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Red Snow
Twelve-year-old Megan thought she knew everything there was to know about her mother’s death, but she was wrong. Confronted by a web of deceit and lies from her family and ignored by her schoolmates, she befriends her new neighbour, Ryan. But Ryan is hiding a dangerous secret in the nearby woods. He has found some blood on the snow next to an old watchtower and Megan is drawn into a situation that she would rather avoid.
When the two friends are saved from danger by an intriguing woman called Irene, Megan begins to realise Irene has information that could shed light on the mysterious events surrounding her mother’s death. Meanwhile, Megan’s father sinks deeper into depression and forbids her from reaching out to Irene again.
As the mystery deepens, a failed burglary and the discovery of an intruder in Ryan’s garden reveal the truth about the past. A final unexpected twist brings some comfort and happiness to Megan’s tragic life as the book reaches a hopeful conclusion.
Taking readers on an emotional and gripping journey, Red Snow deals with serious contemporary issues including depression and post-traumatic stress as Megan battles against her father’s illness to unravel the truth about her mother’s death. Comparable to Suzanne LaFleur’s Love Aubrey and David Yelland’s The Truth About Leo, Larraine’s debut book will appeal to readers aged 9-11 years who enjoy mysteries, as well as to charities and organisations raising awareness about mental health.
When the two friends are saved from danger by an intriguing woman called Irene, Megan begins to realise Irene has information that could shed light on the mysterious events surrounding her mother’s death. Meanwhile, Megan’s father sinks deeper into depression and forbids her from reaching out to Irene again.
As the mystery deepens, a failed burglary and the discovery of an intruder in Ryan’s garden reveal the truth about the past. A final unexpected twist brings some comfort and happiness to Megan’s tragic life as the book reaches a hopeful conclusion.
Taking readers on an emotional and gripping journey, Red Snow deals with serious contemporary issues including depression and post-traumatic stress as Megan battles against her father’s illness to unravel the truth about her mother’s death. Comparable to Suzanne LaFleur’s Love Aubrey and David Yelland’s The Truth About Leo, Larraine’s debut book will appeal to readers aged 9-11 years who enjoy mysteries, as well as to charities and organisations raising awareness about mental health.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2018
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 1, 2017
Thank you to Troubadour Publishing/Matador and NetGalley for providing me with an e-galley of Red Snow by Larraine Susan Harrison in exchange for an honest review. This short and emotional novel is mysterious children's fiction. This is the story of 12-year-old Megan who is a motherless child living with her depressed father. Her mother died accidentally on Megan's seventh birthday. Because her father does not allow questions about her mother's life and demise, Megan will stop at nothing to find out as much as she can. With the help of Ryan, the boy next door, they are on a quest to solve the mystery of her mother's death. From an adult point-of-view, I think pre-teen and teenage children will gain much from this novel. The solitude felt by Megan is felt by many children these days and the author's insight into childhood problems will make the reader feel understood and less alone. There is much to be enjoyed here.
August 10, 2022
Red Snow by Larraine Susan Harrison.
Twelve-year-old Megan thought she knew everything there was to know about her mother’s death, but she was wrong. Confronted by a web of deceit and lies from her family and ignored by her schoolmates, she befriends her new neighbour, Ryan. But Ryan is hiding a dangerous secret in the nearby woods. He has found some blood on the snow next to an old watchtower and Megan is drawn into a situation that she would rather avoid. When the two friends are saved from danger by an intriguing woman called Irene.
A slow read. I did manage to finish it though. Not for me. 2*.
Twelve-year-old Megan thought she knew everything there was to know about her mother’s death, but she was wrong. Confronted by a web of deceit and lies from her family and ignored by her schoolmates, she befriends her new neighbour, Ryan. But Ryan is hiding a dangerous secret in the nearby woods. He has found some blood on the snow next to an old watchtower and Megan is drawn into a situation that she would rather avoid. When the two friends are saved from danger by an intriguing woman called Irene.
A slow read. I did manage to finish it though. Not for me. 2*.
March 23, 2020
Red Snow is atmospheric and leaps into action from the start as Megan Townsend tries to follow Ryan from next door into the woods as it would appear he has developed an interesting routine of being out each night. The curiosity of a twelve-year-old girl comes across well, because who isn't a bit curious when someone has perceived peculiar habits when you're a child. The story then turns more mysterious and sinister as there's a trail of blood and possibly a big cat in the woods. It certainly would grab any child's attention, especially those who are 8 or 9 years old plus.
The contrast between leisurely pursuits such as swimming, the sinister woods and Megan's desire to find out about her mother works really well. Irene is an interesting character with her closely held secrets. The book becomes even more intriguing and really holds its own when Megan becomes more inquisitive about the death of her mother.
