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Cry Blue Murder
Will anyone hear you cry?
Celia and Alice share everything – their secrets, hopes and the increasing horror that a killer is on the loose and abducting schoolgirls just like them. Three bodies have been found, each shrouded in hand-woven fabric.
From within the depths of a police investigation, clues are starting to emerge. But as Alice and Celia discover the truth, danger is closer than anyone knows. Who can you trust at a time like this?
A contemporary fable about loyalty and betrayal from two exciting new voices in Australian young adult fiction.
Celia and Alice share everything – their secrets, hopes and the increasing horror that a killer is on the loose and abducting schoolgirls just like them. Three bodies have been found, each shrouded in hand-woven fabric.
From within the depths of a police investigation, clues are starting to emerge. But as Alice and Celia discover the truth, danger is closer than anyone knows. Who can you trust at a time like this?
A contemporary fable about loyalty and betrayal from two exciting new voices in Australian young adult fiction.
213 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2013
15 people are currently reading
1291 people want to read
About the author
Kim Kane
32 books14 followersKim Kane was born in London in a bed bequeathed by Wordsworth to . . . ‘a writer, a painter or a poet.’ Despite this auspicious beginning, she went on to practise law.
Kim's picture book Family Forest was shortlisted for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards. The Vegetable Ark was a 2011 CBCA Notable Book in two categories. Kim's first novel, Pip: the story of Olive, won the 2008 Barbara Ramsden Award and was shortlisted for the 2009 Australian Book Industry Awards and the Speech Pathology Australian awards.
Kim lives with her family in Melbourne. She writes whenever and wherever she can.
Kim's picture book Family Forest was shortlisted for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards. The Vegetable Ark was a 2011 CBCA Notable Book in two categories. Kim's first novel, Pip: the story of Olive, won the 2008 Barbara Ramsden Award and was shortlisted for the 2009 Australian Book Industry Awards and the Speech Pathology Australian awards.
Kim lives with her family in Melbourne. She writes whenever and wherever she can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 10, 2014
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
Suspenseful and somewhat eerie, Kim Kane and Marion Roberts' Cry Blue Murder was a uniquely told mystery thriller that follows two girls who bond a close friendship through a disappearance of a girl. I was immediately captivated by the synopsis and how creepy it sounded--a killer on the loose abducting school girls? Sounds pretty darn amazing, especially for the mystery lover that I am.
Cry Blue Murder was told completely by emails, documents, newspaper articles, lists etc. This isn't your typical novel. I liked the style that the authors were trying to achieve--it was a refreshing way for the plot and scenario to unfold, but it failed to do what was most important. And that was to make characters that I needed to root for. I didn't really feel much towards Alice or Celia at all--the authors excelled at creating different personalities, yet I found it difficult to empathise with them and fall into the story. I just felt like a bystander the entire time.
The unique way of telling the story was done well. All the information and situation slowly began to unravel itself in front of me, even though I found myself stumbling here and there. The writing style probably won't be everyone's favourite, but it worked well for me.
I did like the fast pace--so I didn't feel particularly bored about reading the book. The story is a rather short one too, when compared with other books so it works nicely for a one-sitting read. I was genuinely creeped out in the middle section of this book. I actually know the places that these authors placed their characters in so it really had an effect on me. I was pretty chilled for a while there.
I definitely thought the ending required more brushing up and details, despite that. Moreover, I'd like to add that the reveal of the killer started to become obvious towards the end of the book so I didn't feel really shocked at the end, which was a shame.
In all, Cry Blue Murder was a thrilling read that had a refreshing format that I really loved and a eye-catching premise. While I failed to click with the characters, this book still has many merits. I definitely recommend for people to check this one out!
Suspenseful and somewhat eerie, Kim Kane and Marion Roberts' Cry Blue Murder was a uniquely told mystery thriller that follows two girls who bond a close friendship through a disappearance of a girl. I was immediately captivated by the synopsis and how creepy it sounded--a killer on the loose abducting school girls? Sounds pretty darn amazing, especially for the mystery lover that I am.
Cry Blue Murder was told completely by emails, documents, newspaper articles, lists etc. This isn't your typical novel. I liked the style that the authors were trying to achieve--it was a refreshing way for the plot and scenario to unfold, but it failed to do what was most important. And that was to make characters that I needed to root for. I didn't really feel much towards Alice or Celia at all--the authors excelled at creating different personalities, yet I found it difficult to empathise with them and fall into the story. I just felt like a bystander the entire time.
The unique way of telling the story was done well. All the information and situation slowly began to unravel itself in front of me, even though I found myself stumbling here and there. The writing style probably won't be everyone's favourite, but it worked well for me.
I did like the fast pace--so I didn't feel particularly bored about reading the book. The story is a rather short one too, when compared with other books so it works nicely for a one-sitting read. I was genuinely creeped out in the middle section of this book. I actually know the places that these authors placed their characters in so it really had an effect on me. I was pretty chilled for a while there.
I definitely thought the ending required more brushing up and details, despite that. Moreover, I'd like to add that the reveal of the killer started to become obvious towards the end of the book so I didn't feel really shocked at the end, which was a shame.
In all, Cry Blue Murder was a thrilling read that had a refreshing format that I really loved and a eye-catching premise. While I failed to click with the characters, this book still has many merits. I definitely recommend for people to check this one out!
~Thank you UQP Australia for sending me this copy!~
May 17, 2013
Despite a genuinely creepy and intriguing premise, I found the execution of Cry Blue Murder somewhat wanting.
The story opens with the abduction of Hallie Knight, a school girl from Melbourne’s south-east suburbs, and the subsequent investigation into a possible link with two previous murders. Someone - dubbed the Cocoon Killer - is kidnapping girls in their early teens, poisoning them and leaving their naked bodies wrapped in shrouds of handwoven fabric and hair. Rocked by the tragedies, and as the cases remain unsolved, the community responds with understandable fear. Suddenly, their suburban streets are no longer safe.
Cry Blue Murder is related entirely through documents: emails exchanged between the two main characters, spliced with statements, interview transcripts and newspaper articles. The two girls, Celia and Alice, meet on a facebook page for then missing Hallie Knight, and quickly strike up a regular correspondence. Both feel somewhat isolated in their situations – Celia at a new school and Alice banished to a boarding school after a family tragedy – and find comfort in their budding friendship. It’s also a medium for the girls to express their anxiety over the ongoing Cocoon Killer case, and communicate how it’s impacting their lives.
With some reshuffling in order to tell the story in a logical and suspenseful manner, Kane and Roberts have attempted to replicate the kind of material that might be found in a Barrister’s brief – organising records of the police investigation to gradually reveal clues. And while the format works exceptionally well for a maximum impact reveal, it unfortunately makes the beginning feel somewhat flaccid and slow. I had expected to be immediately plunged into a chilling story, close to the detail of the mystery. In reality, the first half of the novel is more about the girls themselves and the way their friendship develops. In hindsight, it’s the right choice for the story, but it did take me a while to warm up to the pace.
The thing is though, I called the killer early. It’s possible that that was meant to happen, to augment the unsettling tone of the book; I can’t say for sure. By the final pages, I was less shocked by the reveal than by the abruptness of the ending. The authors leave readers with little explanation of the killer’s motivations, just a few breadcrumb hints threaded through the plot.
Cry Blue Murder is a quick read, and both Kane and Roberts have a good grasp of their characters’ voices (even if a couple of the cultural references and instances of slang felt somewhat dated given the ages of the girls.) The emails are conversational and expressive, while still conveying detail about their lives and fleshing out the secondary characters, including family members. That said, I never felt particularly engaged by either Celia or Alice, and perhaps this was the problem. For much of the novel, my lack of interest in them resulted in diluting much of what should have been a creepy, unsettling atmosphere.
That said, the concept really is clever, and I suspect other readers won’t have the issues with the execution that I did. If you’re looking for an inventive YA mystery, definitely give it a go.
The story opens with the abduction of Hallie Knight, a school girl from Melbourne’s south-east suburbs, and the subsequent investigation into a possible link with two previous murders. Someone - dubbed the Cocoon Killer - is kidnapping girls in their early teens, poisoning them and leaving their naked bodies wrapped in shrouds of handwoven fabric and hair. Rocked by the tragedies, and as the cases remain unsolved, the community responds with understandable fear. Suddenly, their suburban streets are no longer safe.
Cry Blue Murder is related entirely through documents: emails exchanged between the two main characters, spliced with statements, interview transcripts and newspaper articles. The two girls, Celia and Alice, meet on a facebook page for then missing Hallie Knight, and quickly strike up a regular correspondence. Both feel somewhat isolated in their situations – Celia at a new school and Alice banished to a boarding school after a family tragedy – and find comfort in their budding friendship. It’s also a medium for the girls to express their anxiety over the ongoing Cocoon Killer case, and communicate how it’s impacting their lives.
With some reshuffling in order to tell the story in a logical and suspenseful manner, Kane and Roberts have attempted to replicate the kind of material that might be found in a Barrister’s brief – organising records of the police investigation to gradually reveal clues. And while the format works exceptionally well for a maximum impact reveal, it unfortunately makes the beginning feel somewhat flaccid and slow. I had expected to be immediately plunged into a chilling story, close to the detail of the mystery. In reality, the first half of the novel is more about the girls themselves and the way their friendship develops. In hindsight, it’s the right choice for the story, but it did take me a while to warm up to the pace.
The thing is though, I called the killer early. It’s possible that that was meant to happen, to augment the unsettling tone of the book; I can’t say for sure. By the final pages, I was less shocked by the reveal than by the abruptness of the ending. The authors leave readers with little explanation of the killer’s motivations, just a few breadcrumb hints threaded through the plot.
Cry Blue Murder is a quick read, and both Kane and Roberts have a good grasp of their characters’ voices (even if a couple of the cultural references and instances of slang felt somewhat dated given the ages of the girls.) The emails are conversational and expressive, while still conveying detail about their lives and fleshing out the secondary characters, including family members. That said, I never felt particularly engaged by either Celia or Alice, and perhaps this was the problem. For much of the novel, my lack of interest in them resulted in diluting much of what should have been a creepy, unsettling atmosphere.
That said, the concept really is clever, and I suspect other readers won’t have the issues with the execution that I did. If you’re looking for an inventive YA mystery, definitely give it a go.
March 8, 2013
Thrilling. Couldn't put it down.
