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The Crew
The Crew
Dec 17, 2025 5:35 PM

Author:Bali Rai

The Crew

Meet Ellie, Jas, Della, Will and Billy. They're tough. They're street-smart. They're the Crew, and they live in what they call the Ghetto - the estates round the city centre where everyone is skint and it's important to stick together. No-one has a go once you're part of a gang. Except, sometimes, the older gangs who can be really dangerous- A new, contemporary novel for today's teenagers from the author of the critically acclaimed (un)arranged marriage.

Reviews

A jewel of a book . . . The publisher's warning "Not for younger readers", should ensure the large sales it deserves

—— Nicholas Tucker , Independent

Engagingly direct in tone, gritty and realistic in theme, this uncompromising, streetwise story is sure to appeal to teenagers

—— Books For Keeps

A detective story with an edge . . . An excellent read

—— Reading Matters

Up on Cloud Nine is witty and compelling, the message it carries to adult readers does not make for comfortable reading . . . [A] brave and sometimes brilliant book. And, as always with Anne Fine, the jokes are excellent

—— Independent

This latest novel from the Children's Laureate may be inspired by the phenomenon of teenage suicide, but there is nothing grim or mawkish about it: a wonderfully funny and perceptive glimpse of the inner lives of boys

—— Guardian

An original and deeply memorable book . . . How Stolly learned to appreciate his inspirational nature makes for a wonderful and stimulating novel. This is a powerful read that lingers long after the last page is read. Don't miss it

—— The Bookseller

A cracking new book for older children . . . Like all her best work, this book is perfectly pitched to hook in even the most reluctant reader. The tone is fresh, funny and direct while strongly underpinned with genuine emotion

—— Daily Mail

'Thought-provoking ... strong second novel'

—— Bert Wright , Business Post

'A poignant, delicately composed novel that doesn't stint on the wreckage of violence.'

—— Irish Daily Mail

McKeon ... is a writer to watch. He conveys how people who cause harm can sometimes be victims, in their own way, and that takes skill. If you enjoy Colum Mcann's work, this novel is for you.'

—— Martina Devlin , Irish Independent

'... beautifully written, placed in those grey shadows between right and wrong and profound, terrible loss.'

—— Anne Cunningham , Sunday Independent

A beautifully crafted story about the legacy of trauma

—— Sarah Gilmartin , The Irish Times

A supreme storyteller

—— Robert Collins , The Sunday Times Ireland
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