THE PILLBOX MURDER

THE PILLBOX MURDER

A few days ago I wrote about my new 'work in progress', BLOOD ON THE CARDS  and mentioned that it was starting in a WW2 pillbox. So, as part of my research, I visited the one I had in mind, on the bank of the Royal Military Canal at Appledore, over the border in Kent. I wanted to get a feel for the location, imagine what it would be like for the police conducting a fingertip search for a murder weapon. Also, I wanted to see what the atmosphere was actually like inside.

It was, as I expected, pretty grim, but not as bad as some I've been in. There was the usual scattering of rubbish - cans, broken glass and litter and, of course, graffiti. Now, as my books are set in the 1950s I don't think it would read PUNKS, maybe, YANKS GO HOME or BAN THE BOMB or maybe nothing. After all, it was only ten years after the war so perhaps it was still relatively pristine.

Anyway, the visit was most fruitful and I can now write about it confidently. 

THE FORTUNES OF WAR - a writer's inspirations

THE FORTUNES OF WAR

a writer's inspirations.

Last week I finished writing BLOOD ON THE STRAND, book three in the DI Sonny Russell series of crime novels. Hurrah! and Oh dear! I felt a sense of satisfaction for sticking to something for over a year coupled with a strange sense of loss. I've felt this before and the best thing, I find, is to get on with the next project - straight away. But what to write?

I've long had an interest in the esoteric, particularly Tarot cards and the germ of an idea featuring them had been lurking at the back of my mind for some time. But how to use them in a story? I remembered I'd come across an actual unsolved case known as The Wirral Pillbox Murder where the body of a prostitute was found in a WW2 pillbox in 1955. Despite a huge manhunt, which saw 40,000 people being quizzed across the country, her murder still remains unsolved. 

Now, if that didn't start my imagination rolling, nothing would. Obviously, I wouldn't use the story - I write fiction, after all, but a fortune teller and a body in a pillbox? A rotten cold has meant an enforced rest from anything physical but pounding a keyboard isn't physical - is it? So, I'm happy to say that BLOOD ON THE CARDS has seen the light of day and is now well underway.

THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG-DISTANCE SELF-PUBLICIST

THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG-DISTANCE SELF-PUBLICIST

The trials and tribulations of the self-published author

A bit of a mouthful of a title but it seemed to fit. After a long, exhaustive search for an agent, which so far, has proved fruitless, I set up my own publishing company,

As a self-published author, I am also in charge of publicity. This entails finding retail outlets then ensuring they have enough books. Also promoting the books on social media, forums and through this blog. In addition I have to keep and eye on Amazon where the paperbacks and kindle copies are available. Then, when orders are placed it's me who puts the book in an envelope, addresses it then takes it to the post office. But, to generate more sales I attend various functions.

I exhibit Compass Point, my narrow gauge railway layout that inspired the characters and the stories in my books, at occasional model railway exhibitions. Primarily I am there as an exhibitor so enjoy that aspect of of it but I usually sell a few books, which is gratifying. I have launched my books at The Rye Bookshop, who have been very supportive, and keep a stock of copies. At the weekend I took part in an Arts and Crafts Fair in the Sailing Club at Rye Harbour. Not much to do with books, you might think, but the harbour is thinly disguised at Compass Point in my stories, so there's a strong local connection.

It's the second time I've done it. The other exhibitors - painters and makers - are really nice people so it's a pleasure to take part. I set up my layout as a static exhibit, which acts as a talking point. I can then explain how it has influenced my writing and then maybe sell a book. In fact, I sold a couple of dozen books over the weekend (it might have been more but the weather on Saturday was atrocious).

That might sound like a healthy sales figure but... When I take into account the printing costs and the cost of the pitch, it doesn't leave a great deal. Profit? I don't think so. Like most authors, I write for fun, not profit. So, if you can think of another way to increase sales, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

TWILIGHT BEACH

TWILIGHT BEACH

I don't usually blog so frequently but after returning from the beach this evening I just had to share my thoughts and pictures. I love it at this time of year when I'm often the only person there. And especially when the tide is out. Aggie and I head out as far as we can - hoping to dodge the mud holes then walk along the tideline. And what is even better is when it's twilight. 

The birds are shadowy but vocal: Curlews, Oystercatchers, Turnstones. Dunlin and Little Ringed Plovers. Tonight, they were joined by a pair of Herons, which was rather special.

Aggie loves it too - the large areas of flat sand allow her to run at full tilt, which means she gets plenty of exercise. I just love it there and feel so privileged to have such a wonderful place close by. 

CITROEN DS - the 1955 Motor show sensation

CITROEN DS

the 1955 Motor show sensation

At the London Motor Show in 1955 there was the new 2.4 litre compact saloon from Jaguar, the latest MGA sports car and Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, plus a Sunbeam Rapier coupé with whitewall tyres. But the star of the show had to be the vehicle innocuously billed as the ‘2-Litre Six-Seater saloon’ on the Citroën stand. For the previous 21 years their staple offering had been the Traction Avant range.

