• WAL: Atlantic Books
  • Published: 6th February 2025
  • Agent: Ciara McEllin

The Kings Head

Kelly Frost

A fierce story about friendship and competition set among London’s forgotten girl gangs

We never ran the place on paper, but we had reigned here as Kings, reigned over the world we created for ourselves.

1957, London. A gang of girls called the Kings rule the bomb-struck streets of Finsbury Park. When Harry, their unpredictable but charismatic leader, tries to encroach on the territory of the rival Seven Sisters gang, the Kings know they’re in for a fight.

Armed with flick knives and fists, they do battle in dancehalls and on football fields. But with the authorities closing in and conscripted boys threatening to reclaim what was once theirs, the Kings must ask if they’re willing to pay the price of loyalty.

Bound by wild friendship and brutal competition, these young women will do anything to carve a space for themselves in this ruthless city.

“The King’s Head is not only a compelling story but also an understated celebration of female friendship and a lament for its alterations with time”
The Sunday Times
“Wonderfully vivid, powerful and compelling”
Joseph O'Connor
“A glorious tale of female friendship and rivalry”
Lucie McKnight Hardy
“A startling new talent”
Peter James