Southport author Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes donates all proceeds from her debut novel HIS MOTHER to the charity YOUNG MINDS.

Local author Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes donates all proceeds from her debut novel HIS MOTHER to the charity YOUNG MINDS.

Her book is currently available at Broadhursts of Southport, The Olde Bookshop on Brows Lane, Formby and Amazon Worldwide.

Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes said:

‘I have been writing stories for as long as I can remember. HIS MOTHER is my first novel. It is a psychological thriller, set in Southport. Although it is fictional, there are many parts in the novel which are undeniably autobiographical. It is a surreal experience putting what you know to be true into a story like this – in many ways it is a way for me to record fond memories and significant events forever.

I find myself especially interested in and influenced by certain topics, topics such as dysfunctional families, mental health, loss and regret.

The title of this novel is supposed to suggest an important link to the reasons behind the antagonist’s behaviour. It is important that both the roles of the antagonist, Mr Rimmer and the protagonist, Inspector Folkard, are given significance. This is why the chapters alternate from one to the other, a way of ensuring the reader gains a good understanding of both key characters. It is also a means for the reader to gain a better understanding of the killer’s motives – at times a sort of humanitarian view from the reader’s perspective. I suppose what I am attempting to explore is the question: ‘Can the reader feel any sympathy for a killer?’.

The tense of each alternating chapter is also significant. I use the present tense for the chapters that involve the killer so that the reader is closer to the killer, like sitting in the same room, a witness to the events that unfold. I use the past tense for the chapters that present Inspector Folkard so that the reader stands back in the way she must do to catch her killer.’.

HIS MOTHER – The Story

In the early hours of the morning, a teenage female body is found face down in the marshland that runs along Southport’s captivating coastline. Both Detectives Inspector Folkard and Sergeant Shakespeare strongly suspect secondary teacher Mr Rimmer to be their man.

Mr Rimmer has many secrets; although he appears to live alone, he in fact does not. The closer Inspector Folkard and Sergeant Shakespeare get to their killer, the more they learn of Mr Rimmer’s relationship with HIS MOTHER.

It is only when Inspector Folkard looks back at similar attacks on young females that she begins to make some much needed headway. Inspector Folkard knows there is at least one other body close by; finding it could be the vital piece of the puzzle, but where to look?

website: www.tapia-bowes.com

Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes added:

‘100% of the novel’s proceeds will be donated to YOUNG MINDS. It is the UK’s leading charity, committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. According to the charity, 3 children in every classroom has a diagnosable mental health disorder. As a full-time teacher and mother, I am hoping my support for this charity will make some difference, if only by raising awareness. Last week, I was delighted to hear the Duchess of Cambridge speaking of the challenges faced by young people and the need for providing the same quality of support for mental health as one would give to their physical well-being.

For some reason there seems to be some misconception that depression and anxiety only affects adults – that teenagers are only being moody, are down or are poor communicators. Depression and anxiety affects many young people, the sooner they receive the right support, the less likely they will be to turn to addiction or self-harm.’.

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