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The Boy They Tried to Hide: The true story of a son, forgotten by society
The Boy They Tried to Hide is the startling, true account about a troubled young boy who disappears into the woods by his house. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction ... Shane Dunphy was working as a resource teacher in a rural town when he was approached by the mother of one of his pupils, seeking help. She is worried for her troubled young son, who has been found leaving the house late at night to go deep into the woods near their home. He has spoken of meetings with a friend, Thomas, but no one else has seen him or knows who he is. As Shane tries to discover what's going on, a sexual predator he helped bring to justice years before reappears. The man is looking to settle a score, and has picked someone close to Shane as his next victim.In The Boy They Tried to Hide, Shane Dunphy revisits cases he encountered during his time as a child protection worker and journalist and, in doing so, once again discovers that leaving the past behind is harder than it seems.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2016
417 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Shane Dunphy
16 books111 followersShane Dunphy is the million-selling author of non-fiction titles relating the years he spent as a child protection worker. He is an accomplished musician and has composed soundtracks for television and radio. Dunphy is an award-winning documentary maker and he writes regularly for Independent newspapers. He also writes a series of crime novels under the pseudonym S.A. Dunphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 4, 2017
I was intrigued when I purchased this book because I had heard some of the tale it tells on a podcast near Halloween called SPOOKED. It was pretty creepy so I decided to purchase the book - a good tactic for selling your novel, I think. The story is told in the first person by Shane Dunphy and is purported to be a true story. It entails the author's experiences with a really bad person who has been put in prison for harming other and the consequences that arise when that man get out of prison. Dunphy, who had once worked with social services and now works with special needs children in school, is called upon by a friend to help him discover what he can about a student she had who was sent to prison and eventually died there. She wants to find out how the young man died and ultimately, why. Dunphy sets out back into the seedy underbelly of western Ireland to meet with a host of characters who have spent time in "The Shaker" - the name for the island prison in western Ireland.
Though the book was quick to read and a bit of a lark for me, I have to say that the title of the book is a bit misleading. The story of the little ghost boy who befriends a real boy, and his sad, sorrowful tale, takes up a remarkably small part of the book. That's fine - I get it - ghost stories are just that - stories not novels. He wove the tale into the narrative and it worked, but I sure was hoping for more on the ghostly end of things. I give it four stars for one single reason: I kept thinking about the book after I set it down. That litmus test is one of the best. Dunphy isn't trying to write high literature: he is reporting what happened. Whether or not the tale is true doesn't matter: it bothered me enough to keep thinking about it. You should read it, but only if you're a bit older: there are adult themes and some slight descriptions of violence. Otherwise, there are even a few moments that are quite touching.
Though the book was quick to read and a bit of a lark for me, I have to say that the title of the book is a bit misleading. The story of the little ghost boy who befriends a real boy, and his sad, sorrowful tale, takes up a remarkably small part of the book. That's fine - I get it - ghost stories are just that - stories not novels. He wove the tale into the narrative and it worked, but I sure was hoping for more on the ghostly end of things. I give it four stars for one single reason: I kept thinking about the book after I set it down. That litmus test is one of the best. Dunphy isn't trying to write high literature: he is reporting what happened. Whether or not the tale is true doesn't matter: it bothered me enough to keep thinking about it. You should read it, but only if you're a bit older: there are adult themes and some slight descriptions of violence. Otherwise, there are even a few moments that are quite touching.
November 20, 2016
Snap Judgment
After hearing an abridged version of this story on the excellent podcast Snap Judgment, I was eager to read the book. So glad I did. The full story of Thomas is even more intriguing, especially as it is interwoven with two other mysterious tales.
After hearing an abridged version of this story on the excellent podcast Snap Judgment, I was eager to read the book. So glad I did. The full story of Thomas is even more intriguing, especially as it is interwoven with two other mysterious tales.
February 17, 2019
This book was so good, it almost read like a movie. I was so curious to see what was going to happen that I couldn’t put it down. Great writer!
August 26, 2019
This book is nonfiction like my cat is a dog. A real potboiler with such great lines as "Running: I really know running: you're either running FROM something or TOWARD it." How about running in place?
March 27, 2020
One of the most interesting stories I have ever read, and doubly so since it is supposed to be true. The writer is so very honest about his feelings throughout, and that is to be admired. There are, like, three dramas playing simultaneously with their very own characters that I became well acquainted with. I very much like Dunphy's demeanor & life choices because he so cares about his friends & doesn't let his fear prevent him from trying to help others. I will definitely read some of his other books.
May 23, 2017
I've read all of Shane's books, and although this is cases re-visited (and some familiar names cropping up) it was still good and I just wanted to get to the end.
Another fanastic read for all Shane Dunphy fans.
Another fanastic read for all Shane Dunphy fans.
