Lament for Darley Dene

by Stuart G. Yates

Based on true events.

Following the Second World War, young Ben uncovers a bizarre tale.

In the 1941 Blitz, soldiers died in the same area he now plays in. As the dreadful events of the past slowly unfold, young Ben finds himself embroiled in a bewildering series of strange, inexplicable incidents, as old secrets and long-hidden truths slowly reveal themselves.

This is a story of self-discovery and of overcoming fear, for what is buried beneath the ground in the forgotten bomb shelter is truly chilling. Ben is about to discover his family's secrets, and will have to help put to rest the horror of what happened in Darley Dene.

169 pages, Paperback

Published August 21, 2016

About the author

My first published book 'Cold Hell in Darley Dene' (written as Glenn Stuart) was the culmination of years of trying to get myself into print. Back in 1979 I submitted a novel to a publisher, and in 2009 Darley Dene was accepted. Thirty years of honing my skills, and learning a lot about the world. If I had the chance, I'd almost certainly re-write all of my books, improve them, make them more solid, because the more we write, the better we get.This is what has happened to 'Darley Dene'. It's now available as 'Lament for Darley Dene', re-written and improved. Soon, you will find the same with 'The Pawnbroker', a horror story which I am sure many out there will enjoy.
My current day-job is being a teacher, a job I love. Without it I would not be able to continue to write; it also gives me a wealth of characters and so many ideas. The bills get paid too!
I write now as Stuart G Yates in a range of genres. Unflinching is my best-selling Western, but if you like historical fiction, thrillers or spine-tingling horror, I am sure I have a title for you.
For the moment, I live in Spain, which is not so wonderful as people try to make out, and I would dearly love to return to Old Blighty, find a little cottage and write full time. Or the Philippines and be with my fiance, marry her, find happiness. Dreams, but dreams that I am trying very hard to make true. Afterall, it's dreaming what writers do best...don't they?

Reviews

[A.J. Griffiths-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read, full of adventure. As Uncle Ben retells the story of his own youth & his discovery in the Darley Dene camp to nephew Henry, two pasts entwine to uncover war secrets & family mysteries. The author has great imagination & writes beautifully, pulling you in slowly as events unfold. There are some sad moments as you discover the truth behind Ben’s father’s disappearance but the way in which the tale is written is like fitting together a very clever jigsaw, every section relevant & enlightening. A superb author.