Prickly Company

by Kitty Johnson

Friendships, feuds, romance, and unexpected secrets shake up a small community in this sharply funny and compassionate novel by the author of Five Winters.

Frances Mathews doesn’t get out much since her husband died, but that doesn’t stop her from jump-starting a campaign to create a hedgehog highway in Hilltop Place—feeding stations, holes at the bottoms of gates and fences, and wild garden areas for hibernation. To Frances’s delight, her neighbours are on board. Mostly.

There are Jess and Michael, whose marriage is cracking under the unanticipated strain of a recent adoption. And Ryan, a wounded war reporter struggling to connect with his son after a divorce and forced to return to an exasperating parental fold. Plus, a very forthright single mum new to the neighbourhood and an exceedingly proper couple not about to upend their picture-perfect garden for prickly nuisances.

As relationships—from the romantic to the nerve-racking—form and secrets are unearthed, Hilltop Place is threatened in ways that affect them all…unaware hedgehogs included. What Frances and her charitable neighbours soon discover about themselves and each other is hardly what any of them expected.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Animals, Disability, Chick Lit, Audiobook

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Kitty Johnson is an awarding-winning writer of emotional stories about empowerment and living your best life. She lives in Norwich, Norfolk in the UK, with her partner and son. Her novel Five Winters was awarded the Star Award 2024 by the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

A nature lover, Kitty enjoys walking in the local woods and by the sea in Norfolk with her dog. Also an artist, she paints and makes collages in her studio when she has time. Kitty enjoys a challenge and once performed stand-up comedy as research for a book - an experience she found very scary but hugely empowering. Kitty has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia and has also published as Margaret K Johnson.

Reviews

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog

This is my first book by Kitty Johnson and I was pleasantly surprised. This is a genre that I have been gravitating towards lately, up-lit. Feel good fiction that brings a community together. Ever since COVID-19, I have wanted to read books about the downtrodden and their fight to come out on top. Prickly Company fit the bill perfectly and made me feel all the feels.

I loved most of the people in Hilltop Village, they wormed their way into my heart, and let's not forget the hedgehog narrator. I know that sounds weird but trust me, it works and I learnt so much. I like how the community came together to triumph over a big company even though they each had their own difficulties and were suffering.

Hilltop, led by recluse Frances, leads the way to building a hedgehog highway and along the way we meet the different residents of this amazing community. I love how most of them banded together and I cheered them on and rooted for their success. Everyone in this community is connected and there is a lot going on...Abuse, neglect, disability, PTSD, adultery, divorce, death, adoption.

The characters were realistic with depth, issues and flaws. I especially felt a kinship with Hermie, she was terribly abandoned by her mother for boyfriends and was left to fend for and raise herself. As the saying goes "Always be kind because you never know what someone is going through."

This was one of the most unique books I have ever read and would have been a five star read if it wasn't for all the coupling going on. It was too much and a bit farfetched for my liking. I can see some couples getting together, but all of them? Too neat and tidy and HEA for my tastes, it just wasn't needed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So with life's business all up in my business, I haven't been able to spend my time reading and meandering on GR like normal. Something I do hope to remedy.

I did manage to squeeze in this story about a very small neighborhood who comes together in harmony to make life easier for the ever busy hedgehog.
I did learn some interesting facts about the little critter and since they are not native to the States, I knew little.
I also learned that these small little quaint neighborhoods are ripe for partner swapping, if you're so inclined.
I do wish I would have liked more of the characters. It would have made a better reading experience when all was said and done.
It was, what it was, I guess. Semi-entertaining. So I'm semi-grateful.


If hedgehogs and some swapping are your thing, please indulge. It was an odd mix.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book. The passion about hedgehogs but also a story about neighbours and families. Also has disability view of point in there too. I really enjoyed this book and at times I cried at this. I love hedgehogs ☺️ also felt it was really intelligient how kitty also kept stating hedgehog facts too.

[☆ jess ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review. 🤍

Oh my goodness, this was such a surprising read. I didn’t really know what to expect when I started it but it amazed from beginning to end. This novel focuses on a community that live on the same street and their motivation to save hedgehogs whilst each household has a story of their own.

Each subplot was unique but had overlapping qualities. It was extremely well-written and thought provoking. I cried so much whilst reading this and I think that is a true testament to how well the characters were portrayed in order to feel an emotional connection to the story.

