Shorty and Alberto are best friends. They're blood brothers, about to turn thirteen, running wild on the streets of Medellín, Colombia. Here a killing can be bought for next to nothing, with kids hired to do the dirty work. So when Alberto is recruited by a gangland boss, Shorty is left to yearn for some purpose, affection and respect of his own – even when his buddy goes missing. Now Shorty is becoming someone to fear – too young to die, but old enough to handle a gun.

'A story about violence rather than a violent story, this is a fine achievement.'

Independent

'Excellent...'

Telegraph

'A book we could all do with reading.'

Guardian