FALLING Fast, published on 8 May, is a visceral, brutal crime thriller, the first in a trilogy by debut author, Dundee International Book Prize finalist and Bristol CrimeFest panellist, Neil Broadfoot.
From its shock opening to the final jaw-dropping twist, Falling Fast draws the reader into the world of Doug McGregor, a crime reporter juggling two stories: the hunt for a convicted rapist and the grisly death of a prominent politician’s daughter. Working off the record with insider contact and sometime sparring partner, DS Susie Drummond, Doug uncovers secrets, brutal violence, drug abuse, murder – and the ultimate taboo.
Neil says: “I’ve always loved crime fiction, from Rankin, McBride and Banks to Conan Doyle, so I suppose it was only natural that, after so many years as a fan, I’d turn my hand to writing my own. Edinburgh’s my home, and I’ve worked in the media for more than a decade, so it was inevitable I would write about what I know, not just in Falling Fast, but my future novels as well.
“I’ve been told I’ve got a flair for describing the more visceral, violent side of life, and I hope that shows through in Falling Fast. I’ve tried to write the type of novel I like to read – fast paced, with plenty of twists and turns and, most importantly, a strong story and characters to keep the reader gripped.
“Scotland has a vibrant, thriving group of hugely-talented crime writers, and it’s a huge honour for me to join them under the Contraband imprint.”
ENDS
Praise for Falling Fast
“Gritty with a strong identity. Destined for crime success.” – Dundee International Book Prize judges
“Broadfoot is the real deal. A superb debut.” – Crimesquad.com
“A certainty of purpose, a clarity of voice and a real sense of danger… He’s [up there] with some of the finest crime writers Scottish fiction has to offer.” – Russel D. McLean
About the author
Neil Broadfoot worked as a journalist for 15 years at both national and local newspapers, covering some of the biggest stories of the day. A poacher-turned-gamekeeper, he has since moved into communications: providing media relations advice for a variety of organisations, from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service to high-profile sporting clubs in Scotland. He now works as a communications officer for the Scottish Government.
Neil is married to Fiona and a father to two girls, meaning he’s completely outnumbered in his own home. He lives in Dunfermline, the setting for his first job as a local reporter. Falling Fast is his first novel.
About Contraband
Contraband is the new crime fiction imprint from independent publisher, Saraband – the Saltire Society Scottish Publisher of the Year. Newly launched in 2014, Contraband will publish an eclectic range of crime, mystery and thriller writing, ranging from pacy detective stories to intriguing enigmas.
Other titles include:
- The Guillotine Choice, by Michael J Malone and Bashir Saoudi. A novel based on the true story of an innocent man’s incarceration at the notorious Devil’s Island penal colony.
- The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau, by Graeme Macrae Burnet. An ill-at-ease outsider in small-town France is pushed to the limit by his own fevered imagination.
Notes for editors
1. Media contacts:
Press materials are available that include:
- High-res book cover image and portrait images of Neil Broadfoot.
- Q&A with author Neil Broadfoot.
Please contact Craig Hillsley, T. 01756 730 955, E. craig@saraband.net or Sara Hunt, T. 07866 555 194, E. sara@saraband.net
2. Saraband – Saltire Society Scottish Publisher of the Year, 2013-14. We publish fiction, non-fiction and illustrated books that celebrate extraordinary human achievements, explore important cultural traditions and champion our planet and its species. We are also becoming renowned as an innovator in digital publishing. Saraband is a member company of the Faber Factory Plus alliance of quality independents.
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Saraband. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Check out twitter.com/nonstopstories.
Contact: Craig Hillsley
Phone: 01756730955
Email: craig@saraband.net
Website: http://www.saraband.net