November 20, 2013
Four girls walk,
arms linked, a paper chain,
and in their wake a siren screams:
cry blue murder.
....................................................................
*I received this novel through the Goodreads First Reads program*
After finishing:
W-W-WHAT?!! - NOW THAT WAS A TWIST I DIDN'T SEE COMING.
***Review***
Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane is a YA psychological thriller that definitely lives up to its eerie title. The novel in itself is a relatively short, quick read but with a story line that is fast-paced and enough to keep the reader guessing as more clues emerge about the person behind these macabre abductions and killings.
This novel was composed in its entirety out of email correspondence between Celia and Alice, police statements and news clippings. Although this could have made the plot feel disjointed and lacking flow, this actually contributed to making the investigation seem all the more real. Taking the reader into the heart of these morbid occurrences was what gave this book the creepy edge that it needed. The online friendship between Alice and Celia was also interesting to observe, as we see how the news of these abductions have impacted on their own families and diminishing sense of security in their neighborhoods.
Also being a psychological thriller, this novel definitely can be confusing at times - as it should be. Just when you may think you know who the killer is, another person is interviewed who changes your mind. I'm glad that the novel wasn't predictable, and it is definitely a positive thing that the reader had to 'expect the unexpected' (a clichéd term, but here it works)
THE ENDING
Now, every thriller needs that final twist that leaved the reader jumping out of their seat. In this case, I'm glad to say that the novel delivered just that. Although I found the story finished on quote an abrupt note, it wouldn't have been wise to drag it out. The final identity of the murderer is not explicitly stated, leaving the reader to find out for themselves...
*CONCLUSION*
Cry Blue Murder is a novel that definitely passes with flying colours as a YA psychological thriller. It explores the consequences of a murderer on the loose in appropriate depth and poses the questions: Is anybody really safe? Could the murderer be someone you least expected? I would definitely recommend this to fans of this genre and am looking forward to what other novels Kim Kane or Marion Roberts have to offer.
arms linked, a paper chain,
and in their wake a siren screams:
cry blue murder.
....................................................................
*I received this novel through the Goodreads First Reads program*
After finishing:
W-W-WHAT?!! - NOW THAT WAS A TWIST I DIDN'T SEE COMING.
***Review***
Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane is a YA psychological thriller that definitely lives up to its eerie title. The novel in itself is a relatively short, quick read but with a story line that is fast-paced and enough to keep the reader guessing as more clues emerge about the person behind these macabre abductions and killings.
This novel was composed in its entirety out of email correspondence between Celia and Alice, police statements and news clippings. Although this could have made the plot feel disjointed and lacking flow, this actually contributed to making the investigation seem all the more real. Taking the reader into the heart of these morbid occurrences was what gave this book the creepy edge that it needed. The online friendship between Alice and Celia was also interesting to observe, as we see how the news of these abductions have impacted on their own families and diminishing sense of security in their neighborhoods.
Also being a psychological thriller, this novel definitely can be confusing at times - as it should be. Just when you may think you know who the killer is, another person is interviewed who changes your mind. I'm glad that the novel wasn't predictable, and it is definitely a positive thing that the reader had to 'expect the unexpected' (a clichéd term, but here it works)
THE ENDING
Now, every thriller needs that final twist that leaved the reader jumping out of their seat. In this case, I'm glad to say that the novel delivered just that. Although I found the story finished on quote an abrupt note, it wouldn't have been wise to drag it out. The final identity of the murderer is not explicitly stated, leaving the reader to find out for themselves...
*CONCLUSION*
Cry Blue Murder is a novel that definitely passes with flying colours as a YA psychological thriller. It explores the consequences of a murderer on the loose in appropriate depth and poses the questions: Is anybody really safe? Could the murderer be someone you least expected? I would definitely recommend this to fans of this genre and am looking forward to what other novels Kim Kane or Marion Roberts have to offer.
June 17, 2013
I was intrigued to learn that this was a collaborative work, but once I got into it, I understood why. The voices of the two girls are so authentic and the exchange so honest and touching.
I won't give away too much but I loved the little red herrings that had you guessing. And when you reach the end you want to look back and second guess everything all over again!
Gripping, beautiful, HAUNTING. A stunning book from UQP.
I won't give away too much but I loved the little red herrings that had you guessing. And when you reach the end you want to look back and second guess everything all over again!
Gripping, beautiful, HAUNTING. A stunning book from UQP.
July 21, 2013
This book, in my opinion, was absolutely amazing. Although it does have a relatively slow-moving beginning that is definitely not for everyone, about halfway through the short novel you'll find yourself unable to put it down.
The first few pages explains the absence of Hallie, who is believe to have been abducted while walking to a certain spot at 5:30 in the morning, where she is picked up by her friend and that friend's mother. What scared me most about this book is how much I could relate! I walk to school every morning; and even walk to rowing training every week at, like Hallie, 5:30 in the morning when it's still dark. After reading this book, as a 15-year-old-girl (the same age as the killer's victims) living in Melbourne and doing the same things these girls do, (i.e. doing rowing, going to a private school for girls, hanging out with friends at Chapel Street, etc.) I feel so much more aware. I think it's an intriguing book that all teen girls should read, because you never truly understand what people are capable of before reading a book like this. Yeah sure, we see heaps of stories on the news about killers on the loose, abducting teenage girls around our age, but you never experience it in a way like this.
Although I have noticed many people are complaining about working out the twist too early and that it didn't make it enjoyable, I have to disagree for the following two reasons:
First of all, I worked out the twist before I even STARTED reading it! My friend had recommended it to me before explaining to me the plot and that there was a "twist I'd never see coming". Well, I guessed it almost straight away and she couldn't believe that I got it so quickly. I think it's partly due to the fact that my mother is constantly warning me about issues like this, because she is definitely a paranoid one. And after working it out before even reading it, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, knowing the twist in a way made me enjoy it even more, because whenever a hint was dropped or anything, I knew straight away. Therefore, I found myself so deep in the book, as though I had this connection, and whenever something happened, I just kept thinking, "Get out of there!!!! Stop girl, stop!" It was like when you're watching a horror movie, and you know what's going to happen - e.g. A girl hears a creek in the basement, and decides to go check it out - and you start to shout at the TV saying, "Don't go down there!! You'll regret it! You're going to die! Ruuuuun! Ruuuun for you life! WHY AREN'T YOU RUNNING? DON'T ASK IF IT'S YOUR MOTHER WHO IS DOWN THERE??? WHY WOULD YOUR MUM BE DOWN IN YOUR BASEMENT GIVING YOU THE SILENT TREATMENT? DID YOU RECENTLY MAKE HER ANGRY? NO, GIRL, YOU DIDN'T, SO RUN FOR YOUR LIFEEE!" But of course, the girl doesn't run for her life, and as a result she is brutally murdered. It was just like that for me, because I knew exactly what was going to happen.
Secondly, even if I hadn't have known the twist, I would have worked it out quickly like the others. However, although people are complaining about how it was too easy to work out, I think that was the point. The authors dropped hints along the way, like breadcrumbs in 'Hansel and Gretel', so that when you connected them altogether, it just made sense. And so that, like I said before, makes the experience so much more scary, knowing what's going to happen, and watching the events unfold knowing that there's no way you can stop it from happening.
I strongly recommend everyone, especially teenagers, to read this book. I think it's a life-changing experience for us teens, and makes us more aware of today's society and the evil people that want to hurt us for no other reason than the simple thrill of it.
The first few pages explains the absence of Hallie, who is believe to have been abducted while walking to a certain spot at 5:30 in the morning, where she is picked up by her friend and that friend's mother. What scared me most about this book is how much I could relate! I walk to school every morning; and even walk to rowing training every week at, like Hallie, 5:30 in the morning when it's still dark. After reading this book, as a 15-year-old-girl (the same age as the killer's victims) living in Melbourne and doing the same things these girls do, (i.e. doing rowing, going to a private school for girls, hanging out with friends at Chapel Street, etc.) I feel so much more aware. I think it's an intriguing book that all teen girls should read, because you never truly understand what people are capable of before reading a book like this. Yeah sure, we see heaps of stories on the news about killers on the loose, abducting teenage girls around our age, but you never experience it in a way like this.
Although I have noticed many people are complaining about working out the twist too early and that it didn't make it enjoyable, I have to disagree for the following two reasons:
First of all, I worked out the twist before I even STARTED reading it! My friend had recommended it to me before explaining to me the plot and that there was a "twist I'd never see coming". Well, I guessed it almost straight away and she couldn't believe that I got it so quickly. I think it's partly due to the fact that my mother is constantly warning me about issues like this, because she is definitely a paranoid one. And after working it out before even reading it, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, knowing the twist in a way made me enjoy it even more, because whenever a hint was dropped or anything, I knew straight away. Therefore, I found myself so deep in the book, as though I had this connection, and whenever something happened, I just kept thinking, "Get out of there!!!! Stop girl, stop!" It was like when you're watching a horror movie, and you know what's going to happen - e.g. A girl hears a creek in the basement, and decides to go check it out - and you start to shout at the TV saying, "Don't go down there!! You'll regret it! You're going to die! Ruuuuun! Ruuuun for you life! WHY AREN'T YOU RUNNING? DON'T ASK IF IT'S YOUR MOTHER WHO IS DOWN THERE??? WHY WOULD YOUR MUM BE DOWN IN YOUR BASEMENT GIVING YOU THE SILENT TREATMENT? DID YOU RECENTLY MAKE HER ANGRY? NO, GIRL, YOU DIDN'T, SO RUN FOR YOUR LIFEEE!" But of course, the girl doesn't run for her life, and as a result she is brutally murdered. It was just like that for me, because I knew exactly what was going to happen.
Secondly, even if I hadn't have known the twist, I would have worked it out quickly like the others. However, although people are complaining about how it was too easy to work out, I think that was the point. The authors dropped hints along the way, like breadcrumbs in 'Hansel and Gretel', so that when you connected them altogether, it just made sense. And so that, like I said before, makes the experience so much more scary, knowing what's going to happen, and watching the events unfold knowing that there's no way you can stop it from happening.
I strongly recommend everyone, especially teenagers, to read this book. I think it's a life-changing experience for us teens, and makes us more aware of today's society and the evil people that want to hurt us for no other reason than the simple thrill of it.
