The Crooked Sea

What makes Walter Clough, a young travelling salesman, decide in the summer of 1899, to take a walk across the wild, perilous sands of Morecambe Bay? Is it an attempt to leave his past behind him, or does he feel that in his present dilemma, torn between his family, his mistress and the impending doom that faces him, it is his only way out? This journey across the hazards that lie in his path, mirrors the successes, failures and dangers of his remembered past. Will he reach the safety of the far shore or be swept away by the incoming tide?

It was a remark from my aunt that started me off as a novelist. She wanted to know what had happened to her grandfather who had vanished out on those very sands. A family mystery! I had to give it a try! I tried every possible source to find out what had happened to this ordinary man who had vanished into thin air. But did he? Here were shadows, coincidences, similar names. More to the story I found, than met the eye. I had always wanted to write and here was an untold story opening up before my very eyes. They say if you want to write a novel, don’t go looking for plots and ideas; the best ones will always find you. Now with ‘The Crooked Sea’ successfully launched and the story of its strange beginnings having been told in newspapers, magazines and on radio, I can turn my attention to the sequel. Return to the Crooked Sea is nearing completion and is due to be published in 2010.

The past six months since the publication of ‘The Crooked Sea’ have been a busy and exciting time. I have included below a selection of photos and press cuttings of the launch, news coverage, interviews, presentations and book events about the book. My thanks to all the bookshops, libraries, local radio stations, newspapers, magazines and individuals who have supported me throughout this busy time, especially Reuben Davison and the team at Bank House Books.

‘The Crooked Sea’ ISBN 9 781904 408475

is available from all good bookshops

and internet retailers rrp £9.99