If We Tell You

August 15, 2024
After a dramatic brush with death, twin brothers from small-town Alberta flee home, sent by their parents on a flight to Scotland. Fifteen-year-olds Cameron and Lewis Larsen are overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty after their parents kill two strangers to protect them--and then send them away. They make an uneasy trek to the home of Margaret "Maggs" Ross in Edinburgh, where they begin to search for answers while still trying to maintain cover. Following their dad's advice--he warned that identical twins are memorable--the boys interact separately with Maggs' neighbors as well as the visitors staying at her guesthouse. They appear one at a time and pretend they're a single person named Will, which results in some funny situations. Some of these people--including fellow teens Aisha, Ruby, and Jamie--also become enmeshed in the mystery, and a sprawling, intricate backstory unfolds involving mobsters, MI6, secret passwords, art heists, underground tunnels, and more. While at times the story can feel a bit overstuffed, the first-person narration, which alternates between the brothers, works well to ground the novel: Lewis' nervous internal monologues contrast with Cameron's more self-assured but still vulnerable voice. The abrupt ending leaves things wide open for a sequel. Most central characters present white. Brown-skinned Aisha wears hijab, and there's additional diversity among the supporting cast. Lewis is bisexual. An expansive thriller with two likable characters at its heart.(Thriller. 12-17)

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Starred review from November 15, 2024

Gr 8 Up-Backyard barbecues are a fun way to spend time with neighbors, enjoying food and friendship. Identical twin brothers Cameron and Lewis are having a great time-until a hostage situation results in their parents murdering two uninvited guests. Given backpacks and some very puzzling instructions, the brothers go on the run, eventually making their way to Scotland. Staying with an old family friend, they rely on the help of a quirky cast of characters, pooling every resource they can, all while trying to find their parents and discover who they really are. Who can they trust when everything they've ever known seems to be a lie? The mystery/suspense genre is elevated by Dahlin, who expertly handles the opposing inner opinions of the twins, which allows readers to keep them separate while they try to pass as just one person for their own safety. The mystery around the parents' pasts is given just enough details to allow readers to come to conclusions along with the characters, rather than spelling everything out, which is refreshing. Each character is given ample time to develop; readers will have something to look forward to in a hinted-at sequel. VERDICT Dahlin's debut earns her place on library shelves with this fantastic piece of nail-biting suspense.-Adam Fisher

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