See No Evil

Susan Kemp is an instructor at the Queen’s School of English,
Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario.

Shawn’s parents have broken up. He lives in a rough neighbourhood, and
he has to look after his younger brother because his dad works long
hours. When Shawn and his friend Daniel are at a local mall they witness
a vicious attack on a man at the back. Though they recognize the chief
attacker, they’re not sure if the attacker recognized them, so they
decide not to tell anyone. Then Shawn on his way home from school is
threatened and Daniel is attacked. Shawn doesn’t know whether to go to
the police or not, and all of this is not helping his new relationship
with Maya.

See No Evil is an enthralling novel about urban grittiness and realism.
The plot is fast paced, the dialogue is crisp and realistic, and motifs
such as gangs, bullying, and first love are handled sensitively and
honestly. Aimed at reluctant readers, it also provides real insight into
relationships and situations.

Diane Young is a writer and editor who lives in Toronto. This teen
thriller, her first book, is highly recommended.