The Goldfish Boy

December 12, 2016
British 12-year-old Matthew Corbin blames himself for his baby brother’s death five years ago and, as a direct result, has developed a mental condition so debilitating that he cannot leave his house. He only travels between his bedroom and the upstairs office, where he can watch all the houses and people in his cul-de-sac, and he constantly cleans every surface, including frequent visits to his bathroom to wash himself. It is from these vantage points that he becomes the last person to see a toddler who goes missing. As the police search for the kidnapped boy, Matthew begins his own investigation, with help from neighbor kids Melody and Jake. Debut author Thompson creates believable doubt in the innocence of Matthew’s neighbors, building suspense in this fast-moving Rear Window–type whodunit featuring short chapters and cliffhanger chapter endings. The book stumbles slightly, however, in its handling of Matthew’s obsessive disorder. While his daily struggle and tentative reemergence are skillfully handled, his eventual disclosure to his therapist and parents of what caused his problem leads to a too easily resolved ending. Ages 8–12.

This story is an emotional roller-coaster ride, and narrator Leon Williams treats each twist and turn with depth and passion, holding listeners in rapt attention to the end. He provides a spectacular portrayal of 12-year-old Matthew, who's so crippled by OCD that he rarely leaves the house. One minute Matthew rhythmically catalogues his cul-de-sac's happenings from the upstairs window like a radio broadcaster, the next he's repeating his "safe phrases" in a quick staccato tone laden with anxiety. When a boy goes missing from the neighborhood, Matthew's detailed observations become important evidence. Listeners will go from tearing their hair out to cheering on Matthew and his fellow sleuth, Melody Bird, as the mystery unfolds. Williams takes listeners from one emotion to the next, anxious, horrified, hopeful, heartbroken, and relieved, all in one performance. M.F.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine