There really is nothing like bringing a new life into the world. A very special event when perspectives can change and much of what has gone before can be seen in a totally new light. Well, my co-host experienced all of those emotions yesterday — but the maternity ward was replaced by Hillhead Library in Glasgow, where he gave birth to his latest, sure-to-be bestseller, The World's End Murders: The Inside Story.
Releasing a book into the world is a very personal experience, the culmination of many hours and days of slog, research, rumination and self-doubt. The process seems to be equally challenging, testing, and ultimately rewarding for all authors of every genre.
Angus Robertson Sinclair — as Tom maintains, probably the most evil predator to have stalked our streets — was eventually brought to justice through the sheer determination, stubbornness and dedication of many people over many years. There is no one better placed to oversee the documenting of that 37-year process than the man who ultimately led the team that brought about his conviction in the High Court.
This book is a tribute to the victims, and to their families and loved ones who were tormented and had their lives tainted forever thereafter. To the many officers of every rank. To the scientists and support staff who never gave up. To everyone whose lives were touched by this evil.
Tom's work is an important historical documentation of a landmark case in so many ways, and we owe him a real debt of gratitude — for his work in leading the investigation, and for sharing in such fascinating detail the characters, circumstances and decisions that directed and drove it onwards.
There really is nothing to compare with the truth.