There is no surer way to gain kudos at school than being a successful creeper. To creep you have to avoid being snared or being called a "nambie" or "greenie", and above all you have to adhere to the creeper's code--never do it without a buddie. Jamie is the hero's buddie and a great creeper. Together they have attempted Derwent Drive- -the "speed creep", which is the toughest one in the village, a continual blur of dashing for cover, evading security lights and, finally, in No.50 five alsatian guard dogs. Only one creeper had previously made the distance--Carl, our hero's, big brother. On their first attempt Jamie got snared. Had he not been caught by Mr Doberman, then our hero would not have met his daughter, Ruth and felt the first stirrings of passion. Life, however, is like a creep--just when you think you've made it, you get snared.

A hugely enjoyable read by a powerful young writer; Gray was only 21 when he wrote this story, which deservedly reached the Guardian Award shortlist. This is an impressive debut, an original and highly compelling story about courage, conviction, friendship and loss that is both exciting and moving. An excellent read for any young teenager.