AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN AND WE RELAX INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON IT IS THE PERFECT TIME TO CURL UP SOMEWHERE WARM WITH A GOOD BOOK IN HAND . WE HAVE PROFILED SOME TOP AUTHORS , ALL WITH A KENTISH CONNECTION , TO INSPIRE YOUR ...
KENTISH CHRISTMAS MUST READS
EVAN BALDOCK : BANG BANG YOU ’ RE DEAD
Bang Bang You ’ re Dead is Kent native Evan Baldock ’ s debut novel that deals with the dark underbelly of crime and vigilantism in 1990s Britain . The surprisingly amusing story follows Gloria , a retired old lady living in London ’ s West End amongst drug dealers , thieves and worse . Angry and upset of the constant fear that plagues her and her community every time they step out their front doors , she decides to clear up the streets on her own terms . A gripping , suspenseful , yet distinctly humorous story , we root for the likeable Gloria – even if by the end of the novel she has quite a substantial body count ! This is a story that realistically evokes the pain , confusion and frustration people who are affected by crime feel , and provides a much needed , amusing , though not so simple revenge story . This is an enjoyable and spirited read that is perfect for getting the bloody pumping on chilly winter nights .
Where did the inspiration for Bang Bang You ’ re Dead come from ? When I was a police sergeant tackling drug dealing in the West End of London , I attended committee meetings with Edwina McPherson ( the mother of Suggs , lead singer of Madness ). She hated what was happening with the street crime around where she lived and wanted someone to write a story about an older lady like herself , someone who had reached the end of their tether and did something about it .
What has the reception been like since you published Bang Bang You ’ re Dead ? In a word , amazing ! So many people have contacted me to say they love the lead character Gloria that I ' ve decided to write a sequel , which I ' m writing at the moment . My publisher Red Dog Press has worked hard , and sales have been good . People seem to love the premise of an elderly lady taking matters into her own hands .
What made you want to tackle subjects such as crime and vigilantism ? Having served thirty years in the Metropolitan Police and fifteen years in Soho , I suppose tackling a subject like crime came easy to me . The vigilante aspect fell into my lap thanks to meeting Edwina McPherson .
Tell us a little about your connection to Kent ? I was born in Pembury Hospital , attended Otford Primary School and Tunbridge Wells Technical High School ( now Tunbridge Wells Grammar ), have lived in nine different houses in Kent and currently live in Chiddingstone Causeway !
20