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The Fall
In the middle of the night, Sam is woken by angry voices from the apartment above.
He goes to the window to see what’s happening – only to hear a struggle, and see a body fall
from the sixth-floor balcony. Pushed, Sam thinks.
Sam goes to wake his father Harry, a crime reporter, but Harry is gone. And when Sam goes downstairs, the body is gone, too. But someone has seen Sam, and knows what he’s witnessed.
The next twenty-four hours could be his last.
He goes to the window to see what’s happening – only to hear a struggle, and see a body fall
from the sixth-floor balcony. Pushed, Sam thinks.
Sam goes to wake his father Harry, a crime reporter, but Harry is gone. And when Sam goes downstairs, the body is gone, too. But someone has seen Sam, and knows what he’s witnessed.
The next twenty-four hours could be his last.
243 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2017
74 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Tristan Bancks
37 books165 followersTristan Bancks tells stories for the page and screen. His books for kids and teens include Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, the Tom Weekly series, and Nit Boy. Ginger Meggs, Tristan’s 100th anniversary book of short stories, is based on characters created by his great-great uncle, Jimmy Bancks, in 1921. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards, including a Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, ABIA, YABBA, KOALA, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and Queensland Literary Awards. His latest release is Cop & Robber, a nailbiting crime story for age 10+.
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
Tristan is a writer-ambassador for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is currently working with producers to develop a number of his books for the screen. He’s excited by the future of storytelling and inspiring others to create. You can find out more about Tristan’s books, play games, watch videos, join his Young Writer’s StorySchool and help him try to change the world at tristanbancks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 5, 2017
I really like that Tristan Bancks doesn't treat kids as dumb. This is a sophisticated crime thriller for late primary-early secondary readers - and it pulls no punches. Sam is a realistic character. He idolises his absent father, has anger issues sometimes and is frightened sometimes too. He's no superhero on the surface, but what he endures shows strengths he didn't know he had. And the adult characters are well formed too. Sure, Sam spends a lot of time alone, but when we do encounter his parents, we see they are real people, with understandable flaws. And that's what Sam comes to realise - they're not perfect, but they're doing the best they can. Even the bad guy has his reasons and, as it happens, is also motivated by fear. Such great complex characters - so refreshing. Yes, parts of the storyline may be unlikely to happen in "real life", but this isn't a documentary - it's a gripping thriller. I'm betting now that we'll be seeing this on awards lists before too long.
May 8, 2022
A solid standalone that slowly built up suspense and intrigue to a conclusion that didn’t pull its punches.
The disability representation through the protagonist having scoliosis was both unexpected and entirely appreciated. His lack of mobility and reliance on crutches added an interesting factor to every scene and really shed a light on the struggles and endurance of disabled teens.
The plot was well-paced, slowly gearing up to an action-filled conclusion, but it didn’t lend itself well to the mystery element of the novel. The reveal of the truth behind the mystery was underwhelming. However, the confrontation somewhat made up for it.
The characters were good; Sam was a likeable protagonist and his character growth was essential to the plot. The progression of his relationship with his father was so significant that it often found itself competing with the mystery for the reader’s attention. Either way, there was engaging content throughout so, whether you’re looking for a sweet read or an intriguing mystery, this one will have you covered!
The disability representation through the protagonist having scoliosis was both unexpected and entirely appreciated. His lack of mobility and reliance on crutches added an interesting factor to every scene and really shed a light on the struggles and endurance of disabled teens.
The plot was well-paced, slowly gearing up to an action-filled conclusion, but it didn’t lend itself well to the mystery element of the novel. The reveal of the truth behind the mystery was underwhelming. However, the confrontation somewhat made up for it.
The characters were good; Sam was a likeable protagonist and his character growth was essential to the plot. The progression of his relationship with his father was so significant that it often found itself competing with the mystery for the reader’s attention. Either way, there was engaging content throughout so, whether you’re looking for a sweet read or an intriguing mystery, this one will have you covered!
June 4, 2017
This is a good read for kids who are 11/12+. It is about a boy who sees a crime but then when the evidence is gone, wonders if what he saw was real. Right up until the moment someone breaks in to his Dad's apartment.
