Manny never asked to be different, to have a power that could bring the dead back to life. But when he resurrected his dead goldfish as a child, he knew he was cursed with an inexplicable power.
Decades later, he's working in a Brisbane hospital, surrounded by a cast of oddball characters who make his ordinary life feel anything but. His doomsday-prepping aunt, his unravelling housemate, and his new animal-activist girlfriend who's immune to pain quickly complicate his life.
Things take a sinister turn when a nefarious individual starts hunting him down, determined to uncover his secrets.
Industry Reviews
'Everyone could do with a near-death experience. From the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets in Brisbane, Troy Henderson's debut novel, Head Grenade, is a genre-bending thriller peppered with comedy, street philosophy, science fiction, and romance right here on our own turf. Love in all its forms alights in darkness and memory - and not even the doomsday preppers are ready for this!' L. E. Daniels, Author of Serpent's Wake: A Tale for the Bitten; 'Head Grenade is a hilarious, relatable, intriguing jump into the mind of a young adult trying to just live a life in Brisbane. The narration takes everything on the chin, from increasingly niche restaurants to mysterious backstories to the general stresses of life, roommates and The Valley, all with a quirky deadpan, a host of interesting characters, and a growing thriller aspect that keeps an edge of tension.' Nita Delgado, Editor & Reviewer; 'This fascinating yet relatable novel is packed with colourful characters and a thrilling plot. Henderson's evocative, often satirical, writing style brings this coming of age tale to life with a thick coating of dark humour.' Seanna Burnett - Editor & Writer; 'With a plot reminiscent of classic dystopian stories, Head Grenade is overflowing with relatable characters, well-placed quips and gritty depictions of Brisbane. The characters' pasts will draw you in, but you'll stay for their intriguing present.' Meesha Whittam, Reviewer; 'Manny's sense of humour runs through the whole book. Head Grenade is an authentically Australian book set in Brisbane. As a man in my twenties, I found it very relatable, especially the humour. I loved it.' Rory Hawkins, Editor & Reviewer