SHORTLISTED FOR TWO CRIMECON.UK 2024 TRUE CRIME AWARDS IN THE 'OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING' AND 'BOOK OF THE YEAR' CATEGORIES

Behind one of the greatest tragedies in UK policing history lies an incredible political scandal

'An important book, especially now' Lee Child

'Espionage, betrayal, terrorism, corruption and murder. All the ingredients of a Le Carre novel, only it's real' Matthew Hall

'A powerful and timely account' John Sutherland

'Very well written and deeply researched . . . an account of a relentless search for justice. It has pride of place in my library' John Grieve CBE QPM former DAC MPS and former National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorist Investigations

'Well-written, brilliantly researched, uplifting and yet, a truly shocking read. The story of one man's heroic fight against the odds and against the establishment. John Murray, you are indeed a hero' DCI Colin Sutton (ret'd) Senior Investigating Officer, the Millie Dowler enquiry

On 17 April 1984, as demonstrators gathered outside the Libyan embassy in London, two gunmen lay in wait inside. At 10.18 a.m. automatic gunfire rained down on the protestors and WPC Yvonne Fletcher fell, mortally wounded.

As his friend lay dying, PC John Murray made her a promise that he would not rest until those responsible had been brought to justice. Thirty-seven years would pass before he was able to fulfil that undertaking.

While researching this moving account of one man's dogged pursuit of justice for a murdered colleague, Matt Johnson uncovered secret-service deals and government duplicity, all part of a plan to force an end to the National Union of Mineworkers' strike. He discovered the real reason Yvonne's killers were allowed to go free and how events that day led to thirty years of growing political control of policing, resulting in the disarray increasingly evident today.

This compelling account pulls seemingly unconnected threads into a coherent - and shocking - whole. It provides startling insights into how decisions taken by our politicians and the actions of our intelligence agencies, supposedly in our best interests, may be anything but.

About the Author

Matt Johnson served for 25 years, first as a soldier then as an officer in the Met. Forced to retire as a result of PTSD, Matt was encouraged to write as part of his therapy. His 2016 debut novel, Wicked Game, was shortlisted for a Crime Writers' Association Dagger Award. No Ordinary Day is his first non-fiction book.

Retired police officer John Murray worked closely with Yvonne Fletcher and held her as she lay dying. For 37 years he has campaigned and fought resolutely to bring her killer to justice.

Reviews

'An important book, especially now - both an intensely personal story, and a sober analysis of a political scandal'

-- Lee Child

'Espionage, betrayal, terrorism, corruption and murder. All the ingredients of a Le Carre novel, only it's real'

-- Matthew Hall

'A powerful and timely account of one of the darkest chapters in British policing history'

-- John Sutherland

'The best book I've ever read. Breathtakingly brilliant.'

* Jackie Malton, former Detective, author of The Real Prime Suspect. *

'A story I was really struck by... Uplifting... An important read.'

* Crime Time / Paul Burke *

'Highly recommended. Hard-hitting, packed with raw emotion and a story that deserves to live long in the memory.

If you only read one non-fiction book this year, make sure it is this one.'

* Jen Med's Book Reviews *

'A literary masterpiece. Captivating, it is a must-read for those seeking profound insights into the hidden truths of our society.'

* The Deeping *

'Very well written and deeply researched . . . an account of a relentless search for justice. It has pride of place in my library.'

* John Grieve CBE QPM former DAC MPS and former National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorist Investigations *

'Heart-wrenching saga of courage, betrayal, and the undying spirit of justice.'

* Emergency Services News *

'Well-written, brilliantly researched, uplifting and yet, a truly shocking read. The story of one man's heroic fight against the odds and against the establishment. John Murray, you are indeed a hero.'

* DCI Colin Sutton (ret'd) Senior Investigating Officer, the Millie Dowler enquiry *



Book Information
ISBN 9781802471441
Author Matt Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Ad Lib Publishers Ltd
Publisher Ad Lib Publishers Ltd