This debut novel set in an old farmhouse in a remote locale in Western Australia is the perfect combination of murder mystery and funny-awkward romance. Ruth and her extended family have been staying at her step-grandma’s house for the weekend to celebrate her birthday. Also among the family is Dylan, who Ruth definitely has a crush on, although for the last six months she has known he is her half cousin (it’s complicated). Then there is her dad, and her two aunties and their boyfriends: Nick, who spends the entire novel in hospital, and Shippy, who suspiciously spends a lot of time absent. And of course, there is the actual murder (or was it?) of her step-grandmother GG, who died in her bedroom from a head wound. The reason murder is suspected is because her bedroom window was found smashed open with a ladder up against it. The murder weapon? A typewriter.

Ruth and Dylan, of course, bypass the cops and attempt to solve the mystery of GG’s murder themselves. Everyone who has been in the house is a suspect, including them. With a wacky cast of characters, including extended family, neighbours and a hitchhiker, the plot is engaging and fast paced. Ruth has a delightful, self-deprecating voice that is constantly breaking the fourth wall to address the reader with little asides.

For fans of Karen M. McManus and Enola Holmes, this is a highly entertaining murder mystery that will be enjoyed by readers aged 12+.