Author's fantasy novel marks centenary of Great War

That is the plot of Newbury author, actor and historian Greg Bennett’s latest book Assassination on the Latin Bridge - a fantasy history novel aimed at adults and adolescents.
The book tells the story of master-psychic Robert Tulliver, who is sent to diffuse tensions in the ‘flashpoint’ of Sarajevo by King George V, where they encounter members of the Black Hand; the group responsible for killing the Arch Duke and lighting the sparks of war.
Mr Bennett said the idea came to him about a year ago as he wanted to do something to mark the centenary of the outbreak of war.
He said: “As a history buff I’m quite emotional about the upcoming centenary. It also gives me an opportunity to learn.
"There are lots of misconceptions and it’s good to tell the truth but have a bit of fun at the same time.
"It’s not an alternate history, I say to people at the end of the book what was fact or fiction.”
The fantasy elements also allow Mr Bennet to resurrect historical figures, including Sir Thomas More and suffragette Emily Wilding Davison.
Mr Bennett said: “The research is almost the most exciting bit. Trying to get into their heads and make them sound authentic is the biggest challenge.
Mr Bennett, who works as an actor and also writes screenplays, has appeared as a policeman in Eastenders and a paramedic in Casualty; along with background roles in Downton Abbey, Sherlock, and Doctor Who.
He said that it took him about three to four months of ‘solid’ writing to complete the book, which was aided by a lot of downtime during filming sessions.
“I hope Assassination on the Latin Bridge will reach out to anybody who is interested in history," he said.
"I’m very interested in making history exciting for young adults. Hopefully it will make the young adult mind go ping and bring history to life.”
Assassination on the Latin Bridge is available from Hungerford Book Shop, Invicta, Newbury, and on Amazon priced £5.99 but Mr Bennett said that he had a long list of local bookshops he wanted to visit.
The book can also be ordered via his website www.gregbennett.org