Anthony McGowan returns to Barrington Stoke for 'Rook' sequel

Anthony McGowan has written a fourth story about brothers Nicky and Kenny, a sequel to the Carnegie-shortlisted Rook, for Barrington Stoke.

In Lark, Nicky and Kenny’s mum is coming to visit - the first time the boys have seen her in years - and Nicky isn’t sure that he wants to see her. When they head for a trek across the moors to take their minds off the situation, a series of unforeseen circumstances leaves the brothers in a vulnerable and very dangerous position and there is a chance they won’t make it out alive.

The book will be published in January 2019 alongside a combined edition of the first three books (Brock, Pike and Rook), titled The Truth of Things. Both books will feature artwork by Nick Hayes.

Barrington Stoke editorial director Ailsa Bathgate acquired world riughts from Charlie Campbell at Kingsford Campbell.

“When I began Brock, I never planned on writing a sequel,” said McGowan. “I certainly never thought there would be four books featuring brothers Nicky and Kenny. But each time I typed ‘The End’ I had a feeling that somehow their story was not finished. I’ve come to know them better than any of the hundreds of characters I’ve created over the years, and they just wouldn’t lie quiet after I thought I’d done with them. They wanted more. And I felt an obligation to them. Their lives began in poverty and turmoil. Together we made it through to a brighter place. But I wanted one last trial, one last adventure, one last ordeal.”