The Lost Boys of Ladywell

A punked out Scottish crime thriller based on the trance culture of the early 2000s and the lives of four Scottish lads from the scheme. Conflicts turn to disaster during a RATT rave and Phil goes missing. As the remaining lost boys – Nathan, Mikey and Lucas – search for Phil they are pulled into an underworld of crime, drug debts, loyalties and betrayals.

Illustrated by Scottish artist Mark Deans.

“With elements of Welsh, Kelman, and Bukowski it’s one of the best novels of the year.” – John Gerard Fagan, author of Fish Town & Silent Riders of the Sea.

“Raw, frenetic, and funny, The Lost Boys of Ladywell is as wild and tragic as any heavy night out. With breathless pace and prose that buzzes off the page, it’s a book you can’t help but binge.” – Callum McSorley, author of Squeaky Clean (The McIlvanney Prize 2023)

“A truly wonderful example of proletarian fiction that oozes authenticity from its core. Highly recommended.” – Colin Burnett, author of A Working Class State of Mind and Who’s Aldo?

“There are echoes of other classic Scottish writing: the visceral pathos of Irvine Welsh’s early work, the wide-eyed youthful take on life of Graeme Armstrong’s The Young Team, and the crushing limits placed on working class lives portrayed in Darren McGarvey’s Poverty Safari. Although these may be influences, Martin’s voice is never less than unique. The dialogue is especially strong, it jumps off the page, with the vibrancy and rhythm of a classic dance tune.” – Richard Wills, author of Bloody Social Worker

Author Biography

Aidan Martin is a bestselling author, public speaker, and co-founder of the recovery organisation, The Scheme Livi, in Livingston, Scotland. His debut memoir, Euphoric Recall, was widely acclaimed. He received an award from Authors’ Foundation and K Blundell Trust towards this book. He also recently hosted an STV documentary called Let’s Talk About Trauma. Aidan lives in Livingston, Scotland.