Wordsley writer channels life in the Black Country for new novel

An author has released a nostalgic novel about life in the Black Country.

Writer, Thomas J.R Dearn, was born in Wordsley with family from Colley Gate and Rowley Regis, but now lives in Droitwich Spa.

He has been researching and writing the novel, called Once Upon a Time in the Black Country, for two and a half years.

The story is set in the region in the mid 1950s and takes inspiration from popular BBC series Peaky Blinders.

Thomas, aged 36, said: "The book is mainly set in Cradley Heath, Haden Hill, Old Hill and partially in Tipton.

"Set in the Black Country post-Second World War, Harry Scriven is a man torn between family loyalties, his moral compass and an ever present sense of justice.

"In a world of 1950s nostalgia, classic cars, long forgotten pubs and vintage music, Once Upon a Time In The Black Country is Goodfellas meets Peaky Blinders. An at times gruesome tale of one man’s quest to battle his demons and lead a better life."

The novel features a number of well known Black Country landmarks, with characters spending a lot of time in particular at the Hayden Cross pub.

He added: "When I was researching the book I spent a lot of time talking to family members who were around at that time and trying to translate the Black Country dialect onto paper.

"I also took a few trips to the Black Country Museum and read a number of books and magazines about the history of the area.

"The feedback so far has been great and people are looking forward to the next one in the series which I have already started work on."

Thomas who is a 1950s car and music enthusiast is also a musician and plays guitar in a number of bands.

Once Upon a Time in the Black Country is available to purchase on Amazon as a paperback and e-book.