Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I requested this title on a whim through Netgalley and was actually pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Reading the first chapters, I wasn’t sure what direction this one was going in but in the end it was a heartbreaking and captivating story.

This story follows a single mother Marcella and her sons- Tyler and Hen. Tyler is in high school and Hen is much younger, but one fateful night they’re both out way too late and Hen witnesses an attack on their elderly neighbor. Hen is certain that he also knows the attacker, but feels his mind is playing tricks on him.

When it is confirmed that their neighbor was attacked and later passed away at the hospital, the police begin a full investigation. Tyler ends up being arrested and Marcella can’t wrap her brain around why her son is the main suspect. As they prepare for Tyler’s day in court, they learn some hard truths.

This was a solid 3 star read for me- good and worth picking up if you enjoy mysteries that also delve into family dynamics. I felt for all the characters and think this was a realistic portrayal of a mother/son relationship and the struggles of mental illness. Thank you Netgalley and Immortal Works for this copy.

Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I didn't connect to the story or the characters. The writing style was okay, but not for me.

I was instantly intrigued right from the first paragraph. This one was written for YA but it was good for grown ups also! This book makes you think you know all the answers when in fact you really have no idea.

I was instantly drawn into this story from the first paragraph. Hen is not like any other little boy his age and Tyler is dealing with things that he is unsure of how to deal with. This story is the story of so may family's today. This books seems like you would know exactly what's going to happen next but that's not the case at all. There is so much mystery throughout, the author goes into a lot of detail but not in a boring type of way. I would highly recommend this book to all of my reading friends.

Thank you NetGalley and J.D. Spero for the opportunity to read this book in advance for a honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, Immortal Works and JD Spero to give me an opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

First and foremost, my first book from Netgalley which I took for granted and kept pushing it down in my TBR pile. Finally sat down and read it in two sittings….why and how? Read further…

“Boy On Hold” involves around a single mother, Marcella, her two sons, her neighbours an aged lady Miss Sally, and her son in his forties, Bernie. Miss Sally is murdered one night and the only witness is Marcella’s younger son. Things take ugly turn when Marcella’s older son, a teenager, Tyler, is arrested for the murder. Is Tyler the one who committed the crime?

I was glued to the book right from the beginning. A brilliant mystery which is handled so well that I wasn’t able to guess the murderer until the end of the book. The clues are all over the book but they are so well hidden and not given away easily.

JD Spero lays out the set up of each scene so well without overwhelming the details which makes the reader’s mind fill the rest. In my opinion, that made the book a quick page-turner. The subject of drug abuse has been introduced and is linked efficiently to the characters demonstrating the affects. Probably, the first book in a while I read which also talked about Schizophrenia and its genetic risks.

I loved the character development. Each character is well developed and seems relatable and realistic. Written from multiple point of views, this book only shows the skill of the author to be able to distinguish between each character so brilliantly without losing the plot.

A very neat, interesting and a page-turner mystery. I’d look forward to read more of Spero’s work!

It's a book written for the Youth but in my opinion equally, if not better directed on the Grown Ups. It's about the young boy called Hen, his mom and his older brother whose mental illness only comes out after a terrible crime has taken place. The book is easy to read but not always easy to handle. Very well written.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy!

The story includes heavy topics like mental illness, drug abuse and blends in a small child as a main character. The author has done a very good work with lots of research and the result is excellent. The story is an example of children belonging to problem families. The suspense is well maintained. A very nice book and a lovable kid.

This was a quick and easy read full of mystery and heartbreak. The characters were believable but yet not all of the likable. At the heart of the story is 7 year old Hen, who witnesses something horrible on the night before Halloween. The mom, Marcella, is a little annoying for being so naive but unfortunately there are moms like that in the world. Overall, I recommend this book.

This book kept me up into the small hours as I just couldn't put it down!!
A murder in a close knit community is a shocking event, especially when a young witness comes forward. Loyalties are stretched but love prevails.

I want to thank NetGalley for sending me this ARC to review which I have done in a wholly truthful manner. No incentive was offered.

Read this. it’s a powerful story and intense at times told from different perspectives I highly recommend this book it will stick with you for a while

Hen Trout had sneaked out to catch a hedgehog and had already picked out the name - Louis. As he waits for Louis to appear, he witnesses his neighbour, Miss Sally, being violently attacked by a monster. Hours later, his brother is arrested for the crime...

Spero's prose in this book is absolutely spellbinding. It sucks the reader in from the first page and leaves you desperate to understand who the monster was, and what really happened. The twists and turns of the tale keep you convinced you understand what's happening, only to prove you wrong. The usage of different protagonists kept the narrative fresh too. This book reminded me of [book:The Colour of Bee Larkham’s Murder|35478989] and [book:The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time|1618] as Hen's perspective was so enthralling and endearing.

I found the book really difficult to put down as I was enjoying it so much! In particular I liked the way you felt drawn into the characters' viewpoints and were able to empathise with all of them, even those which initially were quite unlikeable.

In conclusion - absolutely worth reading, and likely one you will return to.

I was sucked into this book from the start, and want to thank the publisher and net galley for an ARC. This did not affect my review.

This books was told with multiple POV, which is my favorite way to read a book. It had an adorable, charming child and a mystery that I actually didn't know the answer until the end.

This is a difficult book to review without giving anything away, so I will just say to read it for yourself.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy of Boy on Hold by JD Spero in exchange for an honest review. I found myself sucked into this book from the beginning. Hen, who is only eight, witnesses an event that will change his life. His mom does her best as a single mother to raise her two boys. Reading the book you can't help but sympathize with many of the characters in this story and the struggle they each live with. Great book.

Hen was outside when he saw figures in Miss Sally's house. He was disturbed by what he saw and was even more worried when he learns Miss Sally was attacked that night.

Believing that his brother Ty had nothing to do with it. Hen always had faith for his brother but not everything is what it seems. Everyone is quick to judge Ty's best friend Derek as he looks like trouble. But what is the truth?

A great storyline about drugs and mental health.

The plot was well written. Each time I thought I had the missing piece to the puzzle, something changed and I was doubting myself. This book kept me engaged from start to finish.

'Appropriate for Teens, Intriguing to Adults' is written at the front of this book, and I wholeheartedly agree. Boy on Hold was a thoughtful and well-researched book about mental ill-health, and the effect it has, not just on the person who is unwell, but on loved ones who may not even be aware of the struggles a person is facing. Touching on addiction as well, this was never preachy or patronising, just well-informed. Tyler, 17 has been struggling for years with the 'demons' inside. He hears and sees things that are terrifying, but feels he has to hide these visions as there is nobody who he can trust. He wants to be seen, but is afraid that everyone is conspiring against him. When he's coerced into taking part in a plan with his best friend Derek, things go horribly wrong and he finds himself arrested for involuntary manslaughter. It is only at his trial that the extent of his illness is discovered by his family. What I loved particularly about Boy on Hold, was the relationship between Marcella, Tyler and his little brother, Hen who he loved and protected above all else. This beautiful family dynamic made the reader see that a person is not just their mental illness, they are a human capable of kindness and love, just like everybody else. All too often the media focus on the rare incidents of crime committed by those who are suffering paranoid delusions. When the truth is, a person is much more likely to be a victim themselves. Tyler was vulnerable and alone in his psychosis and this was terrifying for him. The more mental ill health is talked about, the less stigmatised those who have a diagnosis feel and this book is a step in the right direction. Particularly for young men who often struggle alone, this book will help teens and adults alike reach a better understanding of the nature of mental ill health. It is about more than mental health though. There are sweet and funny moments and Hen was the true hero of this story. A beautiful read.

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

We can't tell for sure what J.D. Spero's intention was in writing this lovely little book, but I can attest that what she accomplished is a story suitable for very young people that tackles dark, grownup topics: murder, mental illness, drug abuse and loss.

Henry Trout (nicknamed Hen) is a charming 8-year-old in a very complicated situation. The adults and older youth in his life are entangled with the dark realities of Life. His father is absent; his mother is loving and present but is overworked, overwhelmed and troubled by the behavior of Hen's 17-year-old brother.

In spite of all that heartbreak, this is a very hopeful and uplifting story. It would be just the thing to read with a bright and sensitive middle-schooler in your life.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance readers copy.

JD Spero writes clearly and well. This book balances life and tragedy, mystery and suspense. I would like to see more from this author. Spero knows how to construct a narrative and grasp the heart with quick words.