The emotions displayed by Paul - Megan's dad and Megan herself are exquisitely portrayed. This entire book seems so natural about how each character's personality and emotions are portrayed. It adds to this book being a really good read for children. The context, the language used and the pace makes it a book that children will be able to get into.
There are big, important themes like life and death, loneliness and being a carer, being strong, but all sensitively written and all at a child's level of understanding and all wrapped in a fantastic story that will capture children, because, who doesn't want to know what happened to Megan's mum. Megan, especially is also a very likeable character. She is certainly a strong, determined girl, but also has a niceness about her. Children will be able to relate easily to this story, whether it is something they themselves have experienced in full or in-part or not as there is plenty to empathise with.
The changes in pace works well and the length means children can have a good chance of getting into it, without it being overwhelming in size (153 pages). The cover is curious. It makes you wonder what Megan is looking out of the window at and also draws you closer to her somehow. This is very much a children's book in the way it is written and would sit very well in the children's sections of libraries and bookshops.
The end will leave readers feeling very satisfied as the answers to the questions become apparent and there is hope.
I just had an instinctive feeling that it was going to be a good one and I was not disappointed and I am sure many readers will enjoy this book too.
The contrast between leisurely pursuits such as swimming, the sinister woods and Megan's desire to find out about her mother works really well. Irene is an interesting character with her closely held secrets. The book becomes even more intriguing and really holds its own when Megan becomes more inquisitive about the death of her mother.
The emotions displayed by Paul - Megan's dad and Megan herself are exquisitely portrayed. This entire book seems so natural about how each character's personality and emotions are portrayed. It adds to this book being a really good read for children. The context, the language used and the pace makes it a book that children will be able to get into.
There are big, important themes like life and death, loneliness and being a carer, being strong, but all sensitively written and all at a child's level of understanding and all wrapped in a fantastic story that will capture children, because, who doesn't want to know what happened to Megan's mum. Megan, especially is also a very likeable character. She is certainly a strong, determined girl, but also has a niceness about her. Children will be able to relate easily to this story, whether it is something they themselves have experienced in full or in-part or not as there is plenty to empathise with.
The changes in pace works well and the length means children can have a good chance of getting into it, without it being overwhelming in size (153 pages). The cover is curious. It makes you wonder what Megan is looking out of the window at and also draws you closer to her somehow. This is very much a children's book in the way it is written and would sit very well in the children's sections of libraries and bookshops.
The end will leave readers feeling very satisfied as the answers to the questions become apparent and there is hope.
I just had an instinctive feeling that it was going to be a good one and I was not disappointed and I am sure many readers will enjoy this book too.
November 18, 2017
*thank you to Netgalley and Troubador Publishing Limited for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 stars.
Im bordering on giving this 4 stars.
This was quite a good, fast read about a little 12 year old girl, Megan. I think that if I was to write a book, it would be the same style and feel as this. Megan has a dad who, after the death of his wife, struggles with Depression. There is the whole mystery around how her mother died as nobody was willing to talk to her about it, least of all, her dad. I could easily sympathize and understand her frustration. How could they not realise that not telling her, not talking to her about her mother was doing more harm than actually telling her. She meets a lady who lives in the woods named Irene. After finding out Irene is a family friend who had known Megan at a younger age, I find it hard to belive that after just 5 years, Irene hadnt recognised Megan until Megan had said her last name. But that was my only issue with the story. The rest was good. It kept my attention. It kept me wondering what was going on and I did quite like the characters. If your wanting a short little book about what its like for a 12 year old to have a parent who is mentally ill, then Id recommend this one. It would also be good for other girls around Megan's age who are going through something similar as it always helps to not feel so alone.
3.5 stars.
Im bordering on giving this 4 stars.
This was quite a good, fast read about a little 12 year old girl, Megan. I think that if I was to write a book, it would be the same style and feel as this. Megan has a dad who, after the death of his wife, struggles with Depression. There is the whole mystery around how her mother died as nobody was willing to talk to her about it, least of all, her dad. I could easily sympathize and understand her frustration. How could they not realise that not telling her, not talking to her about her mother was doing more harm than actually telling her. She meets a lady who lives in the woods named Irene. After finding out Irene is a family friend who had known Megan at a younger age, I find it hard to belive that after just 5 years, Irene hadnt recognised Megan until Megan had said her last name. But that was my only issue with the story. The rest was good. It kept my attention. It kept me wondering what was going on and I did quite like the characters. If your wanting a short little book about what its like for a 12 year old to have a parent who is mentally ill, then Id recommend this one. It would also be good for other girls around Megan's age who are going through something similar as it always helps to not feel so alone.
November 27, 2017
I am not quite sure what to make of this book, even though it does address some troubling issues.
