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The Man in the Water
When Shaun finds a dead body floating in the lake of a quiet mining town in outback Queensland, he immediately reports it to the police. But when he returns to the site with the constable, the body is gone.
Determined to reveal the truth, Shaun and his best friend, Will, open their own investigation. But what they discover is far more sinister than a mining mishap or a murder, and reveals a darkness below the surface of their small town.
David Burton is the author of How to Be Happy, winner of the 2014 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing.
Determined to reveal the truth, Shaun and his best friend, Will, open their own investigation. But what they discover is far more sinister than a mining mishap or a murder, and reveals a darkness below the surface of their small town.
David Burton is the author of How to Be Happy, winner of the 2014 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing.
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
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480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 23, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Annie Deo
The Man in the Water is a coming-of-age YA thriller set in a rural mining town in Queensland and follows a teenager who launches an investigation into a mysterious dead body which promptly vanishes after he leaves to report it.
The author mentions that this book was based on his time in regional Queensland where he experienced a new and different culture in their mining towns, inspiring its depiction in the form of the issues Shaun and his town face, and how Shaun’s character is developed. It’s an eye-opening read and immediately apparent that the author has written from real life knowledge as the reader is transported to Shaun’s dusty dry hometown, withering away in the oppressive heat and from the loss of resources as profit-driven businesses lay off local workers to invest in casual workers instead.
Shaun knows something of the greedy corporate mindset as his father suffered a debilitating injury due to long hours in unsafe working conditions, leading to him taking his own life out of despair and shame. This background informs how the other characters respond to Shaun, suspecting that his report of a dead body is based on unresolved grief and acting out because he needs help. The topic of mental health is a recurring theme and Shaun’s mother repeatedly brings up therapy, doing her best to enrol Shaun in counselling sessions to help him manage his emotions and behaviour. Of course Shaun is less than impressed as he DID find a dead body, but representation of mental health issues has helped to stigmatise the condition over time and it’s always welcome to see awareness being raised in books aimed at a younger audience. I appreciated that the author also includes a list of resources at the end of the book to assist anyone in need of help.
The murder mystery is tricky and convoluted, throwing up more puzzling questions the deeper the boys dig into it. There’s a ton of intrigue and near-claustrophobic paranoia as the number of suspects pile up, including those in close proximity to Shaun, and it’s a very satisfying conundrum to mull over. I did finally work out the answer, but only on chapter 33 out of 39! The author has a delicate balance to maintain between keeping the mystery confusing enough for readers not to pick it apart early in the book, but also sowing in seeds of information that the teenage boys can investigate and succeed in gaining insight from without it being completely unrealistic. This can’t turn into CS: North Queensland after all! It was handled superbly as Shaun and Will felt wholly believable, pursuing their case in a manner that made sense for teenage boys and getting ahead without simply lucking into clues through sheer plot convenience.
A tentative romance is included in the background, as Shaun’s next main priority besides solving the murder is trying to summon the courage to reveal his feelings to long-time crush Megan. However the focus is more on Shaun’s feelings about Megan rather than developing her as a character in her own right, which makes sense as this book is primarily about Shaun’s emotional journey and his growth shown through the way he interacts with those around him. The friendship between Shaun and Will in particular is heartwarming and endearing, with their light-hearted banter offering a welcome counterpoint to the more serious moments dealing with death and depression.
This is a wonderfully thoughtful and intriguing story that has crossover appeal to adults and younger teenagers, exploring important messages as well as entertaining the reader. A captivating fast-paced read that is recommended for everyone.
The Man in the Water is a coming-of-age YA thriller set in a rural mining town in Queensland and follows a teenager who launches an investigation into a mysterious dead body which promptly vanishes after he leaves to report it.
The author mentions that this book was based on his time in regional Queensland where he experienced a new and different culture in their mining towns, inspiring its depiction in the form of the issues Shaun and his town face, and how Shaun’s character is developed. It’s an eye-opening read and immediately apparent that the author has written from real life knowledge as the reader is transported to Shaun’s dusty dry hometown, withering away in the oppressive heat and from the loss of resources as profit-driven businesses lay off local workers to invest in casual workers instead.
Shaun knows something of the greedy corporate mindset as his father suffered a debilitating injury due to long hours in unsafe working conditions, leading to him taking his own life out of despair and shame. This background informs how the other characters respond to Shaun, suspecting that his report of a dead body is based on unresolved grief and acting out because he needs help. The topic of mental health is a recurring theme and Shaun’s mother repeatedly brings up therapy, doing her best to enrol Shaun in counselling sessions to help him manage his emotions and behaviour. Of course Shaun is less than impressed as he DID find a dead body, but representation of mental health issues has helped to stigmatise the condition over time and it’s always welcome to see awareness being raised in books aimed at a younger audience. I appreciated that the author also includes a list of resources at the end of the book to assist anyone in need of help.
The murder mystery is tricky and convoluted, throwing up more puzzling questions the deeper the boys dig into it. There’s a ton of intrigue and near-claustrophobic paranoia as the number of suspects pile up, including those in close proximity to Shaun, and it’s a very satisfying conundrum to mull over. I did finally work out the answer, but only on chapter 33 out of 39! The author has a delicate balance to maintain between keeping the mystery confusing enough for readers not to pick it apart early in the book, but also sowing in seeds of information that the teenage boys can investigate and succeed in gaining insight from without it being completely unrealistic. This can’t turn into CS: North Queensland after all! It was handled superbly as Shaun and Will felt wholly believable, pursuing their case in a manner that made sense for teenage boys and getting ahead without simply lucking into clues through sheer plot convenience.
A tentative romance is included in the background, as Shaun’s next main priority besides solving the murder is trying to summon the courage to reveal his feelings to long-time crush Megan. However the focus is more on Shaun’s feelings about Megan rather than developing her as a character in her own right, which makes sense as this book is primarily about Shaun’s emotional journey and his growth shown through the way he interacts with those around him. The friendship between Shaun and Will in particular is heartwarming and endearing, with their light-hearted banter offering a welcome counterpoint to the more serious moments dealing with death and depression.
This is a wonderfully thoughtful and intriguing story that has crossover appeal to adults and younger teenagers, exploring important messages as well as entertaining the reader. A captivating fast-paced read that is recommended for everyone.
October 10, 2019
Shaun is a kid in a small mining town in rural Qld. One day, he spots a man floating face down in a lake. He rushes to report his finding to the police, but when they come back, the body is gone. While the adults brush off the death, Shaun & his mate Will are forced to open their own investigation. Their adventures will take them all around town in their race to find justice for the Man on the Lake.
.
.
The protagonist Burton has created is one young boys will connect with. Shaun is just an average kid with big dreams - solve the crime, make his mum proud and bag the girl, all while having time for a Maccas run at the end. He dreams about being the hero, in dubious and hilarious scenarios that would seem real to a young kid (hello medal of honour). It’s a coming of age story which was reminiscent of Stand by Me with a bit of the Hardy Boys thrown in for good measure. Burton has the vernacular of a teen boy down, so the dialogue feels real, as does Shaun’s self doubt, also reminiscent of the uncertainty of youth.
.
.
When he finally gets some answers, Shaun discovers that life is not always so black and white, with every loose end packed away neatly. Towards the end, I found myself tripping over the pages and words to see what happened next. I have to say, I didn’t see that twist coming at all, which is a credit to the author. .
.
The novel touches on the themes of isolation and the struggle of making it work in a small mining town. There are themes of suicide, grief & depression, but these are handled delicately and in an age appropriate way. .
.
All in all this was a great book, at times raw, laugh out loud funny and made me reminisce of days long gone (yes, I was also on the debate team 💅🏼). I can see it being taught in schoolrooms, the type of book that won’t make everyone groan as they pull out their copy. .
.
.
The protagonist Burton has created is one young boys will connect with. Shaun is just an average kid with big dreams - solve the crime, make his mum proud and bag the girl, all while having time for a Maccas run at the end. He dreams about being the hero, in dubious and hilarious scenarios that would seem real to a young kid (hello medal of honour). It’s a coming of age story which was reminiscent of Stand by Me with a bit of the Hardy Boys thrown in for good measure. Burton has the vernacular of a teen boy down, so the dialogue feels real, as does Shaun’s self doubt, also reminiscent of the uncertainty of youth.
.
.
When he finally gets some answers, Shaun discovers that life is not always so black and white, with every loose end packed away neatly. Towards the end, I found myself tripping over the pages and words to see what happened next. I have to say, I didn’t see that twist coming at all, which is a credit to the author. .
.
The novel touches on the themes of isolation and the struggle of making it work in a small mining town. There are themes of suicide, grief & depression, but these are handled delicately and in an age appropriate way. .
.
All in all this was a great book, at times raw, laugh out loud funny and made me reminisce of days long gone (yes, I was also on the debate team 💅🏼). I can see it being taught in schoolrooms, the type of book that won’t make everyone groan as they pull out their copy. .
December 23, 2019
Woven throughout The Man in the Water is the reoccurring theme of mental health, community responsibility and removing mental illness discrimination, especially in traditionally male dominated workplaces. While Australia strides towards inclusion and equality, toxic masculinity is an issue rarely acknowledged or discussed. Young men are expected to appear stoic and detached and to appear otherwise is often seen as weakness. This is especially prevalent in male dominated workplaces where employees are essentially discouraged from expressing concerns and mental health issues. In the incidents of the Rosewood Mine, employees are separated from their families, exposed to unsafe conditions, unsupported by their employer and intimidated by union delegates.
The Man in the Water encourages discussions surrounding mental health, suicide and neglect within our small town communities. Communities often without mental health professionals and counselling services. The uniquely Australian narrative is authentic and superbly written, the epitome of compassionate and conscientious young adult literature.
Read my full review here
The Man in the Water encourages discussions surrounding mental health, suicide and neglect within our small town communities. Communities often without mental health professionals and counselling services. The uniquely Australian narrative is authentic and superbly written, the epitome of compassionate and conscientious young adult literature.
Read my full review here
December 14, 2019
Trigger warnings: death, grief, mental health, death of a parent (in the past), .
I am 100% here for more novels set in small town Australia, especially when they're not straight up contemporaries. I also thoroughly enjoyed that this had a 14 year old protagonist rather than the typical 17 year old protagonists that YA is riddled with of late.
