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The Nine Night Mystery

by Sharna Jackson

Interest age: 9 to 13
Reading age: 9+

Published by Puffin Books, 2024

About this book

When Wesley Evans discovers the dead body of his neighbour, Rachel Kohl, he and his friends suspect foul play. They were at a surprise 40th birthday party for Rachel the night before, and the entire guest list are suspects. Even Wesley’s own mumOne of Rachel’s friendinsists on a traditional Nine Night set-up, to put Rachel’s ghost, or duppy, to rest. Over the next nine nights, as the friends gather,Wesley, Margot and Josie investigate.They discover that Rachel had a lot of secrets, and so do the suspects. But was her death really murder? And who is the mysterious hooded figure who was hanging around outside her house that fatal night? 

This is a mystery full of twists and turns, and cracking dialogue. There are nearly 500 pages, but it’s a quick read because of the pacey dialogue.The nine-night structure gives form to the investigation and adds a ticking clockwill they solve the mystery in time for Rachel’s duppy to leave peacefullyAn intriguing mystery with many layers to solve. 

About the author

Sharna Jackson is the Artistic Director of Site Gallery, Sheffield and a board member of Sheffield Doc/Fest, Upswing Aerial Arts and New Writing North. She has previously worked as a creative producer with the Tate, BAFTA, The Design Museum, The Royal Collection Trust, Museum of Childhood, V&A, Science Museum, Penguin amongst others. An advocate for diverse representation across children’s media, she is a member of BAFTA’s Children’s and Learning and New Talent committees and the Children’s Media Conference advisory board. High Rise Mystery (Knights Of), is her debut novel, the first in a mould-breaking crime series.

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