12year old Megan lives with her widowed father. Her mother died some years earlier and he has not coped well since then. A poor figure with a temper, Megan has to pick up the slack with housework etc.
Ryan, aged 13 years, arrives next door to stay with his Grandfather. Each night she hears their gate open at midnight and decides to follow him.
The woods nearby are full of nighttime noises, especially animals. She gets lost and frightened and is resuced by Irene.
The issues of depression is explored as it is not only Megan's father whose life has changed. It affects her as well. She thought she know how her mother died, but did she really?
I liked Megan and Ryan's characters but otherwise it was sketchy.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
12year old Megan lives with her widowed father. Her mother died some years earlier and he has not coped well since then. A poor figure with a temper, Megan has to pick up the slack with housework etc.
Ryan, aged 13 years, arrives next door to stay with his Grandfather. Each night she hears their gate open at midnight and decides to follow him.
The woods nearby are full of nighttime noises, especially animals. She gets lost and frightened and is resuced by Irene.
The issues of depression is explored as it is not only Megan's father whose life has changed. It affects her as well. She thought she know how her mother died, but did she really?
I liked Megan and Ryan's characters but otherwise it was sketchy.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
October 19, 2019
For a young persons point of view this story our heroine 12 year old Megan faces some pretty hefty topics in which I thought the author covered rather well.
It doesn't matter to me if the book is veered young adults or middle grade I will still read it!
The cover of this book fits perfectly for the subjects it talks about inside. I wanted to know what this young person was thinking about and why she she was staring out the window like she was.
This book I ended up finishing in one day. I felt the book pushing me towards the finish line so to speak. I wasn't disappointed. Not in the least!
And this is also a new to me author that I will look for more from.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received.. All opinions are my own
It doesn't matter to me if the book is veered young adults or middle grade I will still read it!
The cover of this book fits perfectly for the subjects it talks about inside. I wanted to know what this young person was thinking about and why she she was staring out the window like she was.
This book I ended up finishing in one day. I felt the book pushing me towards the finish line so to speak. I wasn't disappointed. Not in the least!
And this is also a new to me author that I will look for more from.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received.. All opinions are my own
December 2, 2017
I received this book free from Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.
Megan's mother died when she was little. Red Snow is her journey to find the truth about what happened on that day. Along the way she reconnects with people from her past and makes new friends. She struggles through people not wanting to tell her anything, a dad consumed by grief, suspicious characters and long kept secrets. This is an amazing story. It is very easy to read and connect with the characters. I love the way the author ended the book.
Megan's mother died when she was little. Red Snow is her journey to find the truth about what happened on that day. Along the way she reconnects with people from her past and makes new friends. She struggles through people not wanting to tell her anything, a dad consumed by grief, suspicious characters and long kept secrets. This is an amazing story. It is very easy to read and connect with the characters. I love the way the author ended the book.
October 23, 2017
I gave this 3 stars only because it was edited and written well. The story itself was dull and unimaginative. Megan has a rough life with a father that probably has been suffering from undiagnosed depression since his wife's death. She wants to know the truth about how her mom died, and there's a big lead up to it....and it's a huge disappointment. When the whole story comes out, Megan finally gets the truth, it's boring and mundane.
October 28, 2017
Megan wants to find out how her mother died, but her father won't tell her.
Unfortunately this story tries to show different psychological issues without enough depth and all too often by telling instead of showing.
I guess this book might appeal to teenagers, but for me there was neither enough suspense nor enough psychological insight.
Unfortunately this story tries to show different psychological issues without enough depth and all too often by telling instead of showing.
I guess this book might appeal to teenagers, but for me there was neither enough suspense nor enough psychological insight.
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Larraine Susan Harrison, Troubador Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
Megan is running the household and ‘caring’ for her father since her mother died when she was young. She doesn’t know how she died and wants to discover why but her father has closed up. Together with the teen who has moved next door they try to seek the truth.
I like how depression and loneliness are featuring in more books as they are central to a lot of young lives.
I’m going to have to read it again as I am still not sure if Megan actually discovers what happens to her mum. Did I zone out when reading it, I don’t think so. I have briefly looked through some other reviews and have noticed similar responses.
Overall a good read for young people which touches on some topical issues.
Megan is running the household and ‘caring’ for her father since her mother died when she was young. She doesn’t know how she died and wants to discover why but her father has closed up. Together with the teen who has moved next door they try to seek the truth.
I like how depression and loneliness are featuring in more books as they are central to a lot of young lives.
I’m going to have to read it again as I am still not sure if Megan actually discovers what happens to her mum. Did I zone out when reading it, I don’t think so. I have briefly looked through some other reviews and have noticed similar responses.
Overall a good read for young people which touches on some topical issues.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews