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Scar Town
Twelve-year-old Will Haddon and his twin friends, Dar and Juno, find a safe full of money and human bones in an old house that’s sticking out of a rapidly receding lake amid the worst drought in history. Their mission to identify the body reveals secrets that will rewrite the history of their town and the story of their lives. When Will was five, his dad, a young cop, went missing just days before Old Scarborough was drowned beneath a man-made lake for a hydroelectric scheme. Old Scarborough’s residents were promised new houses, jobs, tourist dollars and a fresh start, but hardly any of it materialised. Neither did Will’s dad. And he’s not the only person to go missing from this bad-luck town. Will, Dar and Juno are forced on a dangerous journey to discover the truth in a town that wants the past to stay buried.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
54 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Tristan Bancks
37 books165 followersTristan Bancks tells stories for the page and screen. His books for kids and teens include Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, the Tom Weekly series, and Nit Boy. Ginger Meggs, Tristan’s 100th anniversary book of short stories, is based on characters created by his great-great uncle, Jimmy Bancks, in 1921. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards, including a Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, ABIA, YABBA, KOALA, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and Queensland Literary Awards. His latest release is Cop & Robber, a nailbiting crime story for age 10+.
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 21, 2024
This would make a brilliant Australian film or year seven class text.
Children aged 12 plus years old will race through this text. Part murder mystery, part dark Aussie noir.
Set in Scarborough, a small country town, with the original town site flooded after the creation of a dam. But, with a leak in the dam wall and a drought, once buried secrets are surfacing - after Will and his two friends step into one of the old submerged buildings.
This has to be Tristan Banck’s best book to date. So cleverly crafted, with a reference here of 1980’s film, ‘Goonies’, and film making references there - a class would have a ball looking at trailers and film making using mobile phones. So many breadcrumbs (or Easter eggs) for readers and teachers.
The crafting of the chapters - the first and last sentences are 💥💥💥. Designing and structuring each chapter to deliver clues to the reader, plot reveals and twists, character interactions and keeping his foot on the suspense pedal- amazing.
Lastly, my favourite character: the setting. The foreboding, harsh Australian environment, the oppressive weather, the scent of eucalyptus when the car window is open, to the force of the water that cannot be contained (like the truth).
Well done, Tristan Bancks.
Children aged 12 plus years old will race through this text. Part murder mystery, part dark Aussie noir.
Set in Scarborough, a small country town, with the original town site flooded after the creation of a dam. But, with a leak in the dam wall and a drought, once buried secrets are surfacing - after Will and his two friends step into one of the old submerged buildings.
This has to be Tristan Banck’s best book to date. So cleverly crafted, with a reference here of 1980’s film, ‘Goonies’, and film making references there - a class would have a ball looking at trailers and film making using mobile phones. So many breadcrumbs (or Easter eggs) for readers and teachers.
The crafting of the chapters - the first and last sentences are 💥💥💥. Designing and structuring each chapter to deliver clues to the reader, plot reveals and twists, character interactions and keeping his foot on the suspense pedal- amazing.
Lastly, my favourite character: the setting. The foreboding, harsh Australian environment, the oppressive weather, the scent of eucalyptus when the car window is open, to the force of the water that cannot be contained (like the truth).
Well done, Tristan Bancks.
February 13, 2025
I love the child's perspective this story is told from. I had a suspicion about one character after their introduction, but with everything else happening in the story, it was difficult to tell who was involved and how far they were willing to go.
I do wish the ending was a little more fleshed out and we got more information about what had happened to the main character's dad and how his story unravelled but I guess that's the thing with this sort of crime, sometimes you just never know.
This is one I know I'll keep thinking about for a while.
I do wish the ending was a little more fleshed out and we got more information about what had happened to the main character's dad and how his story unravelled but I guess that's the thing with this sort of crime, sometimes you just never know.
This is one I know I'll keep thinking about for a while.
August 25, 2023
Tristan’s books just keep getting better. Fast paced action stories with a heavy dose of mystery are perfect for adventure loving readers in upper primary and early secondary. We purchased four copies of this for our library shelves and they haven’t been seen since arriving; students are devouring this great read.