Anyway. I really really liked this. I liked the characters. I liked the setting. I liked the writing and the pacing. I liked the very low-key romance, which is super age appropriate given how old the protagonist is. And I liked the mystery side of things. This isn't a particularly long book but it packed a solid punch and I'd strongly recommend it.
I am 100% here for more novels set in small town Australia, especially when they're not straight up contemporaries. I also thoroughly enjoyed that this had a 14 year old protagonist rather than the typical 17 year old protagonists that YA is riddled with of late.
Anyway. I really really liked this. I liked the characters. I liked the setting. I liked the writing and the pacing. I liked the very low-key romance, which is super age appropriate given how old the protagonist is. And I liked the mystery side of things. This isn't a particularly long book but it packed a solid punch and I'd strongly recommend it.
did-not-finish
May 31, 2020CW: suicide
DNF p.48
I was so looking forward to this mystery. I can't finish reading due to the mention of suicide. Maybe I'll mysteriously feel able to read it one day.
DNF p.48
I was so looking forward to this mystery. I can't finish reading due to the mention of suicide. Maybe I'll mysteriously feel able to read it one day.
June 2, 2024
I found this to be a charming little detective novel for high school students with likeable characters and setting. The plot was farfetched and unrealistic at times, but despite this a readable story that kept my interest to the end.
October 1, 2019
The story kicks into action immediately with POV character Shaun finding a dead body floating in the lake. He runs (literally) to the cop shop for help, but by the time a Copper comes back with him to the lake the body is gone, and Shaun looks like a liar.
Only Shaun's best mate Will believes him and together they mount their own investigation. The fast who-done-it pace pushes you through the story, rapidly flipping to the pages to find out the who's, whats, whens, and hows.
After some sleuthing, interfering and putting themselves in danger the boys do ultimately catch the "bad guys", but it doesn't exactly go down how you think it will.
On the surface this is a fun, captivating, page-turning who-done-it mystery. But it really does highlight the darker human casually side of the mining industry, of small mining towns, of the working conditions /quality of live /mental health dangers of such a money hungry industry.
The town the year ten students Shaun and Will call home grew into existence because of and revolves around coal mining. Will's dad was a coal miner who's declining physical health thanks to his job's poor conditions lead to the decline of his mental health, and later suicide. And then there is the man in the water and all the people involved in that - which for spoiler reasons I obviously won't go into.
So while this is a fantastic who-done-it romp, with a relativity happy ending for the two boys we grow to care for, that I absolutely enjoyed reading - it does tell some hard truths - but it's done in a way I think kids will absorb without releasing it.
This story is a must read for any and all #LoveOZYA aficionados and who-done-it mystery aficionados.
Only Shaun's best mate Will believes him and together they mount their own investigation. The fast who-done-it pace pushes you through the story, rapidly flipping to the pages to find out the who's, whats, whens, and hows.
After some sleuthing, interfering and putting themselves in danger the boys do ultimately catch the "bad guys", but it doesn't exactly go down how you think it will.
On the surface this is a fun, captivating, page-turning who-done-it mystery. But it really does highlight the darker human casually side of the mining industry, of small mining towns, of the working conditions /quality of live /mental health dangers of such a money hungry industry.
The town the year ten students Shaun and Will call home grew into existence because of and revolves around coal mining. Will's dad was a coal miner who's declining physical health thanks to his job's poor conditions lead to the decline of his mental health, and later suicide. And then there is the man in the water and all the people involved in that - which for spoiler reasons I obviously won't go into.
So while this is a fantastic who-done-it romp, with a relativity happy ending for the two boys we grow to care for, that I absolutely enjoyed reading - it does tell some hard truths - but it's done in a way I think kids will absorb without releasing it.
This story is a must read for any and all #LoveOZYA aficionados and who-done-it mystery aficionados.
October 19, 2019
This is a mature crime thriller, entirely appropriate for senior boys. David Burton, author of his memoir, How to be Happy, has composed a realistic and familiar story, set in a Qld mining town. His main character Shaun solves the mystery without too many incidental or contrived situations. Shaun is invested because he discovers the body, is attracted to a family member, and has little else to do with his time in this small community. Plus, there’s the distraction it offers from the ongoing grief of losing his father.
His best mate, Will, an aboriginal boy is a contrast and counterpoint to the intensely determined Shaun. His large happy family and easy going manner provides support and acceptance when everyone else seems to regard Shaun with suspicion and concern. The tragic circumstances surrounding this particular mysterious death create a sadness reflecting Shaun’s mental state, and his mum’s insistence that he sees a counsellor is a welcome touch.
Ultimately, Burton is making a political comment, a message for both governments and corporations about a topic that young people are unfortunately too aware of: power and corruption often go hand in hand with injustice and disregard of individuals who try to eek out a living from an increasingly uncaring society.
This writing is strong and authentic.
His best mate, Will, an aboriginal boy is a contrast and counterpoint to the intensely determined Shaun. His large happy family and easy going manner provides support and acceptance when everyone else seems to regard Shaun with suspicion and concern. The tragic circumstances surrounding this particular mysterious death create a sadness reflecting Shaun’s mental state, and his mum’s insistence that he sees a counsellor is a welcome touch.
Ultimately, Burton is making a political comment, a message for both governments and corporations about a topic that young people are unfortunately too aware of: power and corruption often go hand in hand with injustice and disregard of individuals who try to eek out a living from an increasingly uncaring society.
This writing is strong and authentic.
August 29, 2021
[CBCA Notable for older readers 2020]
This young adult mystery/crime book was just okay. It’s hard to find good YA books in this genre so I was excited when this came into our library but the writing was slow and the focus felt too much on the self confidence (or lack thereof) of the male protagonist. I just wanted to give him a good swift kick most of the time. The outcome was well disguised though so the end (short as the climax was) was good.
This young adult mystery/crime book was just okay. It’s hard to find good YA books in this genre so I was excited when this came into our library but the writing was slow and the focus felt too much on the self confidence (or lack thereof) of the male protagonist. I just wanted to give him a good swift kick most of the time. The outcome was well disguised though so the end (short as the climax was) was good.
September 24, 2020
I think this would be a good book for teenage boys as it deals with issues like toxic masculinity and domestic violence in a subtle but meaningful way. As someone who grew up in Queensland I also think it was excellent in its depiction of small town life and the impact that mining has on regional communities. However, The Man in the Water was also a sign that I'm growing out of YA books, because I definitely had more sympathy for the adults who told two boys not to get mixed up in a murder investigation than anything else and I didn't think the mystery was that riveting or suspenseful. This feels like a slightly more diverse version of something I would have read in high school English... which is a good sign for the future of Oz young adult lit, even if I didn't personally love it.
October 30, 2021
I already liked the first sentence of the book: "On the first day of Year 10, Shaun sees a dead body." It's so frank, which makes it kinda a funny, but also does not drag things out, but gets straight 2 the point. I was upset with Shaun for lying about the head wound. He shudda just stuck with nothing but the truth, but his daydreams are very funny😄
This book was really emotional and suspenseful. The gears in my head started turning: Is Shaun's mom really involved? Is Simms actually the killer? Did Peter have anything to do with the murder? What if Shaun really did just make this all up?
Well, I got to the ending and i was highly disappointed. The book lost a star because of the lame ending; I needed a full proper ending that satisfied me, but no, it ended off with Shaun smiling...wow! And it lost another star coz there was no big twist. Over all, the book was captivating, just not what I expected...thanx😉
This book was really emotional and suspenseful. The gears in my head started turning: Is Shaun's mom really involved? Is Simms actually the killer? Did Peter have anything to do with the murder? What if Shaun really did just make this all up?
Well, I got to the ending and i was highly disappointed. The book lost a star because of the lame ending; I needed a full proper ending that satisfied me, but no, it ended off with Shaun smiling...wow! And it lost another star coz there was no big twist. Over all, the book was captivating, just not what I expected...thanx😉
May 8, 2022
Overall this was a pretty good book. The only thing that was annoying was how Shaun spoke. He just said things that you wouldn't say to someone or anyone unless you knew you were 100% sure. Like saying the body he found was Tyson's when he wasn't 100% sure it was, and telling Tyson's family it was his body in the lake, when Shaun could only see his back. He only assumed it was Tyson's body because the police came to school to say Tyson Grant's body was missing and telling everyone and the Grant family.
The point is that you were like screaming at the book saying why are you saying this when your not 100% sure. It not fair for the family if your making stuff up because it gives them false hopes.
The point is that you were like screaming at the book saying why are you saying this when your not 100% sure. It not fair for the family if your making stuff up because it gives them false hopes.
June 13, 2022
Shaun has one friend, Will. He makes life in the small mining town and school bearable. Shaun is injured in class when as teacher smashes on his desk. Shaun consoles himself by running away and sitting beside a lake out of town.
A body floats to the lake's surface, and stunned, Shaun, isn't sure what he's seeing. When he touches the dead man's hand, Shaun knows exactly what he's found – a body.
The police reluctantly follow Shaun to the lake, but the body's gone. Nobody believes he saw the body except Bill. Their decision to find the killer leads them into danger and trouble far greater than anything they have ever experienced. What do they uncover?
Recommended for readers aged 10 years and above.
A body floats to the lake's surface, and stunned, Shaun, isn't sure what he's seeing. When he touches the dead man's hand, Shaun knows exactly what he's found – a body.
The police reluctantly follow Shaun to the lake, but the body's gone. Nobody believes he saw the body except Bill. Their decision to find the killer leads them into danger and trouble far greater than anything they have ever experienced. What do they uncover?
Recommended for readers aged 10 years and above.
November 21, 2019
David Burton has written a tightly woven and highly readable mystery story. He keeps the pressure up, and keeps it real. Shaun sees a man’s body floating in the local lake and when he returns with Constable Charlie Thompson the body has gone. Shaun begins to investigate the mysterious death and uncovers far more than he ever imagined.
A tenacious young man, Shaun is determined to solve the puzzle but the subtext throughout the story is ‘Who believes Shaun actually saw the man in the water?’. Not many people, it seems. Even his mother Linda struggles to accept the situation, although a family death may be clouding her reasoning. Shaun does appear to have a kind of obsessional limerence.
Fortunately Shaun has a keen ally in his long-time friend Will, a larrikin with a charming manner, and they believe the drowned man was murdered. They negotiate their way through a minefield of possibilities, taking risks, and discovering the mental and physical challenges faced by coal workers and their families. Both Shaun and Will are on the school debating team with Megan Grant. Shaun adores Megan from afar and he imagines a future of ‘happy ever afters’ together.
Set in a gritty, rundown Queensland coal mining town, the atmosphere is hot, dry and pulsating with subtle undercurrents from personal relationships through to shonky mining regulations. My assumptions were overturned, clues were flipped and hopes were dashed. From angry picket lines headed by volatile Peter Grant, head of the mine workers union, to various forms of small town mindset, Shaun’s investigations pull him deeper and deeper into a world of unanswered questions.
I loved the way David Burton’s characters did the opposite to what I expected, making them fallible yet understandable. I was absorbed into the intrigue, and Shaun’s proactive role kept up the pace. I have no hesitation in saying ‘The Man in the Water’ is an excellent mystery for young adults and older readers.
Quote from Chapter 32 “From the sky, Shaun’s home town looked like it was surrounded by yawning black holes. It was epic. The mines were colossal dark wounds in the earth, the town a sort of defiance among the rubble. It was a god’s sandpit. He pressed his face against the window and watched as the earth turned with the plane. They were coming in to land.”
Images on my blog https://thoughtsbecomewords.com/2019/...
A tenacious young man, Shaun is determined to solve the puzzle but the subtext throughout the story is ‘Who believes Shaun actually saw the man in the water?’. Not many people, it seems. Even his mother Linda struggles to accept the situation, although a family death may be clouding her reasoning. Shaun does appear to have a kind of obsessional limerence.
Fortunately Shaun has a keen ally in his long-time friend Will, a larrikin with a charming manner, and they believe the drowned man was murdered. They negotiate their way through a minefield of possibilities, taking risks, and discovering the mental and physical challenges faced by coal workers and their families. Both Shaun and Will are on the school debating team with Megan Grant. Shaun adores Megan from afar and he imagines a future of ‘happy ever afters’ together.
Set in a gritty, rundown Queensland coal mining town, the atmosphere is hot, dry and pulsating with subtle undercurrents from personal relationships through to shonky mining regulations. My assumptions were overturned, clues were flipped and hopes were dashed. From angry picket lines headed by volatile Peter Grant, head of the mine workers union, to various forms of small town mindset, Shaun’s investigations pull him deeper and deeper into a world of unanswered questions.
I loved the way David Burton’s characters did the opposite to what I expected, making them fallible yet understandable. I was absorbed into the intrigue, and Shaun’s proactive role kept up the pace. I have no hesitation in saying ‘The Man in the Water’ is an excellent mystery for young adults and older readers.
Quote from Chapter 32 “From the sky, Shaun’s home town looked like it was surrounded by yawning black holes. It was epic. The mines were colossal dark wounds in the earth, the town a sort of defiance among the rubble. It was a god’s sandpit. He pressed his face against the window and watched as the earth turned with the plane. They were coming in to land.”
Images on my blog https://thoughtsbecomewords.com/2019/...
October 23, 2019
In my opinion, this is the perfect cover for the story behind it. I absolutely love the vibrant blue colour and the swirling details. And the font is quite different, though I find it really pretty.
When I read the blurb of 'The Man In The Water' by David Burton, I simply knew that I need to read this book. The author's writing style is actually quite refreshing with its typical Australian accent, which I could easily imagine while reading.
For me, this story was completely new ground but the whole time, I was right there with the amazing characters because of David's thrilling, fast-paced, and intriguing writing style. I could barely put the book aside.
The setting is very well thought through and the author describes everything in a detailed manner. I could see every scene clearly in my imagination and loved the rural setting of the story.
There has also been a quite high emotional part in this story, as you can imagine that the main character Shaun goes through a lot in his situation. The book works through the topic of mental health issues of teenagers, which I guess is not made for everyone. Every here and there, the story threw me back to my own past but the triggers haven't been too bad.
'The Man In The Water' has been my first book by David Burton and what a first book it was! I can absolutely recommend this stunning work to you, if you like a good mix of Mystery and Thriller, combined with a good portion of emotions and critical topics, such as mental health.
The author did an amazing job here and surprises his readers with his fast-paced, highly catching writing style and the wonderful characters. Reading Shaun's story has been a delight and for me, it's definitely been a highlight.
When I read the blurb of 'The Man In The Water' by David Burton, I simply knew that I need to read this book. The author's writing style is actually quite refreshing with its typical Australian accent, which I could easily imagine while reading.
For me, this story was completely new ground but the whole time, I was right there with the amazing characters because of David's thrilling, fast-paced, and intriguing writing style. I could barely put the book aside.
The setting is very well thought through and the author describes everything in a detailed manner. I could see every scene clearly in my imagination and loved the rural setting of the story.
There has also been a quite high emotional part in this story, as you can imagine that the main character Shaun goes through a lot in his situation. The book works through the topic of mental health issues of teenagers, which I guess is not made for everyone. Every here and there, the story threw me back to my own past but the triggers haven't been too bad.
