This type of story has been told time and again, yet I was intrigued to see if there was anything new. I'm a big fan of the use of color to set mood, tone, theme, etc., and the beginning of the story really did this. Some of the characters were a bit overdone at the surface level with little development beyond that. I am wondering about the age for readership. With some of the character interactions and language, perhaps a little older audience would be more appropriate.

When the color drains from Whitehaven, no one knows the true cause, but everyone has suspicions. The drab white, black, and gray tones lead to widespread depression and irritation among the population. When a mysterious shop opens advertising the sale of color, three children seek the truth behind the shop and its proprietors. This was a fun, engaging story, fueled by its entertaining and well-written characters. 3 stars to Stephen Sinclair's Thief of Colours.

On a side note, this is one of those books that I would hesitate to hand to the intended audience (elementary to middle grade, I believe). Mild swears are used throughout the book, and two adult characters (Mr. Purvis and Jennifer) have a strange relationship. This includes a scene of touching/holding knees under a table and other innuendoes...which is kinda weird for a kid's book, no??

I received an electronic ARC from Spineless Press through NetGalley.
Though I appreciate dry humor and this style of writing, I was disappointed in the delivery for this story. The characters are interesting and amusing; the plot is intriguing. However, the wayt he story unfolds feels forced at times. The villains are bumbling, and the three children (heroes) are definitely troubled. Family situations are alluded to but only shown in brief segments which adds to the overall lack of flow. No resolutions are offered so readers get to decide for themselves if family problems are resolved or not. I'm not a fan of some of the adult interactions and innuendoes as they tip beyond humor for effect.

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed the original concept of this tale. After reading, I felt older kids (teens and adults) would enjoy Thief of Colours more than the age range this is aimed for (I think older elementary, younger middle schoolers?). There is some language and taking the Lord's name in vain. There is also a couple of sexual innuendos and one or two words that I as a high schooler had never even seen.

The British terms throughout the book were a tad confusing but a little research and context clues cleared it up.

Stephen Sinclair did a great job writing a novel! I oftentimes find screenwriters turned novelists' writing to be clunky and too action-packed with little description but Sinclair did an excellent job.

Thanks to NetGalley and Spineless Press for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest, and unbiased thoughts.

What worked:
The author takes the time to accentuate colors in the early chapters, contrasting with what happens later. The mayor’s secretaries are superficial characters and prideful of their colorful fingernails, dresses, and shoes. Later, they’re angry and alarmed when all colors on the island appear faded and dull. Citizens notice the difference but life dismally goes on. However, they eventually realize it’s affecting their businesses and they want something done. The upcoming changes aren’t what they expect and a pseudo caste system is created.
It's unexpected to learn the whole conflict is initiated by one man. Embarrassment and hurt feelings combine to transform a public servant into the plot’s protagonist. He’s easily manipulated and greed becomes a motivating factor. The conflict is easy to follow but a stone found in an abandoned mine is the real mystery. Where did it come from and how does it work? It’s found in one of the mine shafts so did a worker discover it years ago? The solution to the plot will come from understanding the eerie stone and finding a way to reverse its effects.
Margie and Henry are the main characters but Margie is most interesting. She’s stubborn, opinionated, impulsive, and sometimes bossy but Henry still considers her his best friend. She’s upset that her sister is getting married even though Henry reminds her that she likes the fiancée. She’s dreading being part of the wedding party and she’s furious when she sees the dress she’s expected to wear. It leads to one more argument in her family to go along with the constant quarreling between her mom and sister. Her family problems create a subplot that develops connections with the island’s loss of color.
What didn’t work as well:
The protagonist and his helpers are adults and there may be some subtly inappropriate scenes for younger readers. It’s nothing too bad but it’s not necessary in a book for younger readers.
The final verdict:
This book must be a reprint of one originally published in 1995. The absence of color on the island is a novel idea and Margie and Henry are delightful characters. The plot is easy to follow and readers can predict where it’s headed but there are mild surprises in the end. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

I am not sure about the premise of the story as it is one that has been done to death numerous times and resurrected just to do it to death once more . I was hoping that it might bring a different perspective to a cliched plot but it is a bit of the same old, same old. And yes, I have problems with the use of some words. I think the author needs to be more aware of the audience he is aiming at.

This was a quick and easy read - the plot is relatively simple to follow, and I found all the characters engaging (be it Henry, Margie and Elliott, our protagonists, or Mr Purvis, Jennifer and Dulcie, our villains). All of their personalities are conveyed with confidence, and the author certainly doesn't fall into the trap of telling instead of showing - on that front, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I also enjoyed that the book explores the emotional and societal fallout of all the colours vanishing. Of course the island folk are going to fall into a depression - everything is totally grey! Even the selling of colour, and the fact that kids at the school are judged on how much they can afford is an interesting take. Reminds me of certain dystopias like, for some inexplicable reason, the Lorax where everyone is buying bottled air due to the pollution.

There are moments where the author touches on more serious topics, such as Margie's family arguments, or Henry's father's guilt at his son vanishing overnight. Whilst I'm glad these aren't shied from, there doesn't appear to be a real sense of closure on either of these topics - Henry's father barely appears, and though Margie's sister's wedding ends up being a success, there isn't any scene in which characters speak to each other about these problems. Of course, families do have their arguments in real life, and they aren't always resolved, however in a children's book I'd expect there to be at least an attempt at talking things out.

My one major issue with this book is that some of the content just isn't suitable for children. There is no way I'd take this book into my classroom on account of some of the language - the words dick, bastard and pervert are all used, and good lord, I do not want to be explaining the last one to a child. Sure, kids may have heard all these words before, but they have no place in children's literature. Replace them with "rats", or just say "he said a word Henry had heard before and been told never to use", you know?

Also, there is never anything explicit between Mr Purvis and Jennifer, however the way that he views and thinks about her (especially that scene where his hand is on her leg under the table?) is certainly not PG. Yes, I think the actual innuendo would go over a child's head, but I'm also not convinced most children would have the media literacy to understand that his amourous advances are bad. This one may be my tastes, to be fair, but I'd be hesistant to read certain passages of this to a kid.

The tl;dr: Solid premise, entertaining cast, good plot with a focus on mental/emotional health, let down by some of the content being unsuitable for children's literature. 2.5/5 stars.

Imagine all the colour being drained from everything and then having to buy it back at huge expense. Imagine the heroes being 3 children, but no-one listens to them. That's exactly what happens in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this story; it was dark and full of suspense.

This tells a mysterious tale of when stange grey clouds cover Whitehaven, and people start to wonder why everything's lost its color. Some think it’s because of the sun, chemicals, or even God punishing them. But only Margie and Henry know what's really going on. They find themselves on an adventure to an old mine shaft, where they try to figure out who’s stealing the colors and how to stop it. The story follows their changing relationship. It’s a fun and exciting story with humor and mystery, perfect for younger readers.