August 4, 2017
Don't give on anyone
There some people who can't or don't want to change.There other's who work so hard to do better for there life has been not so good to them. This is so informative and a must read
There some people who can't or don't want to change.There other's who work so hard to do better for there life has been not so good to them. This is so informative and a must read
August 13, 2017
Great
Great read as always Shane Dunphy. Look forward to more in the future. I sometimes forget these things actually happened, then I come back to reality and realise it's all true! WOW!!
Great read as always Shane Dunphy. Look forward to more in the future. I sometimes forget these things actually happened, then I come back to reality and realise it's all true! WOW!!
October 21, 2017
So this book had three different goings on at the same time and just kept me interested. Love the paranormal aspect of it.
October 27, 2017
A bit all over the place
Too bitty but had to finish it. Boring in most places but some of it was all right. Not a favourite
Too bitty but had to finish it. Boring in most places but some of it was all right. Not a favourite
October 27, 2017
Wow
I'm wowed by this book.. it was the best book I've read in a long t ok me and well written
I'm wowed by this book.. it was the best book I've read in a long t ok me and well written
December 20, 2017
Great ghost story
While Dunphy's book covers more than the tale of Thomas Tobin, it's that strange and sad story that carried my interest best.
While Dunphy's book covers more than the tale of Thomas Tobin, it's that strange and sad story that carried my interest best.
March 17, 2018
Gripping story.
Once I started reading i couldn't put it down.kept me on the edge of my seat.it is first book i have read by Shane Dunphy certainly will not be the last.
Once I started reading i couldn't put it down.kept me on the edge of my seat.it is first book i have read by Shane Dunphy certainly will not be the last.
January 17, 2019
Readable but very slow moving and dull. I feel like the title was misleading as to what the book was actually about. I don’t know if I would pick up another book by this author.
April 16, 2023
This book was an easy read and kept me curious enough that I wanted to keep reading. However, the title is misleading since the boy’s story is only a small part of the book. I expected the other plots to tie in with it somehow towards the end, but they never did. As a result it all felt rather disjointed and the ending was very unsatisfactory. Also, there was a lot more strong language than I expected - more than needed to establish the feel of the rougher characters, IMO.
May 5, 2020
AMAZING Shane I loved the book. Keep being great, maybe I will meet you in Cleveland, OHIO
September 4, 2016
4.5
I always look forward to new Shane Dunphy books coming out. I remember the first book of his that I read, and how I was instantly hooked on everything about the style of the writing, the stories, and Dunphy himself.
This book was no different. A few reviews I read noted that they did not like the paranormal side involved in Gregory's story as it was not very Dunphy like. Now I am not one that really believes in that side of things, however, reading it happening from someone elses perspective was very intriguing!
This book was different to his other books, but that was to be expected as he did leave his child protection profession. I do not, though, believe that it worsened the book at all. It was a very interesting read. Always a lover of this man's work.
I always look forward to new Shane Dunphy books coming out. I remember the first book of his that I read, and how I was instantly hooked on everything about the style of the writing, the stories, and Dunphy himself.
This book was no different. A few reviews I read noted that they did not like the paranormal side involved in Gregory's story as it was not very Dunphy like. Now I am not one that really believes in that side of things, however, reading it happening from someone elses perspective was very intriguing!
This book was different to his other books, but that was to be expected as he did leave his child protection profession. I do not, though, believe that it worsened the book at all. It was a very interesting read. Always a lover of this man's work.
December 16, 2017
What tumultuous months those were!
I first heard of the events surrounding Thomas when Shane shared them on the wonderful podcast "Snap Judgment". While most of the elements covered in the podcast are present in the book in very similar fashion, the other events happening at the same time were not. Getting this vantage point, with Shane sharing everything which happened in the same time window, and all of which he was living through simultaneously, made me appreciate the work he's done all that much more.
Also, having heard him tell the story first, I read every word spoken by the different people in Irish brogue, although having the words written out as they're pronounced in the Irish pronunciation helped.
I first heard of the events surrounding Thomas when Shane shared them on the wonderful podcast "Snap Judgment". While most of the elements covered in the podcast are present in the book in very similar fashion, the other events happening at the same time were not. Getting this vantage point, with Shane sharing everything which happened in the same time window, and all of which he was living through simultaneously, made me appreciate the work he's done all that much more.
Also, having heard him tell the story first, I read every word spoken by the different people in Irish brogue, although having the words written out as they're pronounced in the Irish pronunciation helped.
September 17, 2019
Disappointing
The first half of this book tells the story of the author's experience with a psychopath who he helped put behind bars for a short time, but who has been released on probation. This man will hurt again unless stopped. Slowly the reader is introduced to a story about a very young boy who seems to be living alone in the woods and the author's attempts to find him and help him. The two stories have no relevance to each other and neither concludes satisfactorily. I do not recommend this book or this author.
