Ealing Half Marathon Organiser Appears in Crime Thriller
Gavin de Bier names character in latest novel after Sandra Courtney
Ealing Half Marathon organiser Sandra Courtney
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February 15, 2023
The critically acclaimed first novel from local author Gavin de Bier, Bobbing Heads, was based in Ealing and the Ealing Half Marathon played an important part in the plot.
He has now published the keenly anticipated follow up, Consider It Done, and, in recognition of her support for his work, he has named a character in the book after Sandra Courtney, one of the main organisers of the local running event.
He describes Consider it Done as an unusual, gripping, fast paced, multi-faceted thriller, and says that, whilst linked to Bobbing Heads, it can be enjoyed without having read that book first.
Bobbing Heads was primarily set in Ealing, whereas Consider it Done takes place in several places.
Gavin explained the reason for broadening the geographic settings of the book saying, “So many novels, particularly crime stories, are set in London which is understandable given the size, diversity and money in the city. However, I wanted to bring a freshness to my story and visit other places that may not necessarily have featured in crime novels before.
“Rest assured though, Ealing is where Greg the main protagonist lives and works and remains at the heart of the story. I am forever grateful for the local support that I have been given from Ealing, particularly Ealing Today which featured Bobbing Heads and raised the profile of the book.
“Also, Sandra Courtney, the organiser of the Ealing Half Marathon was so supportive and in recognition of that, there is a character in Consider It Done named after her!”
Sandra said, “I loved Bobbing Heads and it was great that the Ealing Half Marathon featured so heavily and now to have a character named after me is so exciting!”
When asked if it was difficult to produce a follow up after the success of his first novel, Gavin said, “No, as soon as I had finished Bobbing Heads and even before it was published, I had ideas for the next one as the characters give me energy and I didn’t want to lose any momentum. In similar fashion, I am now starting the follow up to Consider it Done.”
Gavin de Bier
His writing has been compared to John Marrs, Erin Kelly, and T M Logan and when asked if he is happy with those comparisons he said, “Of course! They are great writers and I am happy to be considered alongside them. Also, Waterstones compared Bobbing Heads to the Bourne Conspiracy and naturally I am happy to go along with that as well.”
Consider it Done and Bobbing Heads can be purchased from Amazon.
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