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Released: 28/06/2019

ISBN: 9781789017762
eISBN: 9781789019735

Format: Paperback/eBook

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A Stroke of Bad Luck

by Diane Janes

On a bitter day in January 1934 a young woman pays an unexpected visit to the occupant of the condemned cell in Armley Jail in Leeds. The man is Ernest Brown, who stands convicted of the murder of his employer, Frederick Morton, and is soon to be hanged. The woman is Florence Morton, the victim’s sister. Florence knows that Ernest is a bad lot. He deserted from the army, acquired a criminal record for theft and drunken driving, and has admitted to having had an affair with the victim’s wife. But did he kill her brother, Freddy Morton?

Based on a true story, the mystery surrounding Freddy Morton’s death unfolds page by page, drawing the reader into a fascinating web of conflicting statements, competing loyalties, and a seemingly impossible murder scenario. As the clock ticks and the day of Ernest’s execution approaches, will Florence manage to discover the truth about the brutal murder of her brother?

Author news

Diane's latest novel A Stroke of Bad Luck will be published by Matador in June 2019

www.dianejanes.50webs.com

Book Reviews

This was a great read. I was intrigued about the real case that this book was based on and actually did research on it. The author did a great job of fictionalizing this story.

by Cristie

Diane James's characters are well-defined and credible, and their interactions make for some fascinating reading. I particularly enjoyed the mysterious plot that is is based on real events.. A fine crime story to get lost in !!

by Kelly

I thought this was a very well written book. It is the tale (based on a true story) of a prisoner who may or may not have committed murder. A visitor hears his story and wants to help. We know he’s a bad guy but did he or didn’t he? The author makes courtrooms sound exciting, so if you really enjoy trial books, you’ll love this. I confess, I usually am not into trials but this one kept me reading til the end. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book!

by Linda

About the Author

Diane Janes

Diane Janes is a full-time author who writes both crime novels and historical true crime books. As well as contemporary psychological thrillers, she is the creator of the Black & Dod historical mysteries series. Her novels have been shortlisted for various awards, including the CWA Debut Dagger and the CWA New Blood Dagger and she has been awarded a Red Herring for services to the crime-writing genre. You can find out more about Diane's forthcoming novels, public appearances etc. by visiting her website www.dianejanes.50webs.com