Talking Leaves: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller

by Gordon Bickerstaff

In 2051, the planet hit back. Devastation and chaos ensue.
Human societies collapse. A new human species walks the earth.

In a fractured world ravaged by a mysterious ‘change’ that turns humans into primitives, Dr Taila Lyne flees with her son and daughter from an oppressive regime to save her primitive son from enforced euthanasia.
Taila’s family race to another part of the country and collide with the Ferguson family, who are hiding their own secrets from another harsh regime while trying to head off a war incited by their ruthless leader. Caught in the middle, the two families must help each other and find someone they can trust to help in a battle for the soul of humanity.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

I was born and raised in Glasgow but spent my student years in Edinburgh. I spent over 30 years as a university lecturer and 25 years as an Open University tutor before I retired to write fiction. I live with my wife in Scotland where corrupt academics, psychopaths, serial killers, mystery, murder, and intrigue exists mostly in my mind.

I write the Lambeth Group series of standalone crime/conspiracy/suspense thrillers. Inspired by the 1970s 'Doomwatch' TV series, they feature undercover investigators Zoe and Gavin who protect the country and the world from the worst nightmares that mankind can imagine.

I enjoy walking in the hills, 60s & 70s music, reading and travel.

https://gordonbickerstaff.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordon Bickerstaff has stepped into the future with Talking Leaves… the best kept secret. The year is 2050 – frighteningly, only twenty-five years in the future. Mysterious forces decimate humans in their billions, and of the few that survive, many “change” as their bodies attempt to adapt to alien conditions.

One group, who remain normal, another who become primitive (Primits), and a third who live in mine shafts, emerging only to steal what they need – or covet – all fear one another, even as the two families featured hide and protect their own. Love conquers all?

Greed for power is alive, well, and lurking in Eireland (a united Ireland), in the form of a man who plans to take over the world at any cost. We’ve known his like before: Genghis Kann – Alexander the Great – Adolph Hitler…

Add to this AI robots programmed to serve, and you have a story to take a reader’s imagination by the throat and shake it. This is fast-paced, action-packed, HORROR!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The future world is full of surprises. How to survive is just one thing to worry about. Taking her son and daughter with her, Dr Taila Lyne runs, trying to find safety. She has hidden secrets, as does her son. Meeting the Ferguson family while they are trying to escape the dangers in the new world, the small family knows they have to join forces if they are all going to survive. This is a thriller, and a look at the possibility of a very different future.