Sam is trying out living with his dad as he recovers from surgery. They have not known each other before and things are strained between them. His Dad is a crime reported and Sam has dreams of following in his Dad's footsteps. Will this mystery bring them closer together or tear them further apart?
It is well written and keeps the suspense in the air. The reader is pulled along with Sam as he tries to make sense of what he has seen and what he suspects is happening, all this whilst on crutches after a pretty painful operation. The characters are believable and you are sucked in by them, especially the lonliness that Sam feels, only partly eased by his Dad's dog, Magic. On this adventure he makes a new friend but will he ever repair the cracks that exist within his family.
Sam is trying out living with his dad as he recovers from surgery. They have not known each other before and things are strained between them. His Dad is a crime reported and Sam has dreams of following in his Dad's footsteps. Will this mystery bring them closer together or tear them further apart?
It is well written and keeps the suspense in the air. The reader is pulled along with Sam as he tries to make sense of what he has seen and what he suspects is happening, all this whilst on crutches after a pretty painful operation. The characters are believable and you are sucked in by them, especially the lonliness that Sam feels, only partly eased by his Dad's dog, Magic. On this adventure he makes a new friend but will he ever repair the cracks that exist within his family.
May 23, 2017
Top notch well plotted thriller for middle years kids.
May 17, 2017
I enjoyed the Alfred Hitchcock-esque Rear Window beginning, as young Sam overhears an argument, late one night, in the apartment above his dad's. Sam has had a recent knee operation and is still learning how to get around on his crutches. He hobbles over to the window to hear the argument better, when suddenly a body falls past his window.
What follows is pure Hitchcock - a missing body, break ins and a mysterious girl next door. Add in a dodgy dad, a suspicious police chief and oodles of near misses for non-stop thrills and spills.
Full review here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/20...
What follows is pure Hitchcock - a missing body, break ins and a mysterious girl next door. Add in a dodgy dad, a suspicious police chief and oodles of near misses for non-stop thrills and spills.
Full review here - http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/20...
August 6, 2017
This is a nicely plotted crime thriller for middle-years readers, with shades of Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Sam Garner, staying at his Dad’s 5th floor apartment whilst recovering from leg surgery, is hampered in his movements because he is on crutches. He has not left the flat since arriving almost a week before. In the middle of the night he is awoken by an argument in the apartment above. Hobbling to the window to hear better, he is further shaken when a body falls past the window onto the ground below. He goes to find his crime-reported dad only to find he is alone. Going back to the window he sees another man below bending over the body. Was it the killer and did he spot Sam? Although very frightened he goes to investigate a little further only to find the body has disappeared.
Sam begins to wonder if what he saw was real until someone breaks in to his Dad's apartment.
The reader is drawn into the story and is pulled along with Sam as he tries to make sense of what he has seen and what he suspects might be happening. Sam is a realistic character. He has anger issues he has been dealing with and idolises his father, who until now has been absent from his life, and wants to follow in his fathers crime-reporting footstep. He's no superhero on the surface, instead is scared most of the time but what he endures proves that he has strengths he didn't know he had. All the characters, including his mum and dad, are believable and you can sympathise with all of them.
Tristan Bancks has created strong characters, recognisable settings and a suspenseful plot that should keep the readers totally engaged to the end.
Sam begins to wonder if what he saw was real until someone breaks in to his Dad's apartment.
The reader is drawn into the story and is pulled along with Sam as he tries to make sense of what he has seen and what he suspects might be happening. Sam is a realistic character. He has anger issues he has been dealing with and idolises his father, who until now has been absent from his life, and wants to follow in his fathers crime-reporting footstep. He's no superhero on the surface, instead is scared most of the time but what he endures proves that he has strengths he didn't know he had. All the characters, including his mum and dad, are believable and you can sympathise with all of them.
Tristan Bancks has created strong characters, recognisable settings and a suspenseful plot that should keep the readers totally engaged to the end.
August 23, 2017
This is my absolute favourite book I have ever read!!!!!
August 29, 2017
Wow this book really exceeded my expectations. Initially I was a bit reluctant to open it. THe premise is a good one, but I was worried it would be too bleak/scary/violent to be appropriate for the age 11+ boys I had in mind as the key readers. However Bancks has created a really likeable main character in Sam who is dealing with some heavy issues, but definitely has his heart in the right place. His inner voice is pretty much all we hear for 90% of the book, as he is out of contact with his Mum, his Dad is mostly missing, and his brief friendship with Scarlett is, well, brief. However, a lot happens in a very short period of time, and except for a brief lull in the middle, the pace of this book is pretty fast and exciting. Sam learns a lot and matures while also getting mixed up in some serious crime. There's no soppiness in the better outcomes he realises by the end. But we're also so glad he makes it through. Highly recommended. (no spoilers here!)
March 20, 2017
4.5 stars - full review upon release.
January 2, 2018
Another fantastic read by Tristan Bancks
August 20, 2017
Another fast paced action book from Tristan Bancks, very enjoyable.
September 8, 2017
4 1/2 stars. Fast paced and tension filled. The author knows how to capture the reader and take them on a journey. I loved Two Wolves and this was another great read from him.
July 5, 2017
Gripping and more fast paced than you'd expect from a guy on crutches for the entire novel, as our hero, Sam is. Bancks' staccato style and persuasive development of character produces a read that oozes atmosphere and an exaggerated sense of being hunted. Young tweens and teens will be quaking with the delicious tension that this grown-up version of an unseen boogy man provides. There are plenty of moments when almost-thirteen-year-old Sam's desperation clots into malignant, unreasonable dread, the type of over dramatisation young kids are prone to, and he reacts in typical kid fashion only he doesn't just pull the covers up higher over his face, he barricades himself and the dog in a secret cavity in the wall. Yet Sam's predicament as the soul witness of a murder, is never dumbed down. Instead we crutch along with him to the very end...and back again.
July 9, 2019
An absolute page-turner full of twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Just brilliant.
June 15, 2021
The ending was actually good......
June 15, 2021
We read this for school- ngl i actually enjoyed this. The ending was so heartwarming!! I would actually read this again.
Read
March 17, 2025A good thriller and is a good book for people who like crime or murder books
August 10, 2017
A page turner with so much heart. Great read.
Read
June 26, 2017Its 2.08am and Sam awakes to hear two men arguing in the apartment above. Sam grabs his crunches and heads towards the window where he sees a body being pushed from the balcony. Sam goes to find his dad but he’s nowhere to be found. Sam attempts to film the crime scene on his phone but gets caught by a man with a moon shaped face holding a black umbrella and standing over the dead body. This is what happens in the opening few chapters of teen author, Tristian Bancks’ newly released book called ‘The Fall’. This is a crime, mystery, thriller novel written from the point of view of teenager, Sam Garner, and covers his first 24 hours living in Harry’s apartment, his father who he has never known.
Sam has been a difficult teenager to live with. After being bullied Sam moves to another school only to be faced with the same problems. He is again picked on by his peers, but this time Sam lashes out and hits another boy. This is the last straw for his mother. So after a major knee operation to correct his sclerosis she decides to send him away from the Blue Mountains to live with his father. Sam has never seen his father. He only knows that he is a crime reporter living somewhere in Sydney.
In his mind Sam sees Harry as a loving, caring father figure with super-hero qualities. Sam dreams of growing up and also becoming a crime reporter like his father. He even writes his own comics about him. Sam is therefore shocked when he finally meets Harry; an old tired-looking man who lives in a sad and lonely one bedroom apartment. Sam is disappointed that Harry leaves him home alone that day with only his pet dog, Magic, and leftover pizza in the fridge.
Over the next 24 hours Sam becomes a crime investigator and takes on more responsibilities than he ever has before. He tries to find his dad and solve the mystery of who pushed the man from apartment 6A. With the help of his new friend, Scarlet, from apartment 6B, the teenagers try to piece together the crime.
My favourite part of the novel is the climax of this story when Sam finds out the identity of the murderer. This part of the book kept me reading until the end to find out what happens to Sam, where his dad is and whether the murderer gets caught.
This is a good read for teenagers, especially boys who like crime thriller novels. I enjoyed the fast pace of the book because it kept me hooked and wanting to finish it. The book also brings up lots of interesting subjects for teenagers to think about, such as trusting people in authority and understanding for what parents do to protect and care for their children. This book is similar to a recent book I have read called ‘A New Kind of Dreaming’ by Anthony Eaton, where a teenage boy named Jamie is on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth about the death of an refugee girl and the dark secrets of the town’s Police Officer, Sergeant Butcher. Both books have a young and troubled male protagonist whose rite of passage from boy to man is played out through the story.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Sam has been a difficult teenager to live with. After being bullied Sam moves to another school only to be faced with the same problems. He is again picked on by his peers, but this time Sam lashes out and hits another boy. This is the last straw for his mother. So after a major knee operation to correct his sclerosis she decides to send him away from the Blue Mountains to live with his father. Sam has never seen his father. He only knows that he is a crime reporter living somewhere in Sydney.
In his mind Sam sees Harry as a loving, caring father figure with super-hero qualities. Sam dreams of growing up and also becoming a crime reporter like his father. He even writes his own comics about him. Sam is therefore shocked when he finally meets Harry; an old tired-looking man who lives in a sad and lonely one bedroom apartment. Sam is disappointed that Harry leaves him home alone that day with only his pet dog, Magic, and leftover pizza in the fridge.
Over the next 24 hours Sam becomes a crime investigator and takes on more responsibilities than he ever has before. He tries to find his dad and solve the mystery of who pushed the man from apartment 6A. With the help of his new friend, Scarlet, from apartment 6B, the teenagers try to piece together the crime.
My favourite part of the novel is the climax of this story when Sam finds out the identity of the murderer. This part of the book kept me reading until the end to find out what happens to Sam, where his dad is and whether the murderer gets caught.
This is a good read for teenagers, especially boys who like crime thriller novels. I enjoyed the fast pace of the book because it kept me hooked and wanting to finish it. The book also brings up lots of interesting subjects for teenagers to think about, such as trusting people in authority and understanding for what parents do to protect and care for their children. This book is similar to a recent book I have read called ‘A New Kind of Dreaming’ by Anthony Eaton, where a teenage boy named Jamie is on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth about the death of an refugee girl and the dark secrets of the town’s Police Officer, Sergeant Butcher. Both books have a young and troubled male protagonist whose rite of passage from boy to man is played out through the story.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
June 22, 2017
Wow, not just a page turner, but I found I had to skip ahead several pages at times just to check out what was going to happen next! A great crime thriller, reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window movie. Sam, almost 13, is recovering from surgery and can only hobble around on crutches. He is staying for the very first time with his estranged father in his dingy apartment. One night Sam is woken by angry voices from the apartment above. He then witnesses one man falling, past Sam's window, to his death below. Sam then sees another man going down to check on the newly deceased. The problem is this guy, a possible murderer, also sees Sam looking down from his window. Scared, Sam hobbles to wake his father - but his Dad is not home! Was his Dad the man that fell? Sam ends up playing detective but it is a very dangerous game.
This is an exciting story (the pace picks up a LOT about half way through) that I think would be a good Read Aloud.
This is an exciting story (the pace picks up a LOT about half way through) that I think would be a good Read Aloud.
March 29, 2017
Good, convincing story. It took a while to "get going" for me as the main character, Sam, was alone for so much of the beginning so my attention wavered a bit. But the action packed parts were great.
June 11, 2017
Excellent YA book. Thoroughly enjoyed this gripping read.
December 10, 2019
it was okay, not one of my favoutites though
July 23, 2017
After reading "Two Wolves" with my stage Two class in 2015, I could not wait for "The Fall." Tristan did not disappoint! This book is fast-paced, suspenseful and challenging enough to keep primary children's interest, but it is also a cracker of a read for an adult! Tristan has created strong characters, settings and plot that keep the reader totally engaged. If I was a kid, I would have been reading this one under the bed covers with a torch into the small hours! If you did not think the standard of "Two Wolves" could not be matched - think again. This book is awesome!
