The Elliot Todd Myteries

I am writing a series of crime books based around a bookshop owner inspired by own time managing a bookshop for 30 years. The first two, The Shakespeare Thief and Roman Holiday, are now available and I am busy writing the third. Central to the story are the characters of Elliot the bookshop owner, his main employee, Esther, the subject of his unrequited love, the eccentric but loyal Aggie, his interfering mother Elizabeth, his history mad friend Cameron. They are written, I hope, with warmth and humour and contain many a literary allusion.

The Shakespeare Thief: Elliot Todd Mystery 1

Bookworm Elliot Todd realises his dream of running a bookshop in a small provincial town. Though he has yet to find his soulmate, he is for the most part contented. Then, one day, events take a dramatic turn. The death of the 'Shakespeare expert' Harry Nielsen, following a talk at the bookshop, marks the beginning of a tangled web of intrigue leading to a thrilling conclusion.

You can order from the link here or by emailing: brendonbooks@gmail.com or telephone: 01823 337742 or personal visit to Brendon Books, Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER.  Ebook, paperback and audio also available online from here

Roman Holiday: Elliot Todd Mystery 2

A holiday in Rome for Elliot and his friend Cameron appears to be the perfect antidote following the death of Shakespeare expert in Elliot's bookshop. However, the two intrepid travellers get more than they bargained for when they visit Italy's historic Roman capital. Once more the world of books is a gateway to a world of intrigue and deception. 

You can order from the link here or by emailing: brendonbooks@gmail.com or telephone: 01823 337742 or personal visit to Brendon Books, Bath Place, Taunton TA1 4ER.  Ebook, paperback and audio also available online from here

Somerset Odyssey: Elliot Todd Mystery 3

Following his adventures in Rome, Elliot is invited to present a copy of The Lyrical ballads to the Coleridge Society in Somerset. He decides to combine it with a quiet walking holiday. However, things don't quite go as as planned, especially as his dynamic mother just happens to be planning her own trip to Somerset at around the same time.

Somerset Tragedy is due to be published in November 2025. If you would like to preorder a copy please email lionelward1@gmail.com and we will contact you as soon as the title becomes available.