Beyond Another Lock

by Mac Fletcher

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2026

About the author

I was born and still live in South Staffordshire UK. I loved telling stories (tall ones of course) from an early age, and writing developed from there. At six or seven I realised one needs far less nerve to tell stories on paper than in public, and if they're lousy no one ever need know (you've guessed, I've written some lousy ones).
I have a lot of interests, though the narrowboat my wife and I bought and fitted out remains the greatest of my passions. The UK waterways are a microcosm: an echo of Georgian times, with a pace of life to match.
Many of my hobbies are in some way creative: gardening, drawing & painting, computer graphics, photography ... and of course writing. Too old for most active sports, and never brilliant either, I try to keep fit by swimming regularly - and walking.
I've written several full-length novels, but despite a fair amount of interest having been shown in my work, I remained unpublished in print until Death Must Go On! Now available on Kindle, it was my first attempt at black comedy, and as such a total departure from my other novels. I'm still not sure how well it works, but the fact that quite a few people have expressed the pleasure they took in reading it has made the effort worthwhile... to the point that I have a similar novel in progress.
My other published books - both on Kindle - are basically mystery thrillers with a mildly subjective view of the characters and, I hope,a degree of humour.
I will welcome ANY comments on my work (I won't be a hypocrite, especially kind ones) and welcome all correspondence via email to macfletcher043@gmail.com
Thanks very much for taking the time to read this - and my books I hope!
Posted below are two links to independent reviews:

http://www.booklore.co.uk/PastReviews...

://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mollymartin/Fle...

Mac Fletcher

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Another Lock is such a delight. Mac Fletcher has a way of making every character feel alive and full of personality. The Chocolate Frogs, Brumble the clever leader, and his loyal friends Pip and Tilly, drive the adventure forward, but it is the supporting characters who make the story so rich and memorable. Jax, the cautious but dependable frog, surprises everyone with moments of unexpected bravery. Little Nibbs, quiet and thoughtful, often comes up with clever solutions that save the day. Gully, the mischievous frog, brings laughter and lightness exactly when it is needed, balancing the tension of the journey. Finn, the rescued frog, has a gentle courage and innocence that makes his mission to reunite with his family deeply touching.

What I love most is how Fletcher allows each frog to shine in their own way. You see their fears, their doubts, and their triumphs, and it makes every small victory feel meaningful. The teamwork, the teasing, the moments of hesitation, and the flashes of bravery all make the adventure feel fully alive. Fletcher’s attention to detail is incredible. You can picture every ripple in the river, every bend of the canal, and every careful maneuver of their tiny boat. This story is not just about navigating rivers. It is about friendship, trust, loyalty, and discovering that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference. By the end, you do not just feel like you have read about these frogs. You feel like you have traveled with them, laughed with them, worried for them, and come to care about each one personally. Mac Fletcher has created a world that is warm, vivid, and full of heart. I love every part of it.

[David Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Beyond Another Lock felt like stepping into a little world full of wonder and heart. Mac Fletcher has a way of making even tiny frogs feel like real characters you care about. I found myself rooting for the Chocolate Frogs as they navigated their miniature boat, facing risks and challenges way bigger than their size. The mission to reunite a frog with his family made the story feel warm and meaningful, and I couldn’t help but smile at how Fletcher shows teamwork, bravery, and kindness in such simple yet powerful ways. His writing is gentle and vivid, and I loved how he paints this tiny world so fully that you feel like you’re traveling with them. This book isn’t just a fun adventure—it’s a story that lingers, showing that courage, friendship, and heart can come in the smallest packages. Fletcher has a special touch, and this third book proves he really knows how to make readers care about every little detail in his world.

[Vesper Wexler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a gentle, heartfelt journey that wrapped around me in the most unexpected way. When Beyond Another Lock by Mac Fletcher was recommended to me through the advance review panel, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the very first pages I found myself completely drawn into the tiny yet meaningful world of the Chocolate Frogs. Following Ted and his friends as they ventured beyond another lock felt both adventurous and deeply emotional, as their bravery, friendship, and trust in one another unfolded so beautifully. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made me pause, and moments that quietly stayed with me even after I finished reading. Mac Fletcher has created a story that feels simple on the surface yet rich in heart, imagination, and life lessons about courage and connection. I would warmly recommend this book to anyone who loves gentle, thoughtful, and meaningful storytelling that feels truly alive.

[Ondine Stansbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted stayed with me long after I finished this book. His calm courage and quiet care for his friends made the journey beyond another lock feel deeply personal rather than just adventurous. Watching him grow as a leader, especially in the final moments of the story, was moving and satisfying in a gentle way. The ending felt hopeful and tender, as if the frogs had not just reached a new place, but truly understood one another and themselves. It’s a lovely conclusion to a thoughtful, heartfelt tale.

[Flora Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Beyond Another Lock expecting a charming children’s tale, but I came out feeling genuinely moved. Mac Fletcher creates a miniature world that feels alive, where every ripple of water and every interaction between the frogs carries emotional weight. Katie’s curiosity and warmth made her a character I truly cared about, and watching her grow throughout the journey was beautiful to witness. The ending didn’t feel dramatic, but rather quietly meaningful, as if the real victory was what the characters learned along the way. A tender, reflective, and memorable read.

[Eric Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this felt like stepping into a gentle adventure that celebrates curiosity and exploration. I loved how Mac Fletcher captures the small joys and little risks of venturing beyond the familiar, making even everyday moments feel meaningful. The story is imaginative and heartwarming, but at times I wished the stakes felt a bit higher, as some parts felt predictable. Still, the journey is enjoyable, full of warmth, and leaves a lingering sense of wonder that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

[Alexandre Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Another Lock is a little world full of wonder and discovery. The story carries you along with its gentle pace, unexpected challenges, and small moments of triumph that feel surprisingly big. Mac Fletcher’s writing makes the adventure feel vivid and alive, and there is a warmth in the way he explores courage, friendship, and persistence. Every twist and turn is delightful. It was a delightful read and I enjoyed it with my family.