Cry of the Taniwha

Matt Logan isn’t looking forward to spending the holidays in Rotorua with his Nan but, after finding a skeleton, he is soon caught up in an exciting adventure trying to solve a mystery connected with the Tarawera eruption whilst trying to avoid local gang members.
Like all Des Hunt’s books, this is an action-packed New Zealand adventure with believable characters. An added bonus is the insight it gives into an important NZ historical event.

This is my first Des Hunt, and I found it a rollicking good read! Very New Zealand, with lots of geographical and historical detail, some interesting characters (especially Matt, Jackson and Hone), and a bit of insight into both Maori and gang culture. Nice mystery about diamonds and treasure, a good mix of traditional adventure yarn and contemporary YA 'issues'.

Des Hunt's writing gets better as he ages. When Matt goes to stay with his Nan and her new husband, Hone, in Rotorua, lttle does he know that soon he will get involved in a scary gang, find treasure, nearly lose his life, help solve a mystery and make some new friends. As you may guess this will be an exciting read that you may not be able to put down. I recommend this for readers 9 years