The Lifer

Bert Simpson’s life is a kaleidoscope of ups and devastating downs. A happy life at the beginning to the heartbreak that was to accompany him for the greater part of his adulthood. Trouble starts when his mother’s illness causes Bert to be sent to live with his Grandmother. She dies in 1939 and war breaks out in the same year. Bert travels back to his hometown where his Grandmother looks after the whole family. War escalates and Bert is sent as an evacuee to Devon. Finishing school he returns to his hometown and once again picks-up on old childhood friendships. In marriage tragedy strikes and Bert is accused of murder and is sentenced to life imprisonment. In prison he makes some very unusual friends who manage to boost his low esteem and start him back on the road to his eventual recovery. It is here that he meets a girl who believes in him. The book also deals with the delightful cameo of the personal life of the investigating detective and his progress from murder investigation to meeting the woman of his dreams.