Range of subplots, teen angst, quietly engaging.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is a little different to the mystery solving books I'm used to reading. I like the National Treasure (film) meets Chaos Code (audio book) style of book. This book included much more on emotional development in the teen protagonists. This means it will probably appeal to those who like to get under the skin of the main characters. I would like to say it would appeal to both males and females, but I'm not sure that it would, simply because the narrator is female (who in places reminded me of Lynda Snell from the Archers - I know, I'm that old!). This does tend to put lads off and may be a better read than listen. However, the male lead was fairly believable and an all round general good guy.As far as the plot is concerned, its slow and steady, and having read reviews before I listened, I was aware what the plot was going to do, so was patiently waiting... and waiting. All the reviews I read, I think, focused too much on what the plot was going to do in the end, rather than on realising the book was a story about growing up and changing, using odd events to contextualise and ground behaviour. A pretty good way to go about it. The urgency of solving a mystery is tempered for the listener by the engaging lives of the leads. I will recommend it to others, but it will be tricky to do so without giving away too much! It was predictable in places, and if one of the characters hadn't mentioned Nancy Drew, I would have mentioned it anyway! Occasionally the behaviour of the characters became un-natural, just to make the plot work (which was a shame). Even, so, the ending was only one of many that we were led to believe it could have been, so at least there was some mystery for the reader to 'guess'. I look forward to the next book.For very sad readers (:-), the book could be a useful one to use as a discussion of the different ways young people react to the same distressing situation and the long term effects it has on them. Pick from attachment theory to social learning theory - you may even be able to get a bit of Freud/Jung in there!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Time?

Oh dear, for me it was when the main character began behaving out of character to help the plot along! It annoyed me.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The meeting between Emma and Rose at Rose's house. Rose learned about herself and for five minutes she was less harsh and easier to like.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

50 ways to leave your children, 50 murders to keep them safe

Any additional comments?

I liked the character who is an IT whizz kid. Definitely a must if there's a modern day mystery to be solved. Expecting him to get more work in the next book.

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