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The Lost Past of Billy McQueen

A BRAND NEW utterly gripping and nostalgic dual timeline mystery from the author of The Vanishing of Margaret Small

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The Lost Past of Billy McQueen

By: Neil Alexander
Narrated by: Neil Alexander, Patrick Moy, Ruairi Conaghan
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Earphones Award Winner 2025

The past has never left Billy. It's just been waiting for him to come and find it...

It's been over thirty years since Billy last called Northern Ireland home. Back then, his secret love for schoolfriend Conor was the only shining light that kept him going during troubled times. That is, until their romance was tragically cut short when Conor disappeared without a trace.

Now a phone call draws Billy back home when his mother falls into a coma. While sorting through old belongings, he stumbles upon an envelope bearing his name. Inside, he finds a mysterious note and a mixtape left by Conor - dated the very day he disappeared in 1989.

But who sent it? Why did his mother keep it hidden? And what really happened to Conor?

As Billy sets off to find the answers to a mystery that's followed him for years, he soon realises that uncovering the truth about his lost past may come at a high cost. But laying the ghosts of that past to rest might be the only way to finally set himself free...

From the author of The Vanishing of Margaret Small comes a compelling and deeply nostalgic coming-of-age tale that promises to touch your heart and stay with you long after the last page. Packed with humour and tenderness, it's perfect for fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, The Keeper of Stories and A Tidy Ending.
Amateur Sleuths Editors Select Historical Literature & Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Romance Heartfelt Feel-Good Tear-jerking
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Another amazing book which I couldn’t stop listening to. Just as good as his previous book, full of tender poignant moments and a plot which keeps you hooked till the end. The author has a great way of really capturing the eras of both the past (80s Ireland) and the present, and linking them together. Brilliantly written with lovable characters. I can’t wait for his next book…

Another incr

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I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the way the story moved from the past to the present. The story has a great plot and kept me guessing until the very end. Loved the characters who were very well portrayed by the narrators. Keep them coming please Neil, I'm looking forward to your next book.

Gripping Story.

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not soothing if normally listen to. but the characters were all well written, the story moved along nicely and the narration was excellent.

a nice story about family and love

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Set against the background of the Northern Ireland troubles the life of young Billy, gay before the world accepted it, unfolds. Your heart hurts for the pain we inflict on each other. An excellent listen, superb narration.

A story of our time

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Very few books make me laugh out loud but this one did on numerous occasions. More to the book than comedy though. I was never keen to get to the next stage, I just enjoyed the telling of the story in its entirety. The narration was absolutely fantastic.

I loved it!

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