The Night Tourist

The Night Tourist

By Marsh, Katherine

(2007). New York: Hyperion Books.

ISBN: 978-142310689-0

Reading Level: Grades 5-8

Summary: Jack Perdu lives with his father on the Yale campus. A genius, but more interested in translating Latin texts, Jack is somewhat of a loner. His mother died eight years ago in New York and his father works as a professor at the campus. Jack lives a quiet life until one day he is in a near fatal accident, which causes him to change his perspective. Jack’s father decides to send him to New York to see a doctor. However, when the doctor examines him Jack realizes that he is a psychiatrist. Jack runs, but begins to wonder about what happened to his mother and if this could have anything to do with her. Traveling on the streets of New York, Jack meets a girl named Euri. Euri agrees to help Jack uncover the mystery surrounding his mother’s death. However, not all is what it seems with his mother and Euri.

Review: The Night Tourist is an exciting mix between fantasy and mystery. Taking influence from the Greek myths of Eurydice and Orpheus, Marsh effortlessly combines this mystery with a touch of fantasy without feeling overbearing. In many ways Jack’s character is very realistic, his intellect, though above normal, does not always protect him from making immature decisions. Additionally, losing his mother makes him vulnerable, but also allows for growth and self awareness. The book provides the reader with an interesting look at Jack’s growth, the author makes distinct points about love, friendship and how both can change a person. The Night Tourist was the winner of the Edgar Award’s Best Juvenile Mystery in 2008.

Selected Awards: Edgar Award’s Best Juvenile Mystery (won, 2008), Starred Review by Publisher’s Weekly