'The Man In The Water' has been my first book by David Burton and what a first book it was! I can absolutely recommend this stunning work to you, if you like a good mix of Mystery and Thriller, combined with a good portion of emotions and critical topics, such as mental health.
The author did an amazing job here and surprises his readers with his fast-paced, highly catching writing style and the wonderful characters. Reading Shaun's story has been a delight and for me, it's definitely been a highlight.
October 2, 2019
The Man In The Water follows Shaun, a high school kid, who discovers a body floating in the local lake. After going to the local police station to report it, he returns to the site with the constable to find the body is gone, and now no one seems to believe that there was ever a body there to begin with.
This is an enjoyable “YA whodunnit” read, that also tackles issues of suicide, mental health and grief. It’s quite emotionally raw at times, and it seemed like a very realistic take on the perspective of a teenage boy that has been through trauma, and also has somewhat immature heroic fantasies of himself which made me laugh.
I’ll admit that the “kids solving crimes” trope isn’t my favourite because it can have certain unbelievable aspects, but then again this is the nature of this genre, and it's becoming really popular with YA audiences these days. I definitely didn’t pick that ending - it kept me guessing until the final reveal!
I think this would be a really great book for teenagers and YA lovers who also enjoy the crime genre, as it has elements of mystery and intrigue, but also tackles mental health issues which is so important for teenagers to think about in this day and age.
This is an enjoyable “YA whodunnit” read, that also tackles issues of suicide, mental health and grief. It’s quite emotionally raw at times, and it seemed like a very realistic take on the perspective of a teenage boy that has been through trauma, and also has somewhat immature heroic fantasies of himself which made me laugh.
I’ll admit that the “kids solving crimes” trope isn’t my favourite because it can have certain unbelievable aspects, but then again this is the nature of this genre, and it's becoming really popular with YA audiences these days. I definitely didn’t pick that ending - it kept me guessing until the final reveal!
I think this would be a really great book for teenagers and YA lovers who also enjoy the crime genre, as it has elements of mystery and intrigue, but also tackles mental health issues which is so important for teenagers to think about in this day and age.
November 9, 2019
Even though this book is aimed at teenagers, I couldn’t put it down! I was so enthralled by the adventures of Shaun and Will & the mystery of The Man In The Water. This is the kind of book that will encourage teenagers, particular boys, to read...and to really enjoy it! In amongst the drama, fun, and intrigue is a serious and familiar story about mental health, particularly regarding men in rural Australia. The resources at the end (beyond blue etc), for anyone experiencing tough times, are important and appropriate. I highly recommend David Burton’s first novel! A thoroughly enjoyable read for people of all ages.
October 19, 2019
A page turner from start to finish I enjoyed the persistence of the main character (young Shaun) in following his conscience to solve the mystery of the dead body he encountered in the lake in his rural home community.
Read
September 14, 2019Delicious outback noir for a young adult audience. Review soon!
August 23, 2020
As opening lines go, this one has a doozy. So the premise is; young reclusive teen, never the class favourite, sees a dead man in the local lake. Or does he?
We are left hanging on that particular ledge but not for long. Burton's direct narrative and crisp style soon acquaints readers with 15 year-old Shaun's mining town home, his dust-covered school and the people who matter most to him: his best mate Will, the girl he's sweet on, Megan and his over-worked widowed mother. There's one person whose presence, like the undercurrent of a riptide is never seen but keenly felt, ripples throughout this tale adding a delicious air of tragic mystery and meaning.
Shaun is a awkward teen with no clear ambition other than to shake the grief and confusion of losing a parent that has settled on him. He is part of his school's celebrated debating team but knows that if it weren't for Megan's adroitness and Will's wit, his contributions would be pretty meaningless. He longs for super hero recognition but would settle for just regular hero recognition, regularly playing out these possible outcomes as mini movies in his head. The sighting of the dead man prompts a whole new set of scripts which Shaun is eager to enact and despite a tendency to bolt at the first sign of failure, Shaun does the decent thing and immediately finding the body in the lake, runs to report it to the police. Unfortunately upon returning to the lake, the body is gone which sets a small tsunami of doubt and disbelief causing through town.
Have Shaun's ghosts returned to haunt him? His mother thinks so and is anxious to get him 'help'. As if a teen couldn't feel more alone and alienated, Shaun now has to deal with the belief that even his own mother thinks his crazy. But the need to solve the mystery of the disappearing body, even after they learn of the man's identity, intensifies and together with Will, Shaun embarks on a series of progressively over zealous acts in search of the answers and a kind of internal solace.
The Man In The Water is a highly charged tale of sweet twists, minor aggravated violence and mental fragility. The twists are difficult to spot and plausible. The violence is well contained, shown through Shaun's simmering emotions as much as through anything physical. The author magnifies the limitations and benefits of living in a remote township whose whole existence depends on the mining company who created it. This story accents the emotional stress placed on a small town community when livelihoods are threatened by inexorable change, in this case the introduction of FIFO workers taking over the townsfolk's jobs and the spill over effect that sort of change has on those in that community when greed and desperation grow stronger than reason.
