Boy on Hold

JD Spero writes clearly and well. This book balances life and tragedy, mystery and suspense. I would like to see more from this author. Spero knows how to construct a narrative and grasp the heart with quick words.

We can't tell for sure what J.D. Spero's intention was in writing this lovely little book, but I can attest that what she accomplished is a story suitable for very young people that tackles dark, grownup topics: murder, mental illness, drug abuse and loss.

Henry Trout (nicknamed Hen) is a charming 8-year-old in a very complicated situation. The adults and older youth in his life are entangled with the dark realities of Life. His father is absent; his mother is loving and present but is overworked, overwhelmed and troubled by the behavior of Hen's 17-year-old brother.

In spite of all that heartbreak, this is a very hopeful and uplifting story. It would be just the thing to read with a bright and sensitive middle-schooler in your life.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance readers copy.

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

'Appropriate for Teens, Intriguing to Adults' is written at the front of this book, and I wholeheartedly agree. Boy on Hold was a thoughtful and well-researched book about mental ill-health, and the effect it has, not just on the person who is unwell, but on loved ones who may not even be aware of the struggles a person is facing. Touching on addiction as well, this was never preachy or patronising, just well-informed. Tyler, 17 has been struggling for years with the 'demons' inside. He hears and sees things that are terrifying, but feels he has to hide these visions as there is nobody who he can trust. He wants to be seen, but is afraid that everyone is conspiring against him. When he's coerced into taking part in a plan with his best friend Derek, things go horribly wrong and he finds himself arrested for involuntary manslaughter. It is only at his trial that the extent of his illness is discovered by his family. What I loved particularly about Boy on Hold, was the relationship between Marcella, Tyler and his little brother, Hen who he loved and protected above all else. This beautiful family dynamic made the reader see that a person is not just their mental illness, they are a human capable of kindness and love, just like everybody else. All too often the media focus on the rare incidents of crime committed by those who are suffering paranoid delusions. When the truth is, a person is much more likely to be a victim themselves. Tyler was vulnerable and alone in his psychosis and this was terrifying for him. The more mental ill health is talked about, the less stigmatised those who have a diagnosis feel and this book is a step in the right direction. Particularly for young men who often struggle alone, this book will help teens and adults alike reach a better understanding of the nature of mental ill health. It is about more than mental health though. There are sweet and funny moments and Hen was the true hero of this story. A beautiful read.

Hen was outside when he saw figures in Miss Sally's house. He was disturbed by what he saw and was even more worried when he learns Miss Sally was attacked that night.

Believing that his brother Ty had nothing to do with it. Hen always had faith for his brother but not everything is what it seems. Everyone is quick to judge Ty's best friend Derek as he looks like trouble. But what is the truth?

A great storyline about drugs and mental health.

The plot was well written. Each time I thought I had the missing piece to the puzzle, something changed and I was doubting myself. This book kept me engaged from start to finish.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy of Boy on Hold by JD Spero in exchange for an honest review. I found myself sucked into this book from the beginning. Hen, who is only eight, witnesses an event that will change his life. His mom does her best as a single mother to raise her two boys. Reading the book you can't help but sympathize with many of the characters in this story and the struggle they each live with. Great book.

I was sucked into this book from the start, and want to thank the publisher and net galley for an ARC. This did not affect my review.

This books was told with multiple POV, which is my favorite way to read a book. It had an adorable, charming child and a mystery that I actually didn't know the answer until the end.

This is a difficult book to review without giving anything away, so I will just say to read it for yourself.

Hen Trout had sneaked out to catch a hedgehog and had already picked out the name - Louis. As he waits for Louis to appear, he witnesses his neighbour, Miss Sally, being violently attacked by a monster. Hours later, his brother is arrested for the crime...

Spero's prose in this book is absolutely spellbinding. It sucks the reader in from the first page and leaves you desperate to understand who the monster was, and what really happened. The twists and turns of the tale keep you convinced you understand what's happening, only to prove you wrong. The usage of different protagonists kept the narrative fresh too. This book reminded me of [book:The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder|35478989] and [book:The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time|1618] as Hen's perspective was so enthralling and endearing.

I found the book really difficult to put down as I was enjoying it so much! In particular I liked the way you felt drawn into the characters' viewpoints and were able to empathise with all of them, even those which initially were quite unlikeable.

In conclusion - absolutely worth reading, and likely one you will return to.

This book kept me up into the small hours as I just couldn't put it down!!
A murder in a close knit community is a shocking event, especially when a young witness comes forward. Loyalties are stretched but love prevails.

I want to thank NetGalley for sending me this ARC to review which I have done in a wholly truthful manner. No incentive was offered.

Read this. it’s a powerful story and intense at times told from different perspectives I highly recommend this book it will stick with you for a while

The story includes heavy topics like mental illness, drug abuse and blends in a small child as a main character. The author has done a very good work with lots of research and the result is excellent. The story is an example of children belonging to problem families. The suspense is well maintained. A very nice book and a lovable kid.

This was a quick and easy read full of mystery and heartbreak. The characters were believable but yet not all of the likable. At the heart of the story is 7 year old Hen, who witnesses something horrible on the night before Halloween. The mom, Marcella, is a little annoying for being so naive but unfortunately there are moms like that in the world. Overall, I recommend this book.