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We Saw What You Started
Fire, lies, rivalry, a new boy, first love and small-town suspicions threaten a coastal town in this dazzling YA mystery from an exceptional new author.
Three deadly fires. One suspect. Too many secrets.
Otto was a star surfer back in California, but now he just wants a fresh start. When fires break out in Red Sands, the locals are suspicious. It's no coincidence that Otto's at the scene every time. Is it?
Milly isn't so sure. Small town talk isn't always right - that's why she has to work so hard to beat her 'perfect' brother and become captain of the surf lifesaving club. What if the new boy is innocent?
Can Otto and Milly trust each other to find the truth behind the fires? And what happens when you do the wrong things for the right reasons?
A fiery whodunit, a thriller of surf and sea; We Saw What You Started is a suspenseful exploration of loyalty, family and friendship.
Advance reader reviews for We Saw What You
'An action-packed whodunnit from start to finish. I couldn't put it down.' - Oscar, 15 years old
'This is one the greatest books I have ever read, with characters I can relate to and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.' - Isaac, 13 years old
'This book is phenomenal! A fascinating book about Australian teens who aren't afraid to break the rules, solving a mystery that may change all of their lives.' - Sophia, 12 years old
'So much suspense! This book had a bit of everything - mystery, adventure and love. It had me hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down! The characters felt so real, and the story was super intense.' - Lucy, 11 years old
'This book was mysterious and suspenseful with lots of action. I really liked the Australian coastal town setting. I had a few suspects but didn't guess how it ended. A great crime and mystery book.' - Liam, 13 years old
'This book is epic! It's packed with mystery, adventure, suspense, friendships, and tonnes of action - I felt like I was right there, solving the mystery alongside the characters. Every chapter made me want to keep reading. If you love a thrilling whodunit, you must read this!' - Dray, 11 years old
'This incredible book was constantly on my mind from the moment I read the first page. The characters, the setting, the plot - all of it was captivating.' - Daphne, 15 years old
'This is the best book that I have read in my life. Filled with suspense and mystery and a plot that changes with every page turn. From the moment I opened this book I was on the edge of my seat, hooked with every word.' - Alexander, 11 years old
Three deadly fires. One suspect. Too many secrets.
Otto was a star surfer back in California, but now he just wants a fresh start. When fires break out in Red Sands, the locals are suspicious. It's no coincidence that Otto's at the scene every time. Is it?
Milly isn't so sure. Small town talk isn't always right - that's why she has to work so hard to beat her 'perfect' brother and become captain of the surf lifesaving club. What if the new boy is innocent?
Can Otto and Milly trust each other to find the truth behind the fires? And what happens when you do the wrong things for the right reasons?
A fiery whodunit, a thriller of surf and sea; We Saw What You Started is a suspenseful exploration of loyalty, family and friendship.
Advance reader reviews for We Saw What You
'An action-packed whodunnit from start to finish. I couldn't put it down.' - Oscar, 15 years old
'This is one the greatest books I have ever read, with characters I can relate to and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat.' - Isaac, 13 years old
'This book is phenomenal! A fascinating book about Australian teens who aren't afraid to break the rules, solving a mystery that may change all of their lives.' - Sophia, 12 years old
'So much suspense! This book had a bit of everything - mystery, adventure and love. It had me hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down! The characters felt so real, and the story was super intense.' - Lucy, 11 years old
'This book was mysterious and suspenseful with lots of action. I really liked the Australian coastal town setting. I had a few suspects but didn't guess how it ended. A great crime and mystery book.' - Liam, 13 years old
'This book is epic! It's packed with mystery, adventure, suspense, friendships, and tonnes of action - I felt like I was right there, solving the mystery alongside the characters. Every chapter made me want to keep reading. If you love a thrilling whodunit, you must read this!' - Dray, 11 years old
'This incredible book was constantly on my mind from the moment I read the first page. The characters, the setting, the plot - all of it was captivating.' - Daphne, 15 years old
'This is the best book that I have read in my life. Filled with suspense and mystery and a plot that changes with every page turn. From the moment I opened this book I was on the edge of my seat, hooked with every word.' - Alexander, 11 years old
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
8 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 3, 2025
Big thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending us a copy to read and review.
A coastal town and the ocean are central in this YA thriller where fires and vandalism create blame and suspicion.
Endorsements and accolades from young readers adorn the first pages which is not only refreshing but a testimony to nailing a plot that had them invested.
Otto a teen surfer hails from California and fits in perfectly with the surf culture of Red Sands.
