A retired policeman has written the second in his series of murder mystery books, based in Stourbridge.

Steve Barnbrook worked as a police officer for 30 years, of which 20 were spent working in forensics. He used his experiences to inform some of the plotlines in his latest book, Someone’s Still Watching, the follow up to his debut novel Someone’s Watching.

Steve said: “The murders are all fictional but some of the sub-plots are based on real events.

“Some of it is a bit grisly."

Some of the characters have taken on different roles to the first book. Some of the police officers have been promoted. Some of the villains are helping with the investigation.”

The new book also features characters from other walks of life including a local journalist called Martin.

Steve added: “It is Martin who notices the link between the murders and pesters the Police to investigate.”

Steve said that his first book was 'really well received' and he hopes to build on this for Someone’s Still Watching.

He said: “The books can be read as stand alone or as part of the series."

There are some real “twists and turns” in the plotline, said Steve, who has revealed that, in the future, he plans to make the books into a trilogy.