Frank Lean is the pen name of Frank Leneghan; he was educated at Thornleigh College, Bolton and Keele University where he read history and politics. He then worked at an inner-city school in Manchester, where he taught history and computer studies. He give up teaching to write full time.
Set in Manchester (or was it Birmingham?) this instantly forgettable story is about a private investigator who becomes embroiled in the goings on at the local TV station, is accused of murdering the wife of one of the station chiefs and accidentally breaks a ring of benefit fraud criminals whilst investigating the claim of a gypsy to be descended from royal blood. I got the feeling this was supposed to be very much tongue in cheek and that I was expected to find it all very funny. I didn't.
I often read murder mystery/crime novels by authors I've never read before for a change, and usually enjoy them but then just pass them on for someone else to enjoy. This one really surprised me; I enjoyed it so much that I kept it. The characters are engaging, interesting, and humorous & the narrative keeps you guessing. It is also based near where I live, which makes it all the more enjoyable.