Sometimes, the friend you need is the one you never saw coming.

'A lovely feel-good treat' The Times | 'Heart-warming, perceptive and empathetic' CultureFly

Frank and Red are a mess.

Frank is a grumpy old curmudgeon. A recluse whose only company is the 'ghost' of his dead wife, Marcie. He is estranged from his friends, his son, and the ever-changing world beyond his front gate.

And then Red moves in next door.

Red is six. A boy struggling to adjust to the separation of his mum and dad, a new school, and the demonic school bully. Red is curious, smart, he never stops talking, and he's got a trampoline.
From the moment Red's blonde mop appears over the top of the fence that divides their two gardens, the unlikeliest of friendships is born.

. . . And it is a friendship that will change both of their lives forever.


Early readers can't get enough:

'Best book of the year!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A fantastic debut' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Stunningly well-written, warm hearted, incredibly funny and moving story' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A beautifully written, warm and empathic read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"A lovely feel-good treat . . . Matt Coyne's beautifully crafted, warmly funny book gives us Frank and Red's perspectives on navigating the upheavals in their lives and their road to friendship. Red's reckless attempt to reunite Frank with his adult son adds some high-stakes drama, but it's the little moments of connection, compassion and healing that will melt you." - The Times

"His parents have split and he's the brunt of school bulling, but precocious six-year-old Leonard (Red) is a trusting soul, and when he sets out to befriend crusty, effing, blinding, grieving widower Frank - his new neighbour - he soon finds himself on a daring mission to reunite the man with his estranged son. A warm-hearted, weepy, riotously funny, feel-good novel." - Saga

"Heart-warming, perceptive and empathetic, not to mention very funny, Frank and Red is a genuine joy to read." - CultureFly

"The pair are such wonderful characters and I was utterly charmed by them from the very first page. A very funny story about friendship and acceptance." - Prima