A MUCH-REVERED crime writer will be signing copies of his books, set in nearby Andover, in Devizes next month.

Norman Townsend’s ‘Lethal Response’ is a follow-up to his 2018 thriller Trashed.

It continues on from his first novel, in which a gang uses the Andover recycling centre as a guise for their narcotics operation.

It is based around protagonist Major Paul Stafford, and a third book may very well be in the works.

Norman explained: “I worked for 25 years in the waste industry - in the sharp ends which means I was either working in or running recycling centres

“With Hampshire County Council, they allowed people in to buy stuff from the tips.

“So it’s the job of people that recycle there to sort out the decent stuff to sell. I found all sorts of interesting bits and pieces over the years and when I spoke to people about what I did, they said I should write a book.”

Norman will sign copies of both Lethal Response and his earlier novel Trashed at Devizes Books on September 11, from 10.30am.

He added: “Jo Bachelor who runs Devizes Books very kindly started to sell Trashed about three years ago now, and posted on Twitter a couple of really nice comments about that.

“So I went over and got to know her, and when I wrote Lethal Response she said she couldn’t wait for copies for the shop.

“She ordered some copies and then Tweeted that she really had enjoyed the book which was lovely to see.

“I knew that she had been carrying out some covid-safe signings outside the shop, so thought I’d get in touch.

“I’m really excited to speak to people in Devizes about the books and answer some questions.”