The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder

Di ISLAND CREW INVESTIGATES #1

by Kereen Getten, Leah Jacobs-Gordon (Illustrator)

Waterstones Children's Book of the Month Uncover the secrets of the island in The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder the gripping first book in Kereen Getten's thrilling new mystery series, Di Island Crew Investigates! Fayson's dream of becoming a detective finally comes true when her cousins recruit her to their top-secret gang. But the Greatest Gang of All Time isn't exactly living up to their name, constantly side-tracked by food, sleep and squabbles. Determined to set things right, Fayson takes charge and dives into the mystery surrounding a mysterious shadow haunting the island's lighthouse. With tensions rising within the gang, Fayson relies on her sharp smarts and inspiration from her favourite mystery novels to crack the case. Can she unravel the secrets, confront the shadow, and unite her friends?

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Childrens, Friendship

220 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2023

About the author

Kereen Getten grew up in Jamaica where she would climb fruit trees in the family garden and eat as much mango, guinep and pear as she could without being caught. She now lives in Birmingham with her family and writes stories about her childhood experiences. When Life Gives You Mangos is her debut novel.
Visit her on n Instagram @Kereengetten

Reviews

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting and immersive adventure with all the components of a new classic children's mystery series in the making. Kereen Getten compassionately explores topics such as class, wealth and language in a way that's wholly accessible to younger readers. Fayson is a gusty new heroine, whose detective skills and refusal to change herself for others will no doubt see her finding her way into the hearts of readers. I can't wait to read more from the Di Island Crew and see what's in store for them in the next instalments of this fun new series.

[Simon Pressinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyable story, less about the mystery, more about overcoming class prejudice, standing up to bullies and becoming a leader. Also, I really how much Fayson's relationship with her mother matters to her.

[Libby Low · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proud to report i can solve a children's mystery novel

[Katy Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming update on a Famous Five type vibe but set in Jamaica. This has a strong sense of place and has a lot to say about class, money, position and justice alongside being a pacy mystery story. Everything gels well, the characters are strong and there is more to come as this is the first of a series. Great for kids aged 8 and up.

[BookBairn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this a disappointing read unfortunately. It felt underdeveloped to me - lots of areas that needed more exploration and I didn't find myself invested in the mystery element of this - the stakes just weren't high enough to create real intrigue for me. I also felt like it relied upon the 'rich mean girl' trope rather than exploring the character motivations. The main character is 12 but it reads more like they are much younger and I'd say it was more appropriate for younger readers rather than middle grade. Having looked at the Book Trust website it says the reading age for age 7 but interest age is 9-11 (which personally I'd think was younger) but I think that's it - it's a bit confused as to who it was targeting as a reader. If it is for less able but older readers it still needs some sharpening to really hit that target interest group.
That all said it was picked as a Waterstones children's book of the month so maybe I'm missing something.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for the Ebook to read and review.

Fayson is invited to stay on a private island with her cousins she hasn’t seen in years to help solve a mystery. The mystery of the shadow in the lighthouse each night. She struggles to fit in with the lifestyle of everyone on the island, but the mystery and solving it keeps her going even in the toughest times.

What a unique and interesting mystery, I honestly had no clue who was doing it, who the shadow was at all not once. It was so fascinating seeing Fayson linking it all together and solving who it was and why they were doing it.

I liked meeting the big eclectic group, each of them were so different but it made the dynamic really work well and I enjoyed seeing the friendship grow within the group. I also liked that even though Fayson didn’t feel like she fitted in, she found her place with them in the end.

I didn’t like her aunt and uncle, especially the uncle he was so nasty and mean, even when he explained why he was forcing her to speak differently he never once apologised for the way he was doing it. Not for belittling and degrading her making her feel like she was worthless and less than him because she spoke a different language to him. I really hated the mis-treatment towards her.

This was a really interesting book, I liked the setting of it being on a private lighthouse island in Jamaica it was so fascinating to me, and I love lighthouses and stories about them so it was just beautiful. I loved the illustrations before each chapter a really great little addition to the story.

If you love solving mysteries this is certainly one that you should look into it’s so much fun, it’s got a unique mystery and the way it’s solved was so fascinating. The characters are fun and you will really grow to love Fayson she’s such a sweet girl.

[rina dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Kereen's When Life Gives You Mangoes, so I was very, very excited to read The Case Of The Lighthouse Intruder, and it did not disappoint in the slightest I'm so happy this is going to be a series because I'm so invested!

