“A classic thriller as two youngsters race from crooks, kidnappers and the police … in search of their long-lost father. A wonderful, gripping story, from the first words to the last.” Chris Barraclough, the author of BAT BOY, keeps his readers spellbound – not just by the frantic, hilarious and wildly suspenseful plot, but by the perfectly realised character of Joel, the narrator, who is 12 years old and has been blind since birth.
Chris Barraclough is an award-winning author and journalist, based in London. BAT BOY, his first full-length novel, won the 2010 International UKAuthors Opening Pages Competition Award, and has garnered garnered high praise for its wildly humorous and suspenseful story – one that never lets up, carrying Joel and his brother on a desperate journey, twisting and turning through the seedy backstreets of London and finally out to sea, for a superbly dramatic climax.
Reviews
Reviewed by Graham Sclater on Venture Radio (mp3)
A fresh and well-voiced story with real depth of character. Joel is well-drawn – both witty and hardened, but still naive and boyish at the same time. His voice is absorbing and clear, and the wry sarcasm in Pat’s voice is a good counter-balance. The story really does yomp along but is intriguing and articulate from page one. Joel’s blindness is originally described and the whole story is awash with sensory descriptions that bring his world to life. — Holly Howitt, author The Schoolboy (Cinnamon Press)
A classic thriller as two youngsters race from crooks, kidnappers and the police…in search of their long-lost father. A wonderful, gripping story, from the first words to the last. Marvellous! – UK Crime Writers
A fast-paced, ironic, highly satisfying, original story, told in a clear, direct style and the voice of an instantly engaging character, in a vivid, threatening setting. The whole book had us riveted. – UK Authors Opening Pages judging panel, when awarding first prize to BAT BOY
(Out of Print)