A gripping middle-grade crime mystery in which a small coastal
town is torn apart by more than just a bushfire.
One year on from a devastating bushfire,
the small coastal town of Wangaroo Bay is still reeling.
Fletch’s family lost their home, and his best friend Immie
lost her beloved dad, a volunteer firefighter.
Throughout it all, Fletch and Immie have had each other …
Immie’s grandparents push for the Operation Bayfire investigation
to be reopened, but Fletch’s mum, dad and elder brother Cooper
want to put the past behind them. And when a local, one of their own,
is charged with arson, emotions flare, sides are taken, and promises
– and secrets – are at stake.
The fire has already destroyed Wangaroo Bay,
now its aftermath threatens to destroy
Fletch and Immie and their families too.
Novel for ages 10+ Walker Books Australia ISBN 9781760658649
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REVIEWS
“… A compelling middle-grade novel that explores the lingering impact of disaster on a close-knit coastal community …’
—Books+Publishing
“… I was transfixed by the last 50 pages as my heart raced & I couldn’t take my eyes away from the gripping, pulsating ending. This book has it all & I’m calling it now, it is my best read for 2025. Sue Whiting has written a gem!” Middle Grade Musings
“Promises and Other Lies is another middle-grade mystery, ideal for Upper Primary and Junior Secondary readers. It’s also a topical narrative, set in a small coastal town torn apart by bushfires and torn apart by town secrets. Congrats @suewhiting4 – this is a fast paced and intelligent mystery that once again hits the mark!” Paul’s Book Trail
“… This is fast-paced and tautly thrilling throughout. The various threads all come together in a most unexpected way that will completely make readers jump…” Just So Stories
“…This is a very intriguing book that I think readers of crime and mystery will devour and come to understand the intricacies of suspecting people or assuming things without all the facts.” The Book Muse
“… The loss, the emotions, the trauma, the renewal, rebirth and regrowth; all told in an exceptionally brilliant way for younger readers …” Emily Williams
“… Whiting’s writing is snappy and addictive, pulling you along with short, sharp chapters and just enough mystery to keep you guessing. It’s messy, emotional, and totally bingeable—the perfect mix of heartfelt feels and jaw-dropping drama. Read it if you love uncovering secrets, riding emotional rollercoasters, and finishing a book with your jaw somewhere near the floor.” Blue Fairy Tales
“… the rewards of reading this gripping story come thick and fast in the final five chapters … I wonder if Sue Whiting ever wrote for television – this book just feels so cinematic – my brain kept flashing back to the television series Fires (2021) and YES this book is just as gripping as that was.” Momotimetoread
“… The brilliant Sue Whiting has created a gripping mystery, full of tension which challenges the reader scene after scene, throughout the entrances and exits of characters, to guess who is responsible for what. I love the camel character. Its inclusion in the story appears questionable until the sudden and dramatic reason for it is revealed.” Kids Book Review
“… This is gripping story of family, friendship, secrets, grief, trust, community and resilience. You’ll love Immie and Fletch, and the wonderful friendship that they share. This story tackles the aftermath of a terrible disaster, and how, in this case, it can cause almost as much heartache as the fire itself, as well as the challenges of rebuilding your life after something like this. It will be enjoyed by readers in lower secondary.” Michelle at Lamont Standing Orders
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
Your Kid’s Next Read Podcast (10:49 mark)