I was sad, I was happy, and I was shocked. This book has it all. You won’t regret reading this one. Out 28 May ⭐️

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a campaign to save hedgehogs in Hilltop Place

I confess that I wasn’t initially sure I would enjoy Prickly Company because before I read it, I feared it might be too anthropomorphically twee, but I was wrong and ended up thoroughly enjoying it and fully appreciating the parallels between the trials and tribulations of hedgehog and human life, and the impact one can have on the other. Kitty Johnson slips in hedgehog facts effortlessly so that the reader is educated as well as entertained. I really appreciated the information about hedgehogs included at the end of the book and the author questions too as they added depth and colour and are inspiring for those interested in wildlife

There’s a smashing plot in Prickly Company as Frances mounts her campaign for a hedgehog highway between her neighbours’ gardens. Looking like a middle aged has-been, Frances has hidden depths, some of which are revealed to be more surprising than others so that Kitty Johnson inverts the concept that such women are bland and easily ignored.

Although a brief novel, Kitty Johnson packs Prickly Company with super interest. She considers different kinds of marriage, with the trials of real family life feeling very authentic. Jess’s difficulties in blending adopted Toby into her family work really well in making sure readers realise there isn’t always an immediate panacea for all ills.

Because the action and characters are confined almost entirely to Hilltop Place, there’s a real sense of cohesion. I thought the theme of Ryan’s PTSD was maturely and sensitively handled, making the reader care about him completely. Indeed, I loved meeting all the folk in Hilltop Place as they are varied, interesting and engaging. I think there’s someone here for any reader to relate to.

From being uncertain at the start of Prickly Company, I ended up feeling I had enjoyed a highly entertaining read, that is sensitively and humorously written with mature themes that thoroughly appealed. And with hedgehogs woven throughout, what more could a reader desire? Great stuff.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty Johnson employed multiple POVs while regaling us with her tale Prickly Company. The focus on Hedgehogs was incredibly unique and I found myself fascinated about the little critters as the rest of the story unfolded.

I am constantly dreaming of living in the type of community and neighborhood that feels like a bunch of friends and family moved in beside each other and doing life together. This book is exactly that (with hedgehogs).

I truly had no idea what to expect with this book and am so thankful to have requested it.

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this surprisingly entertaining work!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unexpectedly fun read this was! Kitty Johnson is a new author to me. Prickly Company’s book summary sounded intriguing, and I loved the book cover. So going in I didn’t know what to expect, but this book exceeded those expectations.

Prickly Company opens talking about hedgehogs. A totally unique and interesting opening (side note: I had no clue they do live in the wild in certain countries). The novel reveals the various characters living on a certain street, and the different issues they are all dealing with.

Each character was interesting and felt very real and developed. The author really balanced emotional issues while remaining a heartfelt book with depth. Also, the hedgehogs are actually important and have an impact on every neighbor’s life that lives on that street.

4.5 rounded up. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, Kitty Johnson, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Georgia Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful read. Loved the growth of all the characters and how all their lives were interconnected by the love of the hedgehogs

[Lauren Parvizi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful warm hug of a novel!! Reading Prickly Company made me feel the way I do when I settle in to watch a PBS Masterpiece show like All Creatures Great and Small, which is to say it made me feel comforted, entertained, and very happy. It’s not that this multi-POV story is all lightness and fluff; in fact, there are many serious topics and themes running throughout (although it does have a great sense of humor, too). But Johnson handles the heavier issues with such a deft touch and writes her characters with so much grace and compassion, the ultimate result is one of heartfelt joy. If you love a feel-good book and an ensemble cast, this one is a must read. And even if you don’t have a particular passion for hedgehogs when you start, you probably will before the book ends!

