A happy family is destroyed after a terrible car accident. Dad and Bridget are uninjured, but Alex's face is smashed and mum's nerves are shattered. Dad is full of guilt. He was driving too fast and didn't see the horse coming round the curve. Alex believes the horse was a blue, magic one and that the accident was fate. Afterwards, dad is unable to help Alex or his mum, and he leaves the family to live with Patsy and her two thuggish sons. It is only grandad Julius who can help Alex adjust, and together they make up fantasy stories. The stories are accompanied by grandad's piano music, and Alex learns to compose and play too. When he starts secondary school and must meet new people, he finds solace with an understanding music teacher who encourages his talent. Meanwhile, one of Patsy's sons is trying to get Alex and Bridget into real trouble by stealing a car, joy riding and then burning the car. Alex is terrified of him but can't tell his dad who has become a distant stranger. Grandad convinces Alex to go on one last adventure with him. He knows he is dying, and as he and Alex climb Tornish Crag together, he helps Alex understand that his real face is what he is inside himself. Grandad brings their fantasy story to an end and exorcises the blue horse from Alex's imagination. There is a reconciliation of sorts with dad, but Alex is going to have to be the strong one. He is able to stand up to Patsy's sons, and he will be able to accept grandad's death when it comes. There is a great deal packed into the 102 pages of this book, and I was left wanting more resolution. However, the emotions are painfully real, and Alex and grandad are worthy heroes. Sensitive black and white illustrations.