The Space Between Us works on so many levels. It is full of humanity. I suppose technically it is sci-fi, but it is also so much more. Doug excels in looking at the human race in relation to the rest of the universe, giving a real sense of perspective as to who we are and how our actions impact on each other, as well as making us think about how we treat each other. It is however one book that a synopsis simply can’t compare to the wild ride of a story you are in for. But there is a brilliant cast; A heavily pregnant woman, a brain tumour patient and a teenage boy all connected…oh yes and by an octopus-like creature. They go on the run through Scotland…what are they running from and why? and what they find along the way…you can only read for yourself to find out.

The Space Between Us reminded me of one of my favourite sci-fi movies Arrival, and although I don’t think it’s quite as brilliant as that movie, I still really appreciated what it did. The story shines in its portrayal of these three protagonists, and the interweaving of their storylines. There’s a deep sense of loneliness to all of them at the start, and their journey of connection to each other, themselves and the humans around them is a wonderful one to witness. Ironically wonderful, as it took an alien visitor to begin with. Without spoiling any of their story- and character-arcs, Heather, Ava and Lennox were all well-rounded and memorable character, and I enjoyed their arcs equally. One ordinary afternoon on the Edinburgh beach, a display of lights in the sky, the stranding of a mysterious squid and a series of unexplained strokes suffered by bystanders connect the lives of our three protagonists. Lennox is a teenage boy struggling with his identity and feeling like he doesn’t belong. Ava is heavily pregnant and on the run from an abusive relationship, in search of a new place to call home. Heather has lost all hope of ever finding that feeling of home again, after losing her daughter to cancer, and now suffering a terminal diagnosis herself as well. All three feel a compulsive and inexplicable draw to a beach where an octopus-like creature has been washed up. There is media curiosity but, in most cases, it is thought to be just an odd looking creature that needs disposing of. But there are others out there who think differently. Lennox, Ava and Heather put together a plan to rescue this creature and what follows is a race against time as they all fear for their own safety and the safety of this creature they have affectionately named Sandy. A gloriously hopeful story and a perfect road trip movie just waiting to be made … I can’t recommend this highly enough’ James Oswald As they are coming to terms with this bizarre situation, they hear a huge cephalopod has been found on Yellowcraig Beach. All three are drawn to it, as they are to each other. Lennox calls the creature "Sandy", but it's not a single entity, more part of a hive mind - when he touches Sandy, he finds out they are telepathic. They want to reconnect, they tell Lennox - with themselves.

Why a Booktrail?

Even if you are not a science fiction aficionado, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend you give it a try.

Ewan is a journalist. He senses a big story behind this occurrence and is baffled by why these three should be stonewalling his questions. But the more he learns, the more he feels a connection to these people and to Sandy. A moving as it is magical and mysterious. Doug Johnstone has hit it out of the park again' Mark BillinghamIf you're coming to Coles by car, why not take advantage of the 2 hours free parking at Sainsbury's Pioneer Square - just follow the signs for Pioneer Square as you drive into Bicester and park in the multi-storey car park above the supermarket. Come down the travelators, exit Sainsbury's, turn right and follow the pedestrianised walkway to Crown Walk and turn right - and Coles will be right in front of you. You don't need to shop in Sainsbury's to get the free parking! Where to Find Us

Lennox is a troubled teenager with no family. Ava is eight months pregnant and fleeing her abusive husband. Heather is a grieving mother and cancer sufferer. They don’t know each other, but when a meteor streaks over Edinburgh, all three suffer instant, catastrophic strokes…This event will take place in the bookshop with an in-person audience, as well as a livestream for attendees watching from home. There will be a signing after the event. Johnstone's mesmeric story artfully puts Scotland centre stage in a sci-fi drama that is as much about the smallness of mankind and the importance of kinship as it is about ET needing to phone home. Pay attention, Steven Spielberg! This could be your next film' Marnie Riches The trio sneak Sandy off the beach and out of the reaches of officialdom. That choice will lead the group across large swathes of Scotland and into all kinds of trouble - from Ava's husband, from the police, from a mysterious chap in a sharp suit with hulking minders, and from a journalist, Ewan, who starts out following the story but ends up engulfed by it. I also found myself making comparisons to our own country’s response to immigration. How we treat those we don’t understand; who are not from our little island. Lennox, Ava and Heather felt compassion and connection to something they didn’t know, and didn’t understand. Ultimately they saw something needing their help; so they went to help. But the motives of government agencies were very different.