The Lost Past of Billy McQueen cover art

The Lost Past of Billy McQueen

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The Lost Past of Billy McQueen

By: Neil Alexander
Narrated by: Neil Alexander, Patrick Moy, Ruairi Conaghan
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About this listen

 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.©2024 Neil Alexander (P)2024 Bonnier Books UK Amateur Sleuths Editors Select Historical Literature & Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Romance Heartfelt

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Although I am not particularly fond of then/now stories, this one worked well and was an easy listen. The characters were interesting and believable and the period descriptions felt true. I had previously listened to his "The Vanishing of Margaret Small" which was also interesting and unusual and well read. Recommend both and wait for more...

Great story, excellent narration

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What a fabulous author Neil Alexander is, he gets deep beneath the psyche and writes from that deep place. Emotions and thoughts are palpable and it’s a joy to listen.

I am not a stranger to Mr Alexander’s books so I can highly recommend his other books. The narrators for all his books have been chosen perfectly.

Troubled Irish lad

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The chapters were very short so sometimes the time switch was a bit fast requiring reorientation, but this also kept the momentum going

The context, music and the painful and deeply touching forbidden love story. It was beautifully read in Belfast accents

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It was clean without graphic details of relationships. A good story that shows the earthiness of the characters lives. A good mystery mixed in. A satisfying conclusion without you being left hanging.

Good clean story with a neat mystery.

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This book is brilliant on so many different levels. I loved the characters, with huge soft spots for Billy, Onja (sorry for spelling!) and Connor. It's an inocent and rather beautiful love story. It's a tragedy caused by hypocrisy, bigotry and fear. I love both of Neil Alexander's books. I'm looking forwards to reading more.

Fabulous book

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Very few books make me laugh out loud but this one did on numerous occasions. More to the book than comedy though. I was never keen to get to the next stage, I just enjoyed the telling of the story in its entirety. The narration was absolutely fantastic.

I loved it!

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I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the way the story moved from the past to the present. The story has a great plot and kept me guessing until the very end. Loved the characters who were very well portrayed by the narrators. Keep them coming please Neil, I'm looking forward to your next book.

Gripping Story.

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Interesting and different storyline. Lovely, warm characters. The two timelines really work well. Fabulous narration.

Glorious

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Fabulous story. Great characters. Great narration. Really enjoyed it.

Good plot, all held together well.

Fabulous Story

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Another amazing book which I couldn’t stop listening to. Just as good as his previous book, full of tender poignant moments and a plot which keeps you hooked till the end. The author has a great way of really capturing the eras of both the past (80s Ireland) and the present, and linking them together. Brilliantly written with lovable characters. I can’t wait for his next book…

Another incr

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