Pacy; witty; his characters are real and recognisable LINTON KWESI JOHNSON

Alex Wheatle is the real deal; he writes with heart and authenticity, books that make you laugh and worry and cry and hold your breath KIT DE WAAL

Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion STEVE McQUEEN, director of Small Axe

South London in the 1980s. Brenton Brown is a 16-year-old mixed-heritage boy who has lived in a children's home all his life. He has never met his mother and is haunted by her loss.

The best thing happens: Brenton is reunited with his mother, Cynthia.

And then the worst: he falls in love with his beautiful half-sister, Juliet.

At the same time, Brenton meets his nemesis in the shape of Terry Flynn, a killer who scars him for life. Brenton must seek revenge. All this leads to an explosive climax as Brenton struggles to hold on to his sanity.

Brixton Rock is the powerfully explosive debut of one of the UK's finest writers, with pitch-perfect descriptions of South London street life.