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The Cuckoo Boy

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The Cuckoo Boy

By: Grant Gillespie
Narrated by: Grant Gillespie
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About this listen

Armed with the wrong set of circumstances, what child isn't capable of murder? James lands in the wrong nest; where he's stifled by the strict conventionality of his adoptive parents. He finds solace in David – his imaginary friend, ally, and co-conspirator – and it's the two of them against the world... Till James meets a 'real, live' David and innocent child's play takes turn for the worse, with terrifying consequences.

©2015 Grant Gillespie (P)2025 Grant Gillespie Psychological Thriller & Suspense Exciting

Critic reviews

"Through James and David, Gillespie explores the chasm between how children and adults perceive the world, and the devastating consequences of falling through this gap. The Cuckoo Boy is a savage indictment of hypocrisy and forced social convention." - The Observer

"An ‘emotionally visceral debut. The spectre of Lionel Shriver’s Kevin is omnipresent, particularly in the black comedy and ambiguous aspects of the tale. But this is a confident, impressive work in its own right." - The Guardian

"With strong parallels to Golding’s Lord of the Flies, which demonstrated the savage nature of humanity detached from civilisation, Gillespie’s superb debut avers that such isolation is possible within our own societies and that the consequences can be tragic. In this case, the mob rules." - Irish Examiner
All stars
Most relevant
Loved the compelling plot and having to wrestle between issues of right and wrong, nature and nurture. Couldn’t put it down.

Gripping story, brilliantly read!

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I was captivated from the start

This book takes you on an emotional journey & has you invested very early on, I really hope this isn’t a one off as I need to find out what’s next for James

Big applause for a debut book, more please Grant 👏👏

Exceptionally written

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