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The Homes

a totally compelling, heart-breaking read based on a true story
4.06 goodreads logo

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( 624 ratings, 74 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Homes by J.B. Mylet, a gripping crime thriller unfolds against the backdrop of the 1970s Scottish care system. The story follows a teenager living in a children's home who becomes embroiled in probing the mysterious death of a friend. As secrets and hidden truths emerge, the narrative delves into themes of friendship, justice, and resilience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by gripping crime stories with a psychological twist. Set in a Scottish children's home during the 1960s, this thriller delves into dark secrets and institutional corruption, providing a compelling exploration of intrigue, survival, and the search for truth.

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Based on the true story of a childhood growing up in a home for abandoned and unwanted children, The Homes is a haunting thriller with an unforgettable voice perfect for fans of Val McDermid and Chris Whitaker

Based on the true story of a childhood growing up in a home for abandoned and unwanted children, The Homes is a haunting thriller with an unforgettable voice perfect for fans of Val McDermid and Chris Whitaker

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'Set to be one of the Scottish crime books of the year. I loved it' CHRIS BROOKMYRE

'Heart-warming, heart-breaking and utterly compelling' MARION TODD

'Excellent' HERALD

There were good people in The Homes. But there were also some very, very bad ones...

A thousand unwanted children live in The Homes, a village of orphans in the Scottish Lowlands on the outskirts of Glasgow. Lesley was six before she learned that most children live with their parents. Now Lesley is twelve, and she and her best friend Jonesy live in Cottage 5, Jonesy the irrepressible spirit to Lesley's quiet thoughtfulness.

Life is often cruel at The Homes, and suddenly it becomes much crueller. A child is found murdered. Then another. With the police unable to catch the killer, Lesley decides to take the matter into her own hands. But unwanted children are easy victims, and Lesley is in terrible danger...

Inspired by a true story, and introducing readers to the unforgettable voice of young orphan Lesley, The Homes is a moving and lyrical thriller, perfect for readers of Val McDermid, Chris Whitaker, Jane Casey and Denise Mina.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Homes by J.B. Mylet has been praised as a tense, gripping crime thriller that stands out in Scottish fiction. Reviewers highlight its emotional depth and engaging narrative, with Lesley, the main character, receiving particular acclaim for her voice and authenticity. The book is described as both heart-warming and heart-breaking, compelling readers to keep turning pages and leaving a lasting impression after the final chapter.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788167055

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 December 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Viper

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 265g

Pages: 384

About the Author

J.B. Mylet was inspired to write The Homes by the stories his mother told him about her childhood. She grew up in the infamous Quarrier's Homes in Scotland in the 1960s, along with a thousand other orphaned or unwanted children, and did not realise that children were supposed to live with their parents until she was seven. He felt this was a story that needed to be told. He lives in London.

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