Citroën had been working on their Voiture à Grande Diffusion (VGD) project since the 1930s. By 1950 the prototype was renamed ‘Projet D’ and in 1955, the DS was launched at the Paris Salon; by the end of that day Citroën had taken over 12,000 orders. 

It was the DS styling that caused the initial sensation, for even in repose it looked like a basking shark.

Variations included The Safari

A beautiful coupe 

And the most bizarre variant, The Reactor

The Reactor was a custom aluminum show car designed by Gene Winfield and completed in 1965. It was based on a 1956 Citroën DS chassis and powered by a Chevrolet Corvair engine. It gained fame when it was renamed The Jupiter 8 and appeared in Star-trek as well as being driven by Eartha Kitt in a Batman film.

I have featured the Citroen DS in my DI Sonny Russell crime novel, Blood on the Tide, when his French opposite number, Inspecteur Guillaume Bruissement has one on trial. I have also written one into Blood on the Strand, soon to be released.

Finally, a Tissier van was developed in the 1960s. 

I've researched this wonderfully futuristic looking vehicle but can find very little information about it. If anyone can supply more details I'd be delighted, so please contact me.

GHOULIES AND GHOSTIES

GHOULIES AND GHOSTIES

Kate, the landlady and boyfriend Bob

Following on from a post last month when I discussed the inspiration for the Shipwrights Arms in my novels, I paid a visit to 'Doris's' aka The Red Lion at Snargate, near Appledore. As it was October 31st, the theme was naturally, Halloween. My daughter, Saskia, made a spooky spider costume for Aggie and cleverly carved her likeness on a pumpkin.

Spooky spider Aggie

My effort was much simpler, inspired by Jack Skellington in Tim Burton's delightful, Nightmare before Christmas. And, despite stiff competition, it one first prize.

My winning pumpkin

All the entries.

The Goacher's bitter was rather too easy to drink and I'm afraid I celebrated rather too well.

MORRIS J TYPE VAN

MORRIS J TYPE VAN

I've long been a fan of the Morris J type Van. It was launched as a Morris Commercial in 1949 and continued in production until 1961. It boasted (!) a 1476cc four cylinder engine driving through a three-speed gearbox.

It was available in several variations:

minibus

Pick-up

Ice-cream van

I like them so much that I have featured two different vehicles in my book, BLOOD ON THE SHRINE, available from Amazon in kindle for only £1.99. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Shrine-Chris-ODonoghue-ebook/dp/B07DK8YMKC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1540825815&sr=1-1&keywords=blood+on+the+shrine

Here is an extract featuring the van used by the baddies!

Bates put the van into gear, and was just driving towards the gate when he stopped. ‘Hang on, there’s something wrong.’

‘What do you mean?’ There was panic in Atkins’s voice.

‘I think we’ve got a flat tyre.’

‘Bloody hell! Is that all? Christ! I thought something terrible had happened. Come on, let’s have a look.’ Sure enough the nearside rear wheel was down on its rim.

Sammy and Baker had to get out of the back again and the mailbags needed to be heaped to one side so they could get at the spare wheel. Bates got the jack and cursed as it would not fit under the sill because of the extra weight. So they had to take the mailbags out and pile them on the drive. Then, when the van was jacked up, he found the nuts were corroded on to the wheel and he couldn’t shift them. ‘For crying out loud!’ Atkins exclaimed. ‘Are we ever going to get away?’

Bates was flustered and breathing heavily. ‘I need a lever. A bit of pipe would do.’

‘For Christ’s sake! Go and find something.’ Bates went off with a torch while the others stood around, smoking. Finally, he came back with a length of galvanised gas pipe that he had found in the barn. He fitted it over the end of the wheel brace and using his considerable weight on lever, the first nut suddenly came free, and he tumbled to the ground.

Atkins could not suppress a laugh. ‘Come on Butch. Quit clowning around. We’ve got to get off.’

Bates stood up, a hurt look on his fleshy face. ‘I ain’t clowning around,’ he said indignantly.’

‘Sorry, mate. It was just funny, that’s all.’

Bates harrumphed and finished undoing the other nuts. The wheel came off easily and the spare was soon in place. Bates retightened the nuts then lowered the jack. ‘Oh, no,’ he said miserably.

‘What’s the matter now?’ Atkins snapped.

‘You won’t believe it - the spare’s flat.’

‘Jesus! I thought this was your pride and joy. Don’t you look after it?’

‘Course I do. It’s just one of them things.’

‘What do we do now?’ Sammy asked.

‘We’ll have to pump it up – see if it holds air,’ Bates said.

‘I suppose you have got a foot pump?’ Atkins asked.

‘I think so. Give me the torch and I’ll have a look.’ Bates rummaged around in the back of the van for what seemed like an age but was actually only a couple of minutes and finally emerged triumphant. Even so, it was not a great pump and even with them taking it in turns, it was nearly 10 minutes before the tyre had enough air in it.

‘Hoo-ray,’ Atkins exclaimed. ‘Right. Let’s get the van repacked and get this bloody show on the road. I’m starting to get nervous now.’

WHO PAYS THE FERRYMAN - AND WOMAN>

WHO PAYS THE FERRYMAN

 - AND WOMAN?

 Johnny Doughty - photo Steven J Downey

Where no bridge is available, a stretch of water can be crossed in a boat - and if you don't have one, hopefully there will be a ferry.

Johnny Doughty

Sadly, there is no longer a ferry at Rye Harbour. It probably finished operating in the late 1960s, early 1970s. For decades it was used to take trippers across to the dunes, where there was a salt water lagoon where they could paddle and swim. Also it connected with the Rye and Camber Tram, which ran from 1899 until 1939, carrying fishermen, golfers and holidaymakers.The last ferryman was called Johnny Doughty.

Not only did he ply his trade but he also sang folk songs. He made an iconic record called Round Rye Bay for More. I remember sitting next to him in the William the Conqueror pub (thinly disguised as The Shipwrights Arms in my DI Sonny Russell crime novels) while he was being filmed for a TV programme.

Walberswick Ferry

Luckily, 150 miles away, in Suffolk, there is a ferry that still operates, crossing the River Blyth, from Walberswick to Southwold. But, what is unusual, is that the operator is a ferrylady!

Dani Church 

Walberswick - motor ferry

Dani Church is the fifth generation to operate the ferry and has been doing so since 2001. The ferry runs from Easter to November, usually rowed but occasionally using a boat with an engine.

Compass Point

I've paid my own tribute to these doughty souls (pun intended) on my model railway layout, Compass Point. Although the layout is inspired by Rye Harbour, the ferryman's hut and boat are closely based on the one at Walberswick. The difference is that my ferry is operated by a man, named Jack Spratt.

Reedham Ferry

Finally, a quick trip further into Suffolk brings us to Reedham Ferry. This wonderful craft does carry cars - but only two at a time!

STUDIO/WRITING HUT - re-purposing an iconic structure

STUDIO/WRITING HUT

re-purposing an iconic structure

Back in 2007 I designed and built my first garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Amazingly, I was awarded a Silver-Gilt medal and I met and shook hands with the Queen.

The garden featured drought tolerant seaside plants put directly into 4 tonnes of shingle. The backdrop was the facade of a Victorian railway carriage, beautifully constructed by my good friend and bespoke furniture designer, Robert Patch. Since then the structure has been languishing in his workshop and I kept promising to do something with it.

Finally, this autumn, work has started, utilising it as the front of a garden building I can use as a studio and writing room.

The floor is also re-purposed, made from four, eight foot by four foot decking panels. As the garden slopes at 1 in 4 I had to get two strong chaps to carry them up to the top!

The structure is going to sit very happily in the garden and blend in beautifully. Also the views from inside, towards the sea, are stunning. I can't wait to finish it! Aggie is looking forward to it too.

THE SHIPWRIGHTS ARMS - liquid inspiration

THE SHIPWRIGHTS ARMS

liquid inspiration.

 

Compass Point

Extract from BLOOD ON THE TIDE

"The Shipwrights Arms was a modest building, with stone walls, tiny recessed windows and a pantiled roof. It sat right at the end of the quay, next to the station, hunkered down against the weather. It had withstood any number of gales and powerful storms and had survived, battered but unbowed. Inside was a small, low-ceilinged room, the once white paintwork now the colour of nicotine, stained dark from years of coal fires and the smoke of a lifetime of tobacco pipes. The woodwork was an even deeper colour, with a tar-like quality. Indeed, tar may well have been used as a ready substitute for paint. The room served as the solitary bar and a door marked PRIVATE led to Alf’s compact accommodation. The landlord was far from being the archetypal mine host. Rangy and thin, he barely spoke more than a sentence at a time, always wore a suit and tie and had bookshelves crammed with classics in his living room. He stood, impassive, in front of a brace of barrels of ale sitting on a rack behind the wooden counter. There was a foxed mirror on the wall above a shelf, reflecting a line of brown bottles. Below the barrels, shelves held clean, upturned glasses; pints and halves. The floor was bare floorboards, with a dusting of sawdust and sand and apart from a couple of stools, the only other seating was comprised of three chairs that had seen better days, arranged around a battered tin-topped table, next to the unlit fire."

 

The Shipwrights Arms - Poole

The inspiration for the Shipwrights Arms on my model, Compass Point, and in my books, Blood on the Tide and Blood on the Shrine, came from two sources. The name came from the one time pub, across the water from Poole Quay, where I worked as a barman when I was a student there. Sadly this was demolished many years ago, just part of the planners desire to render Poole characterless.

The Red Lion, Snargate.

But the atmosphere came, most definitely, from The Red Lion at Snargate, near Appledore on Romney Marsh, colloquially known as 'Doris's' after the late landlady. I first went there in the mid 1970s, and it has hardly changed since then, when it still had an atmosphere of the 1950s. Almost uniquely, it has been in the same family for three generations, since the beginning of the last century.

Di, Aggie and Greer

We visited today, after viewing the wonderful floral displays at Winchelsea church. We took our 83 year old friend Di, who remembers taking hops there when she farmed in Headcorn, next to the aerodrome that she started. If you're interested in reading more about her life, there is a book, Redhead in the Clouds, which Greer wrote, available on Amazon. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redhead-Started-Headcorn-Aerodrome-Colourful/dp/1908616768.