Leathered

by Chris McQueer

Frank, a 6ft 4 prison guard at Bar-L. A hardman and technophobe, firmly set in his ways... until Joe, a ‘Twitter Famous’ inmate, convinces Frank to send a tweet that changes the world.

‘Kim Jong-Un? I could kick f*ck out of him.’

About the author: Chris McQueer arrived on the scene last year with his highly praised collection Hings. He is currently shortlisted for Best Short Story Collection with the Saboteur Awards. He will be releasing his second collection of short stories later in the year. Leathered is his first Novella.

Genres: Fiction

94 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2018

About the author

Chris McQueer is a 20-something year old writer and sales assistant from Glasgow. After leaving school at 16, Chris found himself working under the hallowed title of ‘Sandwich Artist’ in Subway where he was the source of constant complaints as he couldn’t cut footlong sandwiches equally in half. Now he works in a sports shop where he is regarded as the greatest seller of trainers the world has ever seen.

Chris kept his writing a secret from his friends and family for several months before his girlfriend, Vanessa, encouraged him to share his work through Twitter (@ChrisMcQueer). Since then he has gone from strength to strength and has earned a reputation as ‘That Guy Oan Twitter Who Writes Short Stories’.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so funny. Chris McQueer is one of the best short story writers around. This is so original, go out and get a copy!

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH SURE THIS IS HILARIOUS AND ALL BUT IT WON'T SEEM QUITE SO FUNNY WHEN KIM JONG UN FLIES TO GLASGOW TO KNOCK SEVEN SHADES OF SHIT OUT OF CHRIS MCQUEER AND WORLD WAR THREE KICKS OFF

[JK · Rating 4 out of 5]

McQueer has done it again. It’s a real wonder what goes on in that boy’s heed, but we should be grateful for his capacity to put his mental thoughts down on paper for us to pore over.

This time, we meet Frank, a Bar-L prison guard and an absolute unit, who (after removing a phone from an inmates arse and being taught how to use Twitter), casually posts his first tweet: Kim Jong-Un? I could kick fuck out of him.” The rest of the story can only be politely described as fucking chaos.

We’re thrown into discussions on which Scottish celebrities would be able to hold their own in a fight, delivered to North Korea to see the fallout of Frank’s tweet, and ultimately given a ticket to the Hydro to see the biggest political bareknuckle scrap which has ever been imagined; the highlight of which is the supporting acts.

Fast-paced and completely hilarious, as is McQueer’s style, it’s another gorgeous wee gem set right on your doorstep. And on the Scottish celebrity capacity for violence, I think I could take Sheena Easton.

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most ludicrous premise for a novella I’ve ever heard but the execution is nothing short of sheer brilliance! An absolute riot of a read. I’m incredibly excited to see what Chris McQueer comes up with next. Hottest new talent on the Scottish literary scene.

[Sarah Higgins]

Think this is quite rare now, found it in a charity shop recently. Just a wee indie published novella from an early career writer so it would feel mean to give a rating. Not really for me I’m afraid, might have worked better as a short story!

[Iain Dewar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious stuff again by Chris McQueer. He doesn’t fail to write hilarious stories.

[Stuart Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ri, there is this man in Scotland. He said he can "kick the fuck out of" Kim Jong-Un!"

[David Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing how I could absolutely destroy anyone who would give this book four stars or lower.

[Kate Smith]

Like Bob Mortimer's shaggy dog stories but with more violence.