If We Tell You

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.