G. Leonard, Spark (The Twitchers #2), Walker Books Australia, September 2022, 320 pp., RRP $18.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781406389388
Jack’s arms are covered in scratches after saving a cat who had been shot. After learning that this shooting is part of a pattern, Jack recruits his team of twitchers to investigate and serve justice for all the neighbourhood felines. But recruiting the twitches this time is a task in itself with all the members eager to catch a glimpse of a rare, bearded vulture which is passing through Briddvale!
Jack has always felt inferior to Twitch who seems able to stay one step ahead of his friends being more knowledgeable about birds than anyone else in Briddvale. However, when Twitch becomes preoccupied with the bearded vulture, Jack must take the reins and lead the crew into solving the next big case. Through this next mission, each turn leads to more setbacks and clues which point to more severe crimes. It is through each of these turns that Jack realises his own set of skills and attributes are in fact not inferior to Twitch.
Spark is a novel about friendship, adventure, and crime. M. G. Leonard has created a great sequel to Twitch further exploring these themes. I loved the contrast between the true crimes and the innocence of the young characters. Being well versed in both children’s literature and screenplays, Leonard has truly painted a vivid adventure for all readers old (nostalgic of their childhood) and young (who are still in their childhood). I loved this book as much as the first and to all readers I must say, the Twitchers are back, and you do not want to miss out! And better yet, there’s another one coming in April!
Reviewed by Anna Tran