Mysterious and illegal fires seem to happen when he is nearby.
Suspicion and accusations jeopardise his standing within the community.
Milly has an inkling that the crime spree might not be as obvious as she dons her sleuthing hat and cracks the mystery.
The teenage interactions and dialogue were written with such authenticity.
Teenage culture and reactions also enhanced a book that appealed to younger readers.
As an older reader I became invested quickly in the plot and formed my own suspicions with the bread crumb clues.
The value of reading and well written books speaks volumes.
A coastal town and the ocean are central in this YA thriller where fires and vandalism create blame and suspicion.
Endorsements and accolades from young readers adorn the first pages which is not only refreshing but a testimony to nailing a plot that had them invested.
Otto a teen surfer hails from California and fits in perfectly with the surf culture of Red Sands.
Mysterious and illegal fires seem to happen when he is nearby.
Suspicion and accusations jeopardise his standing within the community.
Milly has an inkling that the crime spree might not be as obvious as she dons her sleuthing hat and cracks the mystery.
The teenage interactions and dialogue were written with such authenticity.
Teenage culture and reactions also enhanced a book that appealed to younger readers.
As an older reader I became invested quickly in the plot and formed my own suspicions with the bread crumb clues.
The value of reading and well written books speaks volumes.
December 8, 2025
really enjoyed this aussie surf mystery and the characters were all amazing!
Read
September 27, 2025This twisty YA mystery had me guessing until the very end.
Great red herrings all the way through.
Set in the Aussie surf scene, I could almost smell the ocean and hear the waves in this entertaining YA novel.
Great red herrings all the way through.
Set in the Aussie surf scene, I could almost smell the ocean and hear the waves in this entertaining YA novel.
July 10, 2025
Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia & Carla Salmon for this read!
I love a thriller set in Australia and this YA thriller captured the beach vibes perfectly. It's small town drama, mystery about multiple fires starting and a few people tangled up in solving it.
This was heavily YA but I do love a YA thriller so it was enjoyable. It was really easy to binge, I knocked this one over in 2 small sittings because I needed to uncover the truth. I felt the pace was a slower burn but the suspense amps up towards the end where you can FEEL the reveal is happening soon. The ending was unexpected and I feel i wanted something more sinister - but it was still good.
Overall a short and sweet beachy YA thriller to add to your summer TBR!
3.5/5
I love a thriller set in Australia and this YA thriller captured the beach vibes perfectly. It's small town drama, mystery about multiple fires starting and a few people tangled up in solving it.
This was heavily YA but I do love a YA thriller so it was enjoyable. It was really easy to binge, I knocked this one over in 2 small sittings because I needed to uncover the truth. I felt the pace was a slower burn but the suspense amps up towards the end where you can FEEL the reveal is happening soon. The ending was unexpected and I feel i wanted something more sinister - but it was still good.
Overall a short and sweet beachy YA thriller to add to your summer TBR!
3.5/5
June 20, 2025
Visit Kids' Book Review for my full review of this riveting mg crossover thriller.
October 30, 2025
Billed as YA but felt skewed more toward middle-grade, We Saw What You Started opens with a series of fires in a small Australian town. Otto, an American living with his mother, just wants to surf with his new friends and help them win the upcoming lifesaver competition, but when he’s found at the scene of every fire, the police and townsfolk cast him as the main suspect.
Milly, the sister of one of Otto’s friends, seems to be the only one willing to help him find the truth—until chasing down the real culprits puts them both in danger. If you’re looking for a read with a realistic small-town setting, hints of first crushes, whodunnit plots, and living up to family expectations, this book has you covered.
Milly, the sister of one of Otto’s friends, seems to be the only one willing to help him find the truth—until chasing down the real culprits puts them both in danger. If you’re looking for a read with a realistic small-town setting, hints of first crushes, whodunnit plots, and living up to family expectations, this book has you covered.
July 27, 2025
“I feel the weight of the truth, heavy as I reach the top step. But I can’t tell him.”
There’s been a lot of hype around Carla Salmon’s debut novel, ‘We Saw What You Started’, and I’m happy to say it has lived up to expectations. It‘s got mystery, it’s got suspense and it will have you guessing right to the very end, probably incorrectly as well. You’ll be tossed around like a washing machine trying to figure out this one, so good luck!
