Scottish crime author JD Kirk will celebrate the release of his new book, Eastgate, at a special event in Fort William.
The book is the final in the author’s Robert Hoon series of four books, all released within the last two years.
JD Kirk, also known as Barry Hutchison, will attend a preview at Fort William Library on December 5 ahead of the book’s release.
The Fort William native has written 15 other crime novels under the pen name JD Kirk, even though he does not know what the JD stands for.
While he may enjoy murder and crime in his books for adults, he has also written more than 140 children’s books.
He won the Royal Mail Award for Scottish Children’s Books in 2010 and the Scottish Children’s Book Award in 2012.
His latest book, Eastgate, follows former DS Bob Hoon as he settles in for a quiet holiday at home.
‘Eastgate brings the series to an end with a bang’
However, he soon comes face-to-face with a squad of heavily armed Santas while doing his Christmas shopping.
DS Hoon, his sister, and an old army colleague are trapped alongside hundreds of terrified hostages as the police gathering outside try to negotiate with the terrorists.
But for all of them to make it home for Christmas, DS Hoon is going to have to take things into his own hands.
Mr Hutchison said: “I have been publishing crime fiction for three years now as JD Kirk, but I had yet to write a novel that is full of thrills, terrorists, hostages, and also Christmas cheer.
“The festive season is the ultimate comedic backdrop to Robert Hoon’s Scrooge-like approach to crime fighting.
“While I’m sad to close the chapter on Hoon, Eastgate brings the series to an end with a bang, and now maybe Hoon can finally retire in peace.”
The event on December 5 will be a chance for fans to meet and preview the book and get a signed copy.
Conversation