Harry Allen was born in the UK, but spent many of his teenage years in Nigeria. He was educated at International schools in Lagos and London, and at Leeds University. After graduating with a degree in Theatre Arts, Harry has worked as an actor, director teacher and writer and has had several plays for young people produced, enjoying collaborations with companies and individuals in Europe and Australia. Harry is currently the Arts Director for an international school in Singapore, where he lives with his wife and young son.

'Allen writes beautifully, gently chauffeuring us along Charlie's nuanced emotional journey, while also speeding us through a white-knuckle sub-plot. ... Dramatic and deeply moving.' INIS 'It's a compelling story, teaching you a lot without being off-puttingly didactic.' The Independent on Sunday 'This moving debut novel about a teenage boy trying to redeem himself is a powerful picture of West African life, with its corruption, dangers and joys, as well as a celebration of all that true friendship can bring.' Booktrust A provocative and moving novel ... which encourages readers from Year 9 and beyond to reflect more deeply on global issues and individual responsibility. School Librarian 'An incredibly powerful and moving story.' -- Julia Eccleshare LoveReading4Kids This novel is a pacey adventure involving detection and exciting...action that keep the reader turning the pages. Its strength, however, lies in its gritty realism and rich sense of time and place. Harry Allen...writes convincingly and in a multi-layered way. Books for Keeps A valuable and compelling read. Bookseller- children's review Vanessa Lewis, The Book Nook - 'a powerful and moving story.' Bookseller Highlight Clare Poole, P&G Wells, - ' exciting and powerful.' Bookseller Highlight