Alfred has been a collector of things for many years but since losing his wife Ida five years earlier he has been hoarding more and more and it's getting a bit out of hand. Teenager Kian hasn't had an easy childhood, abandoned by his mother when he was young and split up from his little brother Danny when they were both taken into care, he believes the system is against him and keeps getting into trouble. His latest antics lead him to Alfred's house where he throws a brick through his window causing Alfred to have a heart attack and end up in hospital. This results in a social worker being assigned to Alfred and his hoarding becomes a major cause of concern for them and they decide to put Kian on a restorative justice programme where he will help sort out Alfred's home, which neither of them are really happy about but, could this be the start of a beautiful friendship between these unlikely individuals...

The Secret Collector is the debut novel of this author and from the first page I was hooked. Set in Birmingham in 1999 we meet Alfred and Kian two individuals at opposite ends of the life cycle that are thrust together by the authorities because one of them has committed a crime, and i absolutely adored both of them. This is a story of two lost souls, floundering in life with the cards that they've been dealt, more alike than they care to admit and need each other more than they realise and it's this that made me so invested in them. This is a story with a solid plot and some great characters, a tale of love, loss, heartache and new beginnings with friendships and community at it's very core. It's a heartwarming feel good read that restores your faith in humanity and shows that some people deserve that second chance to get back on their feet. A great debut and I look forward to reading more of her work.

I'd like to thank Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this eCopy to review

I recently finished The Secret Collector, and it was a heart warming yet deeply emotional read. Johnson crafts a story that explores friendship, loss, and redemption, weaving together two unlikely lives in a way that feels both poignant and uplifting.

The novel follows Alfred, an elderly widower who has spent years collecting antiques and keepsakes to fill the void left by his late wife. His home is overflowing with objects, each holding sentimental value, but his hoarding has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. Meanwhile, Kian, a troubled teenager who has been failed by the care system, struggles to stay on the right path.

Their lives collide when Kian, in a moment of frustration, throws a brick through Alfred’s window, sending the old man to the hospital. This incident forces social services to intervene, leading to an unusual arrangement—Kian must help Alfred clear out his home as part of a restorative justice program. At first, neither of them wants anything to do with the other. Alfred refuses to part with his treasures, and Kian resents being forced into the situation.

However, as they work together, an unexpected friendship begins to form. Alfred sees glimpses of his younger self in Kian, while Kian starts to understand the weight of Alfred’s grief. Through shared stories, reluctant compromises, and moments of quiet understanding, they slowly help each other heal. But as secrets from their pasts surface, both must confront painful truths before they can truly move forward.

What I loved most about The Secret Collector was its emotional depth. Johnson writes with a sensitivity that makes both Alfred and Kian feel incredibly real. Their struggles—one with grief and isolation, the other with anger and abandonment—are handled with care, making their journey feel authentic. The novel also explores the power of objects and memories, questioning what we hold onto and why.

Overall, The Secret Collector is a touching and thought-provoking novel that celebrates unlikely friendships and second chances. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional weight, this book is well worth reading. Its heartfelt message and beautifully crafted characters make it a memorable read.

In The Secret Collector, a story of unlikely connections and personal growth unfolds between Alfred, an elderly widower, and Kian, a troubled teen. Alfred, an eccentric collector whose antiques serve as a substitute for the love he lost with his late wife, and Kian, a boy let down by the care system and struggling to stay out of trouble, are forced into an unexpected partnership. After Kian throws a brick through Alfred’s window, the elderly man is hospitalized, and authorities intervene. As part of a restorative justice program, Kian is assigned to help Alfred organize his hoarded possessions and make his home livable again.

From the very beginning, the contrast between Alfred’s sentimental attachment to his treasures and Kian’s tough exterior makes for an intriguing dynamic. Alfred’s reluctance to part with his belongings becomes a poignant metaphor for the emotional baggage we all carry, and Kian’s journey through the program mirrors his struggle with the emotional walls he’s built around himself. Both characters initially resist the situation, but as they work together, they begin to see their worlds - and themselves - through each other’s eyes.

Both characters are given depth in ways that are uncommon. Alfred's hoarding is a kind of bulwark against his grief, and it's shown in a sympathetic way; he's never to blame for it, even when he's filling his house with things we know are junk. Likewise, Kian is brash and loud, but he has a softer side; he's desperate to create a stable living situation so he can bring his little brother out of care, but everything seems to work against him.

