Source Library
Published by Macmillan Children's Books on June 5, 2014
Rating:
Cover image and summary from Goodreads:
I found Jeanβs friend dead in the river. His name was Colin Kirk. He was a homeless man, but he still wanted to live.
Thereβs been a murder, but the police donβt care. It was only a homeless old man after all.
Kieran cares. Heβs made a promise, and when you say something out loud, that means youβre going to do it, for real. Heβs going to find out what really happened. To Colin. And to his grandma, who just stopped coming round one day. Itβs a good job Kieranβs a master of observation, and knows all the detective tricks of the trade.
But being a detective is difficult when youβre Kieran Woods. When youβre amazing at drawing but terrible at fitting in. And when there are dangerous secrets everywhere, not just outside, but under your own roof.
I can’t remember where I first heard about Smart, but it’s been on my radar since it came out earlier this year.
This book was a terrific read, and very quick: the copy I borrowed from the library was just over 200 pages, so I was able to finish reading it in one day.
Smart was a really well-written story that hooked me with the mystery, and I fell in love with protagonist Kieran. While parts of the story are heartbreaking, the end left me feeling hopeful and happy.
This is definitely a recommended read!