I’m a great believer in serendipity. From time to time, I come across fascinating historical characters whose stories are crying out to be told. Now, having retired from a successful business career, I am lucky enough to have time to try to tell some of those stories.
There is no plan, just an openness to explore whatever chance throws my way. I put a lot of effort into detailed research. Ultimately, however, I am writing to entertain as well as inform, so I will invent scenes and dialogue where I think it is justified. I try to steer a course between pure fiction and biography: my aim is plausibility rather than strict accuracy. My inspiration, though I can never hope to emulate her, is the incomparable Hilary Mantel.
On the face of it, my literary journey – from north-west Essex, via Venice and Constantinople, to Ireland, Spain, Italy, Morocco – who knows where next – is completely random. But within the subterranean network of historical rabbit holes, it’s a clearly marked path. I hope you enjoy following it.
Quirky stories from the last 1000 years of my Essex village. This was the book that got me started! Read more….
Fascinating new research on the lives of Hempstead’s eighteen war dead, over two world wars. Read more…
Based on a remarkable true story, my debut novel follows a kidnapped Venetian boy who rises to the pinnacle of Ottoman power while struggling with identity, loyalty and survival. (The cover design above is AI-generated and temporary.). Read more…
IN PROGRESS
Shadow of a Traitor (working title) will explore the extraordinary life of Tom Stukeley, a largely forgotten Elizabethan adventurer, soldier, mercenary, pirate, diplomat, spy, colonist, and traitor. The novel will combine Stukeley’s real-life exploits – ending with his death at the 1578 ‘Battle of the Three Kings’ in Morocco – with the story as it was presented in two plays performed at the Rose Playhouse by the Lord Admiral’s Men. Narrated by Stukeley’s companion abd alter ego Antony Vernon, the book will reveal the political and religious sensitivities that shaped the way Stukeley was portrayed. It will also offer vivid glimpses of the Elizabethan theatre, featuring Edward Alleyn, Philip Henslowe, even a young William Shakespeare. But in politics and the playhouse, nothing is ever quite what it seems.