October 9, 2023
Bancks knows how to write a suspenseful novel. I listened to the Audible version and he is a wonderfully engaging narrator too.
Perfect for Year 6+.
A bit of violence and a non-graphic kidnapping. A few mentions of drugs etc
Perfect for Year 6+.
A bit of violence and a non-graphic kidnapping. A few mentions of drugs etc
Read
December 31, 2024Scar Town
- - - -
For the purpose of reading this
it wasn't even that bad. Easy writing and an interesting story.
~
[ some vague plotholes though! ]
No Rating.
Happy Reading!!
[mil ☁️]
(*^_^*)
- - - -
For the purpose of reading this
it wasn't even that bad. Easy writing and an interesting story.
~
[ some vague plotholes though! ]
No Rating.
Happy Reading!!
[mil ☁️]
(*^_^*)
September 9, 2023
Bancks has nailed it with this one, tightly written, suspenseful and full of action, this will be popular. Will add a review book talk to my blog soon!
October 15, 2023
Tense, tight and a great read.
March 20, 2024
Very good, intriguing book. Easy to read.
Read
June 4, 2025From a highschool student that was required to read and review this book.
The book scar town, aims for it to be a gripping mystery novel for young adults, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas. My dislike for the book comes mainly from three lil issues: the disconnected and poorly introduced characters, a theme that lacks depth or impact, and a writing style that feels too simplistic for its intended young adult audience. Overall, the book’s execution weakens what could have been an awesome story for the intended audience.
First of all, some characters are introduced in a confusing and unengaging way. From the beginning, it’s difficult to form a connection particularly with Uncle Monty because he’s introduced hurriedly and lacks any reason to suspect him as the main villain. The protagonist, Will, is written with minimal emotional range, moving pretty much from just scared to guilty to sad. When he’s happy it never clearly states that he is and just grazes over it, making it hard to relate to or care about his journey. Other characters are introduced abruptly, without enough background or motivation to make their actions feel believable. As a result, the story struggles to create meaningful reasons to care about the character other than “They’re the protagonist” or “They’re the bad guy”.
Secondly, the theme of the book feels underdeveloped and flat. While Scar Town tries to explore mystery and family secrets, and it does, it’s just that it does so in a surface-level way that doesn't leave much for the reader to think about or delve deeper in their imagination with. The tension and drama that should be driving the story often fall short, making the theme feel more like something they put on the description so people that like the genre would read it rather than a compelling part of the narrative. This lack of depth takes away from the impact that the story is trying to convey and weakens the overall message.
Lastly, the way the book is written significantly limits the enjoyment one receives when reading. The language and overall tone are more suitable for younger readers, I’d say aged 9–11, rather than the 13–18 age group it's clearly aimed toward. The simplicity of the writing strips the story of emotional scenes and makes the characters and events feel less real. As a result, the book may fail to hold the interest of a teen audience looking for something more layered and interesting. I would also like to acknowledge that it could be written in such a way purely because it’s in the perspective of a thirteen-year-old, but even then, it doesn’t really suit thirteen-year-olds.
In conclusion, Scar Town falls short due to its poorly introduced characters, a weakly executed theme, and a writing style that is too simplistic for the young adult demographic. I found the book unsatisfying and believe it is not suitable for the age group it targets. The characters fail to engage the reader from the start, and the writing style doesn't match the expectations of a teen audience. Ultimately, Scar Town is a disappointing read that I would not recommend to the specified audience.
The book scar town, aims for it to be a gripping mystery novel for young adults, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas. My dislike for the book comes mainly from three lil issues: the disconnected and poorly introduced characters, a theme that lacks depth or impact, and a writing style that feels too simplistic for its intended young adult audience. Overall, the book’s execution weakens what could have been an awesome story for the intended audience.
First of all, some characters are introduced in a confusing and unengaging way. From the beginning, it’s difficult to form a connection particularly with Uncle Monty because he’s introduced hurriedly and lacks any reason to suspect him as the main villain. The protagonist, Will, is written with minimal emotional range, moving pretty much from just scared to guilty to sad. When he’s happy it never clearly states that he is and just grazes over it, making it hard to relate to or care about his journey. Other characters are introduced abruptly, without enough background or motivation to make their actions feel believable. As a result, the story struggles to create meaningful reasons to care about the character other than “They’re the protagonist” or “They’re the bad guy”.
Secondly, the theme of the book feels underdeveloped and flat. While Scar Town tries to explore mystery and family secrets, and it does, it’s just that it does so in a surface-level way that doesn't leave much for the reader to think about or delve deeper in their imagination with. The tension and drama that should be driving the story often fall short, making the theme feel more like something they put on the description so people that like the genre would read it rather than a compelling part of the narrative. This lack of depth takes away from the impact that the story is trying to convey and weakens the overall message.
Lastly, the way the book is written significantly limits the enjoyment one receives when reading. The language and overall tone are more suitable for younger readers, I’d say aged 9–11, rather than the 13–18 age group it's clearly aimed toward. The simplicity of the writing strips the story of emotional scenes and makes the characters and events feel less real. As a result, the book may fail to hold the interest of a teen audience looking for something more layered and interesting. I would also like to acknowledge that it could be written in such a way purely because it’s in the perspective of a thirteen-year-old, but even then, it doesn’t really suit thirteen-year-olds.
In conclusion, Scar Town falls short due to its poorly introduced characters, a weakly executed theme, and a writing style that is too simplistic for the young adult demographic. I found the book unsatisfying and believe it is not suitable for the age group it targets. The characters fail to engage the reader from the start, and the writing style doesn't match the expectations of a teen audience. Ultimately, Scar Town is a disappointing read that I would not recommend to the specified audience.
June 1, 2024
I'm making my way through all the CBCA short listed books ahead of term three when I will start to introduce them to the students. I did have the help of my daughter in this task but she has abandoned the quest to read something else LOL
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. There was a lot in it that I thought would appeal to upper primary/lower secondary students: friendship, friends who can be bad for you but also good for at the same time, a mystery, a dead body, and a stack of cash hidden in a wall.
I found the writing very descriptive without an over reliance of adjectives. The author used complex vocabulary in a manner where the words were explained in context.
I think if I had read this as at ages 10-13 I would have absolutely eaten it up and would have stayed up late trying to finish it off. As it was, I finished it in two dedicated sittings. It was definitely a kids' book as I could see where the story was headed but I loved going along for the ride
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. There was a lot in it that I thought would appeal to upper primary/lower secondary students: friendship, friends who can be bad for you but also good for at the same time, a mystery, a dead body, and a stack of cash hidden in a wall.
I found the writing very descriptive without an over reliance of adjectives. The author used complex vocabulary in a manner where the words were explained in context.
I think if I had read this as at ages 10-13 I would have absolutely eaten it up and would have stayed up late trying to finish it off. As it was, I finished it in two dedicated sittings. It was definitely a kids' book as I could see where the story was headed but I loved going along for the ride
November 7, 2023
Trigger warnings: death, disappearance of a parent, grief, organised crime, violence, assault, near drowning, theft.
3.5 stars
As with all of Tristan Bancks' middle grade thrillers, I flew through this in no time at all. It was compelling, but it was also not one of my favourites of his work. As much as it was a fast-paced story, there was more sadness to it than I anticipated and I think that hampered my enjoyment overall. I also feel like it MIGHT have worked better if it were set in the 90s? Like, recent enough to have computers but long enough ago that kids can go out on their bikes all day, climbing about in houses that have been revealed from a lake by drought without anyone batting an eyelid or keeping an eye on their whereabouts through their phones.
So yeah. I liked the characters and I ultimately liked where the mystery went. But it wasn't quite what I wanted it to be.
3.5 stars
As with all of Tristan Bancks' middle grade thrillers, I flew through this in no time at all. It was compelling, but it was also not one of my favourites of his work. As much as it was a fast-paced story, there was more sadness to it than I anticipated and I think that hampered my enjoyment overall. I also feel like it MIGHT have worked better if it were set in the 90s? Like, recent enough to have computers but long enough ago that kids can go out on their bikes all day, climbing about in houses that have been revealed from a lake by drought without anyone batting an eyelid or keeping an eye on their whereabouts through their phones.
So yeah. I liked the characters and I ultimately liked where the mystery went. But it wasn't quite what I wanted it to be.
June 9, 2024
Another Tristan Bancks gripping, gritty mystery and action story for my intermediates. It had enough spine tingling fear filled moments to make me wonder if this was actually a bit much for my 11 year olds! I think they will love it though. There is real danger, some bad choices that lead to bigger danger and some pretty ropey adult behaviour to keep you guessing - who should they trust to actually help them? Brilliant 10+.
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March 14, 2024
Trigger & Content Warnings
Parental abandonment (secondary character)
Parent with alcoholism (secondary character)
Grandparent with dementia
Depiction of skeletonised dead body
Grief and loss depiction
Disappearance and death of a father and husband
Kidnapping of a child
Physical assault (and physical assault of a child)
Financial difficulties discussed
Parental abandonment (secondary character)
Parent with alcoholism (secondary character)
Grandparent with dementia
Depiction of skeletonised dead body
Grief and loss depiction
Disappearance and death of a father and husband
Kidnapping of a child
Physical assault (and physical assault of a child)
Financial difficulties discussed
August 22, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook read by the author, Tristan Bancks.
The book jumps right into the action and does not stop until the end! Will and his friends J and Dar, discover a huge amount of cash and more besides, concealed in the wall of a recently submerged house. The house was once part of a dam that flooded the old Scarborough town, and due to the drought, and a leak in the crumbing dam wall the old town is slowly re-emerging. Who put the cash in the wall, and does this have anything to do with the nine people who have disappeared without trace from the new town since the dam was built seven years ago - one of which is Will's Dad, the local policeman? Pretty soon, someone else is on the trail of the cash and Will and his friends are in the firing line. Fast-paced and action packed, really enjoyed this novel.
The book jumps right into the action and does not stop until the end! Will and his friends J and Dar, discover a huge amount of cash and more besides, concealed in the wall of a recently submerged house. The house was once part of a dam that flooded the old Scarborough town, and due to the drought, and a leak in the crumbing dam wall the old town is slowly re-emerging. Who put the cash in the wall, and does this have anything to do with the nine people who have disappeared without trace from the new town since the dam was built seven years ago - one of which is Will's Dad, the local policeman? Pretty soon, someone else is on the trail of the cash and Will and his friends are in the firing line. Fast-paced and action packed, really enjoyed this novel.
Read
July 31, 2025I must say I was reluctant to try this book. I'm a very big book-worm, and somewhat picky, so buying a book for me without knowing I want to read it is like searching for a needle in a haystack. But I was surprised, and I'm glad. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a book that's engaging but also not incredibly difficult to read. Good luck! :-)
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December 30, 2023BOOK REVIEW:
💵 A thrilling adventure of twists and turns. Three friends unraveling the truth of a 7 year mystery.
💰 Will, the 12 year old son of a missing police officer; known for being sensible, reliable and comes from a line of Scarborough business owners, gets led astray by his two best friends J (Juno) and Dar - twin 13 year olds. Unlike Will, they are more known for their drunken father, getting into trouble and even their mother has left them.
💵 When these three get together to investigate an old house that has reappeared from the depths of a dam, purpose built to flood the old town of Scarborough, what could go wrong?
💰 Money (lots of it), human skeleton remains (are they Will’s missing father’s?) - all inside the walls of this broken down, rotting house.
💵 If you were Will, would you keep it all a secret? That’s what his friends want him to do. Would you tell your parents, the police, a family member? Who could you trust?
💰 Is the body Will’s father? Where did all the money come from? Who are the missing 9? What part does his family play in this historical drowning of a town? Can J, Bar and Will continue to be friends after all this strain and confusion?
💵 An action-packed, gripping, heart stopping quest for the truth, that will have you turning the pages without stopping until the very end. Written by best-selling author Tristan Bancks. Order your copy today!!
💰 highly recommend for kids aged 10+. I was engrossed from the first opening page to the very end; holding my breath and hurriedly turning the pages to find out what comes next.
💵 If you loved Cop and Robber, The Fall or Two Wolves, you’ll equally love this. If you haven’t read these three books, WHY HAVEN’T YOU?
Author: @tristanbancksbooks
Publisher: @puffinbooksaus
ISBN: 9780143791812
Paperback
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse for sending me a copy to review. I really appreciate this opportunity.
💵 A thrilling adventure of twists and turns. Three friends unraveling the truth of a 7 year mystery.
💰 Will, the 12 year old son of a missing police officer; known for being sensible, reliable and comes from a line of Scarborough business owners, gets led astray by his two best friends J (Juno) and Dar - twin 13 year olds. Unlike Will, they are more known for their drunken father, getting into trouble and even their mother has left them.
💵 When these three get together to investigate an old house that has reappeared from the depths of a dam, purpose built to flood the old town of Scarborough, what could go wrong?
💰 Money (lots of it), human skeleton remains (are they Will’s missing father’s?) - all inside the walls of this broken down, rotting house.
💵 If you were Will, would you keep it all a secret? That’s what his friends want him to do. Would you tell your parents, the police, a family member? Who could you trust?
💰 Is the body Will’s father? Where did all the money come from? Who are the missing 9? What part does his family play in this historical drowning of a town? Can J, Bar and Will continue to be friends after all this strain and confusion?
💵 An action-packed, gripping, heart stopping quest for the truth, that will have you turning the pages without stopping until the very end. Written by best-selling author Tristan Bancks. Order your copy today!!
💰 highly recommend for kids aged 10+. I was engrossed from the first opening page to the very end; holding my breath and hurriedly turning the pages to find out what comes next.
💵 If you loved Cop and Robber, The Fall or Two Wolves, you’ll equally love this. If you haven’t read these three books, WHY HAVEN’T YOU?
Author: @tristanbancksbooks
Publisher: @puffinbooksaus
ISBN: 9780143791812
Paperback
Thank you @penguinrandomhouse for sending me a copy to review. I really appreciate this opportunity.
September 16, 2024
Working in the library meant that I was able to reserve this one first up when it was released.
I kept returning the book because it had reserves on it, even though our library service had two copies.
I finally borrowed the eAudio book through Borrowbox and just loved it.
Sunken towns fascinate me, and this story gave me Famous Five vibes.
5 stars 🌟
I kept returning the book because it had reserves on it, even though our library service had two copies.
I finally borrowed the eAudio book through Borrowbox and just loved it.
Sunken towns fascinate me, and this story gave me Famous Five vibes.
5 stars 🌟
March 19, 2024
3.50 ★
Jane Harper for kids-and I mean that as the highest compliment. A brilliant, gritty Australian thriller.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
Jane Harper for kids-and I mean that as the highest compliment. A brilliant, gritty Australian thriller.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
September 7, 2023
Will is nearly 13. He loves hanging out with his best friends Dar and Juno Carpenter, not that he ever calls J by her full name. He knows she’d punch him if he did. Dar and J are twins and complete opposites. Dar is gentle and a worrier, and J is always keen for action. After getting in trouble a few times, Will’s mum tells him to stay away from the twins.
Ever since his father disappeared nearly seven years ago, Will’s mum has been unhappy. Not only did they never find out what happened to Will’s father, eight other people vanished from the town. Known as the Scarborough Nine, Will wants to believe his father wasn’t one of them, and he might see him again one day.
Life was okay before Dad disappeared. Will’s grandfather owned a successful trucking firm in town and when a dam was built, intentionally flooding part of Scarborough, the family business did well. Pop’s trucks were busy either moving houses to a different area or helping build the dam itself.
Now, Pop has had a stroke and the business is failing. Mum is worried about the bills, and the dam is failing too. Along with a drought, the leaking dam is slowly revealing the drowned houses from seven years before. One of them is too tempting for J not to swim out to and explore.
Dar and Will aren’t keen, but don’t know how to say no to thrill seeking Juno. Climbing in a window, they find a rotting house and a staircase. Upstairs is hiding enough money to transform their futures, but could they really take it for themselves?
