With the release of my new book, Murder All Inclusive, just around the corner, I thought I’d give you a little intro to the story’s main protagonist. If you’ve read Killing Dylan, you’ll already be familiar with the incorrigible, curmudgeonly grump that is Freddie Winters.
Freddie Winters is a crime novelist who’s nowhere near as rich, successful or famous as he believes he deserves to be. Down on his luck, and always looking for his big break, Freddie has spent many years surviving on a pittance and dreaming of the big time. He sneaks into bookshops and sets up his own book signings, very much against the wishes of the owners. He spends his days in coffee shops, nursing cold coffees and trying to get some writing done. And he just wants something to go his way.
Sardonic, irritable, cuttingly funny and generally quite disagreeable, Freddie doesn’t like people. He doesn’t have much time for animals. He definitely doesn’t want to be anywhere near annoying children… or old people… or, well, anybody, really. And don’t even get him started on James bloody Patterson. Beneath it all, though, Freddie has a heart of gold. He has a keen mind. And when his friends need him, he’s there for them.
Having spent many years writing crime fiction, Freddie has built up a good knowledge of detective techniques. He also has a collection of dodgy acquaintances, who he can rely on to help him research criminal activities – and bend the law when necessary. So, when presented with real crimes, Freddie knows he’s uniquely placed to subvert the police and take on the investigations himself.
At the start of Murder All Inclusive, Freddie has experienced a small amount of success and the fame has naturally gone right to his head. Of course, he hasn’t learned any lessons. He’s still as grumpy as ever, despite wangling an invite to a writer’s retreat at a luxurious holiday resort in Spain. And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a murderer on the loose. Can Freddie catch the killer before it’s too late?
Murder All Inclusive will be published this December. Check back for further updates.
And if you want to familiarise yourself with Mr Winters before the new book comes out, why not check out his first adventure, Killing Dylan?
Alastair Puddick 