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Twenty Questions for Gloria

Martyn Bedford author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Walker Books Ltd

Published:4th Feb '16

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Twenty Questions for Gloria cover

Two go missing. One comes back.

Gloria is tired of her ordinary life. She barely recognizes the free-spirited girl she used to be in the unadventurous teenager she has become. So when a mysterious boy bent on breaking the rules strolls into her classroom, Gloria is ready to fall under his spell. Uman is funny, confident and smart. He does whatever he likes and doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. The only people for him are the mad ones, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn. He is everything Gloria wishes to be. He can whisk her away from the life she loathes and show her a more daring, more exciting one, in which the only limits are the boundaries of her own boldness. But Uman in not all he seems and by the time she learns the truth about him, she is a long way from home and everyone wants to know, Where's Gloria?

Quirky contemporary love story from the author of Costa-shortlisted Flip. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *
…even though the book is pretty straightforward - we find out what has happened to Gloria through a police interview - Bedford keeps enough details hidden to keep you intrigued. The banter between Uman and Gloria is entertaining, and it's their chemistry that drives the story. How they fell for each other, ran away together, and ultimately went onto different paths. Not an easy book to pigeonhole, it will definitely appeal to a lot of people. -- Bee * Waterstones Cardiff *
This book was not what I expected but I loved it. […] It’s a fast page-turner and I could not put the book down until I was finished. -- Reader Review * Love Reading 4 Kids *
Martyn Bedford cleverly combined mystery, thriller and coming-of-age elements into this novel, making me want to change my life in some way or another and to never think inside the box again. -- Reader Review * Love Reading 4 Kids *
I really enjoyed this story, it was original, tender, and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book! -- Reader Review * Love Reading 4 Kids *
I read this book in one sitting, and enjoyed it throughout. -- Reader Review * Love Reading 4 Kids *
A powerful new psychological thriller from Martyn Bedford, the award-winning author of Flip. * The Bookseller *
The set-up is thriller-like but what is impressive about this story is its realism. * Financial Times *
The set-up is thriller-like, but what’s impressive about this Costa Award shortlisted story is its realism. What look s like an endorsement of thoughtless rebellion becomes something deeper as cold, hunger and bickering take their toll on the pair. Yet under it all is a golden thread of romance. * Financial Times *
The narration is clever, holding back just enough at each turn to maintain the intrigue. It's a well-told, enjoyable story with rounded characters that I really want a happy ending for - and will gladly recommend! * Reading Zone *
This whole story is emotionally perceptive and impeccably written. It deserves to be read. * Books for Keeps *
A cracking tale, intended for teenagers but convincing enough for adults, will provide a ‘can’t-put-down’ gift for a teenager with the added bonus of good reading for the parents and the promise of plenty of twists at every turn. * Northern Life *
This is an outstanding novel which poses big questions while immersing the reader in a fast-moving narrative. * The School Librarian *
The author uses the police officer’s questions and Gloria’s answers to bring this engaging story vividly to life. * IBW Children's Book Guide, The Bookseller *

  • Winner of Coventry Inspiration Children’s Book Award 2017 (UK)

ISBN: 9781406363531

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 18mm

Weight: 213g

304 pages