4.25 Stars

Great start to the new series
This is set as a YA book, but it doesn't feel it. It entertained the entire way through as Jack and Holloway moved from clue to clue to find the killer.

I felt for Jack as he navigated a life that wasn't what was planned but was a necessity to keep his fathers job and a roof over their heads. He didn't complain he just did what was needed. I liked that he still kept his mind active and self taught himself things regardless of the fact that he was no longer attending school. He didn't feel as self destructive as some of the other teenage characters I've read from this author so he was more relatable to me.

Holloway was a harder character to get a read on, but think that is because he is so reserved (understandably so when we find out snippets of his past) and we are seeing him through Jack's eyes. Watching him open up under Jack's friendly teasing and the budding friendship was well done so when the breakdown happened it was more powerful. 

the murder mystery was entertaining and while I had an inkling of the murderer, I couldn't work out why or how the guys would figure it out. 

Looking forward to where this series leads