Essentially this is a tale about loss. About losing control and the capacity to cope. No longer being able to remain afloat is a feeling teenagers are well acquainted with but like the man in the water, can affect any of us at any time. Shaun's world is a magnificent outback vastness that is incongruously suffocating, yet understanding and acceptance eventually dawn bright thanks to true mates and a sure heart making this a moving and poignant experience.
We are left hanging on that particular ledge but not for long. Burton's direct narrative and crisp style soon acquaints readers with 15 year-old Shaun's mining town home, his dust-covered school and the people who matter most to him: his best mate Will, the girl he's sweet on, Megan and his over-worked widowed mother. There's one person whose presence, like the undercurrent of a riptide is never seen but keenly felt, ripples throughout this tale adding a delicious air of tragic mystery and meaning.
Shaun is a awkward teen with no clear ambition other than to shake the grief and confusion of losing a parent that has settled on him. He is part of his school's celebrated debating team but knows that if it weren't for Megan's adroitness and Will's wit, his contributions would be pretty meaningless. He longs for super hero recognition but would settle for just regular hero recognition, regularly playing out these possible outcomes as mini movies in his head. The sighting of the dead man prompts a whole new set of scripts which Shaun is eager to enact and despite a tendency to bolt at the first sign of failure, Shaun does the decent thing and immediately finding the body in the lake, runs to report it to the police. Unfortunately upon returning to the lake, the body is gone which sets a small tsunami of doubt and disbelief causing through town.
Have Shaun's ghosts returned to haunt him? His mother thinks so and is anxious to get him 'help'. As if a teen couldn't feel more alone and alienated, Shaun now has to deal with the belief that even his own mother thinks his crazy. But the need to solve the mystery of the disappearing body, even after they learn of the man's identity, intensifies and together with Will, Shaun embarks on a series of progressively over zealous acts in search of the answers and a kind of internal solace.
The Man In The Water is a highly charged tale of sweet twists, minor aggravated violence and mental fragility. The twists are difficult to spot and plausible. The violence is well contained, shown through Shaun's simmering emotions as much as through anything physical. The author magnifies the limitations and benefits of living in a remote township whose whole existence depends on the mining company who created it. This story accents the emotional stress placed on a small town community when livelihoods are threatened by inexorable change, in this case the introduction of FIFO workers taking over the townsfolk's jobs and the spill over effect that sort of change has on those in that community when greed and desperation grow stronger than reason.
Essentially this is a tale about loss. About losing control and the capacity to cope. No longer being able to remain afloat is a feeling teenagers are well acquainted with but like the man in the water, can affect any of us at any time. Shaun's world is a magnificent outback vastness that is incongruously suffocating, yet understanding and acceptance eventually dawn bright thanks to true mates and a sure heart making this a moving and poignant experience.
March 6, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy from the publisher, University of Queensland Press. This does not affect my views in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.
Set in a small Australian outback town, this murder mystery follows Shaun and his best friend, Will, as they try to uncover the mystery. In their adventure, they discover several of their friends and neighbours struggle with various problems while their entire town labours under the decline of the local mine, the only real source of income for the isolated town.
One day, Shaun discovers a dead body floating in the water but when he brings the police there, the body has inexplicably disappeared. Now no one believes him, even his own mother. Determined to prove the truth and become a local hero, Shaun investigates every clue and lead, no matter how small. I loved following two average boys as they investigate a legitimate crime, I’ve read a few mysteries where the teenager investigating is highly intelligent, and this was a nice, realistic display.
Shaun has had some struggles in the past, but he is still a regular teenage boy. He struggles with school, hangs out with his best friend, has an overly concerned mother and is crushing on a beautiful girl he is too scared to talk to. His scenes with his crush are rightfully awkward and almost made me cringe, they were really well written. I loved that he is an average boy and isn’t especially gifted in any way.
As with any good mystery, the clues lead from one unexpected suspect to another. Added to this, the boys had to figure out who the murder victim was. In a small town, everyone knows everyone, meaning there are numerous rumours and everyone could have a motive. Still the boys do a good job sorting through the mess to find valid leads (thanks in part to watching crime investigation shows like NCIS).
As always, I enjoyed reading an Australian based book and this one was particularly interesting since it was based in a small outback mining town. The author did a great job of showing the main problems such a town faces, from a lack of jobs to everyone knowing your personal business. The author even shows what it’s like for people who have spent the entire lives in a quiet country town to visit a big city. It really added to the enjoyment of the read.
This was a well written and interesting mystery, full of entertaining characters that felt very down to earth. I give it 4/5 and am thankful to have been given the chance to read it. I also hope the author continues to write great books set in Australia or beyond!
Set in a small Australian outback town, this murder mystery follows Shaun and his best friend, Will, as they try to uncover the mystery. In their adventure, they discover several of their friends and neighbours struggle with various problems while their entire town labours under the decline of the local mine, the only real source of income for the isolated town.
One day, Shaun discovers a dead body floating in the water but when he brings the police there, the body has inexplicably disappeared. Now no one believes him, even his own mother. Determined to prove the truth and become a local hero, Shaun investigates every clue and lead, no matter how small. I loved following two average boys as they investigate a legitimate crime, I’ve read a few mysteries where the teenager investigating is highly intelligent, and this was a nice, realistic display.