May 26, 2013
I did not like this book. I waited a little bit before writing this review because when I started composing in my head all I had was "WTF! That was so not a psychological thriller %^^*^*$^!!!" Anyway, it was bordering on mean, so I waited. I wanted a psychological thriller. I wanted suspense, mystery, baited breath.. frankly, I wanted some type of emotional (and ideally visceral) reaction. Instead, I could care less about any of the characters of this book, and there was zero suspense or thrills or chills. It didn't suck me in at all. The characters are supposed to be having this awesome friendship, which is mixed in with their horror. I never got a sense of horror or deep friendship. The ending was fairly predictable, and I was hoping for a punch that would make the preceding 200 papers more palatable, but alas it was all pretty much as expected. This book was also ridiculously short.
I recently read Scowler, which scared the daylights out of me. So, if you are looking for a short, genuinely creepy book then I will gladly point you in that direction.
This book had a cool premise, but I never connected with any of the characters, there was no suspense or mystery or terror, and, all in all, it was just a huge disappointment.
I recently read Scowler, which scared the daylights out of me. So, if you are looking for a short, genuinely creepy book then I will gladly point you in that direction.
This book had a cool premise, but I never connected with any of the characters, there was no suspense or mystery or terror, and, all in all, it was just a huge disappointment.
June 7, 2013
Missing teenage girls, suspense, chat room grooming & police investigations. Someone in Melbourne is abducting private school girls, poisoning them and leaving their naked bodies wrapped in hand woven fabric and hair. Cry Blue Murder is a YA mystery that is sure to captivate young teenage girls.
Kim Kane & Marion Roberts begin their story with a list of witnesses at a trial and a poster of missing school girl, Hallie Knight. The entire narrative is told through a series of documents. Recorded interviews, newspaper articles, emails, statements to police and poems are presented to the reader as the kind of material that might make up a brief presented to barristers by lawyers wishing to inform them about the history of a court case.
The central characters of the book are Celia & Alice who first "meet" on a facebook page for then missing school girl, Hallie Knight. Early in the story, they exchange email addresses and it is through their emails that their friendship develops and the reader comes to know each girl. Celia, in particular, is experiencing the stress of the missing girls as it is her school and neighborhood from which they've been kidnapped. She does indeed become a more direct target as the book progresses but all is not as it seems.
A suspenseful read that contains an important warning to all young people.
Kim Kane & Marion Roberts begin their story with a list of witnesses at a trial and a poster of missing school girl, Hallie Knight. The entire narrative is told through a series of documents. Recorded interviews, newspaper articles, emails, statements to police and poems are presented to the reader as the kind of material that might make up a brief presented to barristers by lawyers wishing to inform them about the history of a court case.
The central characters of the book are Celia & Alice who first "meet" on a facebook page for then missing school girl, Hallie Knight. Early in the story, they exchange email addresses and it is through their emails that their friendship develops and the reader comes to know each girl. Celia, in particular, is experiencing the stress of the missing girls as it is her school and neighborhood from which they've been kidnapped. She does indeed become a more direct target as the book progresses but all is not as it seems.
A suspenseful read that contains an important warning to all young people.
November 29, 2013
All I'm left feeling at the end of this is confused. I don't know who the killer is, and I no longer care. With email exchanges, police statements and news repots, this is a sterile read. So much information is unnecessary. The way the book ended (or failed to end) leaves me wondering if a sequel is in the works.
April 10, 2022
why did I read this book? honestly a good question, it's very random. I bought this book from savers for $2.49 because the cover looked like it would be a murder mystery and the blurb said that it would be a murder mystery, so was very disappointed when it was just these two annoying girls complaining about their life problems, like I honestly don't care, I don't care if you think that you killed your brother, I don't care that your parents are annoying. but the plot twist at the was hilarious but was it worth the 200 pages before it, no absolutely not. oh, and also the whole book was emails and I did not enjoy, it was painful to get through, but yay I did it, so now I'm not behind in my reading goal, so yay that's great, honestly I'm so behind on that cause of stupid school, but like was I doing any homework no, so what was I doing with my time, I have no idea, I couldn't tell you.
December 25, 2014
Several reviews on this page have given thorough critiques of this excellent YA mystery novel, set in Melbourne, Australia. I agree with what the reviewers said and don’t wish to go over old ground. Rather, I’d like to say why I think Cry Blue Murder is very clever, due to the structure which underlies the narrative.
A key element of this book is its authenticity. I grew up in the suburbs of inner eastern Melbourne where this story is set, and I went to a school very similar to Ashbourne or Barrington Hall. Many of the street names and buildings are thoroughly familiar - they do exist, which makes me think that either or both co-authors also lived and went to school in the area. It feels very real to me.
One of the co-authors, Kim Kane is a practising lawyer, and obviously has a thorough first-hand knowledge of how a criminal case is built up from bits and pieces of information and clues. The end notes advise that the grouping of documents is arranged as per a barrister’s brief in order to give the reader the flavour of a real crime.
If you look beneath the surface of this easy-flowing narrative, (where there is no actual narrator by the way) you gradually get to see the anatomy of a crime laid out like a text book example. For some YA readers, this may be an eye-opener.
WARNING: Spoiler alert! Leave this review now if you don’t want to know the ending.
4.5 ★s for me.
