A RETIRED sweet shop owner in Evesham has used fascinating stories from former customers to inspire his latest collection of fiction novels.
When Mark Rasdall and his wife Michelle ran the Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop (now Mr D’s) on Worcester High Street, Mark spent much of the time listening to customer stories from all walks of life.
On cold, winter days when the shop was less busy, he would head into the back room and, inspired by these characters and their real-life experiences, use some of that raw material to write fiction, which has continued into his retirement.
The budding author, who lives in Church Lench near Evesham, has now completed the first three books in ‘The Inspector Harcourt Mysteries’ series.
Each title takes place in a different part of Worcestershire, referencing many aspects of the county’s history as the West Mercia Police team attempts to solve the mysteries posed.
Mark, who was an information specialist in London’s advertising sector before moving to the area, said: “I have always loved history and am now fortunate enough to live in a beautiful part of England where my imagination can run riot while connecting the two.”
His books are available in print and digital formats. The fourth edition of the series is expected later this year. Copies can be purchased locally at Worcester’s Script Haven bookshop and the Tourist Information Centre.
Visit www.markrasdallwriting.com for more information.