Shaun has had some struggles in the past, but he is still a regular teenage boy. He struggles with school, hangs out with his best friend, has an overly concerned mother and is crushing on a beautiful girl he is too scared to talk to. His scenes with his crush are rightfully awkward and almost made me cringe, they were really well written. I loved that he is an average boy and isn’t especially gifted in any way.
As with any good mystery, the clues lead from one unexpected suspect to another. Added to this, the boys had to figure out who the murder victim was. In a small town, everyone knows everyone, meaning there are numerous rumours and everyone could have a motive. Still the boys do a good job sorting through the mess to find valid leads (thanks in part to watching crime investigation shows like NCIS).
As always, I enjoyed reading an Australian based book and this one was particularly interesting since it was based in a small outback mining town. The author did a great job of showing the main problems such a town faces, from a lack of jobs to everyone knowing your personal business. The author even shows what it’s like for people who have spent the entire lives in a quiet country town to visit a big city. It really added to the enjoyment of the read.
This was a well written and interesting mystery, full of entertaining characters that felt very down to earth. I give it 4/5 and am thankful to have been given the chance to read it. I also hope the author continues to write great books set in Australia or beyond!
May 7, 2024
The more I think about this the angrier I get.
September 14, 2023
Man in the Water is a detective, supernatural genre book by David Burton which highlights the quiet Australian rural town very well.
The book follows a teenager boy who lives in a rural Queensland Mining Town who launches an investigation after reportedly spotting a body. Once he comes back with the arrogant police officer the body isn't there. Shaun and his best mate Will open up an investigation delving into the secrets of their town similar to that of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith.
The book demonstrates a range of techniques which make us curious and want to discover more becoming one with the book joining the Journey of Investigation performed by Shaun and Will.
The book also had defects with the storyline because I cannot understand how it goes from the school, to the lake and reporting. The story starts out very quick and begins to slow down towards the end making it easier to understand the investigation of the two boys.
Overall the book demonstrates the quiet Australian town and how the book follows a quick storyline. I believe this book is suitable for the audience of 16+ as it becomes easier to decipher the book.
The book follows a teenager boy who lives in a rural Queensland Mining Town who launches an investigation after reportedly spotting a body. Once he comes back with the arrogant police officer the body isn't there. Shaun and his best mate Will open up an investigation delving into the secrets of their town similar to that of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith.
The book demonstrates a range of techniques which make us curious and want to discover more becoming one with the book joining the Journey of Investigation performed by Shaun and Will.
The book also had defects with the storyline because I cannot understand how it goes from the school, to the lake and reporting. The story starts out very quick and begins to slow down towards the end making it easier to understand the investigation of the two boys.
Overall the book demonstrates the quiet Australian town and how the book follows a quick storyline. I believe this book is suitable for the audience of 16+ as it becomes easier to decipher the book.
August 25, 2020
What do you do if you find a dead body floating in the lake, but no-one believes you?
Why does everyone think that you are just making it up because of what happened to your dad?
This is what happens to Shaun in The Man In The Water by David Burton He lives in a remote mining town, where everyday life is a struggle and the survival of the town relies on the big mining companies.
This book makes you feel what is like to live in a town that is struggling just to survive. You feel the heat and the dust and the remoteness.
There is mystery surrounding the missing body - who is it?
And once that mystery is solved, why did the body disappear before Shaun could return with the police?
As Shaun and his best friend Will set about solving these mysteries, you get caught up in the twists and turns, false leads and the dead ends along with them.
But underneath the thrill of solving the mystery, the author also allows us to further our understanding of the struggles the families face, the despair of their uncertainty for the future, their courage and resilience in the face of that uncertainty, and opens our eyes to how real this struggle is for so many in rural Australia.
Why does everyone think that you are just making it up because of what happened to your dad?
This is what happens to Shaun in The Man In The Water by David Burton He lives in a remote mining town, where everyday life is a struggle and the survival of the town relies on the big mining companies.
This book makes you feel what is like to live in a town that is struggling just to survive. You feel the heat and the dust and the remoteness.
There is mystery surrounding the missing body - who is it?
And once that mystery is solved, why did the body disappear before Shaun could return with the police?
As Shaun and his best friend Will set about solving these mysteries, you get caught up in the twists and turns, false leads and the dead ends along with them.
But underneath the thrill of solving the mystery, the author also allows us to further our understanding of the struggles the families face, the despair of their uncertainty for the future, their courage and resilience in the face of that uncertainty, and opens our eyes to how real this struggle is for so many in rural Australia.
April 21, 2022
Honestly a wonderful book very full of suspense and confusion in only the best ways. It was intriguing and an amazing story of mystery, friendship, betrayal and just a hint of romance. A quicker easy read and a great book.
March 9, 2020
I was disappointed in this - perhaps I read too much crime, but I feel that the dead body would/should have been dealt with differently.
April 18, 2020
A fantastic YA mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
October 21, 2020
A quick and easy read with a good mystery that's not too over dramatic and is tied up nicely at the end.
January 20, 2021
I couldn't read fast enough to find out "who dunnit" and the plot twists were well executed. Great mystery, reminiscent of Craig Silvey's "Jasper Jones" with really strong YA voices.
May 26, 2023
i loved this book but the ending completely ruined it for me
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