Stephen J Cherrill
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Stephen J Cherrill
Council of Lies
by Stephen J Cherrill
The lifeless body of an unidentified man emerges from a tranquil stream in Ashmarsh. Inside the victim's nondescript home, detectives Cunningham and Armstrong stumble upon encrypted computer files and a hidden firearm. This isn't a case of random misfortune; someone was intent on silencing this man.
Meanwhile, Cunningham's friend Philippe Duval departs from the council, troubled by a veiled threat and behind-the-scenes deals. DS Greg Armstrong recognises the signs—he's witnessed this corruption before. It's all too familiar: legal on the surface, yet lethal at its core.
Convinced that the stranger had uncovered something significant, Cunningham and Armstrong seek the assistance of a witch, delving into a perilous realm where power is shielded by dark incantations, and secrets are worth killing for.
ONE BODY. ONE SECRET.
AND A CONSPIRACY WORTH KILLING FOR.
DCI Tim Cunningham investigates the murder of a man found dead in a stream in the sleepy village of Ashmarsh. The investigation quickly reveals that he was an investigative journalist probing deep-seated corruption within the Swynbourne City Council, linking his death to a powerful network of officials and contractors. As Cunningham and his partner, DS Greg Armstrong, untangle a web of cronyism, blackmail, and intimidation, they enlist the help of a powerful witch, who uses supernatural means to gather intelligence. The case becomes deeply personal when a DNA match reveals the victim is the long-lost twin brother. The investigation culminates in a large-scale operation to dismantle the corrupt council.
Stephen is an indie publisher and has published a series of books based on DCI Tim Cunningham who lives in the English village of Ashmarsh.
Stephen’s journey as an author is a testament to passion and resilience, shaped by experiences across three countries. Born in the historic city of Lincoln, UK, Stephen’s early fascination with storytelling began on a humble toy typewriter, where he crafted a family newsletter. His dedication to helping others led him to serve as a Paramedic with the Lincolnshire Ambulance Service, where he also honed his writing by publishing articles in *Linc Up* magazine.
After Anna’s death, the bay no longer looks the same.
Alone in a quiet Queensland seaside town, a widower returns each day to the water, casting his line into silence and speaking to the wife who is gone. Then a pelican lands on the bow of his boat.
He names her Rose.
Wild, watchful, and strangely faithful, Rose becomes an unlikely companion, listening as grief slowly finds its voice. Through her quiet presence and the new life unfolding in his son’s family, he begins to discover that love does not end with loss — it changes shape.
Tender and contemplative, this is a story of grief, memory, and the unexpected grace that can guide us home.