A gripping new crime novel by Andrew J Field, titled After the Bridge, is set to hit the shelves on Friday, 22nd November 2024. Published by Hit the North, the book delves into themes of despair, corruption, and human frailty, intertwining personal trauma with broader societal issues.
The novel, which begins and concludes on the Humber Bridge and unfolds primarily in Manchester, follows the intertwined lives of two protagonists: Owen, a struggling actor, and Becky, a Ukrainian refugee grappling with her own trauma. Their chance encounter on the Humber Bridge marks the start of a perilous journey as they attempt to postpone their personal crises by engaging in a honey-trap scheme. However, their lives spiral into chaos when a blackmailer dies in a Manchester hotel, leading them into a labyrinth of cynicism and criminality. The story challenges them to rediscover their humanity in the face of adversity.
Field, who resides in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, reflects on the novel’s evolution, saying, “After the Bridge began as a cheeky grifter noir but shifted focus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war has brought immense suffering, and the novel reflects the helplessness many feel in the face of such global crises.” He adds, “The book explores how fate can upend our lives, portraying the unpredictability of human existence through a noir lens.”
The novel tackles complex and mature themes, including suicide, sexual assault, and war crimes, but Field emphasises that these elements are handled with sensitivity and are not intended to sensationalise. “Crime writing should not glorify violence or abuse,” he asserts.
Emma Haughton, known for The Dark and The Sanctuary, describes the book as “dark, twisted and utterly compelling,” while Danuta Reah, author of The Last Room and Not Safe, praises it for being “engaging throughout.” Martin Fletcher, the book’s editor with a notable roster including Harry Thompson and Jo Brand, commends the novel’s inventive energy and portrayal of strong, sympathetic characters despite their flaws.
After the Bridge (ISBN: 978-1-9999826-7-6) will be available for pre-order through www.afterthebridge.co.uk and on Amazon. The hardback edition is priced at £19.99, the paperback at £9.99, and the Kindle/download version at £5.
Field, a member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers Association, holds an MA in novel writing from the University of Manchester. His previous works include Without Rules and All Down The Line.
Hit the North, the publisher, will also launch a blog site later this year, dedicated to celebrating classic and contemporary crime and noir in various media.
For more information, visit Hit the North or After the Bridge.