This is a short book for young teens. The main protagonist – the eponymous Dom – is 12. Although there is one scene which I think might be a bit strong for some around that age.
The book explores relationships of those on the cusp of puberty: between siblings, enemies, friends, frenemies, romantic interests and parents. I was a little disappointed at the supporting roles assigned to the girls and women in the book. Although Emma does get the chance to make a difference.
The murder occurs quite late in the book: the threads that lead to it have been skilfully laid and braided by that point, and the story is neatly and satisfyingly wrapped up.
Dom and his older brother, Reed, live in some poverty in the backwoods of the USA. I don’t think where, exactly, is mentioned. Nor is when. By the absence of cell phones I assume it is set at least twenty years ago. However, the appearance of “Ol’ Red”, the family’s ancient pick-up truck (a character in its own right) means the story is certainly not pre-WWII. How millennial youngsters will identify with protagonists who have no technological toys I don’t know.
There are some resonances with other novels for youngsters, with no technological toys in them (which adults also enjoy) such as Treasure Island and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer . This story is not as historical as that. The resonances are more to do with Dom’s attitude to life: he is always in some scrape or other – accompanied and/or egged on by Reed. What they get up to after they’ve done their chores and their homework, and said their prayers, would have the Elves of Safety in a conniption if they heard about it. Dom is without any sort of built in failsafe and has a moral compass which is flaky at best. The book is partly about how he works on these aspects of his character. Dom’s love of and knowledge about the outdoors are endearing (of course, he doesn’t have a mobile phone or a computer to keep him indoors).
If your youngster shows an interest in reading this book I would impress on him or her at the outset that these escapades are NOT TO BE TRIED AT HOME. The same goes for you: you’ll spend a month under the thumbs of the chiropractor if you do.
This is an interesting book, which maintains a good pace. There is always something happening, which is often jaw dropping.
Unfortunately I can’t tell you anything about chapter or section length, due to the formatting of the copy I was working from.
** I received an electronic copy of this book for review purposes **
Judi Moore 