[julia✿ ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so wonderfully unexpected. Admittedly, I didn't really know WHAT to expect when I picked this up, but I certainly didn't expect to devour it in one sitting the way that I did. Each character had an extremely unique situation that was so well portrayed. I was particularly fascinated by the relationship between Jess and Toby; so hard to read about, but such an interesting perspective to see. At so many points during this book I was on the verge of total heartbreak, but in the best kind of way. The way it was written, you can really connect to each and every character.
And of course, how could I deny my love for the hedgehog content [and semi-narrators??]

thanks netgalley for the arc!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book exceeded my expectations; it was both emotional and heartwarming, and the characters were so loveably flawed in their own individual ways. I was totally engaged throughout and I was thrilled that everybody got their own happy ever after endings 💛

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always appreciate anyone who are animal lovers and have learnt lots about hedgehogs different from her other book but just as emotional

[Jacque Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that in the UK hedgehogs are as present as our squirrels. So cute!! I learned way more about them than I think I ever anticipated learning in this lifetime, but I'm not mad about it! This book is giving "Higley Town Heroes" but the adult version. I personally have engaged with my neighbors 99.9% less than this, but honestly I'm okay with that because there's a lot of neighbors with eyes for each other in this book! It's giving MTV's Wife Swap.

I was granted access to the audiobook version of Prickly Company and the narrator has a British accent in case that's important to you. The voice actor does a phenomenal job projecting the annoying behavior of all of the kids in this book. I was laughing along in horror at every chaotic thing that happened to these families and eventually found myself questioning all of their sanity. It's not funny in the sense of "one-liners", but because there's literally so much going on you can't believe it. Lots of volume changes in the audio, so keep that in mind. I didn't have to adjust the volume too much, but it does range from shouting to whispering given the nature of the book.

I thought it was so cool how the characters were connected. In addition to being in obvious close proximity as neighbors, they all relied on each other in some way. Their backstories were all so different. This was my first novel where one of the main characters was disabled. That disability did define a lot of his character which I know we don't always love, but his disability was a recent change so I suppose that made sense. A lot of his disability was intertwined with his PTSD from serving in the military.

A good amount of infidelity, both emotional and physical. It's definitely the kind that's "justified" by the author because they "with their person now". Eyeroll inducing, but whatever.

Content warnings: domestic violence, PTSD from military, infidelity

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prickly Company by Kitty Johnson is a feel-good story about how protecting wild hedgehogs in the UK brings a community of unlikely friends together. While it is firmly footed in the literary fiction genre, Johnson incorporates true facts about wild hedgehogs and the pursuit to protect them that she gleaned from her own experience. The characters each have unique and diverse attributes and stories that have alienated them in some way. There is Jess, a mom who after miscarrying and trying for a second child, adopts a one-year-old son with her husband. There is Ryan, a journalist and absentee father until a land mine took his ability to walk and gave him PTSD. There is Frances, an older woman who has given up on love and companionship after an abusive marriage. There is Tara, a single mom whose boyfriend is married, and comes in and out whenever he pleases. Through the connection these neighbors find in making hedgehog highways in their backyards, they learn to find connection, friendship, and sometimes even love in places they would not have otherwise expected.

As enjoyable as a read as Prickly Company, the pacing felt unbalanced. While the first 60% of the book gave a good look into the lives of the characters as they experienced everyday life with the hedgehog project, the last 40% felt rushed and overly dramatic. Rather than a weaving of character and plot development throughout the book, it felt split into two sections, first character and then plot. By the end, the unfolding drama felt far-fetched but ultimately did not take away from the coziness and enjoyment of the story as a whole. I would recommend this book if you liked A Man Called Ove, the Sweet Magnolia series, or books with a happy ending.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

[Elise Schiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do Americans know about hedgehogs? Nothing! We don’t have them in the States! That was one fascinating part of Kitty Johnson’s novel, Prickly Company, due out on May 28. I loved learning about these little creatures and the efforts of the small village, the setting of the novel, to protect them. Among this crowd, the hedgehogs aren’t the only ones who are prickly. The most intriguing character is Frances, an elderly, sometimes abrasive widow who leads the neighbors in their efforts to build a “hedgehog highway” between the yards and gardens of the residents so the hedgehogs don’t have to venture into the road. She embraces Ryan, a disabled war correspondent who is struggling with finding purpose now that he is in a wheelchair. His prickly mother doesn’t help, either. Ryan's empathy for others and his helpful nature make him a favorite character of this reader. By the end of novel most of the characters have sorted their issues, reconciled or found love, or both. This is going to be a popular summer read!

[Kathleen Basi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for great characters, and by extension, I'm a sucker for ensemble pieces--stories with several point-of-view characters whose stories are so interwoven that their personal arcs are inseparable. Kitty Johnson's "Prickly Company" is like a nice cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day: filling, rich, and sweet all at once.

