Billy McQueen grew up in Northern Ireland in the 80s, a gay teenager who desperately had to hide who he was and his love for fellow teenager Conor Doherty, who vanished without a trace in July 1989 when they were both 16.

Billy moved to Margate as soon as he could but never had much luck in life. He swore he would never return to Carrickfergus but it's now 2023, he is 50, and his old neighbour Bev tells him that his Mum who'd disowned him for being gay has had a bad stroke.

So he returns, reconnects with best friend Aine (and Big Gay Willy) and while he's there, tries to find out what happened to his first love Connor. The story hops between 1989 and 2023 and I have to admit I preferred the present day one - the 1989 one made me too angry.

Now, the 80s were my era and it's brought to life vividly - the music, the pop culture references, the fashion, the mix tapes, but also the politics - Thatcher, the Troubles and section 28 that forbade "the promotion of homosexuality". The homophobic vibes are strong in this, from various parents and step-parents to the church.

This is a story of acceptance, friendship and forgiveness that will surely shake you up, especially when the mystery of Connor's disappearance is revealed, and the role of Billy's religious stepfather Mervyn in it. My heart broke for quite a  few people. The cover is also outstandingly beautiful but I didn't know some of the Northern Irish expressions and had to look them up, like "taking a redner," which means being embarrassed.