ACADEMY OF CRIME
About the author
I was nine years old – and an avid bookworm – when I decided I was going to be a writer ‘when I grew up.’ By 17, I thought journalism would be my direction but was told I was always the last person to hear the gossip and that I wasn’t hard enough to be a hack!
So, instead, I opted for teachers’ training college with English – of course – as my special subject, and really enjoyed my years in school. In my mid-forties I expanded my horizons by studying for a degree and after graduating returned to teaching, this time with A-level students and mature students at evening classes.
So what happened to my childhood ambition to become a writer? Partly, just the pace and busyness of life, running a home and family as well as my teaching career.
Partly also, the nature of my subject. Although I was always ‘scribbling,’ teaching the greats in literature – from Chaucer through Shakespeare; through Dickens to Ted Hughes – it was a bit daunting to think of producing a book myself. How could I compete?
On retirement, I turned to studying again – more writing – and ended up with a Masters degree. But it was later, joining a Writers Group in Barnstaple, which proved to be the turning-point for me. The Library ran a Crime Fiction Workshop for a day – and I was hooked. My first idea for a mystery novel was born.
Evolving from this first Workshop, the Library introduced an inspirational Creative Writing group which keeps its would-be writers sharp and focused, well mostly! We share our writing triumphs and disasters and give support and encouragement, but critique each other’s efforts too.
So what happened to the fear of competing with ‘the greats’? Well, the older I’ve got, the more I have realised that what most people enjoy reading is a well-written story, an intriguing tale, with believable and interesting characters. A setting in one’s own area can add a special interest.
And these ingredients are the ones I have aimed for when writing my novels.
By the way, I intended just to write a trilogy based on N. Devon but I already have ideas for number 4 - a quartet . . .?
And I would welcome your feedback on any of my books you have read.
The Story
After finishing her evening class session at Barnsfield College, teacher Laura Burnett is naturally shocked and horrified to discover the body of fellow teacher, Allan, lying murdered in the classroom next to hers.
DI Tom Prior, in charge of the case, soon finds he is dealing with a crime like no other he has encountered in his police career. Not only does Harper's killing appear motiveless but its clinical execution and precise timing suggest a crime far outside the norm for a quiet Devon town like Barnsfield.
Eventually, painstaking investigations lead Prior to suspect that the heart of the crime lies in Australia, of all places, but who on the other side of the world would want a likeable man like Allan Harper dead?
Tom Prior is also experiencing challenges of a different kind. During the investigation, he becomes closer to Laura, the teacher who discovered Harper's body, but their growing relationship is complicated by the families which they both already have . . .
Reviews of Death in the Village
". . . a real treat . . . a super story with a good plot though how Gillian kept all the themes going was a mystery in itself. But what a page turner it is - and it's because there's no let- up, no great paragraphs of exposition to wade through - just a story to keep you gripped . . .and it has a proper ending! I can thoroughly recommend it. Just waiting for book number 3 now . . .” (Stef)
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this book. I started reading it at the weekend and finished it yesterday morning (in bed - I couldn’t get up until I’d read the last 40 pages!). There were many twists and turns, and I loved the way that the early stages of a romance were intertwined with darker deeds. Really looking forward to the next one!” (Jenny B)
“I have just finished reading a locally-set book by Ann Cleeves of ‘Vera’ fame. I enjoyed it very much but can honestly say that it has little to distinguish it from your two novels In fact, it seemed rather mundane in places, something I would certainly not say about yours. Both of your books left me spellbound and guessing. So, well done you!” (Diana M- B)
I’ve just this minute finished it . . . I have been hooked. I loved it, every minute of it. In the end I was so engrossed I could smell the dust and cobwebs on the stairs to the roof. Brilliant stuff. I can’t wait for the next one. Well done and congratulations. I couldn’t even tear myself away for ‘wine o’clock’ so off for one now. (Jane B)
www.gilliankerrauthor.co.uk
DI Tom Prior, in charge of the case, soon finds he is dealing with a crime like no other he has encountered in his police career. Not only does Harper's killing appear motiveless but its clinical execution and precise timing suggest a crime far outside the norm for a quiet Devon town like Barnsfield.
Eventually, painstaking investigations lead Prior to suspect that the heart of the crime lies in Australia, of all places, but who on the other side of the world would want a likeable man like Allan Harper dead?
Tom Prior is also experiencing challenges of a different kind. During the investigation, he becomes closer to Laura, the teacher who discovered Harper's body, but their growing relationship is complicated by the families which they both already have . . .
Reviews of Death in the Village
". . . a real treat . . . a super story with a good plot though how Gillian kept all the themes going was a mystery in itself. But what a page turner it is - and it's because there's no let- up, no great paragraphs of exposition to wade through - just a story to keep you gripped . . .and it has a proper ending! I can thoroughly recommend it. Just waiting for book number 3 now . . .” (Stef)
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this book. I started reading it at the weekend and finished it yesterday morning (in bed - I couldn’t get up until I’d read the last 40 pages!). There were many twists and turns, and I loved the way that the early stages of a romance were intertwined with darker deeds. Really looking forward to the next one!” (Jenny B)
“I have just finished reading a locally-set book by Ann Cleeves of ‘Vera’ fame. I enjoyed it very much but can honestly say that it has little to distinguish it from your two novels In fact, it seemed rather mundane in places, something I would certainly not say about yours. Both of your books left me spellbound and guessing. So, well done you!” (Diana M- B)
I’ve just this minute finished it . . . I have been hooked. I loved it, every minute of it. In the end I was so engrossed I could smell the dust and cobwebs on the stairs to the roof. Brilliant stuff. I can’t wait for the next one. Well done and congratulations. I couldn’t even tear myself away for ‘wine o’clock’ so off for one now. (Jane B)
www.gilliankerrauthor.co.uk
