Pantomime script-writer Bryan J. Mason has turned to crime-writing.
Dead On is his second book in the black comedy crime series featuring ‘Harry and the Squad.’ It follows their activities as they investigate a series of murders in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.
Bryan Mason, who lives in Hotwells, was once a financial investigator, a mediator and at one time created sound effected for the BBC. He is now a full-time writer. His first novel was published in 2021, 30 years after the first draft.
He is also a director and co-writer of the annual Hotwells pantomime.
Dead On will be published on November 5. It can be bought from Amazon. There will be a book launch at the Holy Trinity Church hall in Clifton Vale on November 20 to which anyone is invited.
International focus for Clifton LitFest 2025
Thanks to the hard work of a small team of volunteers, and with the support of the Friends of Clifton Centre and Library, the Clifton LitFest continues to thrive. The sixth festival will take place over the weekend of November 14-16 in venues around Clifton Village – the Library, Christ Church, The Clifton Club and Clifton High School.
This year’s line-up features a similar number of events as last year, but the day has been extended and a number of new venues have been added so audiences can enjoy more talks with fewer clashes. International affairs take centre stage – the Silk Road is a strong theme, with speakers including Howard Amos, Peter Frankopan, Giles Milton, Caroline Eden and Joanna Lillis, alongside Jonathan Dimbleby and his revised foreword to his book, ‘The Palestinians’. The festival will be opened by Martin Parr and Caroline Lucas will be joining as the keynote speaker to discuss her timely book, ‘Another England: How to Reclaim our National Story’.
The programme also offers plenty beyond politics and history. There are events on nature, poetry, photography and food writing, including Kate Humble in conversation with local cook and writer, Jenny Chandler. Fiction is well represented too, with Deborah Moggach talking about ‘love in later life’. And to give just a flavour of the diversity on offer, Alice Roberts (the festival patron) will be in conversation with Kevin Toolis about ‘My Father’s Wake’.
Paula O’Rourke, Chair of Clifton LitFest, explained: “As we’ve come to know our audience better, we have been able to curate events that we know will be of interest. These highlights just give an overview; I’m sure there will be many more you will want to attend, so please do come along for a stimulating, entertaining and inspiring weekend”.
She added: “Thanks also go to the library staff at Clifton, and to the Friends of Clifton Centre and Library, whose support underpins everything that is happening at the Lit Fest”.
The festival is only possible thanks to the dedication of the volunteer committee, as well as more than 40 volunteers who keep the weekend running smoothly. If you would like to be involved, please do contact admin@cliftonlitfest.com for further details.
Tickets can be bought in advance from Clifton Library each Wednesday to Saturday and from www.foccal.com. Every ticket sold helps to keep this wonderful community festival alive!