August 20, 2017
Great read by Tristan Bancks, The Fall is the story of a young boy over a period of a few days. He stays with his dad who is a crime journalist, but finds himself left alone for long periods of time. He witnesses an argument between two men in the apartment above him, and then begins to investigate the crime. The ramifications are extensive. The writing goes from matter of fact to a journey filled with tension and pace. It's hang on for the ride as the stakes are high.
December 9, 2017
Tristan Bancks' latest novel, The Fall, is a crime story for children (similar to one of his previous books, Two Wolves). The story stars Sam, a twelve year old kid who is living with his father for the first time. One night in the early hours of the morning, he hears two men having an argument in the apartment above him. Feeling interested, Sam looks out he window, only to see a body falling from above. When he goes to wake his father, Harry, he is no where to be seen. Sam goes to investigate, but the murderer has seen him and Sam is unsure of what will unfold next. I won't go into more, for I would spoil the book!
I loved Two Wolves, it was interesting and exciting. I don't usually read books like these, but when I saw The Fall, I instantly picked it up and it did not disappoint! Sam is an interesting character and the story leaves you guessing throughout it. There were not many characters in this book, making it harder for me to guess who it is, so it definitely had me hooked throughout the book. The Fall is an independent book (not in a series) and I wish that there would be more (well there might be...). As Sam uncovered
more, it had my brain in a spin to figure out how a character might be connected to the murder or if the character is connected to the murder. At some points, I had no idea what Tristan could write next, but he seemed to create a great outcome in every circumstance. At some points I thought that it wasn't really going anywhere, but that was very limited, so I decided to give this book 4.5 stars (similar to my rating of yes, once again, Two Wolves). It was great and really interesting! Good read!
I loved Two Wolves, it was interesting and exciting. I don't usually read books like these, but when I saw The Fall, I instantly picked it up and it did not disappoint! Sam is an interesting character and the story leaves you guessing throughout it. There were not many characters in this book, making it harder for me to guess who it is, so it definitely had me hooked throughout the book. The Fall is an independent book (not in a series) and I wish that there would be more (well there might be...). As Sam uncovered
more, it had my brain in a spin to figure out how a character might be connected to the murder or if the character is connected to the murder. At some points, I had no idea what Tristan could write next, but he seemed to create a great outcome in every circumstance. At some points I thought that it wasn't really going anywhere, but that was very limited, so I decided to give this book 4.5 stars (similar to my rating of yes, once again, Two Wolves). It was great and really interesting! Good read!
June 18, 2017
The story was okay. Slow to start, built to an exciting climax. Just didn't grab me.
April 6, 2021
This book was pretty good, but started off just a little slow. But once you get to the action part it’s so interesting! I love how the author creates the suspense :)
June 6, 2017
I was disappointed with this book. I enjoyed Two Wolves so much that when I saw this was coming out I was really excited; but while the themes are interesting (corruption / growing up / taking responsibility / isolation / learning absent parents aren't the heroes we imagine them to be) I found the story frustrating. But then again I (adult woman) am not the target audience (10-14 year old boys).
After an operation 13-year old Sam is staying with the father he has hero-worshipped all his life but never actually met before - crime reporter Harry - And he is beginning to realise the reality might not be matching his expectations. On his second last night in his dad's flat Sam overhears an argument going on in the flat above. Unable to sleep, he leans out the window only to see one of the men fall 6 stories to the ground. Did he fall or was he pushed? Did the other man see Sam in the window? Sam's father should be home but hasn't come back. Would the police believe Sam - when he gets to the ground on his crutches there is no body - but there is an imprint on the ground. Maybe Sam can solve this himself! - This is the point I just wanted to shout call the cops already!!! (There were a few more times I wanted to shake Sam too). Sam, terrified the man realised he had been seen, hides in the stairwell, and listens as someone searches his father's apartment.
When Sam's dad finally arrives home he takes Sam seriously but doesn't call the police, instead he tells Sam he has to check some things and leaves again. Leaving Sam to wonder what his father actually knows. Sam realises that if this is going to be solved he has to start investigating.
I liked Sam and the other characters, Bancks does a good job of creating believable characters and capturing that early teen realisation that parents have lives, needs, and character flaws that have nothing to do with their children. I like the writing and even the idea behind the story - I just found the execution somewhat forced and unbelievable.
Having said that I think this book does bring up lots of things for parents or teachers to talk about - a citizen's responsibilities / trust in police / what to do if authority figures are absent or untrustworthy / seeing your parents as people (not just your personal provider). The fast pace will keep young readers hooked.
Overall, this is and enjoyable book but I thought it could have been better.
After an operation 13-year old Sam is staying with the father he has hero-worshipped all his life but never actually met before - crime reporter Harry - And he is beginning to realise the reality might not be matching his expectations. On his second last night in his dad's flat Sam overhears an argument going on in the flat above. Unable to sleep, he leans out the window only to see one of the men fall 6 stories to the ground. Did he fall or was he pushed? Did the other man see Sam in the window? Sam's father should be home but hasn't come back. Would the police believe Sam - when he gets to the ground on his crutches there is no body - but there is an imprint on the ground. Maybe Sam can solve this himself! - This is the point I just wanted to shout call the cops already!!! (There were a few more times I wanted to shake Sam too). Sam, terrified the man realised he had been seen, hides in the stairwell, and listens as someone searches his father's apartment.
When Sam's dad finally arrives home he takes Sam seriously but doesn't call the police, instead he tells Sam he has to check some things and leaves again. Leaving Sam to wonder what his father actually knows. Sam realises that if this is going to be solved he has to start investigating.
I liked Sam and the other characters, Bancks does a good job of creating believable characters and capturing that early teen realisation that parents have lives, needs, and character flaws that have nothing to do with their children. I like the writing and even the idea behind the story - I just found the execution somewhat forced and unbelievable.
Having said that I think this book does bring up lots of things for parents or teachers to talk about - a citizen's responsibilities / trust in police / what to do if authority figures are absent or untrustworthy / seeing your parents as people (not just your personal provider). The fast pace will keep young readers hooked.
Overall, this is and enjoyable book but I thought it could have been better.
October 31, 2017
My work librarian recommended this book to me. Not because she had read it, but because no one else had picked it up to read yet and she thought every book deserved to be read :-).
I have to start off by saying I am NOT the target audience for this (I would say around 10-13 years, younger than young adult). Therefore, my rating is less about this book and more about the mis-match with me.
The premise is a bit of a child version of "Rear Window" in which a young boy (13 years) recovering from an operation sees a crime outside his Dad's apartment window. From there, it is a series of totally implausible events (most of them involving a dog that doesn't act like any dog I know - especially when chucked into a small crawl space which the boy McGuyver's up (Yes...that is a verb now) and a murderer in the end that makes NO SENSE (And I love my crime books so if you don't get to the end and go - "Ahh that makes sense" you have totally lost me!).
I just didn't believe a word of this and the pacing was just all over the place for me. Again, I am sure many young kids (especially young boys - although I HATE to attach a gender to a book as much as I hate attaching an age to it) will love this one. I am neither a young male or naive in my mystery reading so I will resign this one back to the library shelf and hope more deserving young hands pick it up next time.
I have to start off by saying I am NOT the target audience for this (I would say around 10-13 years, younger than young adult). Therefore, my rating is less about this book and more about the mis-match with me.
The premise is a bit of a child version of "Rear Window" in which a young boy (13 years) recovering from an operation sees a crime outside his Dad's apartment window. From there, it is a series of totally implausible events (most of them involving a dog that doesn't act like any dog I know - especially when chucked into a small crawl space which the boy McGuyver's up (Yes...that is a verb now) and a murderer in the end that makes NO SENSE (And I love my crime books so if you don't get to the end and go - "Ahh that makes sense" you have totally lost me!).
I just didn't believe a word of this and the pacing was just all over the place for me. Again, I am sure many young kids (especially young boys - although I HATE to attach a gender to a book as much as I hate attaching an age to it) will love this one. I am neither a young male or naive in my mystery reading so I will resign this one back to the library shelf and hope more deserving young hands pick it up next time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews