A CHISLEHURST man has had his first book published about a murder mystery in Bromley.

Mike Uden, of Ravenshill, now works as an English Language teacher for foreign students after spending 35 years working in television.

He has written various novels but The Sacrifice is the first one to be published and is hoped to be the first in a series.

The 62-year-old said: “I thought it’s best to write what I know so I set it in a foreign language school.

“It’s always difficult to get a publisher on board but I think Hale Books may have been particularly interested because it’s a first person narrator and a female protagonist - a private detective - which is unusual for a male author.”

Many of Bromley’s landmarks are in the novel including Crystal Palace Tower, The Glades and other mystery locations.

However despite being stocked by certain Waterstones and libraries including Edinburgh and Sussex, Mr Uden has not managed to find it stocked in any Bromley establishments.

He said: “It’s a mystery about a mystery.

“I hoped local libraries and independent bookshops would be keen since it’s set in the area but none so far.

“However it seems to be selling well overall and has good feedback.”

It currently has a five star rating at Amazon.

The writer, who worked on films such as the iconic Yellow Submarine in his previous career, offers some advice for budding authors.

He said: “I would suggest you make sure the beginning and the end of chapters are as interesting as you can make it and I found using a first-person narrator made it more engaging."

For more information or to buy the book, visit this website.