To use the IRA or not to.

As I said in my last post I am now back working hard on A Death In Autumn: 1968. One of the key reasons for the delay was my indecision about adding an IRA element to the story and if so how important should it be.

I had two problems to decide on: 1) Did I know enough about the history of the IRA and 2) The troubles really only started in 1969. It took a long time and numerous rewrites to resolve those issue.

So I can now say that the book deals with corruption in Birmingham City Council over the sale of land and planning permission and the danger that the IRA might have an involvement in the case.

The book will be between 85 and 90,000 words and will complete the series.

I'm proud of the Collins and Clark books and the response that I've had from readers. But I think I need a new challenge. So book five will start in 1958. When 18 year old Joe Larkin, who's living on the streets, saves the life of a major gang boss in in Brum. It will chart his rise up the criminal organisation over the next ten years. It's possible that he may run into Collins and Clark but the story will be told from his
point of view.

Anyway stay fit and well,

Best wishes,

Jim
.