A STIRLING author is set to launch his second novel in his home town this week.

Local Ross Sayers, whose debut novel Mary’s the Name was shortlisted in the Saltire First Book Award, is aiming his new book at the young adult market.

Set in Stirling and written in Scots, the new book Sonny and Me will be launched at Waterstones on Thursday, May 16, with the author appearing at 6.30pm.

The book follows two 15-year-old best friends who are in their fourth year at high school.

When their favourite teacher leaves unexpectedly, and no one would say why, the boys decide to start their own investigation, eventually discovering a dark secret that one person will kill to protect.

Ross said: “Choosing to write in Scots was easy.

“I wanted the characters to feel real, and to echo my experiences, so they had to speak in dialect. It's what I grew up with, and what I still hear today.”

Ross will also appear at a launch event at Waterstones Argyle Street in Glasgow the following day.