The beauty of this narrative lies not just in the growth of both characters but in the way their bond unfolds. Alfred’s lessons on the value of memories, and Kian’s lessons on loyalty and trust, make this story more than just a tale of redemption. It’s an exploration of the subtle ways people change one another and how sometimes, the most unexpected connections can offer the greatest healing.

The plot may sound familiar - a grumpy old man and a rebellious teen forced to work together - but the heart of the story lies in the complexities of the characters and the nuanced way their relationship evolves. There are moments of humor, heartache, and tenderness, all of which balance out the emotional heaviness of Kian’s troubled past. The author skillfully weaves a narrative of second chances, showing that it’s never too late to begin again - whether that’s with a friendship, a clean home, or a chance at redemption.



Book Recommendation: If you’re looking for a story about unlikely friendships and personal growth, you may enjoy A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. It features an older protagonist who learns to open up and embrace life’s possibilities through the connections he makes along the way.

Movie Recommendation: For a film that explores an equally heartwarming and transformative friendship, The Intouchables (2011) is a great choice. It tells the story of the unexpected bond between a wealthy quadriplegic man and his ex-convict caregiver, capturing themes of personal growth, trust, and how human connection can change lives.

When i started this book it seemed very slow and I struggled with it, after several chapters it all of a sudden came to life with the story of Alfred and Kian. The story is about Kian and his actions when drunk when he throws bricks through Albert’s room window and causes Albert to be hospitalised and the ongoing consequences from these actions. Alfred is a very lonely man who is a “collector” in his words but for his daughter Maggie her dad is a hoarder. Kian meets Alfred and has to do help Albert clear his home and so begins a very up and down relationship. This book is worth the read and I can honestly say I really enjoyed it.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and publisher Pan Macmillan | Pan for the read.

Thank you to the publisher and netalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book!

The Secret Collector focuses on Alfred, an elderly widower who fills the void left by his late wife with antiques and collectibles, and Kian, a troubled teen who's struggled within the care system. Following an incident where Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, they become part of a restorative justice program aimed at clearing Alfred's hoarded belongings. Despite initial resistance, they form an unlikely friendship, helping each other heal and find hope in unexpected ways. The Secret Collector is a heartwarming journey of transformation and healing. At the beginning of the story, Alfred is portrayed as a withdrawn, elderly widower grappling with the loss of his beloved wife. To cope with his grief, Alfred turns to hoarding antiques and collectibles, using them to fill the emotional void in his life. His behaviour isolates him further, making him resistant to change and closed off to the outside world. With the arrival of Kian, a troubled teenager placed in his life through a restorative justice program, this challenges Alfred's way of living. Initially, Alfred is reluctant to let go of his treasures or engage with Kian. However, as the unlikely pair work together to clear out Alfred's home, a deep and genuine friendship blossoms. Through this bond, Alfred gradually learns to confront his loss, open his heart to others, and embrace new possibilities.

By the end of the story, Alfred emerges as a more resilient and open-minded individual, rediscovering hope and companionship. His transformation highlights the themes of intergenerational friendship, the power of community, and the ability to heal and grow even in the later stages of life.

The story highlights the transformative power of unlikely friendships, specifically between Alfred, an elderly widower, and Kian, a troubled teenager. Their bond transcends the generational gap and proves that mutual understanding can create meaningful connections. Both Alfred and Kian grapple with personal loss and emotional struggles. Alfred mourns his late wife and uses antiques to fill the void, while Kian copes with abandonment and systemic challenges. Their journey together illustrates the potential for healing and growth through companionship and support.

At its core, the book conveys a message of acceptance—of oneself and others—and the importance of giving and receiving second chances. I enjoyed this book and would recommend, it was a very uplifting read!

What a truly wonderful find this was.

A story that doesn’t just sugar coat everything to be okay, but shows the hard work, determination and ups and downs of navigating life.

Alfred, elderly and alone, just wants to be left to collect his keepsakes. Kian, a troubled teen, struggles to make ends meet and move forward with his life. When their two lives cross, for all the wrong reasons, they are unknowingly bound together. What follows is a tale of hitting rock bottom and trying to find your way out. It tells of finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, of allowing yourself to be vulnerable and let others in.

I loved how this story told of the problems these characters encountered, but didn’t just solve them and write them away within a few pages. It showed that sometimes, even though determined, even though motivated by important things, it can still be incredibly hard to pick yourself up and change your ways.

