Once the trigger is touched
you can't tell who to trust

An unflinching verse novel about a teenage boy who is sexually assaulted in an attack he struggles to remember.

By the award-winning author of Gut Feelings

Jay wakes in a park, beaten and bruised. He can’t remember what happened the night before. But he has suspicions.

Jay realises he has been raped — and that his ex-boyfriend may have been involved.

Counselling sessions cause Jay to question everything. His new friend Rain encourages his pursuit of justice. Jay wants answers, but his search will lead him down a perilous path.

Warning: sexual assault 

Praise for Trigger

"I read Trigger in one sitting.  It is a delicately drawn portrayal of a terrible nightmare; the sparse verse format mirrors the main character's detachment, allowing the reader insight into the very personal horrors of sexual assault, with just enough detail so that we can face the unfolding of his memories alongside him. I thought it was a clever and important story and pitched really well for a YA readership. It's sure to be an excellent conversation starter in discussions about consent and dealing with abuse."  – Shirley-Anne McMillan, author of Grapefruit Moon

 "Pulls no punches in its exploration of consent and self-acceptance, through free-verse streams of consciousness which cut straight to the heart." – Irish Examiner

"It is a story which would do well in schools and sex-ed classes, but equally in the corners of bedrooms and in the hands of friends." – The National

"A raw and fiercely gripping portrayal with paramount representation."  – School Library Journal, STARRED review

"C.G. Moore has already proven himself to be an author who is not afraid to tackle stories that demand the most sympathetic
and caring retellings ... Bravery and sensitivity are required to write about the topics that the author touches on, and
Moore has demonstrated that he is capable of both ...The conciseness of the poems that form the narrative sits in contrast with the weight of the content, allowing plenty of space for the reader to contemplate and reflect ... Another important book by a talented young author."  – Inis Magazine

"Brutal and emotional." –  Books for Keeps

"A survivor’s story portrayed with honest heaviness and caring vulnerability."  – Kirkus Reviews

"The book is extremely well written and the story compelling."   – Michael Cart, Booklist

"Will stay with me for a long time ... it's raw, disturbing, upsetting, and so well written." – School Library Association (SLA)


"Absolutely adored this verse novel by C.G. Moore. Moving, beautiful, filled with pain but also so much hope." – Emma Finlayson-Palmer, UK Teen Chat

"This is an uncomfortable read but it is absolutely a story worth reading." – Paper Lanterns

"Written in beautiful verse that captures this experience so profoundly making it very affecting and will stay with you long after you finish ... such an important book which I am sure will help many readers feel seen and less alone." – Waterstones Bookseller Review

"A breathtaking story ... The poems are just incredible ...You won't be able to put this down. I was worried the tough subject matter would be hard to read, but the writing is sensitive and skilled ... This book will stay with me for a long time." – Karla's Bookish Life

"Powerful and raw ... I am in awe with how C.G. Moore writes ... Truly amazing."  – Leanne Reads

"A lesser book would have skated over these issues, but this free poetry novel puts them front and centre and makes them the whole point."  – Read and Reviewed

"C.G. Moore wrote a realistic take on this story and how the darker topics were handled in a mature and respectable way. The characters felt like they were supposed to and thought it was realistic. I thought C.G. Moore had a great writing style and would love to read more."  – NetGalley Reviewer, 5 star review

"I'm glad I read it, and if I was the author I would be very proud of this book. I will recommend it to others." – NetGalley Reviewer

"Wow - this was a difficult yet powerful read ... hard to put down once you start ...I think it will help a lot of teens who feel isolated or alone." –  Net Galley Educator
 

Praise for Gut Feelings

"A raw and powerful exploration of chronic illness. Moore's writing is so emotional and immersive - I couldn't put this book down!" –Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper

"Gut Feelings is a deeply moving YA novel in verse about medical intervention and family dynamics. With every page you turn, you’ll be gripped by the story and blown away by the page design." – Dean Atta, author of The Black Flamingo

Chris is the author of Gut Feelings which was nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2022 and won the Children's Books Ireland Book of the Year Award in 2022. He has featured in magazines including Pink News, GCN Magazine and Manchester Evening News.

Chris enjoys the challenge of weaving lived experience into his writing. He has hosted workshops exploring free verse poetry, invisible illness and more in schools across Ireland and the UK and has appeared at festivals including YALC and Bradford Literature Festival.

Chris previously taught on the BA and MA in Publishing programmes at University of Central Lancashire. He’s a passionate advocate for reading and is happiest when he’s meeting and helping to inspire young people.