Staffs convict turns writer in explosive thriller
Added: (Wed Apr 07 2021)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Few crime fiction authors can boast the back story of Ian McDougall.
The 54-year-old post-grad student from Staffordshire has just released his five-star-rated debut novel, Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths.
Having spent a total of 35 years behind bars, it is no surprise his gripping prison story is so realistic.
Ian, who was inspired to write by his probation officer, hopes Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths will dispel many of the misconceptions behind British crime and punishment.
Ian also explained: “Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths developed over time through exposure to the reality of life in prison.
“The story of Joe McDermot is a look through the keyhole of men of violence everywhere.
“The book challenges the hypocrisy of policy makers and public endorsement, which feed the myths that sustain people’s palatable ideas of themselves.
“No one involved in crime is left unscathed, especially the perpetrators of violence, and their justifications for using it.
“Seeing the world from Joe’s perspective gives an insight into the confusion and vulnerability behind behaviour, which is otherwise difficult to comprehend.”
Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths follows the fortunes of Joe after he is sentenced to life for murder.
In order to escape the brutality of prison life he aligns himself to organised criminal gangs, Islamic extremists and even becomes embroiled with secret intelligence officers.
Ian’s thrilling and, at times, harrowing narrative packs a punch that has led to a string of five-star reviews from readers.
Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths has been described as ‘dark and terrifying’, ‘raw and straight-talking’ and ‘couldn’t put it down’.
Reviewer Stephen Wallace stated: “It’s a gritty story – not for the faint-hearted.”
While Ian’s thriller provides a frightening insight into the politics and partitions that exist in high security prisons, it is his characterisation that leaves the lasting impression.
Basing his protagonist, as well as many other characters, on former inmates provides Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths with even deeper realism.
Ian added: “For the most part the main characters are based on real people.
“Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths explores the dynamics of those left to fend for themselves in desperate circumstances.
“Joe is an emotionally conflicted criminal running out of time, and his desperation leads him into the grip of the other three main characters - all apex criminals.
“Mayhem is charismatic, cool and calculating - his lieutenant Hass is a violent street hustler - and Sag, is the psychopathic misogynist.”
Following the positive reaction to Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths, Ian is currently considering making a start on a sequel.
For more details, visit Amazon and search for Ian McDougall, where the paperback and Kindle formats of Blood Brothers: The Truth behind the Myths are both available.
Notes to the Editor
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Since its launch, the company has assisted in the publication of around 2,500 books in a variety of genres for clients throughout the world.
For more details on PublishNation, visit their website at www.publishnation.co.uk