Books&Poetry
MURDER ON HIS MIND As Wrexham-based author Simon McCleave releases the latest in his DI Ruth Hunter series, he explains why north Wales is the perfect setting for his murder mysteries
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aving worked for the BBC as a script editor and as a producer for Channel 4, Simon McCleave moved to LA where he worked for Fox and Miramax studios. Back on home turf, he spent time on a huge range of television series, writing for Silent Witness, The Bill and EastEnders among others. Simon made the move to the idyllic landscape of north Wales with his wife and children, and found the area so inspiring he locked himself away to write his first novel, a gripping crime thriller set in the “I’m place he now calls home.
murders, Ruth wonders if Snowdonia will end up being her worst nightmare. “I wanted to write about a Londoner being an outsider in a small Welsh community,” says Simon. “It’s what I went through 10 years ago, so I knew exactly how Ruth would feel. In fact, the central town Llancastell bears an uncanny resemblance to Wrexham! “I’ve written since I was a teenager and have always been fascinated with crime books and crime stories. When I was young, I started off Enid Blyton’s Secret drawn reading Seven mysteries and all the to the Sherlock Holmes novels. When Dream move area’s dark I was a script writer, I was drawn to crime when writing The Snowdonia Killings, mythology for Silent Witness, Midsomer which was released at the and folk beginning of 2020, follows Murders and The Bill. “Writing a novel was the story of veteran London tales” copper Detective Inspector fantastic because you have such control over the material. Ruth Hunter, who has had When you work in television there are enough of the murder and mayhem of the south London streets. On the script editors, producers, exec producers and directors, all of whom have their cusp of 50, Ruth is looking for a new, more peaceful life in the North Wales own ideas about the story and the script. It constantly changes and often your Police. A move to Snowdonia was always the dream but when she’s put favourite ideas get cut. When you write a novel, no one can change a word unless in charge of investigating two brutal
LOC A L B OOKS Liverpool Kids Of WWII Part 1: After The Blitz by Bernard Fredericks The second part of a trilogy, following on from The Green Gates Story. After the Liverpool Blitz, a seven-year-old boy comes home and is faced with many changes: house moves, new districts, new faces. No sweets, because Mum’s used the coupons for sugar. What are bananas? What’s ice cream? And white bread? He views his life ahead as a series of hurdles, but the war is ongoing... . The Hand That Tells The Story: My Life Living With A Disability by Alicia Gough This memoir offers the reader an insight and understanding into what it can be like living with disability. What
were the author’s reactions in early years when she realised that she was disabled and could not walk or talk? How did she cope in school and what did she enjoy and not enjoy? Imagine the joy when she finally received a communication aid that has opened the way to new opportunities and adventures, as well as enabling her to achieve a lifelong ambition and write this book. The Turn Of The Wheel by Geraint Roberts This story follows the fortunes of Owain Thomas from his first day
you agree with notes from, say, an editor.”
Special setting
“Snowdonia is one of the most beautiful places on Earth,” says Simon. “It’s got everything, from stunning mountains, vast lakes, sweeping countryside and disused mines to deserted beaches. As a native south Londoner, I find it incredible that I now have this landscape on my doorstep. As a writer, I’m also drawn to the area’s dark mythology and folk tales. It’s a land of giants, dragons, magicians, great heroes and evil oppressors.” Simon didn’t just stop at one novel – he has since published a further eight books in the DI Ruth Hunter series, with the latest, The Conway Harbour Killings, released in June and with more coming soon. For the latest news, visit www.simonmccleave.com.
underground at Frongoch lead mine in Cardiganshire in 1873. Owain’s romantic dreams of undertaking an important job are soon dashed in the cramped tunnels. He learns to carve his own path in life, aided by the Cornish miner David Treveglos. Owain befriends Ceridwen Hughes, daughter of the violent, ostracised miner Gomer. As he reaches maturity, Owain is faced with the dilemma of protecting his family and Ceri from harm and keeping his job. When faced with danger, will the measure of the man come through and his deeds be repaid – for good or ill?
Calling local authors… If you’re living in the Shire area or have written about a local person or place, we’d love to feature you on these pages. Email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk.
124 SHIRE MAGAZINE | September/October 2021
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