Looming over Valley Hill - “Bumptown” to the locals - is the headstock of the abandoned coalmine, a constant reminder of the disaster below ground that touched the whole town 30 years before. The Bevan family’s past is closely tied to this tragedy, and Kevan’s future is bound up in it too – in order to complete his homework Kevan must delve into family memories and a grief that has passed down generations.
Can Kevan break the cycle of his family’s silent sorrow? Will he win the heart of the girl he likes? Will he and his bezzy mate Anish thwart the school bully? And is it worth risking the Universe to avoid a grounding?
Matthew Eccles is a first-time writer who has channeled his love of adventure and science-fiction stories into a novel that can be enjoyed by children and grown-ups alike