These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Lisa Thompson - Author
This is a child-centred mystery with suspense and emotional depth. Matthew’s restricted life, observations and growing involvement in the search create a story about connection, courage and how others respond to mental-health difficulties.
OCDfear of germsanxietysupportfriendshipfamilyfacing fearsbelongingmysteryobservationassumptionsneighbourhood
FictionNovel
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Themes in Context
Living with OCD
Matthew’s OCD involves severe fears of germs and sickness and keeps him largely inside his bedroom.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The story gives readers insight into how intrusive fears and coping behaviours can restrict everyday life, while showing Matthew as observant and capable.
Talk about: Does the story make room for support and understanding as well as Matthew’s own efforts?
Courage and connection
Matthew becomes involved in helping with the missing-toddler investigation and learns to accept connection with others.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The story presents friendship, family and taking action as important ways of feeling less alone and moving beyond fear.
Talk about: If Matthew’s parents are loving but sometimes hurtful, how does the book show helpful support differing from pressure?
Secrets and seeing clearly
Matthew watches neighbours from his window, keeps notes and becomes a significant witness after a toddler disappears; residents have secrets.AmbiguousAmbiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.Ambiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.
How the book presents it: The mystery invites questions about what observation can reveal, what it can miss, and how quickly people may be judged from limited information.
Talk about: When does Matthew’s careful observation help, and when might it lead him to assumptions?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may offer a way to discuss OCD without reducing Matthew to a diagnosis, alongside friendship, family misunderstanding and the value of speaking about feelings. The mystery gives those ideas an engaging narrative frame.
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What Deserves Attention
The book includes a missing toddler, memories of a baby brother’s death, guilt and trauma, an upsetting water incident, mistreatment of a cat, an accidental bleach burn, verbal bullying and very mild swearing.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does the story distinguish between supporting someone with OCD and expecting them simply to overcome fear? You could also ask whether the neighbours’ secrets affect how Matthew interprets what he sees.
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Reading Approach
Consider reading alongside the child, pausing after the more distressing memories or suspenseful scenes. Discuss Matthew’s feelings and choices without treating his OCD as a character flaw, and leave space to talk about the ending.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Living with OCD: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Courage and connection: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Secrets and seeing clearly: The ending and the eventual explanation of the mystery are not established here.
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