New Town Soul by Dermot Bolger
Published by Little Island, 2010

New Town Soul explores the friendship between three teenagers in a first book for older teens by this best-selling author for adults. The central character Joey could be any teenage boy experiencing the emotions typical of the coming of age transition to adulthood.

Yearning to be part of the gang, he lacks the confidence to join in, falling for Geraldine, he is hesitant about making his feelings known and though he is best mates with Shane he is also uncomfortable around him.

Why does Shane whose personality can change to suit any occasion make Geraldine uncomfortable also? Joey is convinced they are both hiding something from him and the key to the mystery lies in an old derelict house in Blackrock, Dublin.

Dermot Bolger’s first young adult novel is a supernatural thriller, a gothic ghost story with a romantic subplot in which souls are snatched and risks are taken.

‘New Town Soul is taut, mysterious and gripping to the last word. Dermot Bolger gets under the skin of the teenage experience and explores the dark side of the teenage psyche. A beautifully crafted thriller’
Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series

‘A terrific read, unsettling at times; filled with suspense, the intensity of teen relationships and soul music – at last teenagers can experience one of Ireland’s best writers’
John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas