Thunder Road

My new novel, Five Parts Dead, is officially out and about and can be purchased online and in good bookstores.

You can also download classroom discussion points via the Teaching Notes page.

Here’s an introduction to the story, courtesy of my publisher:

“Text Publishing is proud to be releasing Tim Pegler’s new novel, Five Parts Dead. Tim’s debut novel, Game as Ned was a 2008 Children’s Book Council Notable Book.

Five Parts Dead follows the story of Dan, a teenage boy convalescing on a holiday with his family. Dan is nursing the physical and emotional injuries sustained in a car crash that claimed three of his best friends. Left to his own devices he explores a nearby lighthouse and uncovers a tragic mystery.

In solving the mystery Dan seeks to lay to rest the ghosts of the past and the ghosts of his present.

This is an engaging, gripping story that perfectly conveys the hearts and hurts of teenagers. Tim explores the themes of peer pressure and guilt with an even hand and opens up the trauma in Dan’s mind for us all to see.

This is a brilliant novel for teenage boys and reluctant readers. A book that every 16 year old about to get their L-plates should read.”

And here’s some early feedback:

“Five Parts Dead had it ALL for me. It made me snort coffee out of my nose as I laughed unexpectedly, it made me cry so hard I had to put the book down and walk away; it genuinely gave me the creeps in some places. It made me ache with compassion for its main character’s, Dan and Lily, it had me fascinated and sickened at times. But most of all, it had me dreading the last page almost as much as I anticipated the ending. I never wanted this story to be over. Tim has woven two lives, two equally compelling tales, spanning two completely differing eras. And he has done a MAGNIFICENT job of it.” - The Book Gryffin

“It’s not often that I read a book in one sitting, but I enjoyed Five Parts Dead so much, I felt compelled to get to the last page before lights out last night. It’s a great read
- love the way you have entwined the two stories.” - JK

“Tim’s great at getting into the teen guy headspace and sharing a tale that really could happen to a lot of teens out there, underage drinking, driving under the influence, the consequences, etc. Well worth the read.” - Natalie Hatch of We Love YA

“nicely eerie and very enjoyable… i recommend it.” - Food For Silverfish

“…a breathtaking read that is sure to evoke a vast range of emotion and more than a few sleepless nights from even the most critical reader.” - The Book Gryffin again

And via Twitter:
mike_sh
Tim Pegler’s Five Parts Dead has the most frightening and visceral car crash scene I have ever read. Also, the story is scary.
2:12 PM Jul 7th via web

@Little_Bookroom
Loved #5partsdead, too much to get across on twitter, even! Very impressed, congratulations! about 14 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone

Five Parts Dead cover image