BOOKS
Wild Boy
by PETER RANSLEY
Des is nine. Wild - when he’s not charming. He lives in a London tower block with his mum and Almost, who is almost, but not his dad. Where is his dad? His mum doesn't know. And doesn’t want to know. That makes Des all the more determined to find him.
When his wildness turns him into a TV actor will it lead him to his dad? And break up his mum’s relationship with Almost - or make it? Des lives in a flat in Fourways, a tower block within sight of Grenfell Tower. Like that, it needs crucial repairs. Soon, says the warden Mr Next-Week ...
Plague Child
by PETER RANSLEY
The first instalment of a captivating trilogy set against the backdrop of the English Civil War.
September 1625: Plague cart driver, Matthew Kneave, is sent to pick up the corpse of a baby. Yet, on the way to the plague pit, he hears a cry – the baby is alive. A plague child himself, and now immune from the disease, Matthew decides to raise it as his own.
The civil war divides families, yet Tom is divided in himself. Devil or saint? Royalist or radicalist? He is at the bottom of the social ladder, yet soon finds himself within reach of a great estate – one which he must give up to be with the girl he loves.
Set against the fervent political climate of the period, 'Plague Child' is a remarkable story of discovery, identity and an England of the past.
Also available: German language edition "Pestsiegel"
Cromwell's Blessing
by PETER RANSLEY
The price for a country. The price for a King. The price for a marriage. The dramatic story of Tom Neave continues…
The second book in the Tom Neave Trilogy, ‘Cromwell’s Blessing’ sees Tom still determined to fight for his principles – democracy, freedom and honour – despite the growing threat to his young family, as England finds itself in the throes of bloody civil war.
Parliament itself is deeply divided with those demanding a strict Puritan regime pitted against more liberal Independents like Cromwell. King Charles, under house arrest, tries to exploit the divisions between them. When Richard arrives from France with a commission from the Queen to snatch the King from Parliamentary hands, he and Tom are set on a collision course. Caught between his love for his wife Anne and their young son, and his loyalty to the new regime, Tom must struggle to save both his family and the estate.
Also available: German language edition "Falkenschwur"
The King's List
by PETER RANSLEY
What price betrayal? The bloody saga of revolution and republicanism reaches its climax in the final instalment of the Tom Neave trilogy.
1659. Tom Neave, now Lord Stonehouse and feared spymaster for the republic, must do what he can to maintain the reins of power. With Oliver Cromwell dead, a ruthless struggle for control of the country begins.
As the struggle for power in England becomes more urgent, rumours abound of the return of the exiled king. Copies of the ‘King’s List’ are in circulation – the names of those who signed the death warrant of the late king, of which Tom is one. While an army marches on London, the fate of the nation – and that of Tom and his family – lies at stake.
Bright Hair About The Bone
by PETER RANSLEY
After discovering Laura Traver's battered body, young Anne Devenish seems to undergo a personality change. The arrival of a charismatic new teacher at her school leads ultimately to a shocking conclusion.
Peter adapted this into a screenplay ‘Bright Hair’ starring Emilia Fox and James Purefoy.
The Hawk
by PETER RANSLEY
A psychological suspense story about a woman's suspicion that her husband is the sexual murderer known as the Hawk. This is the first novel from an award-winning television writer.
Peter adapted this into a screenplay starring Helen Mirren, available on DVD.
The Price
by PETER RANSLEY
A millionaire businessman's wife and her daughter are kidnapped by a renegade IRA man – on the run as much from his own people as from the police.
Peter adapted this into a six part series, starring Peter Barkworth, Harriet Walter and Derek Thomson. This is available on DVD.