Description

Book Synopsis

When teenager Ciara Farrelly visits her dead grandfather's Ontario home she uncovers a secret from his childhood.

Back in 1928, twelve-year-old Mike Farrelly made friends with Wilson, a lonely, rich boy whose family had emigrated from Ireland, and Lucy, a feisty Ojibwe girl from a local reservation. The three spent the bright, warm summer holidays having adventures together. But then a murder was committed, and Mike, Wilson and Lucy found themselves in danger. Suddenly, they had to trust each other, not only with their secrets, but with their lives…

Follow their story with Ciara as she traces its echo down the years – and find out what really happened one summer, long ago.



Trade Review

will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery and adventure

-- School Librarian Magazine

I liked the story … it was well written

-- The History Show, RTE Radio 1

fans of history aged 9 and upwards will adore … Arrivals by Brian Gallagher about Irish emigrants in Canada … may be his best book yet

-- irishtimes.com

a tale of loyalty and discovery, and of how learning about other people can teach you a lot about yourself!

-- CBI Recommended Reads 2016

[Brian Gallagher is] one of Ireland’s finest authors of historical fiction for any age, and in our opinion criminally underrated … Gallagher is a consummate storyteller, the characters are brilliantly brought to life, the writing is perfectly pitched and the story rockets along making this an exciting and page turning read for any child with an interest in history or just a love of adventure

-- gobblefunked.com

a very special time-slip story, dealing with youthful class and racial tensions … a fast-paced, moving story … a rattling good yarn

-- Historical Novel Society Review

the story of the friendship at the heart of the novel is well told and thoroughly convincing. The setting is fascinating and well realised too, conveying a real sense of the excitement of the late 1920s and of the looming changes to society. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart are the new superstars, old assumptions about class, status and even race are just beginning to be questioned. The children’s friendship allows the author to explore these issues, and religious intolerance too, but it is done subtly and as part of the story

-- Books for Keeps

the dual narration adds to the tension in this fine story, which also shines a light on Irish attitudes to the British empire

-- Irish Examiner

Arrivals: How long can a secret be kept?

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    £8.54

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    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 20 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Brian Gallagher

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Arrivals: How long can a secret be kept? by Brian Gallagher

      Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd
      Publication Date: 11/04/2016
      ISBN13: 9781847177209, 978-1847177209
      ISBN10: 1847177204

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      When teenager Ciara Farrelly visits her dead grandfather's Ontario home she uncovers a secret from his childhood.

      Back in 1928, twelve-year-old Mike Farrelly made friends with Wilson, a lonely, rich boy whose family had emigrated from Ireland, and Lucy, a feisty Ojibwe girl from a local reservation. The three spent the bright, warm summer holidays having adventures together. But then a murder was committed, and Mike, Wilson and Lucy found themselves in danger. Suddenly, they had to trust each other, not only with their secrets, but with their lives…

      Follow their story with Ciara as she traces its echo down the years – and find out what really happened one summer, long ago.



      Trade Review

      will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery and adventure

      -- School Librarian Magazine

      I liked the story … it was well written

      -- The History Show, RTE Radio 1

      fans of history aged 9 and upwards will adore … Arrivals by Brian Gallagher about Irish emigrants in Canada … may be his best book yet

      -- irishtimes.com

      a tale of loyalty and discovery, and of how learning about other people can teach you a lot about yourself!

      -- CBI Recommended Reads 2016

      [Brian Gallagher is] one of Ireland’s finest authors of historical fiction for any age, and in our opinion criminally underrated … Gallagher is a consummate storyteller, the characters are brilliantly brought to life, the writing is perfectly pitched and the story rockets along making this an exciting and page turning read for any child with an interest in history or just a love of adventure

      -- gobblefunked.com

      a very special time-slip story, dealing with youthful class and racial tensions … a fast-paced, moving story … a rattling good yarn

      -- Historical Novel Society Review

      the story of the friendship at the heart of the novel is well told and thoroughly convincing. The setting is fascinating and well realised too, conveying a real sense of the excitement of the late 1920s and of the looming changes to society. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart are the new superstars, old assumptions about class, status and even race are just beginning to be questioned. The children’s friendship allows the author to explore these issues, and religious intolerance too, but it is done subtly and as part of the story

      -- Books for Keeps

      the dual narration adds to the tension in this fine story, which also shines a light on Irish attitudes to the British empire

      -- Irish Examiner

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