Can you solve the mystery lurking in the tunnels of the London Underground before Dick Turnpike does? Have you the answers to the “vague” letter in Mrs Abigail Parsons’ possession since the death of her Professor Uncle who fought in World War 1 but died in World War 2?
Dick Turnpike, the 12 year old history detective and tube train enthusiast, along with the help of his friend, Charlie Neasden, and the Underground Club caretaker, Ron Stanmore, are on the case. A possessed parrot, Goldhawk Junior, holds the key to the riddle. Through him the spirit of dead Goldhawk Senior communicates with the living world. The ghosts of the London Underground pose a threat but they are not enough to spook the hero of the book, Dick Turnpike.
The story is set in contemporary 21st century Britain against the backdrop of the interesting and amazing history of the world’s first subterranean railway system affectionately known as the “Tube”. In typical Charles Dickens fashion the story covers parts of London’s social history but where locations link with places on the London Underground map. As well as delving into the past, it touches on the issues and technical social media revolution affecting the younger generation today.
I’ve been inspired to write a mystery from the age of 12, which is when I read my first Agatha Christie novel, “By the Pricking of My Thumbs”. I read the book as I found out the school I was attending at the time was next door to the house in Sunningdale where Agatha Christie used to live. The house was called “Styles” and actually features in one of her book titles, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”. Now as an adult and after a fascinating trip to the London Transport Museum and the purchase of Stephen Halliday’s “Underground To Everywhere” book, I thought I would mix the two and write a mystery set on the London Underground, but with a modern day twist.
Dick Turnpike, the 12 year old history detective and tube train enthusiast, along with the help of his friend, Charlie Neasden, and the Underground Club caretaker, Ron Stanmore, are on the case. A possessed parrot, Goldhawk Junior, holds the key to the riddle. Through him the spirit of dead Goldhawk Senior communicates with the living world. The ghosts of the London Underground pose a threat but they are not enough to spook the hero of the book, Dick Turnpike.
The story is set in contemporary 21st century Britain against the backdrop of the interesting and amazing history of the world’s first subterranean railway system affectionately known as the “Tube”. In typical Charles Dickens fashion the story covers parts of London’s social history but where locations link with places on the London Underground map. As well as delving into the past, it touches on the issues and technical social media revolution affecting the younger generation today.
I’ve been inspired to write a mystery from the age of 12, which is when I read my first Agatha Christie novel, “By the Pricking of My Thumbs”. I read the book as I found out the school I was attending at the time was next door to the house in Sunningdale where Agatha Christie used to live. The house was called “Styles” and actually features in one of her book titles, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”. Now as an adult and after a fascinating trip to the London Transport Museum and the purchase of Stephen Halliday’s “Underground To Everywhere” book, I thought I would mix the two and write a mystery set on the London Underground, but with a modern day twist.
