On Marian Place delves into dark world in Berlin

On Marian Place delves into dark world in Berlin

1 November 2017

A COUNTY Down author’s first crime thriller is to be stocked by Waterstones.

Terry Hickland’s ‘On Marian Place’ is a fast paced story set in Berlin about a trail of murder, robbery and deception that the German government wants erased at any cost .

Although now living near Bailiesmills, Terry has first hand experience of the country which inspired his novel. In the 1980s he moved to Germany to work in a car factory and immersed himself in the language and culture of the German people. Returning home, Terry established several successful commercial ventures before accepting a lecturing post in motor vehicle studies at South Eastern Regional College. He also recently graduated from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. 

In his spare time, when he is not writing fiction or poetry, Terry can be found attending literary and classical music events. He also has a passion for German classic cars. 

On Marian Place is set in 1994 Germany. On assignment at a G8 conference near Berlin, Detective Chief Inspector Detlef Schmitt inadvertently uncovers a number of intriguing documents dating back to the Second World War. Unaware of their true significance he removes them, even though his heavy-handed approach places his career in jeopardy.

After a seemingly unrelated case leads Schmitt to a bank in München, he suspects that there is an inextricable link between the bank and the documents. A high-ranking politician takes a sudden interest in the enquiry and this, coupled with an attempt on Schmitt’s life, convinces him that there are dark forces at play who want the past to remain buried — literally. With typical Germanic efficiency, the detective systematically makes his way through the matrix of criminal identities, uncovering a murky past of murder, robbery and treason. The story comes to a conclusion as Schmitt’s determination eventually pays off.

Terry, who left Northern Ireland during the 1980s recession, said he never regretted his German move.

“It was a great time in my life when I was able to further my career, and I made many good friends there,” he said.

“I first found employment in Braunschweig before moving to Wolfsburg, where I worked in the Volkswagen car factory.  Much of On Marian Place is based around Munich which I got to know well.  After some time, I became quite fluent in German and settled into the social life and culture. Perhaps that is why I enjoy classic German cars so much.”

Terry said it came as a surprise that his time in Germany would become the inspiration for a crime thriller.

“On Marian Place will be part of a trilogy of books linked to the theme of life and death in Germany,” he said.

“I have just completed my latest novel, based in Co Tipperary, which has been sent out to my agent. With the collaboration of a well-known Dublin writer/director, the new piece has also been adapted as a screenplay for a leading Northern Ireland based television broadcaster. I’m hopeful that something will come of this in due course.”

Terry said he planned to keep on writing and ideally would love to see On Marian Place as a TV drama or feature-length film.

“I’ve been delighted by the positive response from readers to On Marian Place,” he said. “Following discussions with Waterstones, it can now be purchased through their UK and Irish outlets.”

On Marian Place is now available from all Waterstones book stores, The Winding Stair book shop  in Dublin and Connolly’s in Temple Bar, Dublin, as well as online.