Eddie
An endearing outlier, Brian lives alone in a Welsh valley, inventing oddball contraptions that seldom work. After finding a discarded mannequin head, Brian gets an idea. Three days, a washing machine, and sundry spare parts later, heβs invented Charles, an artificially intelligent robot who learns English from a dictionary and proves a charming, cheeky companion. Before long, however, Charles also develops autonomy. Intrigued by the wider world β or whatever lies beyond the cottage where Brian has hidden him away β Charles craves adventure.
Paul
After Mum and Dad announce an imminent, split custody separation, Yakira--the oldest daughter in a broken family - kidnaps her estranged younger sister and takes to the road, in an attempt to reconnect before they part.
After a strange encounter with his seemingly benign teacher, an isolated school boy must decide how to negotiate this contentious and intriguing relationship.
Gilbert de la Hey, Barron of Errol
Forced into exile by the English after being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce fights to reclaim the throne.
Teacher
Detective Harry Hole investigates the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around an ominous looking snowman.
Ordinary young couple Gemma and Richard have just bought their first home and are expecting a baby. It's all very exciting, and the couple settles in nicely to their new pad. Except for the screaming and shouting they hear at all times of the night through their walls from the house next door. Listening more closely, pregnant Gemma is convinced that she's also hearing cries and smacking noises, which she is certain are the sounds of a toddler being abused. She and Richard have seen the child just once, but not since. Feeling morally obliged to act, the couple gather as much information as possible about what's going on next door. And after social services say there's nothing to worry about, Gemma becomes increasingly obsessed and she starts to spy on them in a way that raises questions about who is actually committing the crime β Gemma's neighbours, or Gemma?
Davey
Hector has been living on the motorways for years. His once comfortable family life has been replaced by a never-ending tour of service stations that offer him shelter, anonymity, washing facilities and food. The story follows his journey south from Scotland on his annual pilgrimage to a temporary Christmas shelter in London where he finds comfort, friendship and warmth. Over the course of his Homeric journey, Hector decides to reconnect with his long estranged past. As his previous life catches up with him, the story of how he came to be leading a marginal life begins to emerge.
Mr Kinloch
The daughter of a Scottish farmer comes of age in the early 1900s.
Reader (Voice)
How the spirit of unity, which buoyed Britain during the war years, carried through to create a vision of a fairer, united society.
Jamie
A private security contractor in Iraq rejects the official explanation of his friend's death and decides to investigate.