Set in 1985 New Zealand, Jennifer Trevalyan’s novel, A Beautiful Family, tells the story of a family’s holiday. In this part of the world, summer arrives with the New Year. The main character, Alix, age 10, forms a friendship with a Maori boy, Kahu, while her family’s living at the beach for a few weeks. While she and Kahu investigate the mystery of a child’s drowning that dates back a few years, Alix observes her older sister rebelling by chasing boys and drinking alcohol. And her mother spends her time writing novels while the father tries to fill his days. It’s the creepy neighbor who attracts Alix, especially after he “rescues” her sister Vanessa from possibly drowning.

Trevelyan delivers a story of intrigue and suspense. For readers like me who are unfamiliar with the New Zealand landscape, her descriptions are delicious to read. And she keeps the reader guessing about whether there is something sinister happening in the vacation spot until the very end.

One of the themes in her book, that overprotective parents can obsess about the wrong details when it comes to their children’s safety rings true. And Trevelyan also explores the themes of how parental mismanagement of their own relationship impacts their kids.

“A Beautiful Family” is a great story for readers who enjoy family dramas. And the unique perspective of Alix leads readers on a memorable style.