Told from the alternating POV of our two protagonists, Milly and Otto, WSWYS is set in a small coastal town - a town that Otto is new to and that Milly and her family have strong ties with. With the annual surf carnival looming, and a huge influx of competitors and tourists in town, three suspicious and seemingly targeted fires threaten to tear Red Sands apart. Pointed fingers begin and Otto is the prime suspect. That’s usually the case when you are at the scene of each fire. But when Otto and Milly join forces and start to uncover missing clues, all is not what it seems and sparks start to fly - the romantic kind and the dramatic kind. Will Otto and Milly douse the rumours and find the true arsonist or will their investigation fizzle out and risk Otto’s immediate future?
It’s been days since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about it. For sure there is the growing whodunit suspense that will grip you and have you wanting more. But it's not just that. It’s the depth and complexity of the characters that stay with you. I found myself thinking about them days after and wanted to know more. Salmon delves deep into their minds, their insecurities, what drives them, and you become fully invested in their growth and journey. It’s a journey that involves rumours, rivalries and romance and you’ll be hooked from the get go. A captivating read for your more mature middle grader, Carla deserves all the applause for this one. Congratulations on a stunning debut!
There’s been a lot of hype around Carla Salmon’s debut novel, ‘We Saw What You Started’, and I’m happy to say it has lived up to expectations. It‘s got mystery, it’s got suspense and it will have you guessing right to the very end, probably incorrectly as well. You’ll be tossed around like a washing machine trying to figure out this one, so good luck!
Told from the alternating POV of our two protagonists, Milly and Otto, WSWYS is set in a small coastal town - a town that Otto is new to and that Milly and her family have strong ties with. With the annual surf carnival looming, and a huge influx of competitors and tourists in town, three suspicious and seemingly targeted fires threaten to tear Red Sands apart. Pointed fingers begin and Otto is the prime suspect. That’s usually the case when you are at the scene of each fire. But when Otto and Milly join forces and start to uncover missing clues, all is not what it seems and sparks start to fly - the romantic kind and the dramatic kind. Will Otto and Milly douse the rumours and find the true arsonist or will their investigation fizzle out and risk Otto’s immediate future?
It’s been days since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about it. For sure there is the growing whodunit suspense that will grip you and have you wanting more. But it's not just that. It’s the depth and complexity of the characters that stay with you. I found myself thinking about them days after and wanted to know more. Salmon delves deep into their minds, their insecurities, what drives them, and you become fully invested in their growth and journey. It’s a journey that involves rumours, rivalries and romance and you’ll be hooked from the get go. A captivating read for your more mature middle grader, Carla deserves all the applause for this one. Congratulations on a stunning debut!
July 15, 2025
I read this after my 13yr old son raved about it. Highly recommend for anyone with teens - it’s very accessible and has enough humour and action to keep any young teen (and older!) turning over the pages.
October 9, 2025
Wrote a longer review and it's now at Reading Time.
A fast paced mystery. Authentic representation of teen boys, and a welcome exploration of being a female in a male dominated (surf life saving) culture.
A fast paced mystery. Authentic representation of teen boys, and a welcome exploration of being a female in a male dominated (surf life saving) culture.
December 26, 2025
Carla Salmon’s debut novel, “We See What You Started” is an excellent young adult novel. It is powered by a mystery, but also has some things to say about subjects like friendship, competitiveness, and family.
The novel is probably aimed at readers around 13-17, but could easily be enjoyed by those both younger and older. There are no themes or scenes which would be a problem for younger readers. As for the older ones, well, I found this entertaining and engaging and I’m well past my teen years.
My 12 year old co-reader really enjoyed this. The characters were her favorite part of the novel – she said that they were all relatable. What really hooked her, though, was Otto’s background. She found that intriguing, and it made her want to find out more about him.
I agree that characterisation is solid, although focused primarily on half a dozen characters. The characters in the foreground are fully rounded and believable. The teenagers in particular are very realistic, with their mixture of rebellion, responsibility, stupidity, and intelligence – sometimes all displayed by the same person in a few minutes.
The background of the surf lifesaving carnival is vivid, with enough explanation for anyone unfamiliar to follow what’s going on and why. It’s a pretty real reflection of how it could become important to teens in a coastal town.
Miss 12 found the plot interesting, although didn’t feel it was the most engaging she’d come across. The mystery plot reminded me very much of old school novels like Nancy Drew. Some elements of the plot are evident very early on, but others are trickier to work out till closer to the end. I think it will keep most young readers guessing and fully involved.
Overall, this was a well written and enjoyable read, marked by strong characterisation and a good sense of place. Miss 12 would recommend it to other young readers, and I think a fair range of older readers would also enjoy it.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
The novel is probably aimed at readers around 13-17, but could easily be enjoyed by those both younger and older. There are no themes or scenes which would be a problem for younger readers. As for the older ones, well, I found this entertaining and engaging and I’m well past my teen years.
