Books

“Kate Martin continues to take my breath away.”

Josh and Elliot have been living in the shadows of their inner demons for far too long.

If life had dealt them a different hand, they could have reached their potential. Elliot should have been a confident performer and Josh should have been able to perform in his courses to go on to joinery school.

Will these two be able to rise above their pasts and create their own destinies, or will their demons win in the end?

“You keep it on the inside because that’s the safest way to hide.”

Fifteen-year-old Elliot ‘Matchstick’ Hart spends his days caring for his mum and hiding from the school bully.

Fifteen-year-old Josh McBride spends his days tormenting Elliot and avoiding his abusive stepdad.

Inspired by a picture in an old newspaper, Elliot embarks on an adventure to the city. Little does he know that Josh has decided to join him.

On their journey, strangers and surprises force them to look at each other in a different light. As secrets are uncovered, can the boys bury their differences or will it tear them further apart?

  • "Elliot and Josh's voices are distinct, compelling and surprisingly funny, and the reader winds up rooting for both of them."

    Aislinn O'Loughlin, author of ‘Big Bad Me’

  • "This book doesn't read like a debut at all, but has smooth, richly layered storytelling that speaks of an author who really, truly sees people."

    H A Robinson, author of ‘The Pebble Jar’

  • "Covering tricky topics such as being a young carer, domestic abuse and mental health issues, this is a beautifully written, sensitive debut full of humour, compassion and heart."

    Reader Review

  • "Brilliant, compelling writing, this is a story that should be in every secondary school library."

    Emma Finlayson-Palmer, author of ‘Autumn Moonbeam’

  • "A masterclass in empathy."

    Hannah Moffatt, author of ‘Small’

  • "A coming-of-age tale that stays with you long after the final page."

    Lucy Brandt, author of ‘Leonora Bolt’

  • "A heartfelt story, tackling real issues, head on and with care."

    Reader Review

Buy the Books

Readers in the UK:

Or, order at your local indie bookshop!

Readers in the US:

Ebook and Audio:

 Check out Kate’s other writing in this short story anthology:

 
dark and stormy night anthology
 

Dark and Stormy Night:

Beware the coming storm!

Ten stories of dark nights. Stories of psychological and physical storms. Stories that might keep you up, gripping the covers and begging for the sun. Enjoy tales by Henry Mitchell, Nikki Knight, Christopher Bond, Tyler Wittkofsky, Kate S. Martin, L. A. Stinnett, Kyleigh McCloud, Josslyn Dyer, and Alaine Greyson.

Are you afraid of the storm?