Crime fiction in Peterborough

A Peterborough man landed a four-part crime book deal after taking redundancy from his 20-year IT career.

Tony J Forder, of the Ortons, saw redundancy as the chance he needed to make a bold career change.

In November last year he committed to writing, before winning a deal with Bloodhound books in February. A two-book deal expanded to four, and the 59-year-old found himself attending book signings, such as ‘The Darker Side of Fiction’ on Saturday, October 7, and at Waterstones, Peterborough on Thursday, October 12.

The first in his series, ‘Bad to the Bone’, is set in the Peterborough area. The story follows the discovery of a skeletal body in woods near Bretton and the resulting investigation.

Local landmarks like the cathedral and brick pits get a mention in the thriller.

In preparation for his first book, Tony drew inspiration from local politics and the physical landscape. He said: “I had one scene in my head that refused to budge, so I jumped into my car with a pad and pen and drove to the weir at Orton Mere, about five minutes from my home. There I breathed in the atmosphere and made pages of notes.”

Originally from London, Tony made Peterborough his home more than 30 years ago, and his protagonist similarly warms to the area.

His second book, ‘Degrees of Darkness’, was published on Tuesday, September 19. The third novel is scheduled for release in November, a fast-paced action thriller called ‘Scream Blue Murder’.

In the first half of 2018, Tony will release his Peterborough-based follow-up ‘The Scent of Guilt.’

In anticipation of his recent book signing, Tony expressed thanks to the Bridge Street Waterstone’s for their support of local authors.

He said: “The manager, Jacqui, and staff there are extremely knowledgeable, and always happy to have a chat. They are an impressive team.”

Tony still consults for the Greater Peterborough University Technology College (GPUTC) to keep his IT skills sharp, but as positive reviews pour in, the future looks good for Tony J Forder and his Peterborough crime fiction.

What’s more, with the confirmation of ‘The Darker Side of Fiction’ returning to the city in 2018 and 2019, the future looks bright for local talent.