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The Fox of Kensal Green
A quiet neighbourhood of London is about to be shattered.
This is a story about people coming together and looking out for each other. No person is an island, including Wilf Kelly, its hero. Many neighbours help him out on the quiet. Also on the quiet, Wilf tames a wild fox and goes on a voyage of self-discovery.
Normally, little happens in these mixed streets of families, retirees, podcasters and gossips. A little group create a community garden. An ageing journalist writes nature columns. A left-wing Scotsman longs for the glory days when he interviewed Castro. A disabled professor plans a book clearance. Supine Mario takes far too many drugs. And Wilf Kelly decides to get a fox as a pet.
When Wilf is accused of an awful crime, he becomes the target of a police and media firestorm. It's a drama that galvanises not just the local community but people from all around London.
A superbly written debut novel with a big heart, that will make you laugh, cry and remind you of the power of community spirit.
This is a story about people coming together and looking out for each other. No person is an island, including Wilf Kelly, its hero. Many neighbours help him out on the quiet. Also on the quiet, Wilf tames a wild fox and goes on a voyage of self-discovery.
Normally, little happens in these mixed streets of families, retirees, podcasters and gossips. A little group create a community garden. An ageing journalist writes nature columns. A left-wing Scotsman longs for the glory days when he interviewed Castro. A disabled professor plans a book clearance. Supine Mario takes far too many drugs. And Wilf Kelly decides to get a fox as a pet.
When Wilf is accused of an awful crime, he becomes the target of a police and media firestorm. It's a drama that galvanises not just the local community but people from all around London.
A superbly written debut novel with a big heart, that will make you laugh, cry and remind you of the power of community spirit.
- GenresFiction
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2026
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 11, 2026
‘New for 2026
“To get love, you give love,’ chanted his mum.”
‘Never say sorry, Wilf,’ his mum often said. ‘You are who you are.’
Be prepared to enter the world of Wilf Kelly- a neighbourhood of eclectic characters all of whom are touched and united in some ways by the actions and consideration of Wilf- the “ eccentric loner”
Wilf is neurodivergent and the local residents feel protective of him as he independently makes his own way through life.
“ Protected” by his childhood friend Felicia, Wilf navigates daily routines and expresses kindness through delivering copies of The Metro newspaper through people’s letter boxes. Felicia ensures that Wilf has the dignity to live his own life. When Wilf discovers a fox at the local cemetery, his routines change as he feels a unique bond to the animal and the rhythm of his daily life changes… but tragedy strikes pulling the neighbourhood even close together.
Richard Tyrell’s debut novel may at first seem a light read about local residents and their intertwined lives but this book has so much heart and depth that all of us will reflect upon the need for connecting to others in our communities in a world where isolation and loneliness is increasing and how amongst us there are people like Wilf who deserve so much respect and love from the wider world not the instant online social media /click- bait judgements .
A moving and big hearted read to begin 2026 with.
Highly recommended to bring a bit of joy and compassion into your world .
Thank you to Salt publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy
“To get love, you give love,’ chanted his mum.”
‘Never say sorry, Wilf,’ his mum often said. ‘You are who you are.’
Be prepared to enter the world of Wilf Kelly- a neighbourhood of eclectic characters all of whom are touched and united in some ways by the actions and consideration of Wilf- the “ eccentric loner”
Wilf is neurodivergent and the local residents feel protective of him as he independently makes his own way through life.
“ Protected” by his childhood friend Felicia, Wilf navigates daily routines and expresses kindness through delivering copies of The Metro newspaper through people’s letter boxes. Felicia ensures that Wilf has the dignity to live his own life. When Wilf discovers a fox at the local cemetery, his routines change as he feels a unique bond to the animal and the rhythm of his daily life changes… but tragedy strikes pulling the neighbourhood even close together.
Richard Tyrell’s debut novel may at first seem a light read about local residents and their intertwined lives but this book has so much heart and depth that all of us will reflect upon the need for connecting to others in our communities in a world where isolation and loneliness is increasing and how amongst us there are people like Wilf who deserve so much respect and love from the wider world not the instant online social media /click- bait judgements .
A moving and big hearted read to begin 2026 with.
Highly recommended to bring a bit of joy and compassion into your world .
Thank you to Salt publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy
December 6, 2025
I was initially drawn to this book because it was published by Salt - a local publisher who have never put out a dud book that I’ve read from them yet. The blurb was promising. Not something that I would have thought was right up my street, but something that I’d be interested in.
But, by God this book was something really special! The writing style, the pacing, the setting, the characters - all just perfectly executed.
And Wilf! How could you not be rooting for Wilf? It’s only mentioned at the end, but it was clear early on that Wilf is an undiagnosed adult on the spectrum. Since the death of his mother, his eccentricities have obviously magnified and he’s become ‘a local character’. Mostly ridiculed, ignored, avoided. But there are some good people in his neighbourhood (especially old classmate, Felicia) who go out of their way to surreptitiously help Wilf with food, clothes, money and friendship.
