Local Author Ken Ward has written his second crime thriller book based in King's Lynn, where the first murder is at Greyfriars Tower. Picture: Matthew Usher.

King’s Lynn landmarks in gripping crime thriller

By Chris Bishop Friday, February 22, 2013
1:03 PM

Norfolk is the backdrop for a spine chilling new crime novel portraying the hunt for a serial killer.

To make matters harder for the detective inspector trying to tracK him down, the county is about to be hit by a hurricane.

The tricky situation faced by Det Insp Ray Keane is the subject of a Terrington St Clement resident’s latest crime novel.

The Tower of Silence, by Ken Ward, was officially launched at King’s Lynn Library last week where an audience of 20 people enjoyed chatting to the author about his latest offering before buying signed copies.

The cover picture of the book is of Greyfriars Tower in King’s Lynn, which was built by the Franciscan Friars in the 13th century and is one of only three remaining in the country.

“Tower of Silence centres on the character Margaret O’Connor, a manic depressive,” said Mr Ward, who has been writing for four years.

“She cannot abide the bad language she hears children using and thinks she can help them. This leads her to killing them and leaving their bodies at spots around Norfolk.

“Det Insp Keane comes on to the scene and is reminded of the first case he worked on when arriving at the station in King’s Lynn previously. The case is proving difficult when a storm on par with the hurricane of 1987 hits the area and the team get a lucky break which leads them to Margaret and being able to save her latest victim.

“I enjoy writing stories that centre on the area as it is open to lots of storylines because of the scenery and the way life works in the area.”

Mr Ward added his first book about Det Insp Keane, One Good Shot, was published in 2010 and he is currently writing his third book to feature the detective which will be called Knife of Honour.

Tower of Silence is available to order at Waterstones or WH Smith in King’s Lynn. Signed copies can also be purchased at Marshland News in Terrington St Clement and at Walker’s News in Norfolk Street.