A Stone Called Fred by S.M.Locke Young Adult Fiction (Sent by Matador for review)

A Stone Called Fred is written by S.M.Locke and has been sent to us by publisher Matador for review. A relatively light-hearted fiction book for teenagers and young adult readers, the focus of the story is Jack, who one day awakes to find a mystery object on his kitchen table. The object often appears as an ordinary stone, but Jack spots it glowing, sometimes it buzzes and it definitely has some pretty fantastical properties.

This is a Twilight Zone style shorter story that I'm sure Roald Dahl would have been happy to include in any series of Tales Of The Unexpected. I loved it.

Jack discovers that by touching the stone he can become invisible and even when he leaves it at home, somehow it will appear nearby, as if it is following and keeping an eye on him. Other people can touch the stone without any effect, so Jack feels it's special to him and even names it. Fred.

Jack's neighbours find the whole thing really amusing and aren't sure if he hasn't just had a bump to the head. His girlfriend is a journalist and has been away with work, but when she comes home, Jack has to try and persuade her that Fred really isn't just a large pebble.

Along the way Jack meets someone who understands about Fred, and she helps him to use his new friend and his invisibility to full advantage. He has one heck of a brief and potentially deadly adventure before returning back to his ordinary life. Or does he?

The end of the book is so littered with surprises and twists that you really aren't sure what to believe, and it worked perfectly. It's a great story and a very easy to read book with a lovely flow and tone of voice. I'd happily read it again and at some point I'm sure I shall.

Very clever, loads of fun and at only 138 pages, perfect for anyone who is daunted by the idea of a huge novel, but likes a good story and wants something more than a comic. Not intimidating to slightly less confident readers.

A Stone Called Fred is written by S.M.Locke and self-published by Matador. Suitable for all readers aged around 12+ and available to buy now priced £7.99rrp from all good bookshops, including online at Amazon* (affiliate).

We were sent our copy of A Stone Called Fred by S. M. Locke for review. *Amazon links are affiliate, which means I earn a few pence as a thank you for my time if you order through my link, but you don't pay any extra.