BOMBMAKER

A few years into the future. The global economic crisis has deepened and the new English National Party has seized power, erecting a huge wall around England to shut out the Celts. Caught once, Celts are given facial tattoos, both as a warning and for easy identification; caught again, they are shot.

Lizzie lives in London, firmly under the radar, and is ‘owned’ by psychopathic Welsh gang boss Alexander, who uses her youth and small stature to sickening effect, having her plant bombs for him to eliminate his enemies and disrupt society. Lizzie knows no different and can see no way out of her terrifying and precarious life under his thrall. When Alexander’s kindlier brother Samuel starts to take an interest in her, however, escape suddenly starts to seem possible for them both. But are they prepared to take the treacherous and deadly steps necessary that may lead them via a precariously narrow path to a possible safe haven?

Claire McFall writes, in essence, all about first love and difficult decisions. Claire grew up just south of Glasgow where she now teaches English. Her first novel, Ferryman, was shortlisted for the 2013 Scottish Children's Book Award. The winner is to be announced in March 2014, to coincide with publication of her second novel, BOMBMAKER.