Dark Side of Light

Tony Billinghurst published his first story in Ireland in the mid-1960s whilst reading many of the early 20th century greats, Hemingway in particular which was a mistake; for years, everything he wrote was a bad pastiche of Hemingway; he'd got into the habit of using few words. He likes to write in a variety of styles, themes and locations which is reflected in the eclectic nature of this collection. Tony Billinghurst has long been interested in English social history and several of his stories are inspired by historic facts, The Dark Side of Light being one.

• The Dark Side of Light 3 Historic Crime inspired by an actual eventJust Let Go 41Real LifeLunch with Hilda 51HumourThe Bridge at Drochaisling 57Real LifeNo Trespassing 71Crime10 Strinburg Place 85FantasyThe Occupant of Bench 24 107FantasyTwo Running Men 111CrimeSoft Brown Eyes 129Real LifeOver Cheese Hill 135HumourThe Rose of Tewkesbury 143FantasyDying for a Drink 155Crime inspired by an event reputed to be trueBye Combe Vale 165Real LifeNo Doubt About It 175FantasyIs That You, Dear? 187CrimeClosure by Proxy 197Real LifeA Man of his Word 207CrimeBarnaby Vole, Hero Of The Resistance 227Children'sThe Eric Miller stories Cocktails at Sunset 243CrimeA Circle of Seagulls 261CrimeWho Knows? 301CrimeInheritance 325Crime

Tony Billinghurst explores what happens when crooks and criminal activity overlap with the lives of ordinary people. The stories he weaves - ranging from moody noir to brash thriller are thought - provoking, surprising, and full of capitvatingly idiosyncratic characters. - Charlie Fish