The Operation — Michael Brown

Back in 1964, when Mike was young and footloose, he had an idea. One hell of an idea, actually. Working in the bank all day, cooped up away from the tourist totty, he had plenty of time to think. So think he did, and he became the man with the plan. The Operation. Now, of course, he's settled down, long married to the gorgeous Carole and happy with his life in France. But there's a little cloud on the horizon: Carole wants to know about his past. He could lie, but he's not really that kind of guy, never was, and anyway, he loves her. But what a risk! To make matters easier, he decides to write down the story of the Operation for Carole to read. Writing isn't easy amongst the other demands of his busy life in the village of St Sardos, but he makes the time. After all, an adoring wife of twenty-eight years deserves to know if her husband is a bank robber! Mike's story darts from the past to the present and back again, evoking 1960s Jersey with a sharp sense of nostalgia and building suspense with every turn. Getting to know the many characters populating this well-defined world is a delight, and as the story progresses, you'll be holding your breath for Mike, hoping all will go to plan!