Clifford

This book, titled 'Clifford,' presents a narrative far removed from the well-known big red dog. It follows an adult protagonist, Clifford, whose life takes a dramatic turn in The Bronx. After losing his job following a peculiar encounter with a mystic, Clifford witnesses a murder committed by a man in a crimson overcoat. The central conflict arises from the fact that no one believes Clifford's account, leaving him isolated and questioning his own reality while pursuing the truth. The book handles sensitive topics like murder, job loss, and the psychological distress of being disbelieved quite directly, making it suitable for a more mature young reader. The emotional arc begins with hardship and quickly plunges into suspense and a sense of poignant isolation, likely culminating in a resolution to the mystery, though the initial premise suggests a potentially unsettling journey. This book is specifically for older elementary to middle school readers, roughly ages 10-14, who are drawn to mysteries with a psychological edge and are comfortable with darker, more intense themes. A parent might reach for this when their child is seeking a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that explores themes of truth, perception, and resilience in the face of disbelief. Parents should be prepared to discuss the mature content, including the murder and the protagonist's emotional struggle, and clarify that this is not the 'Clifford' character typically associated with younger children. Younger readers might find the themes too intense, while older readers will appreciate the tension and the unique premise of a lone witness fighting for the truth. Its distinct approach to the 'unbelievable witness' trope, combined with a touch of the supernatural, sets it apart from many other children's mysteries.