Real Gone Kid: 1980s Gritty, Nostalgic, Scottish, Coming-of-Age Story

Written by Kate Fridriks

Narrated by Keira Luccesi

Everyone deserves to feel safe.

It’s 1984. Superpowers for girls and women exist only on TV.

Aileen Murphy struggles to make sense of her life in a working-class Scottish steel town. She dreams of escaping the sectarian bullying she has kept secret; then, the gorgeous Steve Henderson enters her world.

When her vulnerable younger sister becomes the next target of the bullies, Aileen knows she must make a stand. Will Steve’s proposition to secretly teach Aileen her own ‘superpower’ save her and her sister? And can Aileen find the courage to fight for her dreams – to feel safe – and to be accepted for who she is?

Real Gone Kid is the feel-good, first novel in the adult, coming-of-age, Raven Craig series, set in 1980s industrial Scotland.

★★★★★ 'The characters fizz off the page with an effervescence that made us smile.' Cheshire Novel Prize

★★★★★ ‘This book is so beautifully written and really captures Scotland in the 1980s. One of the best debut novels I have ever read.’ Nicole Johnston

★★★★★ ‘Kate’s narrative is full of emotion and this is the first time I shed a tear over a book since I read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.’ Haffi Olafsson

★★★★★ ‘This book is an absolute joy to read. With its pop references and precise descriptions, Kate transports us back to the heady 1980s.’ Lynne Walker

★★★★★ 'I can't wait for the sequel. It had everything for me: romance, laughter, throwback to the eighties, and realistic boxing scenes.' Colin M

★★★★★ 'The combination of amazing characters, wonderful music references and the era make this book a glorious read!' Wendy R

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steel Thistle Press Ltd
• Release date: Jan 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781915847041