A key element of this book is its authenticity. I grew up in the suburbs of inner eastern Melbourne where this story is set, and I went to a school very similar to Ashbourne or Barrington Hall. Many of the street names and buildings are thoroughly familiar - they do exist, which makes me think that either or both co-authors also lived and went to school in the area. It feels very real to me.
One of the co-authors, Kim Kane is a practising lawyer, and obviously has a thorough first-hand knowledge of how a criminal case is built up from bits and pieces of information and clues. The end notes advise that the grouping of documents is arranged as per a barrister’s brief in order to give the reader the flavour of a real crime.
If you look beneath the surface of this easy-flowing narrative, (where there is no actual narrator by the way) you gradually get to see the anatomy of a crime laid out like a text book example. For some YA readers, this may be an eye-opener.
WARNING: Spoiler alert! Leave this review now if you don’t want to know the ending.
4.5 ★s for me.
April 5, 2026
I didn’t particularly like the writing of this book but the ending and what happened to Celia definitely dragged the rating up I was genuinely shocked and I believe that it is a valuable lesson. Although I didn’t like the style (in terms of emails) I am very glad a read this book and would recommend it for the lesson.
May 21, 2025
Good book, I like the way it is written through police evidence. The ending was good although I suspected it would happen near the end
December 26, 2017
I read Cry Blue Murder four years later - nothing new there. I have so many questions and my brain is in pieces after the discombobulation of that ending. WTF!?
Also, why do I care so much?
This is from my blog https://ofceilingwax.wordpress.com/20...
Also, why do I care so much?
This is from my blog https://ofceilingwax.wordpress.com/20...
July 27, 2015
When I first read Cry Blue Murder, I read it in two sittings, separated by a few weeks, back in 2013. I read 90% of it between workshops at a school library on the Sunshine Coast, but then I had to go home! So that was tragic. But terrifically suspenseful. You should try reading books like this. It's like having to wait a week between episodes of a TV show, which is a totally different experience to binge-watching a whole series on Netflix. I read the last bit when I was at another school, in another library (school libraries are the greatest, and just libraries generally) out in Western QLD. Well. It was certainly worth the wait. The ending is the best part, and it's exactly the sort of ending I love (yeah not the 'it was all just a dream' which I also love, the twisty, horrifying kind of ending that makes you sit there for five minutes after you finish the book), and I'm not going to say anything else or I'll ruin it.
I was pretty sure I'd written a review for it then, because when I reread the book recently I searched through my posts for it. But alas! That must have been in another reality. So I'm writing this review now, with the benefit of having read the book twice. I've been rereading more and more lately, because I read so much I am constantly pushing memories of previous books out of my head. It's great for everything to hit you anew, especially a book as incredibly creepy as this one.
(The combination of the title and the general creepy weirdness of this novel puts me in mind of the David Lynch film Blue Velvet. I've had In Dreams stuck in my head the whole time I've been writing this. But. Back to the reviewing.)
The story is told in documents - emails between Celia and Alice, newspaper articles, interview transcripts, statements to police. The fact that the story's told at a remove like this adds to the eeriness; the level of detail and authenticity in the documents makes it feel very much of our world. It's a mix of ordinary and horrifying. Celia and Alice communicate like normal teenage girls (reminiscent of Jaclyn Moriarty's Feeling Sorry for Celia, told entirely in letters), and it's a slow build - much of the novel centres around the development of their relationship. It's a very different kind of novel due to the format but once you settle into the story, it's compelling. Had it been written as ordinary narrative I'm not sure it'd be as effective, but there were some points where I really wanted more information (the internal reflections of certain characters at certain points would have clarified things for me). That said, it's a well-constructed novel, and reads like something that could happen in the real world (it's a cautionary tale without that being an overt message).
The novel's strengths lie in the uniqueness of the storytelling, and the skin-crawling creepiness that's evoked despite the absence of traditional psychological thriller scenes (nobody gets chased with a knife, you don't 'see' any violence, really) - it's pretty chilling. You're going to start thinking everybody on the internet's out to kill you once you read it. It will freak you out. I'm sorry. I won't say anymore. (Why is it so hard to write reviews that don't give anything away?)
I was pretty sure I'd written a review for it then, because when I reread the book recently I searched through my posts for it. But alas! That must have been in another reality. So I'm writing this review now, with the benefit of having read the book twice. I've been rereading more and more lately, because I read so much I am constantly pushing memories of previous books out of my head. It's great for everything to hit you anew, especially a book as incredibly creepy as this one.
(The combination of the title and the general creepy weirdness of this novel puts me in mind of the David Lynch film Blue Velvet. I've had In Dreams stuck in my head the whole time I've been writing this. But. Back to the reviewing.)
The story is told in documents - emails between Celia and Alice, newspaper articles, interview transcripts, statements to police. The fact that the story's told at a remove like this adds to the eeriness; the level of detail and authenticity in the documents makes it feel very much of our world. It's a mix of ordinary and horrifying. Celia and Alice communicate like normal teenage girls (reminiscent of Jaclyn Moriarty's Feeling Sorry for Celia, told entirely in letters), and it's a slow build - much of the novel centres around the development of their relationship. It's a very different kind of novel due to the format but once you settle into the story, it's compelling. Had it been written as ordinary narrative I'm not sure it'd be as effective, but there were some points where I really wanted more information (the internal reflections of certain characters at certain points would have clarified things for me). That said, it's a well-constructed novel, and reads like something that could happen in the real world (it's a cautionary tale without that being an overt message).
