The author, a former professional mariner, came from a long line of policemen beginning in 1860 and ending in 1954. His introduction into written story-telling came when he was aged 15. At that age he wrote a story about a mystery aboard a yacht. This story achieved a house mark, one of the only two he gained. As the headmaster congratulated him so the author received a severe reprimand from the English master for using the word 'grub' instead of the word 'food'. Notwithstanding the reprimand, the author went on to write non-fiction magazine articles for maritime and in-house publications with books on wartime ships and ship building, 19th century village education and a history of horticulture. This is his first book of fiction.
