Untitled Matt Coyne

A heart-warming sophomore novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of FRANK AND RED I'll always remember the first time I saw Sister Francis. It's not that I have a great memory, or anything, it's just kind of hard to forget the first time you see a 60-year-old nun, barrelling along at the wheel of a decrepit 1968 Ford Transit. Especially when the nun in question has a cigarette dangling from her lips, and the minibus in question is spewing dark smoke, backfiring, and has - in ornate type - the words 'ASS VIRGIN' written along its side. I know. This deserves explanation. 1981. Richie, Bennett, Kenny, and Stan are four best pals from the Whittle council estate, with not much to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with the local bullies, they find unexpected refuge in the crumbling boys' club at the local church. The Blessed Assumption Boys Club is run by Sister Francis: a sweary, chain-smoking and unlikely nun . . . and the most remarkable person any of them will ever meet. Set against the backdrop of early '80s Britain, The Dead Dads Club is a funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope. And at the centre of it all, a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything. Praise for FRANK AND RED**:** 'Best book of the year!' ? ? ? ? ? 'A fantastic debut' ? ? ? ? ? 'A lovely feel-good treat' The Times | 'Simply perfect' Daily Mirror | 'Hilariously funny . . . and beneath it all really quite lovely' Metro | Brilliant, just brilliant' Huffington Post | Debut of the Year Woman and Home | A Prima Book of The Year