David Hartley and Scott Prince (text), David Hartley (illus.), The Search (Deadly D & Justice Jones #3), Magabala, Oct 2015, 192pp., $12.95 (pbk), ISBN: 9781925360011
As the third instalment of the Deadly D and Justice Jones series, The Search follows the lead of the previous books in style, format and storyline. Despite efforts to release himself, Deadly D is still cursed and continues to transform from normal school kid to hard-hitting Brisbane Bronco’s rugby league star when provoked. This time, however, the BIGTOP (Biological Investigation Group to Organise Prototypes) are after his DNA and will stop at nothing to acquire it, including following him all the way to Nanna’s house in Mount Isa.
Dave Hartley and Scott Prince both have history in NRL and are passionate advocates for the game and for their indigenous heritage. They write with a natural inclusion of indigenous language, cultural ideas and local slang which gives the book authenticity as well as masses of character. Respect for elders, helping your mates and the power of extended family are just some of the concepts included.
In terms of writing style, the passages describing the fear experienced by the two leading lads as they are hunted down by creepy clowns and other circus personalities are particularly well written, using pace and just enough detail to get our heart rates up in sympathy.
These books have some great quirky layout features such as a flip football along the bottom edge near the page numbers and rear-facing pages between chapters that provide a running commentary on how well the reader is travelling, how far through the book you are and comments on the plot that feel as though the characters are talking directly to you (the reader). Personally I wonder about the need for all the gimmicks and distractions. Are they a sales hook? A necessary layer that kids expect these days? A gimmick meant to ‘engage’ the reader? And if so, does it work? For me, a good story is a good story and if the characters and plot hook me in then I’m yours. Do some kids need the gimmicks to convince them to choose a book in the first place? Probably and if so, this series does it well.
For those who have not encountered the series previously, this book stands alone fairly well, with only minor references to prior events. Deadly D and Justice Jones are likeable larrikins in a spot of bother and there’s not much surprise in how the story turns out.
The Search provides a great blend of tough talk, sports and mateship with solid ethics, manners, cultural identity and fears blended through. For mid to upper primary school boys who like a lark and know a bit about their rugby league it is the perfect choice.
Reviewed by Katie Bingham