HAVING never attempted to delve into the creative world of writing before, a Malven woman has spent the last year putting pen to paper to produce an extraordinary crime thriller with a twist.
Observer reporter Aaron Wise spoke to Joan Edwards about what inspired her to take up writing and what secrecy lies behind the pages of her new novel.
A MALVERN mother of three’s first ever book about secrecy and security has hit the shelves.
Joan Edwards’ crime-thriller, ‘A Most Careless Death’, about the under-workings of science and politics, is now available to buy at Waterstones and on Amazon following its official launch yesterday (Thursday).
The story follows outstanding medical scientists, whom have passed the usual retirement age, but have been recruited by the operations research wing of the SAS.
They are assigned to work on the subversive use of nanotechnology in an ‘air gapped’ secret underground research facility, buried beneath the retirement homes the scientists live in.
However, the project has been commandered by a ruthless and desperate Prime Minister who sees it as a way to secure his place in history if he is to win his last election.
A deadline for signing off the research prior to production is fast approaching and one of the team leaders Anne has gone missing.
Has she been kidnapped, defected or succumbed to the lure of the big money offered for the research?
Espionage, state secrets, cyber security and senile dementia are mixed together to create enthralling tension and drama.
“I had never written anything like this in my life. It had never crossed my mind,” said Mrs Edwards.
“It all came about when I stuck in a traffic jam one afternoon in Malvern. I was listening to Chris Evans’ ‘Breakfast Show’ on BBC Radio Two when he and two authors began discussing tips on how to write for his 2015 ‘500 Words’ children’s writing competition.
“Adding to the fact I only work part time now after having worked 70 hour weeks for many years, I thought I’d give it a go due to having more time on my hands.
“I kept thinking ‘what can I write about’ and all the themes in the book actually came from stories I’ve read in the papers, which I’ve put my own twist on.
“I think the humoured genre is a cross between the 1970s/1980s James Bond films starring Roger Moore and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It has a bit of everything. Romance, kidnapping, suicide.”
Mrs Edwards started writing the book in February last year and has praised the support she has received throughout her writing journey.
She added: “I’ve had lovely support, especially from my former neighbour Jeanne Titley who has sadly passed away. She was an English teacher in the town and said she would read my story to offer advice.
“She promised to be honest and when she phoned me to say it was very good, I was really surprised.
“Hopefully the launch is a success and the book receives good reviews.
“There’s always the possibility for a sequel or I could write about another genre or plot. Overall it’s just great to try something new.”
Mrs Edwards will be holding a book signing session at Malvern Book Cooperative on Saturday, July 16.
A paperback copy of A Most Careless Death costs £7.99 and a hardcover copy costs £13.99.
Visit http://amzn.to/297rzjJ for more information.