Set in small town England, the book takes place almost entirely on one, insular street in a small neighborhood. Of the many characters, three come to the front: Jess, struggling to bond with a new adoptive child as everything around her falls apart; Ryan, an embittered journalist raging against the paralysis sustained by an IED injury; and Frances, reclusive, sassy, and determined not to need anyone--but with a soft spot for nature and hedgehogs the size of the North Sea. The lives, loves, struggles, and past heartaches of these characters unfold as these three characters move from barely-acquaintances to close allies and friends.

You won't approve of all the characters in this book, or of everything they say and do. But you won't be able to resist rooting for them all the same.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful heartwarming read this was!

Kitty has written such deep, well developed characters I felt like I was living on that street amongst them!

All with their own secrets and troubles ‘you never know what goes on behind closed doors’ as Ryan’s mum would no doubt say.

I loved the way Kitty weaved the plight of the hedgehogs into the lives of the residents of the small sleepy cul de sac of 5 houses. It is almost as though the hedgehogs are telling some of the story from their own sleepy slurpy bug munching perspective in some places!

It is so evident Kitty is involved with hedgehog preservation, and her love of the gorgeous prickly creatures shines through.

A wonderful story of a community pulling together and becoming great friends (mostly!) into the bargain. By the end of the book their lives are changed beyond anything they could have imagined.

You can probably tell I absolutely adored this book and am quite sad I have finished it but I’ll be looking out for more books from Kitty.

[Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good ensemble cast, and this charming novel absolutely delivered!! At the start of the book, the various residents of Hilltop Place—both human and hedgehog—are going about their separate lives, each facing different challenges. One character is struggling to parent a newly adopted child, another trying to adjust to permanent disability, and several are lonely in their unfulfilling relationships. But when they come together around protecting the neighborhood hedgehog population, their lives intersect in unexpected and delightful ways. The book gave me definite Frederik Backman vibes — if you liked Anxious People, you're going to love this one.

I was lucky enough to listen to an early copy of the audiobook (thank you to NetGalley!), and the narrator is positively divine. She does a brilliant job with all the different voices, and I especially loved listening to the British accents.

Can't wait to read what Kitty Johnson writes next!

[Shelby Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Prickly Company" by Kitty Johnson is a charming novel that intertwines the lives of Hilltop Place residents with the hedgehogs living nearby. Most chapters uniquely starts from the hedgehogs' perspective before shifting to the human characters, effectively highlighting the bond between people and wildlife.

The characters are likable and relatable, undergoing personal growth as they learn to live harmoniously with nature. The wildlife-saving focus is a compelling theme, though some plot developments feel a bit unrealistic, requiring a suspension of disbelief.

The book's first half is particularly captivating, drawing readers in with its unique narrative style. While the latter half loses momentum, the resolution is satisfying and hopeful.

Overall, "Prickly Company" is a delightful, thought-provoking read with a heartfelt message about wildlife conservation and community. Kitty Johnson’s novel will appeal to animal lovers and those who enjoy stories about finding happiness in unexpected places.

[That1lazywriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had quite the trouble dropping this book once I started reading it- I devoured it in less than 2 days!! A five star read well earned. The characters were so easy to relate to, they felt easy to connect to and only a few chapters made me fall in love. I love Hilltop Place and all the residents, I love how Kitty shows the tension amongst the residents, the little family feuds and gossip. I love the depth she gives to each and every character of hers! The information she gives on hedgehogs in the beginning of the chapters gives the book a certain depth, giving the hedgehog's view on the residents of Hilltop Place. If Kitty ever decides to write another book, I will DEFINITELY be on the top list of anticipated readers. A must read!!

[Ann Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prickly Company will probably end up being one of the more unusual novels you will ever read. In Kitty Johnson’s hands, a disparate group of neighbors bonds, some of them reluctantly, to make life easier for the hedgehogs that share their gardens. A potpourri of secrets, tragedies and near tragedies, lost love and newly discovered loves intertwine as we meet the totally authentic and completely relatable characters who inhabit Hilltop Place. As hedgehogs snuffle their way throughout the narrative, Johnson includes interesting information about them. Clearly they served as one of the main inspirations for this highly entertaining story.

Thank you Netgalley & Lake Union Publishing for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Annabel Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book! It was such a surprising read! I had no expectations but was absolutely delighted! It is one of the more unique books I’ve read in some time.
This is a feel good fiction that brings a community together. It is an ensemble, or written from several points of view, and it was captivating how interwoven the characters lives become. The writing is done well that I connected with all of the characters.
Prickly Company is written well, thought provoking and educational. I loved learning about hedgehogs and the comparisons that were made with the human characters.
I love a good HEA and this definitely fits that! I can’t wait to read more by this author!

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @brilliancepublishing and @netgalley for the ARC audiobook of Prickly Company by @kittyjohnsonbook, performed by @imogenchurchgobshite in exchange for an honest review!

🎧🎧 Book Review 🎧🎧 Prickly Company is a little bit of all of us, the quintessential human story encompassing it all. Beautifully written and narrated, humans build their homes around an established community of hedgehogs. Frances Mathews is on a quirky yet admirable mission to save the ecosystem and habitat of the sweet little animals and rallies the neighbors the best she can. However, everyone is dealing with their own personal and family issues from adoption, marriage and divorce, and a myriad of other turmoils that make life absolutely unbearable sometimes. An absolutely heartfelt and poignant novel!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of Prickly Company by Kitty Johnson.

This was a cute read with a whole host of characters, many of which were likable. A few of which had a bit of a surprise to them. Didn’t see the dynamic that came out in Jess and Michael’s relationship. The book centered around saving the hedgehogs and how the neighbors came together (some literally more than others) to take part. This also looked at how individuals overcome with the challenges they face, such as Ryan being confined to a wheelchair and Tara trying to make ends meet to care for herself and her daughter. Many dynamics in relationships were explored. A book with depth, but still managed to be cute.

[julia✿ ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so wonderfully unexpected. Admittedly, I didn't really know WHAT to expect when I picked this up, but I certainly didn't expect to devour it in one sitting the way that I did. Each character had an extremely unique situation that was so well portrayed. I was particularly fascinated by the relationship between Jess and Toby; so hard to read about, but such an interesting perspective to see. At so many points during this book I was on the verge of total heartbreak, but in the best kind of way. The way it was written, you can really connect to each and every character.
And of course, how could I deny my love for the hedgehog content [and semi-narrators??]

thanks netgalley for the arc!

[Jo Leevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hedgehogs are curious creatures. From the outside they seem unapproachable; possibly downright dangerous. They also have a habit of curling into a tight ball, hiding away until it feels safe to come out. But once you gain their trust, they also have a softer side.
The same could be said for a fair few residents of Hilltop Place. At first they seem a disparate lot without much in common, but they are brought together in a quest to save the local hedgehogs by creating a ‘highway’.
Prickly Company is a book about community and what matters to us as individuals and collectively. By banding together to save the hedgehogs, the characters also save themselves and find unexpected connections. Moving and entertaining, this is a book for lovers of wildlife and anyone who loves a cracking yarn.

[Brianna Neikam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4/5

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I genuinely enjoyed this read! I wasn't really sure what I was expecting, but I am so glad that I read this. It gives such a sense of community and covers difficult topics like PTSD. I loved learning about each character, their journey and their trials and tribulations. The author did a wonderful job creating an emotional connection to each character.

Johnson wrote such a feel-good, heartwarming novel. I will definitely be recommending this to friends/family.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so much about this book!

I loved that the neighborhood of strangers came together to help hedgehogs – so adorable and heartwarming. Also, that they helped each other with their troubles along the way and became friends and more.

I loved learning about England and hedgehogs.

I loved that it was beautifully written and a page-turner with a HEA ending.

I loved that it is my favorite kind of book – a little nature, a little romance a lot of love, brilliant strong women, kindness wins and people working things out.

Highly recommend!

[Jane Crittenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prickly Company is the perfect title for a book about neighbours who keep themselves to themselves - until they get involved with a neighbourhood hedgehog project. The cast of characters is broad, layered, nuanced and real, and as they work through their struggles with themselves and one another, themes of loneliness, love and friendship emerge. But most importantly, the story reminds us about the warmth of community and the rewards of having purpose. A satisfying and uplifting read.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received as a Giveaway* I adored this book! It was light-hearted and I loved the information about hedgehogs that also tied in with what was happening with the characters. It definitely had some plot twists throughout with interspersed sad parts, love, and happiness. Great storyline!