Brixham author writes adventure novel inspired by Pirate Festival

Murder is afoot at this year's Brixham Pirate Festival, as it features as the inspiration for a new tale of intrigue and skulduggery by Brixham author, Abigail Yardimci.

Abigail will be at this year’s event in May to launch her new cosy crime novel, 'Murder at the Pirate Festival', with visitors to the popular event.

Murder at the Pirate Festival tells the story of a local girl who investigates the mysterious death of one of her friends while celebrating the pirate festival at the fictitious seaside town of Berryport.

Abigail, aged 45, whose books include the Life is Yours series explained: “The fuse for this story was lit by a simple conversation with my 12-year old son, Azad, during last year’s annual Pirate Festival in Brixham.

“We talked about what would happen if someone tried to time a murder at the same time the cannons were fired. That conversation sparked my idea for this whodunit mystery and I’m so happy to be releasing it in time for this year’s festival!”

She added: “I’m delighted that the committee of Brixham Pirate Festival has invited me to launch my book over the weekend of the festival itself. I’m hoping to meet lots of avid readers and tell them about my swashbuckling tale of mystery and pirates.”

The official book launch takes place at Brixham Pirate Festival on the harbour Quay on 4th – 6th May where Abigail will be meeting readers and signing first-edition copies of the book.

Quartermaster of Brixham Pirate Festival, Lady Lego Lou, said: “This year’s festival will involve plenty of thrills, spills and make-believe bloodshed but with no real murders planned. We can’t wait to welcome Abigail and her booty-ful book!”

Published by Soft Rebel Publishing and the first of the Berryport Mysteries, Murder at the Pirate Festival tells the story of Paulie, who witnesses something during Berryport’s annual pirate festival that could prove local golden girl, Tanya Withers, was murdered.

When Paulie discovers Berryport’s only detective has retired, she decides to investigate herself but soon ends up dealing with shady characters, twisted lies and deepening mysteries. Will she be able to convince this small harbour community that Tanya was murdered by one of their own? Or will her chances disappear like a pirate ship lost on a stormy sea?

Murder at the Pirate Festival is available to buy from Amazon, or order from all good bookshops from Thurs 2nd May 2024.