Matthew Crow writes with so much heart that In Bloom practically beats as you read it... In Bloom floored me. It became my primary relationship, people faded around me, emails remained unwritten, shops literally flooded and no friend seemed quite as interesting or engaging as the characters in the book... Matthew Crow has created an original teenage hero to join the ranks of the great. Engaging, ridiculous and brilliant all at once. Whether you are 14 or 40, run to your nearest bookshop and treat yourself to a copy at once. -- (Tamara) * Tales on Moon Lane Bookshop *
A moving and wonderfully witty tale...There are certain possible joys in reading and one of them is finding a book that is genuinely - without labouring to be so - funny... This excellent book is worth anyone's time. * Telegraph *
The Fault In Our Stars meets Adrian Mole. Moving, funny and brilliantly narrated * Metro *
Matthew Crow writes brightly with verve and a great sense of fun * Northern Echo *
This is a novel that will make you cry, it will make you smile and leave you feeling uplifted at the end * The Reading Rat *
A genuinely likeable, and more importantly believable narrator. It is when In Bloom reminds you of its British base that Crow's writing really shines * We Love This Book *
Matthew Crow quite simply has an amazing talent... A remarkable read; hilarious, touching and painfully sad with strong, earthy characters that feel like family * Shaz's Book Blog *
Lovely...really well-written...definitely give this one a go * Fabulous Book Fiend *
In Bloom is brilliant and is at least The Fault in Our Stars' equal...refreshing...brilliantly written * Bookangel Booktopia *
The characters are refreshingly different, and the story is incredibly honest and life affirming... highly recommended * The Bookbag *
In Bloom is a compelling story with three-dimensional characters, a powerful dramatic momentum and a convincingly sad denouement. I hope that some imaginative cinema producer is already taking out his cheque book * Books for Keeps *
Moving. * The Sun *
Matthew Crow puts a very distinctive spin on a [familiar] idea. In Bloom scores highly for the vein of unforced humour that runs right the way through it, and some strong characters, especially Francis's mum, who is more than a match for any of her sons' verbal jousts. * The Herald *
Francis's narrative voice makes this witty, tender tale stand out. * The Observer *
