Ilfracombe resident writes new crime novel based in Devon, inspired by the mysterious history of Hillsborough Head

Devon resident, Christophe Medler, has had his new book Vengeance for a Fallen Angel published by The Conrad Press.

Vengeance for a Fallen Angel is a powerful and gritty crime novel set in North Devon in England. A deep dive into immorality so rampant in 1960’s society puts an unusual spin on the classic murder investigation plot, with an insight into the worlds of voodoo and the occult.

The author explains, “It was one evening sitting on our balcony overlooking Ilfracombe harbour, enjoying the evening sunset and a gin and tonic, that the idea for my latest novel Vengeance For a Fallen Angelcame into my head.

The sun was going down to the west casting its last vestige of light over the magnificent sight of Hillsborough Head to the east.

Since moving down to Ilfracombe I had always wanted to write a crime novel based in North Devon. I wasn’t interested in writing the stereotypical ‘who done it’ crime novel. I knew from local history and folklore that the Head was a mysterious place, with an ancient iron age fort atop, the site of pagan and witchcraft rituals over the ages. So that was it, Vengeance For a Fallen Angel was born. ”

This riveting book explores dark aspects of human nature, obsession, revenge, guilt, and manipulation. These themes resonate throughout and play to the readers own fears and desires.

The protagonist, antagonists, and supporting characters have hidden values, motives, secrets, and internal conflicts. Their psychological struggles and vulnerabilities add depth to the story.

The author adds, “ I have always loved the rugged north coastline of Devon and Cornwall. I had an inbuilt yearning to return someday to write a novel, when I retired from my hectic life as a corporate trouble-shooter in the printing and publishing industry, and now I have achieved my dream. I have left behind that image of an introverted, albeit successful, corporate trouble shooter and metamorphosised into a creative writer. ”

What’s next for the author…

Christophe is already writing a sequel to Vengeance for a Fallen Angel entitled The Devil Incarnate which he hopes to finish by the end of the year and publish in early 2025. Other projects in the pipeline include a second historical fiction novel set in Tudor times entitled Orphan, and a supernatural thriller set on Salisbury plain.

About the book

Vengeance for a Fallen Angel is a powerful and gritty crime novel set in North Devon in England. It is an absorbing and beguiling read with intriguing supernatural elements.

A young girl is raped, degraded and murdered by a local voodoo cauldron, and a string of murders follow. Are all of the crimes linked? Is a serial killer on the loose?

A deep dive into immorality so rampant in 1960s society puts an unusual spin on the classic murder investigation plot, with an insight into the worlds of voodoo and the occult. The plot keeps an intense pace, with settings chosen to weave intricate details into the narrative.

Vengeance for a Fallen Angel (RRP £10.99 ) was published by The Conrad Press on 02/04/2024 and can be ordered from Amazon and all good bookshops. ISBN: 978-1916966253