Oswestry author brings murder mystery series to a close

An Oswestry author has published his 15th book, bringing his popular series of locally set murder mysteries to a close.

Dave Andrews has released Chase to the Cut, the third and final novel featuring Detective Chief Inspector Gary Llewelyn Probert and his team.

It follows Each Slow Dusk and Bolt from the Black, although each book has its own complete story and investigation and can be read as a standalone novel.

The latest mystery begins when a man is attacked in his hotel room on the outskirts of Oswestry, followed by the murder of another man in Ellesmere during the town's annual Winter Festival Lantern Parade.

DCI Probert and his team must establish whether the two incidents are connected and identify the person responsible.

The investigation also uncovers a mysterious link to the Beatles, particularly John Lennon, while Probert has to contend with an unwelcome romantic interest from one of his colleagues.

Dave is Reader/Writer in Residence at Oswestry Library, where he gives talks on English and Welsh literature and offers advice to fellow writers.

He has written 14 previous books, many of which have strong local connections, including The Oswestry Round, Gobowen to Everest and Wilfred Owen: Poet of Oswestry.

Dave said the response to the Inspector Probert series had been particularly encouraging.

“The response to the Inspector Probert series has been overwhelming,” he said. “I’ve received so many positive messages and comments from readers.

“As well as telling me how much they enjoy them as detective novels, many tell me that they’ve really enjoyed reading about places they’re familiar with.

“Some even tell me that they follow the routes Inspector Probert takes around our town and local villages during his investigations.”

He said he had also heard from former Oswestry residents now living overseas.

“I’ve also had comments from former Oswestry residents now living in places as far away as Canada and New Zealand, who have said that my Inspector Probert novels remind them of home and their younger days,” he said.

“It’s very pleasing, especially as one thing I always try to do in my books is project a positive image of our town and the surrounding area.”

Chase to the Cut is available from Booka Bookshop, Oswestry Library and other outlets in Oswestry.

Copies can also be bought directly from Dave by emailing [email protected].