The writing is very descriptive and the characters develop so well. By the end of this book you really will have become friends with the characters, be routing for them and be totally invested in their futures.

I really didn’t want to put this one down, I tried, but then found myself picking it back up until the early hours of the morning to find out what happened.

Overall a fantastic read, I’ll be looking out for more from this author in the future.

An uplifting tale. Alfred has withdrawn into himself following the death of his wife Ida, even cutting himself off from his daughter Maggie. He spends his time collecting and his house is stuffed full of the items he has collected. Kian spent most of his short life in care and now is unemployed with no hope and on his own. Their lives collide when Kian vandalises Alfred’s house and through the restorative justice scheme has to help clear and tidy Alfred’s collections.
A story of hope and friendship. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

I loved this book. Simplistically it’s the story of two very different people who turn their lives around after they are thrown together against their will’s. Alfred is an elderly widower who allowed his collecting to turn into hoarding after the death of Ida his wife. Although he still cooks and looks after himself the house is a mess. Kian is seventeen and has spent much of his life in foster care. He lives independently now but dreams of getting his younger brother Dan out of the foster system to live with him. However, he has no job, drinks heavily and no prospect of achieving this.

Briefly, after a drinking session Kian throws a brick through Alfred’s window causing Alfred to have a heart attack. After Alfred’s release from hospital social services have him on their radar. Kian is given a community services order and his task is to help clear Alfred’s house to make it liveable. There is one big problem. Alfred really doesn’t want to get rid of any of his possessions, in fact he still goes out trawling the charity shops for more!

Two lost souls who find each other and through that they open their lives to other people. I love how Alfred takes Kian and Dan under his wing, helping Dan with his homework and teaching Kian how to cook. You could tell that both are intrinsically good people but both needed help and found it in each other. A wonderful feel good story that really touched me, my Mum used to say you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family and Alfred and Kian made great choices. This is a delightful read.

A touching and beautifully human debut about healing, found-family, and the treasures we carry—both in our homes and our hearts.

The Secret Collector is a truly lovely and enjoyable read. From the very start, I felt for both Alfred and Kian - two people who did not choose to be thrown together, yet needed each other more than they realised. What begins with a brick through a window slowly unfolds into a tender, often funny, always heartfelt story of two lives being rebuilt, piece by piece.

I loved that neither character wanted to be in this situation - Alfred mourning his wife through his collected treasures, and Kian trying to stay afloat in a system that’s let him down. Their reluctant bond, full of ups and downs, is beautifully written and deeply believable. You understand their perspectives so clearly, and you grow to care about them both in very different but equally strong ways.

Reading this brought back my own memories of losing my mum and how difficult it was to let go of her things. Like Alfred, I didn’t want to part with anything at first - every object held a memory. Over time, with the help of friends, I began to let go, and while I still have a few regrets, most items have found new life with others. A few years on, I’m finally in a headspace to continue clearing space, and it feels therapeutic. This book gently reminded me that letting go doesn’t mean losing, it can mean making room for something new.

Abigail Johnson has done something really special in her debut. She hasn’t just written characters, she’s created two deeply human souls and shared them with us. Both Kian and Alfred are better for having found each other, and their story is a reminder that family isn’t always the one you’re born into - sometimes, it’s the one you stumble into when life doesn’t go to plan.

A wonderful, warm debut I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories of second chances and unlikely friendships.

i was worried at first about whether i should read this book. i knew i wanted to. but i was slightly worried of how the issues would be tackled. because both the issues followed in this book still have (WRONGLY) so much misinformed and ignorant narration around them. but take a tender step i did and im so glad. this book is just wonderful.
the plot follows these two lost souls in their own way. who both have some kinda ill hearts and minds at play. and they both like many emotionally poorly folk take it out on any way they can. for one its hoarding. and this is a very real and very heart breaking illness. and its not about the "stuff" its about why the stuff came to be their safety, or their way to cope" and so dealing with that is key. which as the book progresses you slowly see. and any progress made is not down to emptying this poor man house and therefore heart of safety. its about the changes that go on in his life, how he feels, how hes cared for. sadly this is not the help he gets even in this book. the lack of compassion and true help had me raging.
but Abigail handles this subject and this illness so well. i dare anyone to judge people suffering with this disorder if they ever truly got to know why.
the second story is just as important. and handled just as well. and also offers the healing link for both. Kian is a boy who also is lost and seeks safety or a way to cope. hes not had it easy at all. hes had a rough start to life. noone to keep him safe or guide him. so his behaviour take a darker turn. and in doing so he and Alfred are smashed together. literally in the form of Kain breaking Alfreds window. and in doing this a beautiful union is formed. because its agreed that Kian will help get Alfreds house in order. but in doing so this isnt the emptying of all Alfred knows in a cruel way. its a changing of worlds and minds for both our characters. one that helps them heal and move forward with the care and support they deserve both from each other and for themselves.

Thank you to Netgalley for this copy to review in exchange.

I adored this story. Abigail has carefully and cleverly told a very normal story in the most extraordinary way. The whole book, with its skillful and human interactions, had me flipping the pages nightly.

Alfred is a dream and is really is my hero. I yelled at him sometimes to make contact with his family, but still found his protective charm and care of Kian, a delight that really kept me reading way more than I should, late at night. Alfred is humble, true to himself and in fact, just like Kian. A dreamy duo.

Kian's journey was emotional, I shouted at him too sometimes but knew he had to make his own choices because he hadn't been guided, until he met Alfred.

Wonderful debut with real life tender moments and characters and I hope to read more from this writer.

This was such a heartwarming read following the symbiotic friendship that blossoms between Alfred and Kian after Kian's bad behaviour causes a snowball effect that actually turns out for the best, and forms the most beautiful union.
I felt so sad for Alfred and his situation and was really irritated at the behaviour of the social worker when she was 'dealing' with him and, as a nurse myself, felt there was such a lack of care and compassion towards Alfred as a person rather than just a patient to tick off the list. I also felt so deeply for Kian who had had such a rough start to life and didn't have anyone to rely on or guide him properly, which made it even more beautiful when the chain of events caused Alfred and Kian to end up as each others person. I loved the ending and thought it was wrapped up beautifully.

What an amazing debut novel. This book slowly sucked me in and I found myself really rooting for Kian to accept help and turn his life around, his heart was always in the right place; and for Alfred to open his heart to let Kian in and enjoy a friendship safe in the knowledge that it doesn’t mean he has to loose the memories of his late wife.

Really thought provoking and moving at times. I could really identify with Alfred, he was almost stuck in a loop. If he kept collecting things, then his wife never really left him, it made him feel connected to her. It was interesting that out of everyone, it was Alfred who spotted Kian’s talent in the kitchen and encouraged and supported him, even though he was scared and shut off himself. Two kindred spirits that recognised similar qualities within each that they had themselves.

A fantastic debut and certainly worth a read.

Stunning! Just wonderful in every way; I loved every word and really didn't want it to end.

The main characters, Alfred and Kian, though generations apart, are more similar than they realise. Kian has been let down by the care system and has fallen into petty crime. After throwing a brick through Alfred's window, Kian is tasked with helping Alfred reluctantly clear his house, where he is hoarding vast amounts of possessions,

The two main characters are so well written. I was entirely absorbed in their story and felt like they had become a part of my life. After a very rocky start, the two men forge an initially reluctant friendship that grows to genuine warmth, care and support. Although they have both had some difficult times, there were some wonderful laugh out loud moments and some unexpected twists and turns.

If this is what Abigail Johnson pulls out of the bag for her debut, then I can't wait to read whatever is next.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Abigail Johnson and Pan Macmillan for an ARC in return for an honest review.

A charming read, full of emotion and heartwarming moments.

Sometimes a book comes along that soothes your soul and makes the world ok for a moment. Kian and Alfred find each other through a difficult circumstance and they are not at all happy about it.

With time and understanding, both realise how they can use the other for what they need and decide to work together. Can their plans work or will things get in the way?!

A great read, wonderful writing and characters that will take up space in your heart - eventually!

4.5 stars

I loved Alfred and Kians friendship and watching it grow throughout the book. There were some predicable parts but also a lot of moments I did not see coming.

Both of the main characters are very well written and super believable. Even though I haven't been in either situation it is very easy to relate to what they are both going through.

I think for both of them, they were the person the other needed most at that point in their lives. There is a line very early on in the book that I think sums up this book really nicely - "Things that other people had thrown out, discarded ot considered worthless were often. given a place in his heart".

Beautiful story and beautifully written.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.

Alfred has always collected unusual objects but since the death of his wife five years ago it's become an obsession. Things are so out of hand that he can barely move in his own home. When a teenager vandalises Alfred's home his social worker and the justice system see the opportunity for the pair to work together and restore Alfred's home to normal.

