‘There’s a stranger in town- Stephen Rose. He’s got waxy skin, haunting eyes, and a sickly smell. No parents. No friends.’

This is a book set in Newcastle, in the 70s (when the author is growing up). Two boys are curious when a strange character comes to live with Crazy Mary. Instead of staying away from this mysterious creature, Davie gets closer and slowly unravels his haunting past. Things start to get a little strange when a resident dies. The truth unravels and it starts to be clear that this Stephen Rose character is completely the opposite of what he claims to be

It is telling the story of the author’s childhood at thirteen years old. It is a very religious book and you can really get the feel of what his life must have been like at that age. There are really two stories in this book: his life at thirteen (non-fiction) and a fictional story that is very unbelievable, but with a nice twist.

I would say this is a book for the more mature reader. There are some good bits where you can’t put the book down, but also some very delusional bits where it just looks as if he’s trying to lengthen the story.

I would rate this book 7/10.