My 12 year old co-reader really enjoyed this. The characters were her favorite part of the novel – she said that they were all relatable. What really hooked her, though, was Otto’s background. She found that intriguing, and it made her want to find out more about him.
I agree that characterisation is solid, although focused primarily on half a dozen characters. The characters in the foreground are fully rounded and believable. The teenagers in particular are very realistic, with their mixture of rebellion, responsibility, stupidity, and intelligence – sometimes all displayed by the same person in a few minutes.
The background of the surf lifesaving carnival is vivid, with enough explanation for anyone unfamiliar to follow what’s going on and why. It’s a pretty real reflection of how it could become important to teens in a coastal town.
Miss 12 found the plot interesting, although didn’t feel it was the most engaging she’d come across. The mystery plot reminded me very much of old school novels like Nancy Drew. Some elements of the plot are evident very early on, but others are trickier to work out till closer to the end. I think it will keep most young readers guessing and fully involved.
Overall, this was a well written and enjoyable read, marked by strong characterisation and a good sense of place. Miss 12 would recommend it to other young readers, and I think a fair range of older readers would also enjoy it.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
December 10, 2025
Salmon has crafted a realistic teen fiction story that features arson )starting with a dangerous scrub fire and then targeting the swimming pool kiosk and the doctor's surgery), family relationships, the challenges of being new to the town and country, sibling rivalry, group dynamics and control and a budding romance.
Told from different perspectives the main characters include Otto, relocated with his mum from California with a mysterious past that involves a fire destroying a farm and a love of surging. Twins, Jasper and Milly, the brother lazy and laid back, and apparently destined to become captain of the local surf living team of which their father is the manager. Milly, determined to prove her worth to her father and a dedicated life saver. Otto becomes prime suspect for the fires, he suspects Jasper and Milly is determined to prove both innocent. Other characters support or thwart her endeavours.
The pace of the book is well maintained with sufficient mystery and numerous clues and red herrings to keep not only Milly and Otto guessing, but also the reader. Events and clues come together nicely to provide a satisfying solution but there is quite a shift in how some of the secondary characters play out that is out of synch. The story explores friendship, loyalty, bullying, online sharing and its abuse and different family and community dynamics. There are also some ethical choices about doing the right or wrong thing.
A good read for teens with some detective work, strong focus on life saving and surfing and personal relationships.
Told from different perspectives the main characters include Otto, relocated with his mum from California with a mysterious past that involves a fire destroying a farm and a love of surging. Twins, Jasper and Milly, the brother lazy and laid back, and apparently destined to become captain of the local surf living team of which their father is the manager. Milly, determined to prove her worth to her father and a dedicated life saver. Otto becomes prime suspect for the fires, he suspects Jasper and Milly is determined to prove both innocent. Other characters support or thwart her endeavours.
The pace of the book is well maintained with sufficient mystery and numerous clues and red herrings to keep not only Milly and Otto guessing, but also the reader. Events and clues come together nicely to provide a satisfying solution but there is quite a shift in how some of the secondary characters play out that is out of synch. The story explores friendship, loyalty, bullying, online sharing and its abuse and different family and community dynamics. There are also some ethical choices about doing the right or wrong thing.
A good read for teens with some detective work, strong focus on life saving and surfing and personal relationships.
August 20, 2025
Fire, it travels, it consumes and it destroys. Otto knows this all too well. His family had to leave California on the back of a fire disaster. And again he finds himself facing the flames.
Having made friends within the local surf lifesaving club in this small coastal Australian country town, he was hoping for a fresh start. When faced with smoke in the scrub his fears start rising, despite reassurance by friend Jasper that it was just a campfire. Alas, no.
A close call to escape the scrub fire, Otto finds himself in a front row seat to two more fires in town. Primary suspect number one, how can he prove it wasn't him, especially given his past.
Milly and Jasper competed for their clubs high honour, captain... Milly just knows it should be hers but her brother, being a boy, is likely to get given that job. She is more responsible, more reliable and has strengths they could see if only they would look. Starting a job at the local 7-eleven, she sees things that could prove Otto is not responsible, or at least she thinks so.
Between the three of them they need to figure out what is going on, what the grown ups do not see, and to still be the best they can be for the surf competition... the interlopers cannot win.
A fun read, if not a little cryptic at times.
Having made friends within the local surf lifesaving club in this small coastal Australian country town, he was hoping for a fresh start. When faced with smoke in the scrub his fears start rising, despite reassurance by friend Jasper that it was just a campfire. Alas, no.
A close call to escape the scrub fire, Otto finds himself in a front row seat to two more fires in town. Primary suspect number one, how can he prove it wasn't him, especially given his past.
Milly and Jasper competed for their clubs high honour, captain... Milly just knows it should be hers but her brother, being a boy, is likely to get given that job. She is more responsible, more reliable and has strengths they could see if only they would look. Starting a job at the local 7-eleven, she sees things that could prove Otto is not responsible, or at least she thinks so.
Between the three of them they need to figure out what is going on, what the grown ups do not see, and to still be the best they can be for the surf competition... the interlopers cannot win.
A fun read, if not a little cryptic at times.
September 4, 2025
I choose We Saw What You Started after meeting the author at Romancing the Stars on the Sunshine Coast. Carla’s explanation of how she developed and refined the novel was part of the appeal.
As a secondary English teacher, I am always on the lookout for texts that are authentic and will capture the attention of my students. The growing connection between Milly and Otto and their dual narrative was particularly engaging and I love the fact that the protagonists were a male and a female. I read the novel over two evenings and was utterly captured by the Red Sands community. A great YA mystery that I’ve already recommended to my classes.
As a secondary English teacher, I am always on the lookout for texts that are authentic and will capture the attention of my students. The growing connection between Milly and Otto and their dual narrative was particularly engaging and I love the fact that the protagonists were a male and a female. I read the novel over two evenings and was utterly captured by the Red Sands community. A great YA mystery that I’ve already recommended to my classes.
November 10, 2025
Otto, his Mum and brother have moved to australia for a new start. Immersed in the local surf life saving culture he is trying to fit in and belong. Twins Milly and Jasper are staying with their Dad and are both competing to be captain of the surf club, both for different reasons. When deliberately lit fires start occurring in their small town everyone becomes a suspect. But who is responsible and how are Otto and Jasper involved? Part mystery, part family saga - this book will grab you until you reach the answers.
September 23, 2025
My daughter and I loved reading this book together. The characters were so well thought out and my daughter (who is not a big reader) couldn’t wait to see what would happen in the next chapter. The kids in the book felt realistic, which was important to my daughter, and she could easily relate to what was going through their heads during some of the big moments in the book! Definitely recommend, loved it.
November 24, 2025
We Saw What You Started is a classic case of wrong place, wrong time. A teen new to the area is blamed for a series of fires. With the police, other kids and even his own mother mistrusting him, Otto must prove his innocence by finding the true arsonist. The teens in the book have lots of agency, which is exactly what younger readers look for. I'd place this as middle grade or the very lower end of YA.
August 9, 2025
Starts with strong action, but drags a bit. Nevertheless, young readers will probably enjoy this who-did it story. Told from two teen perspectives against the backdrop of surf lifesaving. Plot develops quickly but not much descriptive writing.
August 10, 2025
Solid early teen read. I found it very interesting and the plot was well constructed so it kept the pages turning. Solid mystery read. I wish there was a little bit more character development but overall it was a really good story. I liked the little bit of romance in there.
August 20, 2025
GUESS WHO MET THE AUTHOR AND HAS THEIR COPY SIGNED!!!!
August 22, 2025
I read this as part of father-daughter book club. We both enjoyed it. I am not a fan of the modern trend of alternating perspectives of the main characters for each chapter.
September 5, 2025
We Saw What You Started is fast, fun, and full of twists! I LOVED it!!
September 10, 2025
My daughter absolutely loved it! She wants the next one!
September 21, 2025
actually really good
December 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book and the storyline kept me intrigued and I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen.
Great little Australian mystery and catered for the right age.
An easy read
Great little Australian mystery and catered for the right age.
An easy read
December 10, 2025
“Couldn’t put it down! The tension built so naturally that I didn’t even realize I’d read half the book in one sitting. The shifting perspectives were my favorite part.”
December 11, 2025
“The themes of loyalty and truth were handled beautifully. It really got me thinking about how narratives are shaped.”
December 11, 2025
“One of the best books we’ve read for Gloss this season. It sparked such a good conversation at the event!”
December 11, 2025
“A smart, character-driven thriller. I especially liked the moral gray areas — nobody was perfectly innocent, which made it feel authentic.”
December 11, 2025
“Loved it! This was my first time reading this author and now I want everything she’s written. The ending was chef’s kiss.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews