Brokehill Manor, an out-of-the-way pile in a state of gentle dilapidation, is a house with a secret. Its gentleman owner’s peace and tranquility is suddenly interrupted late one autumn by the arrival of a larger-than-life widowed sister whose sole agenda is change.

With history on his side and in the company of a one-time Detective Agency bloodhound, a distinctly laid-back Persian cat and the feisty support of a loyal grand-daughter, Edward Brimble sets out to rebuff his sister’s unwarranted demands.

A cleverly crafted and compelling novel, The Last Defender is aimed at an open audience, from teenagers up to the age of 80. The novel, which tells of the manor’s historic link with the beginning of the English Civil War, will appeal particularly to fans of sport and history.

Derek is inspired by different authors; Charles Dickens for his structure, characters and dialogue, John Fowles for introspection and historicity, James Joyce for his more ‘bizarre moments’.