An interesting thriller that doesn’t outstay its welcome. Good Children Don’t Kill is a relatively short, tense, and amusing read. Because of its simple premise and linear execution, I think it is a book that would suit younger readers, too.
The story follows Michael, Max, and Nicole as they wrap themselves up in a world of crime and paranoia through what was once believed to be a practical joke played on a shopkeeper. Suddenly, the teens find themselves with heaps of the shopkeeper’s cash, and things unravel further and further from there.
Naturally, it’s hard to say much else without giving away the twists and turns of the story. Doing that would basically destroy the whole purpose of reading the book.
What I did enjoy about the novel (other than the story itself) is how Thomas manages to shift the mood around easily. He is able to make scenes flit from light-hearted to suddenly tense at each turn, which results in good pacing. It’s something other thrillers falter with; trying to be too serious during every single chapter, but actually shooting themselves in the foot by being excessively bland and ‘mature’.
If you do pick up Good Children Don’t Kill, I’d suspect that you would enjoy it. It resolves its mystery well, meaning there is little left unanswered by the end. Thomas’ story earns a modest suggestion from me, a person who is typically not a fan of mystery or thriller books.
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