The After School Crime Club

Willow was very close to her Nana so having friends of her own age never really mattered, but when her grandmother dies, it feels as if the one person who really knew her has gone. The fact that her mum is clearing out Nana’s house and refusing to visit the grave is making things worse and to top it all, Willow is having to attend an after school club at the local bookshop to support her learning. Keen to please her mother by making some friends her own age, Willow decides to try and fit in with the others, particularly Tay Wilding who Willow finds fascinating. Soon, Willow finds herself accepting dares which she becomes increasingly uncomfortable with…

Gripping from the outset, ‘The After School Crime Club’ is a story which will resonate with many readers. Willow is at a point in her life where she feels adrift. The loss of her Nana hits her hard, robbing her of the one person she felt truly at ease with. Her mother is also struggling, leaving Willow feeling unable to share her emotions with those closest to her and with a huge void in her life . At a time when she is most vulnerable, Willow is thrust into a new situation- that of the after school revision club where she is keen to try to fit in.

The story is skilfully told as Willow faces personal dilemmas posed by the challenges she is set, at first trying to justify things or brush them off as unimportant and the reader feels great empathy as Willow tries to reconcile herself to the dares, their consequences and the friendship tightrope she finds herself walking. Trying to fill the gaps in her life, Willow soon realises that she is not being true to herself and emerges stronger and wiser. There is so much to reflect on here as Willow’s experiences of loss, loneliness and the desire to fit in are sure to echo those of readers and the uplifting, thoughtful conclusion is sure to offer comfort and courage to many.

Brilliant read!

The After School Crime Club

Hayley Webster

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788006064