I’m delighted to be sharing Laura’s thoughts about One Bad Apple by Jo Jakeman.
- Category : Crime & Mystery
- Publisher : Constable (19 Sept. 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 416 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1408718391
- ISBN-13 : 978-1408718391
Welcome to Aberfal Boys High School. Independent jewel of academic and sporting excellence in the South-west — until the headmaster is murdered in his study. And now the Year Seven School Mums’ WhatsApp Group really do have something to talk about…
Clare Withoutani: OMG have you heard about Newhall?!!!
Becky Rupertsmum: Helen-Louise just texted. Can’t believe it.
Asha: Not heard anything. What’s happened?
Pam Geoffreysmum: What’s he done this time? They’re going co-ed, aren’t they? I knew this would happen.
Clare Withoutani: Can’t believe it, Becky. I’m in shock.
Pam Geoffreysmum: Are we going co-ed?
Becky Rupertsmum: No, Pam. Newhall died.
Pam Geoffreysmum: Oh GOD. Seriously??!! Can’t believe it. So sad. He’ll be such a loss to the school. The boys will be devastated. Will the school be offering grief counselling?
Rose Oliversmum: Anyone know what pages they’re meant to do for chemistry? Ollie’s homework diary says ‘do questions 1-4’ but no page numbers!
As the resulting police investigation reveals more and more of Aberfal’s long-hidden secrets the list of suspects who wanted the headmaster dead grows by the day. And far from being a glittering jewel of exclusivity and excellence, it would appear Aberfal Boys High School is rotten to its core…
One Bad Apple Review
I devoured this mystery set in a private school in a quiet Cornish village. Even with many characters I found the story was enjoyable and a great read.
When headmaster Jerry Newhall is found dead in his office many of the characters are picked as a culprit. The headteacher although popular held many secrets.
The story includes regular updates of the year 7 mummy WhatsApp chat with their thoughts and opinions whilst gossiping with each other. I enjoyed these exchanges as it was a great opportunity to find out what was made public and what they thought.
Secrets, unpaid school term payments, traffic accident, hatred for the victim, public disagreements so it is difficult for a detective to solve this crime.
One Bad Apple is a very likeable mystery.
About the Author
Jo was the winner of the Friday Night Live 2016 competition at the York Festival of Writing. Born in Cyprus, she worked for many years in the City of London before moving to Cornwall with her husband and twin boys.