Running A Boy. A Missing Computer Scientist. A Secret So Dangerous, it Must Stay Hidden from the World
Barbara Spencer
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Buy NowWhy I wrote this book
Have you ever thought what would happen if we didn’t have experts to sort out our computer problems? It’s been a subject of consuming interest to me, ever since these unbelievably magical machines first appeared. I’m a total ignoramus, as regards their inner workings, but even I am aware that, without them, the global village would descend into chaos. It’s only a matter of time before some megalomaniac decides that this is way to take over the world – destroy technology.
I’ve just added a few touches – an earthquake, a tsunami, two of my absolute favourite characters, and a red motor-bike.
Synopsis
Fifteen year old Scott Anderson has a secret so big he daren't share it even with his best friends.
He and his dad are American. If you're American, you don't talk about it. If you don't talk about that, you don't talk about any of the other secrets that haunt your life that your dad's really a computer scientist and people are searching for him. When Bill Anderson disappears, Scott is determined to find him. He has already lost his mother. She disappeared in the California earthquake, which killed ninety percent of the world's computer scientists; a tragedy for which America is held responsible. But there's little for Scott to go on; a scrap of paper left in a printer and a poster pinned to the wall.
Now someone's looking for Scott, too. Is it the mysterious Frenchman, who pretends to be a radiation expert, or Sean Terry of the American Secret Service, who believes the United States innocent of the crimes levelled against it? Could it be Hilary Stone, the prettiest girl in class, who also claims to work for the American Secret Service? Or is it someone else entirely?
Following the clues, Scott heads north on his dad's bike. As his pursuers catch up with him, it is Hilary Stone who saves him. Despite not trusting her, he grudgingly allows her to go with him to Scotland, where he believes the answer lies. After all, as Hilary points out; she has the gun.
The annual flower festival at the Keukenhof in Holland plays host to the final scene where, at last, Scott comes face to face with his pursuers, and learns the secret his father has always kept hidden from him.
About the Author
In 1967, considering herself to be destined for a life of mediocrity, Barbara Spencer hi-tailed it to the West Indies to watch cricket, the precursor to a highly colourful career spanning three continents, in which she was caught up in riots, wars and choosing Miss World.
She eventually settled in Somerset, to bring up a family, tap-dance and teach at the local swimming club. Now a hands-on grandmother, her current desire is to disappear in a puff of smoke and find peace and quiet to pursue her writing. Most recently, the launch of her children’s book Scruffy has taken Barbara into primary schools, talking and working with children on story writing.
When asked
Which three authors’ work would you compare your writing to? - she said:
'Nobody I can think of. I write for little kids, children, teenagers and young adults. Besides that, I write the stories I want to write. For so many authors, their first book dictates the style which they repeat on and on and on ... I couldn’t do that. I would lose interest after two. For me, a story creeps its way into my head; fully-fledged it tells me how it wants to be written: third person - first person – comical – mysterious – or exciting. I don’t seem to have a lot of say in it and woe betide if I try to change it – the words stick like blocks of wood at the end of my pen'
Book info
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Genres
Format
Paperback
288 pages pages
Author
Barbara Spencer
Publisher
Matador an imprint of Troubador Publishing
Publication date
3rd May 2010
Author's Website
ISBN
9781848763241
