Derailed: Three families, five years, one unforgettable story

by Annette Sills

Three mothers. Three teenagers. Five turbulent years.

Single mother Michelle is desperate to find love while trying to keep her wayward son, Nathan, from spiralling out of control.

Eileen yearns to return to her native Ireland, but her path is fraught with obstacles. Her son Alex, once an open book, has become withdrawn and secretive.

Anne, haunted by her father's untimely death, watches in fear as her daughter Meg's battle with mental problems intensifies, terrified history may repeat itself.

Set against the background of Brexit, the Manchester Arena bombing, and Covid, Derailed is the story of three families whose lives are violently thrown off track.

A poignant exploration of female friendship, parental love, and a heart-wrenching tale of teenage mental health in crisis in a world gone mad.



Praise for The Relative Harmony of Julie O' Hagan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The serious issues which affect every family are told with exceptional craftsmanship." The Manchester Evening News

Praise for My Mother's Children
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A moving family drama and a skilful portrayal of the Irish diaspora.' Nicola Doherty, Author

Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

Annette Sills was born in Wigan, Lancashire to parents from County Mayo, Ireland. Her short stories have been longlisted and shortlisted in a number of competitions including the Fish Short Story Prize, the Telegraph Short Story Club, Books Ireland Magazine and the emigration anthology Something about Home. Her first novel, The Relative Harmony of Julie O'Hagan was shortlisted in Rethink Press New Novels Competition 2014. Her second, My Mother's Children, was published by Poolbeg Press in March 2021. Annette currently lives in Manchester with her husband and two children.
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Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely brilliant story. It pulls together the realities of life via the adventures of three families. Incredibly realistic, and an fascinating page-turner

I have visited Manchester area many times and lightly considerate a Home.

In this story, we live with three teenagers and three families through the pain of the Arena bombing, COVID lockdown and the impacts these events had on the 3 families.

Well written! I highly recommend. I look forward to Annette Sills’ next story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner of a novel.

The interweaving lives of three Manchester mums and their wayward teenage kids.

Follow the highs and lows in their families over five years as the kids grow up, leave school and edge towards adulthood.

Annette writes lovingly of the Irish diaspora in Manchester, throws in some contemporary politics and keeps the pace jogging along in this great read.

[Jessica French · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very real representation of the roller-coaster nature of parenthood. We meet 3 mothers juggling challenging teenagers as well as demanding careers and difficult lovers and all this set against tumultuous and shattering events in both Manchester and the wider World. I loved it!

[louvain o’donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

devoured in two days!! absolutely fantastic