Lucas by Kevin Brooks
Published by Chicken House

Fifteen year old Cait lives with her father on the small island of Hale, joined by a short causeway (the Stand) to the mainland.  Her normally tranquil life is disrupted initially by the return of her elder brother from University.  Then the local MP's smarmy son, Jamie accosts her on the beach.  A mysterious lone figure appears on the Stand, and he instantly captivates Cait by his strength and unusual appearance.   Cait is drawn into drink and boys by her friend Bill (a girl!), and grows increasingly anxious about her brother and the company he keeps.  A young girl nearly drowns in the sea, and is saved by the mystery man, Lucas.  Instead of treating him as a hero, the crowd turn against him, accusing him of abusing her.  Jamie andhis crowd decide to 'get' Lucas, mainly because he is different and in Cait's words: "It was turning out to be one hell of a summer".   A further violent incident with Jamie accelerates the sense of loss of control.  The novel ends catastrophically, and is a lesson in crowd dynamics, prejudice and jealousy.  This book is very atmospheric, tense and has a gripping plot.  It also explores a close father/ daughter relationship and deals with grief movingly. You won't be able to put it down!