Book reviews: Thrill and spills in the mix of Children's Books Ireland's February review

Murder, romance and mental health - plus a fantastic resource from the brilliant team at ShoutOut, for all young people but especially LGBTQ + youth.

Some of Jenny Murray's selections this month

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis (Penguin Publishing) is for fans of big, glossy romances. Set in 1910 Chicago, we follow a wealthy African-American family of the day, through society events and functions, and see all the many expectations heaped upon young shoulders. Set against the backdrop of segregation in America and told from four differing perspectives, The Davenports has more romantic drama than you can shake a hooped skirt at.

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks (Macmillan Publishing) is an intriguing murder mystery set in an urban US ‘prep’ school. This debut reads like a TV series, each chapter telling the story from a new point of view. Clues are revealed and theories debunked as each character has their say. A principal is found murdered and three boys of colour are immediately under suspicion. College futures on the line, they work together to prove their innocence. Outwardly a thrilling murder-mystery, at its core this explores the systemic oppression and societal expectations of young black and Hispanic men in the US.