, and your better readers will appreciate the Way's skillful writing.