BARNFORD ABBEY is a riveting tale told in Two Parts, showing how the consequences of blind, ruthless ambition ripple through time, effecting generation after generation. What goes around in the river of time, comes back around at some time. The past is never fully left behind. PART ONE starts during the English Civil War in 1645 and covers the period to 1660. It follows Colonel Matthew Farrell's quest for power. His vendetta against the Earl of Barnford and the terrible crimes committed against the McGonagle family in Ireland. Against the background of actual historical events, the story brings alive the mindless brutality of the English Civil War created by the King's stubborness and unshakeable belief that he ruled by divine authority. In this crucible of seething emotions Cromwell was able to seize absolute power through a series of violent, savage conquests. Despite all the uncertainty, treachery and mayhem that surrounded them, our characters still found time and opportunity for love, kindness and humor. By the end of 1660 all scores had been settled and once more peace reigned over Barnford. It was however an uneasy peace, with malcontent souls waitng in the river of time for the opportunity to return and finish their business. PART TWO opens in 2008, with the direct bloodline descendants of the original characters and shows how actions taken over three hundred years previouly continue influencing events through to the present day.The old tools of war are replaced with the cut and thrust of modern financial and legal skullduggery. There is a quickening in the air at Barnford. Something is stirring in the Abbey, roused from a centuries old sleep by the arrival of the new visitors who are determinded to solve the mystery of the missing Earl. Time however is not on their side as old enemies gather their forces to settle old scores. The more things appear to have changed - the more they remain the same. Throughout the centuries, Barnford Abbey stands solid, providing the background against which history was created or repeated. It is a story of murder, mayhem, romance, humor and thought provoking action.
About the Author: THE AUTHOR. Born in Dublin, Ireland. Now living in Florida with his wife Jan, two dogs, two cats, one tortoise and one horse. A former seaman with the British Merchant Navy, he later served with the Grenadier Guards in London, Libya and the jungles of West Africa before becoming an international business consultant with worldwide connections. He was travelled extensively including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India, South Korea, Japan, North America, Brazil, Venezuela, Canada, West Indies and most of Europe. Never far from his Celtic roots he embellishes his writing and conversation with Irish humor and philosophy.