The Secret Collector by Abigail Johnson is one of those stories that will tug at your heartstrings. It features characters at the opposite ends of the age spectrum, elderly Alfred and teenager Kian, who are forced to work together, a situation neither wants nor likes.

The book is set in 1999 and Alfred lives alone, his wife died five years before and he's estranged from his daughter. Alfred is a bit of a recluse, he doesn't want to get to know his neighbours, and his only interest is adding to his growing mountain of unusual objects. He collects things other people throw away, not because they're valuable but for their "beauty, uniqueness or even an imagined past". As soon as I started reading Abigail Johnson's description of Alfred my mind immediately thought of the 1999 TV series Life Of Grime and elderly Mr Trebus.

Seventeen-year-old Kian is the other main character. He's been raised in care for most of his life but now lives alone while his young brother, Dan, remains in foster care. Kian has no job and no prospects, the only things he cares about are getting custody of Dan when he turns eighteen and getting drunk with his friends. It's following a drinking session that the lives of Kian and Alfred collide when Kian throws bricks through Alfred's window, causing Alfred to have a heart attack.

It is decided that restorative justice needs to happen, with Kian helping Alfred clear out the junk in his house. Alfred is opposed to this but realises it's the only way of getting the social worker who seems determined to consign him to a care home off his back. Neither of the pair is happy and a battle of wills ensues, it becomes an immovable object against an unstoppable force. As Kian moves stuff into a skip by day, Alfred moves them back into the property at night - and continues to add to the collection. You can really feel Kian's frustration with the situation.

Slowly the pair begin to chip away at each other's rough exterior, realising that they do have some things in common, but it is not an easy road, sometimes it's a case of one step forward then two steps back. Alfred is proud, self-reliant, wily and stubborn, whereas Kian is headstrong, impetuous and has low self-esteem. It is the fact that Kian knows if he doesn't complete his restorative justice programme he will end up in jail and that will put an end to his chances of becoming Dan's guardian that keeps the relationship alive.

The author doesn't shy away from some difficult topics, particularly the reality of siblings in care, and while the ending is uplifting Abigail Johnson avoids waving a magic wand, keeping the overall story grounded and realistic.

Alfred is an elderly collector, with a house rammed full of items holding great importance to him. Teenager Kian throws a brick though Alfred's window, and social services finally realise the extent of Alfred's hoarding. When the authorities decide Kian has to help Alfred clear his house to repent for his crime, no one forsees the friendship that forms.

A beautiful story of finding friendship in unusual places, and how family is not always via blood. The book is full of fabulous characters, and a lovely easy written style.

I always like stories that feature a relationship between young and old and usually enjoy them. This one turned out to be not quite what I had anticipated. I did find it quite a dark story and found there was so much doom and gloom most of the way through that it didn't really click with me. I couldn't help but empathise with Kian, the young teen aband0ned by his mum at a young age, who desperately wanted to keep himself and his younger brother together. Nevertheless the amount of problems and trouble bestowed on him seemed relentless and put a dark cloud over reading this book, finding myself struggling to pick it up and carry on. It is very true to life, but I did feel it needed some lighter moments to encourage the reader along.

It's described as uplifting, hopeful and encompasses the power of community, but none of this is evident until the very last chapters of the book and I just felt it took too long to get to the uplifting bit. The ending was good but the rest of it wasn't for me.

The story of how Kian and Alfred become each others family is not a sweet breezy tale of a young lost man helping an elderly man to regain his home, but it is a good one.

This story has a lot of reality or at least some harsh realities embedded into it, and these were not easy to read for anyone whose life has even marginally touched upon these areas. Kian is contemptible, and destructive to himself and others. Yet he is also suffering and struggling from being abandoned. Alfred is the opposite. He is lost in his own world of grief, not harmful to anyone, and yet, pestered by and prodded at by the local authority. When restorative justice is advised and agreed to it seems that both Kian and Alfred have been thrown in at the deep end. What happens after that is the story of friendship and of ‘found family’.

Themes /Triggers include: abandonment, grief, hoarding, binge drinking, drink driving, theft, destruction of property, social worker, care home, foster home, care system, war, friendship.

I really struggled with this book. In all honesty I was 65% into it before I could really enjoy reading it. The Secret Collector by Abigail Johnson is well written and has a few moral tales to it. The story illuminates the history of people – we are all more than our actions. The last chapters of this book were such a pleasure to read. I wholly recommend this book.