With only a drunken Dad at home, J doesn’t think twice and looks for more of the plastic wrapped packages of cash. This time they find bones, and it’s obvious they are human. This is more trouble than they’ve ever been in before, and not just with Will’s mum. The money belongs to someone and they want it back.
Will wants to know more about these people and if they had anything to do with his missing father. The more he digs, the more shocked he becomes as clues point back in his direction. What happened seven years ago, before Old Scarborough slipped under the waters of the new dam?
Scar Town is a thrilling read from very early in the story as three friends explore a partly submerged house. What might be in there? What they find brings more trouble than they can handle, unravelling secrets deep within the framework of their small town.
The plot is fast moving and the emotions swirl constantly between doing the right thing or being able to finally change lives for the better. Loyalties are pushed and family secrets are revealed as tension rises and young lives are suddenly at risk. Several chase scenes are tense and heart pumping, and the character’s resulting fears very real.
I loved feisty Juno, angry at the world and her fractured family, but fiercely loyal when her twin or friend is in danger.
An action-packed and exciting read.
Age – 10+
Ever since his father disappeared nearly seven years ago, Will’s mum has been unhappy. Not only did they never find out what happened to Will’s father, eight other people vanished from the town. Known as the Scarborough Nine, Will wants to believe his father wasn’t one of them, and he might see him again one day.
Life was okay before Dad disappeared. Will’s grandfather owned a successful trucking firm in town and when a dam was built, intentionally flooding part of Scarborough, the family business did well. Pop’s trucks were busy either moving houses to a different area or helping build the dam itself.
Now, Pop has had a stroke and the business is failing. Mum is worried about the bills, and the dam is failing too. Along with a drought, the leaking dam is slowly revealing the drowned houses from seven years before. One of them is too tempting for J not to swim out to and explore.
Dar and Will aren’t keen, but don’t know how to say no to thrill seeking Juno. Climbing in a window, they find a rotting house and a staircase. Upstairs is hiding enough money to transform their futures, but could they really take it for themselves?
With only a drunken Dad at home, J doesn’t think twice and looks for more of the plastic wrapped packages of cash. This time they find bones, and it’s obvious they are human. This is more trouble than they’ve ever been in before, and not just with Will’s mum. The money belongs to someone and they want it back.
Will wants to know more about these people and if they had anything to do with his missing father. The more he digs, the more shocked he becomes as clues point back in his direction. What happened seven years ago, before Old Scarborough slipped under the waters of the new dam?
Scar Town is a thrilling read from very early in the story as three friends explore a partly submerged house. What might be in there? What they find brings more trouble than they can handle, unravelling secrets deep within the framework of their small town.
The plot is fast moving and the emotions swirl constantly between doing the right thing or being able to finally change lives for the better. Loyalties are pushed and family secrets are revealed as tension rises and young lives are suddenly at risk. Several chase scenes are tense and heart pumping, and the character’s resulting fears very real.
I loved feisty Juno, angry at the world and her fractured family, but fiercely loyal when her twin or friend is in danger.
An action-packed and exciting read.
Age – 10+
June 26, 2025
AMAZING! This book was soooo good! It kept me up nights, and sometimes....TERRIFIED ME! If you've read my review on "The Sugarcane kids and the red-bottomed boat" by Charlie Archbold, this was another book! If not, (lemme just copy and paste...)
I first read this book because of Reader's cup. We were in a regional round, and my mum researched the other regional rounds, to see if they had the same books. They had some similar, others different. If they chose the 'different' books (the ones I haven't read), surely it would be a good choice to read right? So my mum reserved them. This was one of the books.
Ok, back to what I was saying... this book was soooo good!!!!!! LIKE AMAZING!!! Dar, Juno (she'll punch anyone that calls her that though) and William explore a house. A house that reveals its remains over the water. A house full of secrets. A HOUSE THAT WILL DEFINETLY CREEP U OUT!
Anyways.... Will lives with his mum. His dad was one of the Scarborough Nine. The nine that went missing.