The novel's strengths lie in the uniqueness of the storytelling, and the skin-crawling creepiness that's evoked despite the absence of traditional psychological thriller scenes (nobody gets chased with a knife, you don't 'see' any violence, really) - it's pretty chilling. You're going to start thinking everybody on the internet's out to kill you once you read it. It will freak you out. I'm sorry. I won't say anymore. (Why is it so hard to write reviews that don't give anything away?)
February 2, 2015
Rating: 3.5
Cry Blue Murder is unique and compelling murder mystery told through the emails of two teenagers who become friends online following the disappearance of a young girl. The unusual format, which includes police interviews and witness statements, heightened both the mystery and creeping dread I felt as the story unfolded.
The format worked very well, especially towards the end, making the book fast-paced and easy to read. Alice and Celia were interesting narrators and I enjoyed learning more about their lives and families. They were easy to relate to and I liked the fact that their stories were well developed outside of the murder mystery. However, at times I did find it hard to believe teenage girls speak the way they did in the emails. The police reports and newspaper articles also moved the story on quickly, although I must admit I was annoyed by the complicated, unrealistic way the news articles were written. Mind you, I am studying journalism and have written for newspapers so maybe I’m just being picky.
The ending was abrupt and left me desperately wanting more information. I didn’t really have any ideas about the killer until quite close to the end. When they were revealed I was shocked, then immediately flicked back through the book looking for clues. Maybe it’s the journalist in me, but I wanted to know more, more, more!
Despite these complaints, I found Cry Blue Murder to be an intriguing, captivating and creepy mystery. The unique format of this book makes it a stand out in this genre and one which I recommend to those looking for a YA twist on the classic detective centred murder mystery.
This review and many more can be found at Maree's Musings.
Cry Blue Murder is unique and compelling murder mystery told through the emails of two teenagers who become friends online following the disappearance of a young girl. The unusual format, which includes police interviews and witness statements, heightened both the mystery and creeping dread I felt as the story unfolded.
The format worked very well, especially towards the end, making the book fast-paced and easy to read. Alice and Celia were interesting narrators and I enjoyed learning more about their lives and families. They were easy to relate to and I liked the fact that their stories were well developed outside of the murder mystery. However, at times I did find it hard to believe teenage girls speak the way they did in the emails. The police reports and newspaper articles also moved the story on quickly, although I must admit I was annoyed by the complicated, unrealistic way the news articles were written. Mind you, I am studying journalism and have written for newspapers so maybe I’m just being picky.
The ending was abrupt and left me desperately wanting more information. I didn’t really have any ideas about the killer until quite close to the end. When they were revealed I was shocked, then immediately flicked back through the book looking for clues. Maybe it’s the journalist in me, but I wanted to know more, more, more!
Despite these complaints, I found Cry Blue Murder to be an intriguing, captivating and creepy mystery. The unique format of this book makes it a stand out in this genre and one which I recommend to those looking for a YA twist on the classic detective centred murder mystery.
This review and many more can be found at Maree's Musings.
May 12, 2014
Cry Blue Murder Book Review
Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane and Marion Roberts is a great book. It is written in a very interesting style because almost the whole book is the emails of two teenage girl. This story is about the mysterious disappearances of school girls in Melbourne, Australia. Alice and Celia, the two main characters of this story end up finding each other when yet another girl goes missing, they have never seen each other but connect and chat through email. As the investigation for the kidnapper goes on, the two girls find themselves becoming very close friends but they are always if they might be the kidnapper's next victim. This book is suitable for girls from ten up. And I believe this book is a great read.
Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane and Marion Roberts is a great book. It is written in a very interesting style because almost the whole book is the emails of two teenage girl. This story is about the mysterious disappearances of school girls in Melbourne, Australia. Alice and Celia, the two main characters of this story end up finding each other when yet another girl goes missing, they have never seen each other but connect and chat through email. As the investigation for the kidnapper goes on, the two girls find themselves becoming very close friends but they are always if they might be the kidnapper's next victim. This book is suitable for girls from ten up. And I believe this book is a great read.
June 9, 2013
This is the first book that has ever had me tearing my hair out in frustration at the inablity to warn a character of what's just around the corner (without going down the spoiler path, the last couple of chapters almost killed me!). As the parent of a teenage girl, this book made me even more aware of how scared I am of something happening to her. As a bookseller, I can't wait to share this with girls who want "real world" drama rather than paranormal fiction. What a fantastic book!
July 14, 2013
Cry blue murder was not a book I would normally read but just a few pages in and I was hooked. It addresses so much of what life is like these days and what the true dangers are of this technological world. It's twists and turns had me guessing the whole way through and when it was over I could only think. It's honestly that easy.
Simply a must read for everyone. My sister and mother both read it and we will be recommending it to everyone!!
Simply a must read for everyone. My sister and mother both read it and we will be recommending it to everyone!!
August 30, 2013
I really really don't want to write a lot because I'm afraid I'll give something away...!