Fayson has always dreamt of being an FBI detective, taking inspiration from the characters of her favourite books, so when her cousins invite her to stay with them, it's her perfect opportunity. The thing is, she doesn't particularly get on with them and struggles to relate to their way of living.
It's just Fayson and her Mum at home and money is tight, even though her Mother works hard as a nurse she doesn't have a lot of disposable income to be able to do the fun stuff with Fayson.

Omar and Aaron, Fayson's cousins, have a different kind of lifestyle, but nevertheless, it's clear they need her help. The Greatest Gang Of All Time isn't exactly living up to its name, with squabbles interrupting their mystery solving. Can Fayson help settle the group and solve the biggest mystery yet?

A beautiful immersive story that's full of adventure, I love the way Kereen sensitively balances the themes of wealth, class, and language for younger readers whilst not detracting from the storyline. The message that there's other ways to be rich that have nothing to do with money is beautiful, as is the relationship between Fayson and her mum. I also loved the collaboration that takes place and the problem solving between the group. Overall, this is a gorgeous book, and I can't wait for my children to read it! I'm super excited for the next book in the series!

[Siobhan Mackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purely read this one as it is the Waterstones children's book of the month, but was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I flew through it! I enjoyed the fact that it was written about a different culture than my own, and it would definitely be accessible to children and demonstrate that there are no differences between any race of people, other than physically. For a child of her age, Fayson was very realistically written, with understandable emotions. In fact, I think that in some ways she is very mature- if I was left without my family as often as she is then I think I wouldn't have coped as admirably! The only criticism that I have is that I wish they had spent more time on the investigation of the 'mystery' rather than the drama between the kids. I can appreciate why the author didn't go into more detail- after all, it is a children's book- but I do think that by sending so little time on the process, it seemed almost like the case was impossible to solve one minute, then immediately solved the next. I would recommend this book for the ages of about 8-10, as it seems a little younger than some of the previous CBOTMs.

[Emma Ferrier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick to read - I started it at lunch and finished by teatime and wasn't reading non-stop!
I think this would be a good bridge between younger chapter books and middle grade. Whilst it has appeal for older readers, it won't be too challenging for those younger readers.

I really enjoyed the setting for this book and enjoyed the inclusion of patwah. I didn't find the mystery all that compelling - it was built up well but was resolved pretty quickly and it didn't feel like the aim of the book. I believe this is to be the first in a series and it definitely, to me, came across more that we were learning the characters and getting background for the club as the priority of the book rather than the mystery itself however it didn't feel rushed or not thought out so I appreciated that.

I'm not sure if I'll continue on the series - possibly just if I need a pallet cleanser but woud definitely recommend!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun mystery/adventure featuring Fayson - smart, brave and a bookworm - solving a mystery and generally feeling out of her depth. Over the course of the story, she faces inequalities and challenges, but with her cousins and friends she can overcome anything.

Getten has a really impressive/empathetic way of writing childrens' feelings. Her characters are believable, with full inner worlds and individual motivations. This story is a lot less emotionally heavy than her debut or its follow up, and the lighthearted tone still showcases the author's skill in setting, style and character development.

I took off a star because it's not the perfect book for me (keeping in mind that I'm way outside of the intended audience.) That being said, I will continue to read whatever Getten writes because When Life Gives You Mangoes had such a big effect on me.

[Theediscerning · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I got nearly halfway through this and realised I was more happy to throw it at the wall than continue. The lead character just whinges incessantly, and while this is the first book in a series (with not one but two sequels already set up and being finalised, ridiculously) and needs to introduce this world, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAS HAPPENED. We have had a non-event that the kids our heroine has decided to hate want her to investigate, and we're almost at the midpoint. The likeable character count is zero, the interest is borderline existent, and a skim to the end shows the whole thing riddled with woke kvetching and daddy issues, instead of actual drama.

[Chloe Booth-Dobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An exciting and fun summer mystery story perfect for younger readers. With an island setting, new friendships and adventures galore this story had me captivated throughout. It’s a short and simple mystery without any troubling content which makes it the perfect read for that transition between 5-8 and 9-12 and would also make a great read aloud story for younger ages too! I can’t wait to see how the series progresses and I’m very excited to recommend it this summer!

AD/PR GIFTED

[Sophie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and I really enjoyed it! I think it’s perfectly suited to its target age range. I think I would’ve read this when I was younger and really enjoyed it too! The plot wasn’t hugely detailed but I liked the development of the characters and how their relationships changed throughout the course of the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. Would definitely recommend to reader aged 8+

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my seven year old son’s favourite book series.
To my surprise the book explores class in a really accessible way, and had a mystery that my son found complex, intriguing and thrilling!

There is a friendship element he really enjoyed and I think he definitely feels part of the crew. Even though we’re in Sheffield 🙂

[Vanessa Innes-Wagstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for children. Well written, easily thriller pace made me want to read it and find out the truth. A wise moral tale for children for all backgrounds and social situations, a good story. I'd recommend it for adults too for a quick 2 day read.

[Alex Alder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough for a children's mystery book. Was more about themes of friendship than mystery, not that I found anyone particularly likeable. Personally I would have liked more Jamaican cultural references.

[India (IndiaReadsALot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fun and exciting. I loved Fayson I thought she was such a strong, kind and intelligent main character.

[LudmilaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. A mystery story for younger children.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

My class really enjoyed this and we practically held our breath through the last few chapters waiting to find out which of us had correctly guessed the identity of the shadow!

[Daniel Richardson]

Dnfed. The children in this book are very annoying.

[Francesca Gonsalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery- see if you can solve it before the book tells you!

[Emily T · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Aaliyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was such a good little mystery could of had a better ending (it was just a game )

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

cw: poverty, experienced classism, internalised racism

[Sianne Wardle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For NetGalley: A great short story for KS2. Good morel and the mystery is gripping. Fayson’s adventure on an island just off Jamaica is good fun.

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was a nice, pleasant read. Some mystery with some other issues touched upon. Over all I thought it was good.

[Clare Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, simple read for children aged 7 and over. Fayson teaches others that money isn't everything.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving from one part of the world to another is an exciting experience not least because experiences in both places will be so very different and often lend themselves perfectly to storytelling. Kereen Getten grew up in Jamaica before moving to Birmingham (UK). She has used this opportunity to tell stories about her childhood which was often spent climbing fruit trees in the family garden and eating as many fruits as possible without being caught! From this might you guess that she loves to write about mysteries, and her latest The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder takes us into the world of Di Island Crew and their first.

Di Island Crew are a gang of children, a gang in the sense of a group of friends. They are also amateur detectives. They all live on a small island off the coast of Jamaica. Part of this group are Fayson’s cousins Aaron and Omar, twins who Fayson has not spoken to for over a year. When they call out of the blue and ask Fayson to join them at their holiday home on the Island for the October half term she is hesitant but eventually agrees. Here she first meets the rest of the gang. Secretly Fayson is excited, she has always wanted to be a detective, here is her chance, well it could be if The Greatest Gang of All Time would live up to their name! They keep getting distracted from missions by sleep and squabbles - can Fayson take charge and track down the strange shadow appearing in the lighthouse? It might require all her smarts, but she is determined…

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving from one part of the world to another is an exciting experience not least because experiences in both places will be so very different and often lend themselves perfectly to storytelling. Kereen Getten grew up in Jamaica before moving to Birmingham (UK). She has used this opportunity to tell stories about her childhood which was often spent climbing fruit trees in the family garden and eating as many fruits as possible without being caught! From this might you guess that she loves to write about mysteries, and her latest The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder takes us into the world of Di Island Crew and their first.

Di Island Crew are a gang of children, a gang in the sense of a group of friends. They are also amateur detectives. They all live on a small island off the coast of Jamaica. Part of this group are Fayson’s cousins Aaron and Omar, twins who Fayson has not spoken to for over a year. When they call out of the blue and ask Fayson to join them at their holiday home on the Island for the October half term she is hesitant but eventually agrees. Here she first meets the rest of the gang. Secretly Fayson is excited, she has always wanted to be a detective, here is her chance, well it could be if The Greatest Gang of All Time would live up to their name! They keep getting distracted from missions by sleep and squabbles - can Fayson take charge and track down the strange shadow appearing in the lighthouse? It might require all her smarts, but she is determined…

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as Fayson is concerned, she has loads of friends! All the characters in her favourite books are real enough to her, but her mother doesn't agree and sends her off for a holiday with the dreaded cousins. There she finally gets a real mystery to solve, just like in her favourite books.
This was really fun to read and there was lots of humour in the book. I was excited to get to the bit with lemon drops (a few arrived with my copy of the book... apparently I'm very easy to bribe!) and I loved the description of broccoli as a tiny tree.
It was interesting to read the group dynamics of the kids on the island, and Fayson having to learn to deal with all the different personalities. People aren't all as she expects them to be, and I expect there will be more developments in the future books in the series.

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