A BOOK by a successful author has been released telling a fictional story based in Maldon.

Writer Patrick Forsyth, 79, from Maldon is part of the Witham Writers group.

His new crime book - Where There’s A Will - is Patrick’s fifth novel.

The book is based on Kathy who visits a prison inmate as a favour to a distant relative.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

She finds herself having an unexpected encounter and forms a new friendship.

They then must prevent a tragedy following a disturbing rumour.

They have worries that the mysterious rumours could be true and are exposed to unimaginable danger.

Patrick said: “Over the years most of my writing has been non-fiction, but I enjoy writing fiction too and this is my fifth novel.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

“I guess it’s what has recently been christened ‘cosy crime’, and like my previous novels the protagonists are ordinary people caught up in circumstances that involve them with difficulties or crime of some sort – here a planned assassination.”

A review from BBC broadcaster and writer Tony Fisher said: “Once again Patrick brings a mixture of intrigue and plot-twisting while creating real characters you might just find down the coffee shop.”

The book is available in print and e-book form. Copies are £7.99 and are available at Maldon Books in the High Street.