JUST ONE THING. The best thing about this book is the unique way the story is told. I mean, I'm pretty sure everyone's raving about it(and if they're not, well, they should). But anyhow - emails, newspaper articles, statements, police interviews, reports - that's literally the way the story unfolds.
IT'S FREAKIN' EPIC.
That is all.
JUST ONE THING. The best thing about this book is the unique way the story is told. I mean, I'm pretty sure everyone's raving about it(and if they're not, well, they should). But anyhow - emails, newspaper articles, statements, police interviews, reports - that's literally the way the story unfolds.
IT'S FREAKIN' EPIC.
That is all.
November 14, 2015
I have found Cry Blue murder just so intriguing! You will just want to keep reading on! Its about two girls emailing each other over a disappearance of another girl who turns out to be murdered. But once they get to know each other something horrible goes wrong.
This book has been my favourite book yet. Its engaging, mysterious and could be in real life! I would highly recommend reading Cry Blue Murder if you want a relaxed book to read.
This book has been my favourite book yet. Its engaging, mysterious and could be in real life! I would highly recommend reading Cry Blue Murder if you want a relaxed book to read.
May 14, 2013
A fascinating suspenseful thriller that highlights the dangers of social media. This novel would be great to use as a cautionary tale to educate young people to be savvy about their online presence and security settings. It's well written, engaging and enough plot interest to keep this from being a 'told you so' type of book.
August 26, 2013
I read this book in one day, and was completely blown away by the ending. A great thriller, and an added bonus that it is based in Melbourne. Warning: not for readers who don't like to be left hanging
June 12, 2013
This book gave me nightmares. It's quite creepy, a mix of Facebook, posters, police reports, emails, witness statements which all reveal the story behind the murder of teenage girls. Great cover too.
May 24, 2013
This was amazing it made me feel like it was real and the ending was just so shocking it says a lot about different dangers in the world.
June 5, 2013
Super creepy, made me think about the whole talking-to-strangers-online issue.
December 10, 2022
I loved this so much…. but would really have appreciated some sort of news article or something at the very end. To quote a probably forgotten by most 90s song…. Who the fuck is Alice?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
This one I had to read for work, English teacher and all. Pretty dry, but probably a better read if you're a 14-17 year old kid. Not the worst thing I've ever read. Not a bad twist.
March 16, 2023
Predictable
January 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this thriller/mystery novel. I decided to read it because the word of mouth reviews from my students were all very positive. Kane and Roberts use lots of interesting devices to keep interest high including police interview transcripts; newspaper reports and of course the email relationship between Celia and Alice.
Hallie Knight is missing and Celia and Alice are connnected by their concern about her whereabouts and fate. Celia goes to a school in Hallie's neighbourhood and Alice has friends who know Hallie, but Alice herself is at boarding school in Mildura. The two girls strike up an online friendship bound by their interest in the case. It soon transpires that whilst the girls have different family situations, there are also similarities too and they quickily becomne firm friends.
When Hallie is found after several weeks, the mystery only deepens as she describes her abductor and the police try to track him down.
All the while, Alice and Celia grow closer, bonding over the circumstances and details of the case, as well as sharing the innermost workings of each other's lives. As the police narrow in on their prime suspect, Alice and Celia start making plans to meet up in person and turn their friendship into a going concern as Alice has been allowed to come home from boarding school for good.
I can't say anymore as it will be full of spoilers, but I can tell you I saw the ending coming from miles away. This is more due to my wide expereince of crime thrillers rather than any flaw in the narrative, and I completely understand how swept up and involved younger readers would become in this story. Alice and Celia are likeable characters and you are quickly drawn into their developing friendship.
The ending is satisfying, however, and I look forward to the next offering from Kane and Roberts, particularly if it is in this genre. I would love to see this made as a series by someone like ABC3. I would certainly watch it, even knowing the outcome, because I think it would make fantastic television.
Highly recommended for ages 13 and up, and especially for girls who love their emails and online chatter.
Hallie Knight is missing and Celia and Alice are connnected by their concern about her whereabouts and fate. Celia goes to a school in Hallie's neighbourhood and Alice has friends who know Hallie, but Alice herself is at boarding school in Mildura. The two girls strike up an online friendship bound by their interest in the case. It soon transpires that whilst the girls have different family situations, there are also similarities too and they quickily becomne firm friends.
When Hallie is found after several weeks, the mystery only deepens as she describes her abductor and the police try to track him down.
All the while, Alice and Celia grow closer, bonding over the circumstances and details of the case, as well as sharing the innermost workings of each other's lives. As the police narrow in on their prime suspect, Alice and Celia start making plans to meet up in person and turn their friendship into a going concern as Alice has been allowed to come home from boarding school for good.
I can't say anymore as it will be full of spoilers, but I can tell you I saw the ending coming from miles away. This is more due to my wide expereince of crime thrillers rather than any flaw in the narrative, and I completely understand how swept up and involved younger readers would become in this story. Alice and Celia are likeable characters and you are quickly drawn into their developing friendship.
The ending is satisfying, however, and I look forward to the next offering from Kane and Roberts, particularly if it is in this genre. I would love to see this made as a series by someone like ABC3. I would certainly watch it, even knowing the outcome, because I think it would make fantastic television.
Highly recommended for ages 13 and up, and especially for girls who love their emails and online chatter.
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