Des Hunt

Des Hunt was a science and technology teacher for many years, interspersed with periods of curriculum development both in New Zealand and overseas, and he's an author that seems need little or no introduction to readers in his native land. RED EDGE is, however, the first of his books I've been fortunate enough to read, pitched at a young audience, his aims of fostering interest in the natural world and children's surrounding obvious.

Obvious without being preachy or overblown I'd hasten to add, RED EDGE introduces many of it's themes and concepts through the eyes of the main young characters - Cassie Whelan and Quinn Fordson. The book abounds with references to the last devestating earthquake in Christchurch, the natural environment and science and technology (all particular interests of the author it seems), starting out with the obsessive runner Cassie's interactions with the wide-open spaces of the cleared "red-zone" around Christchurch, leading to the discovery of odd goings on in the Haunted House next door, culminating in some clever use of technology to solve the mysterious goings on in the garage next door.

Both Cassie and Quinn are really belieavable, strong characters in this story, and the mystery of the open can of cat food, leading to some some very odd discoveries and the unearthing of crimes that, it seems, are based on real events, really worked. There's considerable pace and engagement in the way the plot unfolds, whilst allowing for exploration of the effects of devastating natural disasters like the Christchurch earthquake have on the emotional wellbeing of everyone - but kids in particular.

Whilst RED EDGE is a really good book for the age group that it's obviously pitched at, there's quite a bit here for adult readers as well - not just the glimpses into the disrupted world of kids, but the issues of animal welfare, animal trafficking and what recovery after disaster can look like.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/red-edge-des-hunt… (más)

Set in NZ, this is the story of Tim who is haunted by the memory of his mother's death by drowning in a raging river; a cave and a huge tooth in the rock. He knows it happened close to his Grandparent's farm and now that part of the valley is about to be flooded by a dam. This means that Tim has only these school holidays to try and find the tooth before it is too late. Unfortunately, the school bully Sam has relatives close by and is intent on making the holidays a hell for Tim. there is action aplenty with guns and quad bikes and some very shady schemes happening that Tim inadvertently uncovers in his quest for the tooth. Fast paced and full of action.… (más)

Interesting book that did not pan out the way I thought it would, which is pleasantly surprising as most YA books are quite predictable. This is the story of Connor who has lost his father a couple of years ago in a light plane crash and now his mother wants to re-marry. The parents of the man she is marrying are quite uptight about this but offer to take Connor and a mate around New Zealand in their campervan as a "getting to know you" exercise for their soon to be step-grandchild.
This gives Connor and his mate Harvey, the chance to spy on Denzel ( soon to be step grandfather) who they believe has recently won the lottery with a ticket he found on the ground that belongs to a thug in their home town. As well as trying to solve this mystery, the two are also caught up in some online Questing where they win some great electric bikes , and their suspicions about another camper Frank Brown, who hands out $100 notes for free and seems to lie about who he knows and what's going on. There is computer hacking/scamming, car and bike chases, foiled night time robberies and shady dealings all over New Zealand in this story that boys from age 12 up.… (más)

The fifth book in the Kiwis at War series, following on from '1914: Riding Into War' by Susan Brocker, '1915: Wounds of War' by Diana Menefy, '1916: Dig for Victory' by David Hair and '1917: Machines of War' by Brian Falkner. Author Des Hunt researched the experiences of his uncles, cousins Henry and George, during World War I. Close friends, George enlists first while Henry must stay and help out on the family farm. When Henry enlists and arrives in France, he finds that George has been killed in battle at La Basse Ville. A fox terrier soon joins Henry, a remarkable dog that provides comfort to the soldiers, but also friction with the authorities. The fighting drags, the horror is well described, and the effect on the men explored. A well resourced story including a map, photographs, a timeline and a glossary. A well thought out series that will be important.… (más)