This book explores the issues of football-related violence, past and present, on the railway, as well as incidents in stadiums and city-centres during the 2015/16 seasons and at the Euro Games. It includes a number of personal recollections from retired police officers as well as some proposals for change and an academic view-point. Critically the book features a section on sectarianism and racial abuse within the sport – a very topical subject currently. Whilst observers of the game will quite accurately allude to the fact that things are not as bad as the 1970s and 80s it is worth pointing out that football still suffers from problems inflicted on decent lovers of the ‘beautiful game’ by a significant minority. A couple of extracts on racial incidents are included in the post the first of which was in 2007.

Yesterday this book celebrated its 26th review – twenty five of which are five-star reviews. The remaining one comes within the category of what are often described as ‘spoiler’ reviews where someone deliberately puts a negative review on Amazon UK in order to discourage potential readers from looking at it. They are very easy to complete and very hard to get taken off Amazon’s system. We have experienced this on a few occasions before but as writers the only choice really is to develop a ‘thicker skin’ and hope that people see them for what they are.

‘The Night The Owl Cried – A Taste Of Cyprus’ is a true-life story, plus history, culture, places and food between 1965 and 1983 and one hundred images. It will bring back memories for those who have already visited Cyprus and provide a real insight for those thinking of holidaying there or even making it their home. Above all else it is a family story and one of love and hope which shines through even in moments of crisis. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1549649485/ Feel the warmth of the sunshine as the story unfolds!

A historical crime fiction book which covers the period between 1943 and 2004. The book is set in Birmingham and elsewhere and weaves together factual incidents as well as music and culture into a story involving serious crime and corruption. The book currently has fifty-five very positive reviews and is a big read in both size and story-lines as it spans several decades and other continents. With more deaths than you have fingers this is not a book for those exploring ‘happy endings’ and ‘feel good factors’ but if you want a story that will leave you guessing right up to the end this one will suit you well. Some very powerful characters who have also started to make appearances in other books by the co-authors they are both victims and perpetrators and its not always clear which. One aspect of the book is the use of the titles of songs in each chapter for the year in which the story is set. For those who love music this will drag you back in time. Recently pitched as a potential film script a number of reviewers have recognised some of the ‘Peaky Blinders’ parallels. This was the first fiction book that Mike Layton and Steve Burrows worked on together – they ‘own’ the main characters and identify with some aspects of their personalities – but fortunately not all! By the end of the year they are hoping that this book will form part of a four book set. Most of all this book puts Birmingham at the heart of the story-line. As both authors are ‘Brummies’ it just had to be!

The history of Malvern, RAF Defford, Pershore Airfield and The Cold War in Worcestershire

George V1 at Malvern 1944

Testing at Defford – John Young

Amazon are currently giving 17% (£2.50) discount on Top Secret Worcestershire, selling it for £12.45 brand new with free postage. We don’t know how long they will continue this deal so get in quick. Link below.

Link to Amazon page

The history of Malvern, RAF Defford, Pershore Airfield and The Cold War in Worcestershire

Just noticed that Amazon are offering this at an 8% discount. Don’t know for how long so if you are intending to buy, get in now

Mike and Steve will be at Broadway Tower signing copies on ‘Top Secret Worcestershire’, between 10am & 2pm on Saturday, February 2nd. The Tower is a very interesting place to visit – (see the website http://www.Broadwaytower.co.uk), and there are good walks to and from Broadway village and from the tower itself. Why not make a day of it and come and meet us. Looking forward to meeting more of our lovely readers!