The first half of this book tells the story of the author's experience with a psychopath who he helped put behind bars for a short time, but who has been released on probation. This man will hurt again unless stopped. Slowly the reader is introduced to a story about a very young boy who seems to be living alone in the woods and the author's attempts to find him and help him. The two stories have no relevance to each other and neither concludes satisfactorily. I do not recommend this book or this author.
October 20, 2018
Great story
One man in an Irish town dealing with three situations -all interesting and one very mysterious. I thought this was a well- written book. I was always very involved in the stories as they interwove together and wondered what would happen next. The story I loved the most was about a little boy who wanted to play, but no one except occasional children saw him or knew who he was or where he lived. Read the book to find out what happens to him.
One man in an Irish town dealing with three situations -all interesting and one very mysterious. I thought this was a well- written book. I was always very involved in the stories as they interwove together and wondered what would happen next. The story I loved the most was about a little boy who wanted to play, but no one except occasional children saw him or knew who he was or where he lived. Read the book to find out what happens to him.
January 16, 2020
Unsatisfying ending
“Closure is good for the soul” is the last sentence in this book. There is none. We have NO idea what happened to the pervert, NO idea about why so many people were able to so clearly see the ghost, and the prison characters are so loosely drawn that I had trouble keeping track of who was who. And the discussions with the shrink was a horrid distraction. I give this two stars because the writing was decent.
“Closure is good for the soul” is the last sentence in this book. There is none. We have NO idea what happened to the pervert, NO idea about why so many people were able to so clearly see the ghost, and the prison characters are so loosely drawn that I had trouble keeping track of who was who. And the discussions with the shrink was a horrid distraction. I give this two stars because the writing was decent.
May 26, 2018
Fact, Fiction, or is it Truth
As you read through this true story there are several pieces going on. The sexual predator is obviously horror but the boy\ghost? Is he the mystery or is the real mystery how and why Tim died? I'm the end the author 's claim that every kid needs to know someone cares about them offers everyone the chance to be that one kid's someone.
As you read through this true story there are several pieces going on. The sexual predator is obviously horror but the boy\ghost? Is he the mystery or is the real mystery how and why Tim died? I'm the end the author 's claim that every kid needs to know someone cares about them offers everyone the chance to be that one kid's someone.
August 29, 2018
The book was intriguing, then for some reason the ending, when they resolve all of the issues, was only like ten pages. The author sounded like he was trying to end the book as quickly as possible. Wish they would have gone into more depth as to what happened with all of the characters and events that solved the conflicts.
May 25, 2019
Another success by Shane Dunphy. Haven't read his books for a while and I wasn't disappointed. After struggling to get into a book by another author I knew that this would be a great one to get into after a rubbish read. Fantastically written and an intriguing true story. Captured my attention and made me think. Well done Mr Dunphy
September 13, 2019
Awesome!!!
This book was so awesome. A teacher who is a fighter for all who ask for his help and even better one who fights for kids who might fall by the wayside, kids who need someone to give them a little extra help to catch up with the rest of the class. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
🤓❤️📚❣️
This book was so awesome. A teacher who is a fighter for all who ask for his help and even better one who fights for kids who might fall by the wayside, kids who need someone to give them a little extra help to catch up with the rest of the class. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
🤓❤️📚❣️
December 3, 2016
A very good book
I love the ghost story part of this book the best. Ghost stories ,true ones are something I can never put down. I feel so sad for Thomas and do wonder did his body ever get found?
I love the ghost story part of this book the best. Ghost stories ,true ones are something I can never put down. I feel so sad for Thomas and do wonder did his body ever get found?
April 30, 2018
A great mystery
This was such an edge of your seat read. I was driven to read this book and get to the end to solve the mystery of the hidden boy. I love how the book ended and how they helped Thomas find peace with his life.
This was such an edge of your seat read. I was driven to read this book and get to the end to solve the mystery of the hidden boy. I love how the book ended and how they helped Thomas find peace with his life.
October 8, 2018
Reads as a novel but it's real.
I still can't accept that this is a real event that took place. It reads just like a novel and was orbiting to read. Sad and tragic too. Very unsettling.
I still can't accept that this is a real event that took place. It reads just like a novel and was orbiting to read. Sad and tragic too. Very unsettling.
December 26, 2018
Scratching my head
I liked the book. The story was bizarre. I kept wondering why Shane was getting so involved with dangerous situations. The ghost boy was a puzzle with a not so satisfying explanation. With that said, sometimes it was hard to put down.
I liked the book. The story was bizarre. I kept wondering why Shane was getting so involved with dangerous situations. The ghost boy was a puzzle with a not so satisfying explanation. With that said, sometimes it was hard to put down.
August 29, 2019
A page turner
This was a great story, a real page turner . Shane is a great story teller although I found the ending a bit disappointing. I will definitely read more from. This author.
This was a great story, a real page turner . Shane is a great story teller although I found the ending a bit disappointing. I will definitely read more from. This author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews