346 pages
You can buy The Dead Will Beckon...Here You follow Jason Chapman's Face Book page...Here You can follow Crime Cymru...Here Detective Inspector Marc Fagan thought he had left the past behind when he departed Abergavenny, South Wales, many years ago. But life has a haunting way of pulling you back in, and when a chilling murder rocks the tranquil town, fate decides to test Fagan's resolve. In this gripping crime thriller, "The dead Will Beckon," Fagan finds himself confronting not just a sinister present but also the darkest secrets of the town’s past.
After decades of solving crimes in the big city, Fagan returns to his childhood hometown only to face an unexpected case. A woman has been brutally murdered. Fagan is stunned to discover that the victim is none other than his long-lost girlfriend from forty years ago - a love he thought he had buried with his youth.
Haunted by memories and unresolved emotions, Fagan delves deep into the dark past of Abergavenny, now a place he barely recognizes. The once-familiar faces and streets seem shrouded in secrets, and as he navigates the labyrinthine web of lies, deceit, and betrayal, Fagan realizes that the truth is far darker than he ever imagined.
The Dead Will Beckon is the first the DI Marc Fagan series. Fagan returns to his sleepy home town to wind down in the sunset on his last lap after 30 years being a copper in the big city of Liverpool. But fate doesn't work like that. As soon as he arrives the body of his ex girlfriend is found.
The book continues in an alternating timeline. One from the present when Marc is a 50+ year old copper and one from the 70s/80s where Marc is a teenager. We see how the actions of decades gone by have impacted on not just Marc but everyone in the town.
The book is actually two investigations. Firstly the murder and then also the historic sexual abuse and susbsequent cover up. One is more complex than the other.
The narrative is very sexually driven wether it be teenagers exploring their sexuality or predatory perverts. Sex seems to be a prime motivation. This is a book that has a very dark story to tell and the language used reflects both this and also the time period of the 70s. The coarse language is both deep and extensive, see selected quotes for an example. While I can testify that this language was par for the course in that era and in that area it may well put some people off reading this book.
I found that the story resonated with me because it is set both in the era that I grew up in and near the area that I grew up in. In addition I can see a little of Marc in me. He was abit of a bully in school and hopes that over the years he has developed into a nicer, far more rounded person, but on occasion fears that he hasn't. The author sets the scene of South Wales in 70s and 80s very well. The social structure of teenage heirarchy, whose friends with who, whose having sex with who, winners, losers, the posh and the piss poor. It's like I was back there and then.
The choice of the mean streets of Abergavenny was an interesing one. Obviously it was the author's home town, but in the nearby valley village where I am from, we always thought of it as quite affluent. A rural area where rich farmers lived. Just goes to show eh?
After reading this you'll think my village must be twinned with Soddam and Gomorrah if it's rougher than Abergavenny.
Marc enlists the help of his former mates for some off the books detective work, setting the scene, I'm sure, for future ensemble investigations. I liked this book even though the amount of industrial language was a slight distraction. It's my people, my tribe. Sometimes thats not a thing to be proud of. Also it does demonstrate that while the city gets all the headlines the deepest darkest secrets are in the towns and villages, and especially in the valleys.
Saddler hurried out of the tent and headed towards the park gates, lighting a rolled up cigarette. ‘Oi, you dull twat!’ Fagan shouted after him. Saddler turned. ‘Just in case you didn’t realise, this is a fucking crime scene. I’ll kick your bloody arse
Looks like we’ll have to examine the dog. The owner said it pissed on the body before he could pull it away.
Benny Nelson smiled at the group of girls. ‘Any of you girls want a ride home?’ ‘What’s it going to cost us?’ Susanna Jenkins asked. ‘A blow job off every one of you.’ ‘Fuck off Benny, you spastic. Go and have a wank up the Keepers like you usually do.’
Marriage was for people who wanted to throw away their careers. At least, that’s what Fagan believed.
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Jason Chapman is a multi-talented Welsh author known for his exceptional storytelling in both the realms of science fiction and crime thrillers. He is a member of Crime Cymru. Born and raised amidst the scenic beauty of Abergavenny, South Wales, Jason's childhood was infused with a deep appreciation for the wonders of science and the allure of mysterious tales. This unique combination of interests laid the foundation for his diverse writing career, as he deftly weaves imaginative narratives that traverse the boundaries of multiple genres.Early Life:
Growing up in Abergavenny, Jason was a curious and imaginative child, often venturing into the beautiful Welsh countryside, conjuring up stories that combined elements of science fiction and thrilling mysteries. He spent hours immersed in classic science fiction novels and crime thrillers, drawing inspiration from both genres to shape his own literary voice.
After leaving school Jason pushed his passion for writing beyond its limits Over the last thirty years has explored his never ending passion for storytelling. Refining his is storytelling techniques and gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in crafting interesting narratives.
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