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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

Author:
Neil Alexander
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
80
Narrator
47
Release Date
December 1, 2024
Duration
8 hours 58 minutes
Summary
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.
Reviews
What listeners say
The audiobook received generally positive feedback, praised for its emotional depth and well-developed characters. Listeners appreciated the sensitive handling of complex themes and the quality of the narration. Some found certain sections slow-paced, while a minority expressed strong dislike. Overall, it is considered a moving and thought-provoking listening experience. The storytelling is noted for its ability to engage and resonate on a personal level.
Profile Avatar Miss Biggun Apr 2025

Really enjoyed this book, as a child of the 70s I grew up with the troubles in NI being in the news all the time, so it was really good to hear something written from the side of things. A few twists and turns and I didn't figure out the ending beforehand which made a really nice change

Profile Avatar Beverly G. Jun 2025

Worse book and narrator i ever tried to listen to

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2025

Really enjoyed this. Lovely, relatable characters, well written, good plot.

Profile Avatar Jacqui B Jan 2025

This highly personal tale shimmers against the darkness of a very violent time. One wonders how different all these lives would be in a tolerant world. Sad but engaging protagonist tries to pick up the long dropped threads of his life after he returns home to say farewell to his dying mother.

Profile Avatar Nicole K. Jun 2026

Really good book and learned some history too! ;)

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2026

A comokex story with important history for the reader to learn and the characters to reconcile.

Profile Avatar BCos Feb 2026

A little slow moving in parts, but overall a fabulous book. Heart wrenching in places and a reminder of the importance of friendship and home.

Profile Avatar Maria R. Jan 2026

Riveting story, wonderful, imperfect characters and two amazing male narrators, who brought to life not only Billy’s character as a boy and a man, but also all the other characters, both men and women. A beautiful, lilting reading.

Profile Avatar Aya O. Jan 2026

From the very beginning I got hooked to the book. The intonations of both narrators got me in the mood of the book quickly. I was touched by the book, and couldn't let it go until the end. It was an emotional experience. Thank you.

Profile Avatar Sunni S. Jan 2026

I enjoyed this book as well as the narrator. Good read.

Profile Avatar Roger N C. Dec 2025

Very boring

Profile Avatar Jerusha L. Nov 2025

A well crafted story, sensitively managed

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jul 2025

Entertaining

Profile Avatar Kaleigh J. Jul 2025

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2025

Fairly predictable but interesting- told from the viewpoint of a gay teenager who grows up during a less receptive culture. A bit of a coming of age story which the shifts to that teen as a middle aged adult. It’s a mystery wrapped in gay culture and acceptance as a gay man. Easy listening which I do while driving

Profile Avatar Linda B. Jun 2025

Great book, sad but well done.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2025

I so enjoyed this book. Something different.

Profile Avatar Steven S. Jun 2025

Great Narrator

Profile Avatar Annemarie B. May 2025

This book will forever have special place in my heart. And I feel it would to, for anyone reading/listening it.

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

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

Author: Neil Alexander
Read by: Neil Alexander
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