Following Wilf as he negotiates the anxieties of life and his daily routines is both heart-breaking and heart-swelling. His attempt to lure an urban fox to become his pet, is super endearing, but also is very clever at showing how someone with ASD approaches a task and problem solves.
When Wilf is accidentally caught up in a serious crime on the Tree Streets, his neighbours, galvanised by Felicia, rush to his aid. The ‘seige’ of Yew Street goes viral both online and in the media. And all Wilf’s neighbours, these fantastic side characters, really show their worth, even those who, on the surface, appear not to have too much worth.
This is a beautiful story about the strength of community. But, it’s very much an idealised community. I can’t say that I’ve ever witnessed anywhere near this level of community (and I live in a small rural village). I’m a bit dubious that the multi-layered communities in somewhere like Kensal Green would never be that cohesive. Nevertheless, I’m happy to shrug off my scepticism and embrace this book for the strength of its joy and love. I really need that at the moment.
* Thanks to Salt and Netgalley for the ARC
But, by God this book was something really special! The writing style, the pacing, the setting, the characters - all just perfectly executed.
And Wilf! How could you not be rooting for Wilf? It’s only mentioned at the end, but it was clear early on that Wilf is an undiagnosed adult on the spectrum. Since the death of his mother, his eccentricities have obviously magnified and he’s become ‘a local character’. Mostly ridiculed, ignored, avoided. But there are some good people in his neighbourhood (especially old classmate, Felicia) who go out of their way to surreptitiously help Wilf with food, clothes, money and friendship.
Following Wilf as he negotiates the anxieties of life and his daily routines is both heart-breaking and heart-swelling. His attempt to lure an urban fox to become his pet, is super endearing, but also is very clever at showing how someone with ASD approaches a task and problem solves.
When Wilf is accidentally caught up in a serious crime on the Tree Streets, his neighbours, galvanised by Felicia, rush to his aid. The ‘seige’ of Yew Street goes viral both online and in the media. And all Wilf’s neighbours, these fantastic side characters, really show their worth, even those who, on the surface, appear not to have too much worth.
This is a beautiful story about the strength of community. But, it’s very much an idealised community. I can’t say that I’ve ever witnessed anywhere near this level of community (and I live in a small rural village). I’m a bit dubious that the multi-layered communities in somewhere like Kensal Green would never be that cohesive. Nevertheless, I’m happy to shrug off my scepticism and embrace this book for the strength of its joy and love. I really need that at the moment.
* Thanks to Salt and Netgalley for the ARC
July 24, 2025
The Fox of Kensal Green is a delightful, heart-filled story about platonic love and community.
The storyline mainly follows Wilf, a man who finds life confusing, as he tries to branch out his daily routines. His neighbours and friends support him throughout (even if he isn’t always grateful or doesn’t understand what they’re doing).
I found the book so emotional yet heartwarming, Richard Tyrrell highlights the failings of modern society and governments over the last 15 years throughout but the strong community who pull together no matter what is the real heart of the story. We can all only hope to be loved and cared for in the way Felicia loves and cares for Wilf.
Thank you to NetGalley and Salt for a copy of this ARC.
The storyline mainly follows Wilf, a man who finds life confusing, as he tries to branch out his daily routines. His neighbours and friends support him throughout (even if he isn’t always grateful or doesn’t understand what they’re doing).
I found the book so emotional yet heartwarming, Richard Tyrrell highlights the failings of modern society and governments over the last 15 years throughout but the strong community who pull together no matter what is the real heart of the story. We can all only hope to be loved and cared for in the way Felicia loves and cares for Wilf.
Thank you to NetGalley and Salt for a copy of this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Richard Tyrrell’s The Fox of Kensal Green introduces readers to Wilf Kelly, a neurodivergent man living in a quiet London neighbourhood where little usually happens. The synopsis highlights Wilf’s routines—delivering newspapers, befriending a fox in the local cemetery, and being quietly supported by neighbours—until he is accused of a terrible crime that sparks a police and media firestorm. The novel positions itself as a story of community spirit, eccentric characters, and the power of connection in the face of scandal.
There is much to admire in Tyrrell’s ambition. The setting of Kensal Green, with its mix of retirees, podcasters, gossips, and activists, feels vividly drawn, and the idea of a community galvanising around one vulnerable individual has real heart. Wilf’s bond with the fox is a striking metaphor for resilience and belonging, and the novel’s big‑hearted intent is clear.
While the eccentric‑person trope can be endearing for me this one didn't quite land. Wilf’s oddities, rather than deepening into something unsettling or profound, remained surface quirks. The narrative, though interesting, lacked the emotional spark that makes similar novels linger long after reading. I found myself intrigued by the premise but not entirely invested in the unfolding drama.
The book is certainly interesting its mix of community vignettes, scandal, and eccentricity makes for an unusual read, but it didn’t set me on fire. Perhaps it’s because I’ve read many novels that lean on the “eccentric outsider” figure, and this one didn’t push the trope into new territory. Instead, it felt like a familiar pattern, albeit with a fresh London backdrop and a fox as companion.
In the end, The Fox of Kensal Green is a debut with charm and originality in concept, but one that left me more curious than compelled. Readers who enjoy eccentric character studies and community‑driven narratives may find it rewarding, but for me, the resonance was muted.
There is much to admire in Tyrrell’s ambition. The setting of Kensal Green, with its mix of retirees, podcasters, gossips, and activists, feels vividly drawn, and the idea of a community galvanising around one vulnerable individual has real heart. Wilf’s bond with the fox is a striking metaphor for resilience and belonging, and the novel’s big‑hearted intent is clear.
While the eccentric‑person trope can be endearing for me this one didn't quite land. Wilf’s oddities, rather than deepening into something unsettling or profound, remained surface quirks. The narrative, though interesting, lacked the emotional spark that makes similar novels linger long after reading. I found myself intrigued by the premise but not entirely invested in the unfolding drama.
The book is certainly interesting its mix of community vignettes, scandal, and eccentricity makes for an unusual read, but it didn’t set me on fire. Perhaps it’s because I’ve read many novels that lean on the “eccentric outsider” figure, and this one didn’t push the trope into new territory. Instead, it felt like a familiar pattern, albeit with a fresh London backdrop and a fox as companion.
In the end, The Fox of Kensal Green is a debut with charm and originality in concept, but one that left me more curious than compelled. Readers who enjoy eccentric character studies and community‑driven narratives may find it rewarding, but for me, the resonance was muted.
January 7, 2026
What a great start to my reading year this turned out to be with the thought provoking and heart-warming story of Wilf Kelly and his attempts to befriend one of the foxes he has seen on one of his regular visits to a local cemetery. Wilf is a quiet man, living in isolation, content within his own boundaries and yet his neighbours hold him in great esteem so much so they rally to his defence when he is suspected of a violent crime.
Gentle and reflective, there is much to love about The Fox of Kensal Green as not only does Wilf Kelly become so much more than a local hero, he becomes one of those characters who you take into your heart and who stays with you long after his story is told. With an array of characters who each bring their own dynamic to the story I read about Wilf’s connection to the fox, to the nature on his doorstep, to the challenging life he had followed since his mother’s death and to the way his gentle soul had endeared him to a community and to the people who call Kensal Green home.
It’s rare that I start the year with a book that I am eager to place on my favourites list but such is the case with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Wilf, his friend Felicia and all those who flitted into and out of his life. I especially loved the rapport which developed between Wilf and the community but more especially with the eponymous fox and I must admit to shedding a little tear during parts of the story. Beautifully written and utterly memorable, The Fox of Kensal Green will stay with me for a long time.
August 12, 2025
What makes this novel so heart-warming is the narrative style: it comes across as simply written, but it's tackling some complex issues concerning community, friendships, love and the effect of political decisions on ordinary, everyday people. Protagonist, Wilf, is someone who has a regular daily routine but, despite finding life confusing, tries to break out from what he knows. This might very well have fallen into the 'sugar sweet' category, but it doesn't, and that's a testament to Tyrrell's writing. We, as readers, inhabit the interiority of Wilf and his confusion and misunderstanding, and yes, we end up feeling hopeful. A great debut novel. Many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book!
Kensal Green a small neighbourhood in London filled with characters, there is the disabled professor, the Frenchman who collects his shopping in a wheelbarrow the three Toms, the Scottish journalist who once interviewed Castro, to name but a few. Then there is Wilf Kelly, a loner who decides he needs a pet, so sets out to befriend the fox he saw in the graveyard. Wilf is different, shuns people and the children make fun of him, but his neighbours, in their own ways look out for him.
Then Wilf is accused of murder.
An excellent read, telling Wilf’s story and how his neighbours interact with him. I wish I could give more than 5 🌟
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Kensal Green a small neighbourhood in London filled with characters, there is the disabled professor, the Frenchman who collects his shopping in a wheelbarrow the three Toms, the Scottish journalist who once interviewed Castro, to name but a few. Then there is Wilf Kelly, a loner who decides he needs a pet, so sets out to befriend the fox he saw in the graveyard. Wilf is different, shuns people and the children make fun of him, but his neighbours, in their own ways look out for him.
Then Wilf is accused of murder.
An excellent read, telling Wilf’s story and how his neighbours interact with him. I wish I could give more than 5 🌟
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews