A bus station murder and suspicious detective are part of a new Preston-based novel

A brutal murder at Preston Bus Station, an investigation into a cruel children's home and a suspicious detective are all part of a new Lancashire-based novel being released this week.
Preston-born author Mark TierneyPreston-born author Mark Tierney
Preston-born author Mark Tierney

A ‘Tree Born Crooked’ is the second in a series of crime books written by Preston-born author Mark Tierney after his first book ‘Jubilee’ gained world-wide recognition.

Following the investigations of Detective Inspector Traynor, this instalment sees him visit children’s home Gorpewood House years after its doors were closed and boarded up.

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But when a former resident returns to the city to help with their enquiries, Traynor can’t shake the suspicion they’re hiding something.

Book A Tree Born Crooked by Preston-born author Mark TierneyBook A Tree Born Crooked by Preston-born author Mark Tierney
Book A Tree Born Crooked by Preston-born author Mark Tierney

His worries are heightened when a suspected suicide at Preston Bus Station turns out to be a murder and he decides to look a little closer at their informant.

The detectives fears are confirmed when he discovers the former resident to be none other than Ben Allen, a convicted murderer straight out of prison.

“It’s taken a long time to get this book right,” said 36-year-old Mark, who was raised in Ribbleton but now lives in Leyland. “People say writing one book is hard, but writing the second has been even harder.

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“I wanted to get the right blend of humour and dark material after finding there’s a bit of a market for it with the first book.”

Book A Tree Born Crooked by Preston-born author Mark TierneyBook A Tree Born Crooked by Preston-born author Mark Tierney
Book A Tree Born Crooked by Preston-born author Mark Tierney

And the religious education teacher at Cardinal Newman College says huge parts of the story are based around the county’s landmarks.

“Most of the story has links to different areas from Lancashire and I hope people like being able to relate,” he said. “I’m hoping to carry that on in my third book too.”

The book is available from Friday on Amazon Kindle for the price of £2.49.