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Carnaby

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Sarah aka Carnaby has a tough life, but it suddenly gets a whole lot tougher when her mother is found murdered, her sister goes into labour and her new baby nephew is threatened with being taken into care. Sarah doesn't remember finding her mother's body, but she does remember hearing about other murders on the estate where they live. Is there a connection - and can Sarah find out what is going on, without putting herself and her family in even more danger?

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2013

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39 people want to read

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Cate Sampson

2 books3 followers

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5 stars
26 (27%)
4 stars
34 (35%)
3 stars
24 (25%)
2 stars
6 (6%)
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5 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
689 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2024
This is a harrowing read, aimed at young adults. Sarah, the 14 year old from whose point of view the story is told, is struggling to survive and understand the grim reality of her life, which includes a murder, poverty, sexual exploitation, family separation. You really want the sharp witted, likeable Sarah to get a chance in life and ultimately the story is hopeful.
Profile Image for Ruth.
149 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2020
Real page turner, about a young girl and how her life falls apart but finds the right track .
Profile Image for Carly.
420 reviews
July 2, 2013
Carnaby blew me away in so many different ways! What a striking crime debut from Cate Sampson, who writes compellingly!

I really liked how this was so real and true to darker parts of peoples lives. Today's society has so many struggling families and so many children are left to fend for themselves in unsafe environments, and some of the time they are left wondering where their next meal will be coming from. Cate Sampson has written about these topics wonderfully.

Sarah Carnaby grew up in such a home and I was very angry at what she had to go through. But she is a brilliant teenager that has been hardened by life, but it has left her with a very good head on her shoulders. She is very easy to relate to and I really did like her a whole lot.

Sarah finds her mothers body in their grotty little flat. She is a witness for the prosecution in the trial, but Sarah doesn't give away much because she fears she will loose what she has left for a family....

The storyline grabbed a tight hold of me and I found myself rushing along to find out what was going to happen. Everything is paced perfectly and there were so many twisty turns that I really didn't know what to expect next!

I felt so deeply for Sarah, her sister and also her sister's baby. I felt angry and upset that their mum and the system failed them so badly! But their story will be relevant in some way or another to people out there - probably more people than you may think.

The end section itself I didn't see coming and it was shockingly brilliant! That's all I will say on that!

I think Carnaby is a fantastic young adult crime book that will easily enthrall readers. It is written in a very nitty gritty way and is peppered with emotion and plenty of shockers. It's most definitely not to be missed!

http://fictionfascination.blogspot.co...
Profile Image for Kirsty .
3,780 reviews342 followers
January 27, 2015
A fast paced and exciting read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Carnaby follows the story of Sarah aka Carnaby and follows her story in the aftermath of her mother's murder. Her whole is falling apart and the story looks at how she tries to get to the bottom of the murder and pull her life back around.

I don't have huge amount to say about this book. Not because I didn't enjoy it. Far from it. I am so worried that if I go into any details I am bound to ruin the story for someone because there are so many twists and turns which keep you guessing throughout. I found it utterly compelling and compulsive reading which I gobbled up in one sitting as I needed to know more and I was more than satisfied by the end of the book. Hurrah for the stand alone novel! I loved unpicking Carnaby's story as it unfolded and finding out more and more of the story slotted into place.

A fab read which you won't be able to put down.
Profile Image for Lilly C.
Author 8 books
June 4, 2015
Addictive, tense, and superbly written. I really enjoyed reading this mystery story, because it is dramatic and there are twists along the way. Very interesting! It draws you into what life is like for some people, and causes you to think from different people's perspectives. I was bought this book and had never heard of it before, and after reading it I thought it should receive more attention from the public.
Sarah was a strong, misunderstood character - I would much rather read about her than weak, needy characters in other young adult fiction books. She actually had a personality and a past.
I struggled to put the book down and I couldn't really relax until I found out what happened!
I read this when I was fourteen and I believe that anyone could enjoy it, but it is mostly aimed at people between the ages of 13-18, because the main character is a teenager.
Once again, a very good story ;)
Profile Image for Durra.
5 reviews15 followers
May 8, 2016
Actual rating 3.5
'Carnaby' is about a 13 year old girl called Sarah who is trying to cope with her mothers death and her sister 's pregnancy .She's had a tough life and sort of has to fend for herself now . Sarah is a strong character who is easy to relate to .Her story was really sad and I couldn't stop the tears from flowing down my face at some parts.
The writing is really good as well.The book hooks you and makes you want to keep reading until you figure out what happens.
'Carnaby' was an exciting read that I'd recommend for everyone.
Profile Image for Ilonita50.
450 reviews
January 2, 2016
Grand book!! Aww, i was so into reading every next page, its so interesting. I dont want to spoil the next reader, as the book has many twists and turns, stress and I couldn't guess the ending till the very last page.
The book is written from Sarah's point of view and is full with emotions, anger, pain, love, care, worries, fears and more.
You must read the book!
15 reviews
November 23, 2013
Smart, gripping, beautifully written book that combines a murder-mystery thriller with cutting analysis of the fate of South London's poor children. I hope she writes more YA books.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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