The Fifth Series
Books 1-4 – The Story So Far…
If I discount editing, the book I’ve read most in my life is Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. I go back to it every few years. It has everything — warmth, humour, pathos, and a lead character that in some ways could’ve been me. Like me, he’s a music nut, an ex-DJ with a love of sixties soul. I’ve never owned a record shop, something I deeply regret, and it’s never too late.
When a reviewer called me a Nick Hornby wannabe, I suspect it wasn’t meant in the most positive light. But I took it as an enormous compliment. My first attempt at a novel was being mentioned in the same sentence as the great man and my favourite book. Mind blown. Friends have told me they can hear my voice in the books, which I love.
As I’ve said previously, The Fifth Tweet was to be a one-off, proving to myself I could create a cohesive story with likeable characters. I wanted to evoke some of the feelings of another much re-read book series, The Beiderbecke Trilogy by Alan Plater. The joy of Mr Carter asking Jill if he could sit beside her and kindle his desires was genius. The TV adaptation was superb and also helped to kindle my own desires for Barbara Flynn! I digress.
Other authors I love and take as inspiration include Caimh McDonnell (brilliant characters like Bunny, Deccie and Maggie), Mick Herron (Jackson Lamb) and David Nicholls (brilliant relationships).
When I decided to work on a sequel, I liked the idea that Frankie had become a writer and real life imitated the fictional story he was working on. It meant I could tap into unlikely criminal activities (as Plater did with Russian spies and a whole secret economy) and create mysteries without the conventional police detective/private investigator set up.
I fell in love with the characters. Frankie and Jen, Roddy, Angel, Ambrose and the rest. I reserve a special affection for Tinkle, who always needs to go, and go soon!
The switch to writing a police procedural (The Price We Pay) was a massive change of gear. It took a while to develop a distinct voice. I was worried that I would lose Frankie’s voice. Going back to the characters for The Fifth Door was a joy. After a couple of days, I was back in Frankie’s head. After the last few months working on the second Carrie book, I’m now looking forward to seeing Frankie and co again. It’s early days, but look out for a smattering of AI and the reappearance of a much-loved character from earlier, in what will be the fifth book in The Fifth Series…
One final thought. I’m often asked who I’d like to play Frankie in a future big-budget adaptation (is that too much to ask?). Well, I’d be more than happy with either Martin Freeman or Perry Fitzpatrick – they can argue it out between them. I’d have to create a role for Mark Silcox as he reduces me to tears every time he speaks in Man Like Mobeen.
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‘Hilarious, heartbreaking, and heart-warming. The tales of Frankie’s chaotic life adventures are beautifully written. May there be many more to come
