Shortlisted, West Australian Young Readers Book Award, Best Middle-grade Book, 2023

Twelve-year-old Alice England is curious, truthful and smart, but when you work in your father’s funeral home and you get messages from the dead, it can be difficult to make friends.

When she comes across the peculiar case of George Devenish, who was allergic to sunlight, Alice is convinced there’s more to his death than meets the eye.

With the help of George’s niece, ‘Violet the Vampire’, who shares her uncle’s allergy, and a boy named Cal, who has secrets of his own, Alice begins to investigate. Who were the teenagers under the dock when George died? How is the sinister Doctor Grampian involved? And what about George’s wife, Helen, whose baking is delicious but possibly poisonous?

It seems the truth of George’s death may never see the light of day – unless Alice and her companions can put the clues together and solve a mystery much bigger than anybody expected.

‘The Deadly Daylight is a perfect-for-kids murder mystery. I loved spending time with Alice England, who cheerfully chooses coffins for everyone she meets, and Violet Devenish, who might finally have found a true friend. This is a fresh and curiously upbeat read with memorable characters, clever plot and satisfying ending. Prepare for secrets and friendships, life and death, quirks and cosy mystery.’ Cristy Burne, author of the Wednesday Weeks series

‘The Deadly Daylight is an intriguing mystery that explores lots of interesting ideas.’ R. A. Spratt, author of the Friday Barnes series

‘Quirky, dark and delightful, I loved trying to solve this truly engrossing mystery.’ Shirley Marr, author of A Glasshouse of Stars

‘Offbeat characters and lyrical writing sustain a thoroughly clever and engrossing riff on the murder mystery formula.’ Publishers Weekly