For her senior capstone project, Pip researches the disappearance of former Fairview High student Andie, last seen on April 18, 2014, by her younger sister, Becca. Pip has known and liked Sal since childhood he’d supported her when she was being bullied in middle school. The character development is just as riveting as the plot in this well-constructed thriller.Įveryone believes that Salil Singh killed his girlfriend, Andrea Bell, five years ago-except Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Some adult characters are less well-rounded, yet the compelling plot overcomes these flaws. Laurie's debut for teens is quite an accomplishment: Maddie's voice rings true, and her character development is handled well. Readers will root for Maddie not only to find the killer, but to gain a little happiness, too. The tension inexorably mounts as Maddie faces heartbreaking choices. Suspicion falls squarely on Maddie, especially when another teenager is murdered in similar fashion-and Stubs becomes caught up in the investigation too. But then a client's son disappears and is later found dead on the date that Maddie predicted he would die. Now, Maddie does her best to blend in, uses her ability to make some extra money for herself and her mother, and spends time with her best friend, Stubs.

But her gift hasn't helped her much-it didn't prevent her police-officer father from being killed in the line of duty, and it hasn't stopped her grief-stricken mother from descending into alcoholism.

The truth-telling inquiry, the first of its kind in Australia, has been hearing from state government witnesses - mainly senior bureaucrats - over the past week.įollowing the embarrassment of delays to the commission's work caused by the government's failure to produce documents, the government has been agonising not to be seen as holding up the process.If you could know the date of your death, would you?įor Maddie, there's no choice: For her whole life, she's had the ability to see the date of anyone's death, hovering just over the forehead. Led and designed by First Peoples, the Yoorrook Justice Commission is documenting injustices against Indigenous peoples in Victoria, with its current inquiry focused on the state’s child protection and criminal justice systems.

'Our people expect accountability, in good faith from all decision makers who come before us,' the Wergaia/Wamba Wamba elder said. The government arrived at Victoria's truth-telling inquiry appearing ready to admit the ways that the state's systems have failed First People.Īt the beginning of this round of hearings - the first block to scrutinise government witnesses in detail - commission chair Eleanor Bourke acknowledged it was a 'historic moment' for Yoorrook, but also an opportunity for the state.

When by victoria laurie sparknotes