A LONG-time writer from Keighley has published his latest novel – which he describes as “a gritty story with no frills”.

Tom Dade says The Lemon Tree could almost be labelled a social documentary – and the storyline includes a number of references to locations around Keighley.

“There’s the Olympic Cafe that used to be on Bow Street, Druids Altar and the Cliffe Castle bandstand – which is the setting for a brief sexual encounter that would have ‘fifty shades’ fans reaching for their sick bags!” says Tom, 64.

In The Lemon Tree, a chance encounter leads two former school friends – Billy Anderson and Terry Duffield (Duffy) – to seek their fortunes by delving into the world of shady transactions.

As business flourishes, so does their friendship.

But then they meet Maria Fuentes, a psychopathic assassin, who has her own deadly agenda. The pair unwittingly become involved with one of her ‘jobs’. Can their friendship remain intact and will they survive?

“There are varying degrees of crime, murder, deceit and love!” says Tom.

“A vein of humour that runs throughout is there to supplement rather than to dominate – keeping the reader upbeat, even during the most traumatic of times.

“Written in the first person, it is what I would call a gritty story with no frills.”

Tom has had a lifelong passion for writing – from poetry and novels to short stories and screenplays.

“I have been writing for more years than I care to remember,” he says.

“It’s a history that spans right back to forging school absence notes in my mother’s hand – God rest her soul!”

In the 1990s he was joint winner of the Zebra in the High Street national poetry and short story competition and twice was awarded the City of Bradford Metropolitan Council Cultural Activities Panel Trophy.

His previously published novel was Good for the Gander, in 2000.

“I love writing and I particularly enjoy expressing my creativity,” adds Tom. “Indeed, the cover of The Lemon Tree was designed and photographed by myself with the aid of my wife, Margaret.”

The Lemon Tree is available on Kindle, via Amazon.

The cost of downloading it is £1.99.

Alternatively, visit tomdade.co.uk.