We’re excited to be giving away two copies of Threepence on the Carpet by David Whittet to our GrownUps members!
To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.
About Threepence on the Carpet
The latest dramatic novel from New Zealand family doctor, novelist and filmmaker David Whittet
A sudden inheritance from a long-lost uncle could be the lifeline Tommy needs … or a Pandora’s box about to implode.
As a folksinger touring the UK in the swinging sixties, life was a kaleidoscope of love, truth, and high hopes for Tommy Trevelian—until it all went up in a puff of smoking incense and bitter betrayal. Now he’s back in his homeland of New Zealand, middle-aged, disillusioned, and destitute. The washed-up musician still wants to sing songs and save the world if he could just get his countrymen to turn off the rugby and listen for a moment.
But Tommy’s tune changes when his long-lost uncle dies and leaves him a bequest. Is it a trove of riches? A vault of family secrets? Or something stranger?
Over in the UK, ten-year-old Ollie could use a lucky break. His mother is sick, his aunt is awful, and life just kinda … sucks. Until the day he goes to the beach with threepence in his pocket and stumbles upon a sight that might just alter his destiny forever—and Tommy’s, too.
Drawing from his previous success with the Gang Girl series and The Road to Madhapur, New Zealand author David Whittet takes readers on another unforgettable journey. Threepence on the Carpet will delight readers who relish epic stories of love, courage, and redemption.
About the author:
David Whittet is a family doctor, a multi-award-winning independent filmmaker and an author.
Storytelling has been in David’s DNA for as long as he can remember. As a child, the serialisations of classic literature on television each Sunday teatime were the highlight of his week. A dramatisation of Oliver Twist had a profound effect on him. In its day, Dickens’ novel reformed the poor law, which convinced David of the written word’s potential to change the world.
He decided then that he wanted to be a writer. Subsequently, A J Cronin’s novels inspired David to become a doctor, especially The Citadel, which pre-empted the National Health Service’s foundation in the UK and beyond. Further proof that books change lives.
Medicine is a constant source of inspiration for David’s writing, and his work as a GP brings authenticity and gritty realism to his books. Like writing, general practice is about being interested in people’s stories. His twenty-plus years in rural New Zealand inspired his debut novel Gang Girl, the story of a notorious gang leader’s daughter and her lifelong struggle to escape the gang and forge her destiny.
David’s second novel, The Road to Madhapur, includes many real-life events from his time working on a family medicine project in rural India. IndieReader described The Road to Madhapur as a ‘beautiful, heartbreaking coming-of-age story … beautifully evoked with breathtaking imagery and remarkable attention to detail … the perfect backdrop where Theo and Elisha’s paths collide and they find love, meaning and purpose.’
Goliath and the Gang is the second book in the Gang Girl Series. Alicia’s struggle to escape from the gang and forge her own destiny resonated with many readers and even generated some fan fiction. Goliath and the Gang sees Alicia face renewed danger for her and her son, Aaron. And Kāterina, the much-loved Māori diviner from the first book, again plays a crucial role in the story.
Once more, the colourful cast of characters David has met throughout his career–colleagues and patients alike–breathe life into his writing.
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Terms and conditions
You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.
The competition closes on 4th February 2026. Winners will be notified via email by 4th February 2026.
It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.
One entry per household.
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.
You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.
You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.
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