Dar and J live with their dad, Mr C, but he gets drunk. A lot. And you know what he does when he gets drunk? Dance. On the lawn. Mr C was one of the prime suspects during Will's dads disappearance.
As I was saying, this book was truly amazing!
I first read this book because of Reader's cup. We were in a regional round, and my mum researched the other regional rounds, to see if they had the same books. They had some similar, others different. If they chose the 'different' books (the ones I haven't read), surely it would be a good choice to read right? So my mum reserved them. This was one of the books.
Ok, back to what I was saying... this book was soooo good!!!!!! LIKE AMAZING!!! Dar, Juno (she'll punch anyone that calls her that though) and William explore a house. A house that reveals its remains over the water. A house full of secrets. A HOUSE THAT WILL DEFINETLY CREEP U OUT!
Anyways.... Will lives with his mum. His dad was one of the Scarborough Nine. The nine that went missing.
Dar and J live with their dad, Mr C, but he gets drunk. A lot. And you know what he does when he gets drunk? Dance. On the lawn. Mr C was one of the prime suspects during Will's dads disappearance.
As I was saying, this book was truly amazing!
October 1, 2024
A murder mystery, Scar Town (2023) by Tristan Bancks is an energetic tale, with bundles of cash and imminent danger for the three young teen heroes. The town of Scarborough disappeared eight years ago when it was flooded to create a large reservoir. Will’s father and seven others also disappeared around the time. Will is now raised by his single mother and grandpop. Will’s best friends are J (Juno) and Dar raised alone by their father and often seen causing trouble. When a hole in the dam leaks, the falling water levels expose an old house that the three friends explore. They find old bones in the attic wall and bundles of wrapped cash that have dangerous consequences, with links to past secrets. A riveting young adult fiction tale with gripping tension, a climactic finale and a truly enjoyable (even for adults) four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
May 27, 2024
I love Tristan Bancks' books! Exciting storylines, relatable for both boys and girls, complex ethical issues, yet quick reads - they are sure-fire winners when you put them in to kids hands.
Scar Town is his latest, and he has amped up the adventure and excitement to a new level. I felt like this time his characters were in true danger and involved in things well over their heads. The descriptions of Scar Town, the lake and the old town were all excellent, and immediately brought to mind visions of Jindabyne, which Tristan has said was the inspiration.
I would have liked to explore the relationship between Will, Dar & Juno even further, as well as the complex relationship between Dar, Juno & their parents, but I understand Tristan has limited time and space while still trying to keep the story a manageable size.
A great read.
Scar Town is his latest, and he has amped up the adventure and excitement to a new level. I felt like this time his characters were in true danger and involved in things well over their heads. The descriptions of Scar Town, the lake and the old town were all excellent, and immediately brought to mind visions of Jindabyne, which Tristan has said was the inspiration.
I would have liked to explore the relationship between Will, Dar & Juno even further, as well as the complex relationship between Dar, Juno & their parents, but I understand Tristan has limited time and space while still trying to keep the story a manageable size.
A great read.
July 17, 2024
Will’s best friend is Dar. Dar’s twin sister is J. The families have a history. Wills's father disappeared seven years ago, and Dar’s father was a suspect, but no evidence was found. Will has been told not to hang around with Dar and his sister.
New Scarborough is a town doing it tough, and a failing dam wall has made things worse. People are out of work, short of money, and angry. The old town was flooded when the dam wall was built, and is now slowly re-appearing as the water escapes.
J is always up for a dare. She convinces Will and Dar to swim out to explore a half-submerged house. That decision changes their lives. They find money and human bones in the half-rotted house. Seriously dangerous people are after the three young people. How do they sort it?
I enjoyed the intensity of the story and the rich characters.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
New Scarborough is a town doing it tough, and a failing dam wall has made things worse. People are out of work, short of money, and angry. The old town was flooded when the dam wall was built, and is now slowly re-appearing as the water escapes.
J is always up for a dare. She convinces Will and Dar to swim out to explore a half-submerged house. That decision changes their lives. They find money and human bones in the half-rotted house. Seriously dangerous people are after the three young people. How do they sort it?
I enjoyed the intensity of the story and the rich characters.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
October 13, 2023
I trust Tristan Bancks to give me an excellent read for young teens. A book that is not too small, not too big and with action. Lots of action. And tension, he does tension so well.
We have a bunch of kids, in a town that has little going on. A drought and the town that was drowned years before being slowly revealed as the dam that flooded it shrinks due to a flood. There is a gritty mystery to be solved and some furious adults are intent on stopping these kids from uncovering a mystery that they want to stay buried (or drowned).
Great book, awesome kid characters and a lot of secrets.
We have a bunch of kids, in a town that has little going on. A drought and the town that was drowned years before being slowly revealed as the dam that flooded it shrinks due to a flood. There is a gritty mystery to be solved and some furious adults are intent on stopping these kids from uncovering a mystery that they want to stay buried (or drowned).
Great book, awesome kid characters and a lot of secrets.
January 16, 2024
Action packed and loved some of the opening chapters descriptions. Maybe a bit graphic for a young audience with death, murder, dead bodies in a wall and big guy trying to kill the kids.
Reminded me of Old Tallangatta - the drowned town under water due to the dam and the house is poking out of the water and holds secrets of the past.
3 kids (will, J and Dar) break all the rules to try and solve the mystery of missing people and they find money in the sunken house as well.
It was good - but I didn't love. It lacked a bit of depth for me.
Reminded me of Old Tallangatta - the drowned town under water due to the dam and the house is poking out of the water and holds secrets of the past.
3 kids (will, J and Dar) break all the rules to try and solve the mystery of missing people and they find money in the sunken house as well.
It was good - but I didn't love. It lacked a bit of depth for me.
September 7, 2024
This won the award for Book of the year Younger Readers, which is why I read it. I am not convinced it deserved this. It was suspenseful, a mystery about a drowned town, bones and money but it could have been more. The writing was a bit clunky, sometimes I wasn’t sure what had happened, I couldn’t picture it and had to go back and reread. I can’t visualise the main characters or describe them to you as descriptions were lacking. Good idea but didn’t quite work.
2024 pop sugar reading challenge- a book from genre you typically avoid.
2024 pop sugar reading challenge- a book from genre you typically avoid.
October 8, 2024
A fantastic story for the middle grade reader who enjoys mystery, adventure, and well-written tension.
As the old sunken town reappears, three young teens go exploring where they shouldn’t and discover a dark secret that has been buried for years. It’s up to them to solve the mystery that links to their own pasts.
Tristan Bancks is an amazing storyteller. The short, fast-paced chapters blend into each other as the story evolves, and it is a book that is hard to put down until its satisfying conclusion.
As the old sunken town reappears, three young teens go exploring where they shouldn’t and discover a dark secret that has been buried for years. It’s up to them to solve the mystery that links to their own pasts.
Tristan Bancks is an amazing storyteller. The short, fast-paced chapters blend into each other as the story evolves, and it is a book that is hard to put down until its satisfying conclusion.
September 25, 2023
Another gripping mystery by Tristan Bancks that is a worthy successor of The Fall and Cop and Robber. The premise is excellent- a drowned town is slowly revealing its mysteries and 3 kids on bikes are getting in way over their heads! Bancks creates excellent characters who have challenges to face and obstacles to overcome. They aren’t straightforward but you hope they’ll win through whatever it takes. And sometimes it takes a lot. Perfect for 11-99 year olds.
March 30, 2024
This is a thrilling story for junior secondary/upper primary students. Set in a small town in Australia, a drought has dried up the local dam and old houses previously in accessible are re-emerging. Will and his friends Dar and Juno venture into one of these houses, and what they find there will put them in danger and cause them to question which adults they can trust. Fast paced action and situations that young readers will be able to identify with. Recommended.
June 23, 2024
Middle grade suspense doesn't seem to be that common a genre. I'm not sure that many authors could handle it as well as Bancks does. This is a great idea that plays on your mind, making you think "What if ... what if this happened to me?" It's simple, the language is simple but it's a good strong story and I very much enjoyed it and found that it provoked me to think about "what if"? Very readable and great for the middle grade audience.
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