Aoife (Eef-fe) is a 6 year old who is struggling to understand what has happened to her family. This story is a bit like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' or 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. The child narrating the story is not really comprehending the magnitude of incidents and conversations as they occur, but you as an observer are able to read between the lines and piece together what is happening.
Aoife finds herself at home with her Uncle Donny and her imaginary friend Teddy, while her mother is in hospital because of her 'confusion'. Aoife with some assistance from her eight year old neighbour Hannah looks for clues as to how her brother 'Theo' died. Will these two be able to solve a murder? According to Hannah they will know the real murderer when he comes after them. For Aoife solving this mystery means making her mother better enough to come home again.
An interesting story of a family struggling with mental illness, interspersed with some humorous observations that could only be made by a six year old. Aoife will make you laugh and cry and want to hug her.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Aoife (pronounced ee-fa) is a six year old girl whose mom just had a nervous breakdown in the middle of an intersection. Aoife says her mom is "confused", especially about whether her brother Theo is dead. Aoife becomes convinced that the only way her mother can overcome her "confusion" is if Aoife can solve the mystery of her brother's death. As Aoife begins to investigate, other troubling truths come to life that will change her life forever. Heartbreaking and beautifully written, Nellums has given us a wonderful story about faith, mental illness and the meaning of family. I loved this book.