Month: September 2019

‘Top Secret Worcestershire’ -the true story of the development of radar and the work of the ‘boffins’ and RAF at Malvern, Defford and Pershore during the Second World War. Key research which helped to shorten the war. One hundred images and recollections and stories from the past. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1858585813/ #RAF #Radar #WWII #Truestory #Worcestershire

September 16, 2019
Defford Radio Telescope
pershore Airfield

The Authors – Michael Layton QPM joined the British Transport Police as a Cadet on the 1st September 1968 and, after three years, was appointed as a Police Constable in 1971, serving at Birmingham New Street Station. In 1972 he transferred to Birmingham City Police, which amalgamated in 1974 to become the West Midlands Police, where he eventually reached the rank of Chief Superintendent in 1997. Whilst much of his service was spent in the Criminal Investigation Department for the next six year’s he was responsible for the policing of half of the Borough of Walsall. On retirement from that Force in 2003 he went on to see service with the Sovereign Bases Police in Cyprus, and then returned to the British Transport Police in 2004, initially as a Detective Superintendent (Director of Intelligence), and then in his last two years as the Operations Superintendent at Birmingham, where he continued with his passion for combating football violence, until finally retiring again in 2011. In the January 2003 New Year’s Honours List, he was awarded the Queens Police Medal for distinguished police service. He is the author or co-author of a number of factual books, predominantly police-related, as well as historical crime fiction books. Michael is also a self-employed consultant engaged predominantly with crime and community safety issues and is a resident of Bromsgrove. He is a member of the British Transport Police Independent Advisory Group in the Midlands area, and the British Transport Police History Group. Stephen Burrows joined West Midlands Police in 1983, working in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Walsall. He performed a wide variety of roles in ranks up to and including Detective Superintendent. These included uniform command, complaints and discipline, (including internal and cross-force enquiries) and CID command, (including Serious Crime Investigation, Child Protection and Head of Intelligence). In 2002 he transferred to Warwickshire Police as Chief Superintendent (Area Commander), and then became Detective Chief Superintendent, (Head of Crime) for the force, a post held for five years. He was trained as Senior Investigating Officer, in Kidnap command, and all levels of Firearms Command amongst other skills. He retired in 2013 following thirty years’ service, eleven of which were spent at Chief Superintendent rank. He currently works for The Home Office in the field of Communications Data. Stephen is the co-author of a number of factual police-related books as well as a number of historical crime fiction books. He has recently also released his first solo fiction book.

September 13, 2019

‘Black Over Bills Mothers – A Storm Is Coming’ – a historical crime fiction book which covers the period between 1943 and 2004. The book is set in Birmingham, Worcester, Northern Ireland, California USA, and Cyprus. It weaves together factual incidents as well as music and culture into a story involving serious and corruption. There are no ‘noble causes’ in this book and no heroes. (57 reviews) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HQN8Q2W/

September 12, 2019
black over bills mother ebook cover
An epic family saga covering seven decades

‘Reporting For Duty’ – todays special mention goes to the closure of an iconic part of the history of the West Midlands Police. On the 3rd January 1984 Duke Street closed and a number of central units moved to Park Lane. Duke Street was the first purpose-built police station built in Birmingham in 1852

September 7, 2019

‘Reporting For Duty’ – todays special memories from this book are the days of ‘bulling boots’ and creating life-long friendships at Ryton On Dunsmore District Police Training Centre. Photos courtesy of co-author Steve Burrows and the class of 1983. Each copy of this book sold attracts a donation to the new UK Police Memorial fund. https//www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1916168000/

September 6, 2019

‘The Night The Owl Cried – A Taste Of Cyprus’ – another great five star review today ‘I have just finished reading ‘The Night The Owl Cried’. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been to Cyprus only a couple of times but wherever I travel I like to try to understand the culture and history of the place. Andry’s book is brilliant for that purpose as I almost felt as if I was sat with her and just having a conversation about the islands culture and history. When I next visit the island I will appreciate it even more than previously’. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1549649485/

September 3, 2019

‘Reporting For Duty’ – another great five star review for this book today – ‘This is a brilliant historical record of the development of Britain’s second largest Police Force. It is written in a manner that avoids the ‘fustiness’ of some histories. The anecdotes from officers are fascinating and interesting and sometimes humorous. A great read.’ (Each copy sold attracts a donation to the new UK Police Memorial fund)

September 3, 2019

‘Pretty Thing’ recent reviews.’ The most enjoyable Bowie related book you’ll ever read’. ‘A great slice of 70’s nostalgia’, ‘Most enjoyable book I’ve read in a while’, ‘A clever read, well written’

September 2, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A great slice of 70s nostalgia

31 July 2019

Format: Paperback