HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS BEST
BURNING SECRET
by
R. J. LLOYD
lloyd@rjlloydwriter.com
Roger is a graduate of psychology and philosophy, holding a master's degree in marketing. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, where he pursued investigations to uncover the truth, he embarked on a new path of ancestral research. This transition, a testament to life's unpredictability, led him to discoveries that profoundly reshaped his understanding of his great-great-grandfather, Enoch Price, born in 1844.
Family stories painted Enoch as a respectable man, the son of a tanner, earning an honest living as a bodice stay manufacturer in London's East End during the 1870s. However, after dedicating fifteen years to meticulous research, Roger uncovered a far richer and more captivating story, one rife with unexpected twists, deceit, and brutal betrayal, bound to astonish anyone who hears it.
His book, Burning Secret, published in 2022, transcends the boundaries of ordinary literature; it offers a gripping, fictionalised portrayal of Enoch's extraordinary life, powerfully illustrating that sometimes, truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Although Roger had established himself in the realm of non-fiction, his unexpected venture into fiction took even him by surprise. This journey—from a career in law enforcement to delving into ancestral research and ultimately embracing the art of storytelling—captures the essence of life's unpredictability. His enthralling tale will engage and inspire readers, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.
Roger lives with his wife near Bristol, UK, where he enjoys writing and winning trophies for his prized flowers and vegetables.
lloyd@rjlloydwriter.com
HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS BEST
BURNING SECRET
Set in Victorian London of the 1880s, Enoch Price is a bare-knuckle fighter who endures the brutality of London's criminal underworld. Deeply in debt to ruthless loan sharks, he faces the grim prospect of hard labour in Coldbath Prison, one of London's most notorious institutions.
Heartbreaking as it is, Enoch is forced to abandon everything he holds dear, disappearing without a trace and leaving his wife and three adorable young daughters destitute in the gutter. In his desperation, he promises that they will be reunited soon, a promise he's determined to keep.
Enoch, now in Florida, assumes the new identity of Harry Mason. As an itinerant barman with no past, he grapples with the shadows of his former life. The mystery of his true identity and the secrets he carries with him make his story all the more intriguing. However, he can never truly escape his history or the guilt he carries.
Based on actual events, the story that unfolds serves as a testament to the adage that truth is often stranger than fiction. Indeed, if it weren't true, it would be unbelievable. Harry Mason died in 1919 and is now largely forgotten, though not unrecorded.
Burning Secret
by R. J. Lloyd
Enoch Price, born into poverty in 1844, made a daring escape from the squalor of London to America. There, he employed a shrewd mix of cunning, deceit, and betrayal to construct a political and financial empire that is sure to fascinate and intrigue.
Despite his outward success, Enoch was haunted by a profound sense of loneliness and guilt. In a quest for solace, he entered into a bigamous marriage, further entangling himself in a web of lies as he tried to conceal his past. These deep inner struggles make him a character with whom you can't help but empathise.
REVIEWS
Burning Secret is a brilliant read and a real page turner. Enoch is a thrilling main character. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys well written historical fiction. Gemma Best
The book draws you in from the start.
An exciting story based on real people and events, which makes it even better! A fascinating story. I found it near on impossible to put down. It's wonderfully written and so beautifully descriptive. All in all, a brilliant story, and one for all fiction fans to enjoy!
Miranda Book Scapes
A fantastic book. Get ready for an unforgettable journey, caught up in a web of intrigue, crime, betrayal, sacrifice, and a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lloyd has created characters that are well portrayed and believable. All in all, Burning Secret is a compelling and very thought provoking read which I highly recommend.
Books Covered
R. J. Lloyd paints the very first scene masterfully, choosing the perfect moment to introduce our protagonist. The prose is first-class. Vivid, detailed, but never dull; the dialogue is better than most, and the author knows how to crank tension and insert shock when the book needs it.
I could see this book being made into a TV series. Lloyd, quite simply, is a master of his craft.
C P Reviews
This is a terrific fast paced read. The straightforward language propels the plot and characters from one situation to the next to create a thoroughly satisfying dramatic entertainment. Except it’s not fiction - and if you didn’t know all the events were grounded in fact, you’d think it unbelievable. Overall, this is a five star must read for fans of historical adventure, family dramas and anyone else who wants a well crafted, entertaining, page turning read.
Knightsinwhites
A brilliantly crafted tale which encompasses a world of crime, betrayal, sacrifice and new beginnings.
There is a constant thrill to this story as Harry’s past and his lies stalk his every move and every turn.
I liked how the real world merged into the fictitious elements of the story. This is a rare achievement and the sign of a great storyteller.
Aubrey Cleeses
Burning Secret
by R. J. Lloyd
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