The Truth of Things (2) — PIKE [not-CA not-US not-US territories]

A stunning companion piece to Brock from award-winning Anthony McGowan. Nicky and Kenny return in Pike as a fishing expedition nosedives into near tragedy. The Bacon Pond is famous for its monster-sized fish and Kenny is determined to catch one. And as usual Nicky is dragged along for the ride. But when the boys glimpse what could be a body in the water - the body of a well-known local criminal who's just been announced missing - the secrets of the Bacon Pond might just take them all down. Sometimes it's better not to look too deep. Review McGowan writes in prose as spare and effective as that of Barry Hines … there’s an extraordinary depth and elegance to this story. An outstanding novel -- LoveReading4KidsA gut-wrenching tale of crime and punishment makes [Pike] compelling reading -- New StatesmanDazzlingly true to life a succinct yet satisfying read -- INISMcGowan … manages to transform a relatively simple storyline into a gripping tale with a fresh outlook and edgy twist -- Reading ZoneThis story is an object lesson in the art of compression. In only 128 pages it touches on natural history sibling relationships living with mental disability split families fear of outsiders dealing with bullies and coping with guilt -- Books For Keeps About the Author Anthony McGowan is the author of many critically acclaimed YA novels including Hellbent Henry Tumour and The Knife that Killed Me. His Barrington Stoke titles include the Carnegie Medal shortlisted Rook and the 2020 Carnegie Medal winner Lark which the judges described as a standalone masterpiece.