A TEACHER turned author has published a new book telling the colourful story of an 81-year-old spy.

Fresh from publishing the final part of his sci-fi trilogy Quarton, Ian Hornett, who lives in Mile End in Colchester, has released Maggie Matheson - The Senior Spy.

A departure in style from his previous efforts, the book follows Maggie, an 81-year-old spy who gets called into the Secret Service to tackle a criminal gang threatening cyber attacks on large organisations.

Ian said: “Maggie is a capable and lively lady who loves life, but knows virtually nothing about IT, let alone cyber crime.

“Good opportunities for gentle humour around a proper spy story. A feel-good summer read with twisting plot.”

The book is aimed at adults. 

Ian, who spent ten years at Gosbecks Primary School in Colchester, before becoming a supply teacher, gave up his career in 2019 to pursue his passion for writing.

With four books already published, he has many more in the offing.

He said: “With more writing experience under my belt, I’ve found that I was able to do a much better job in terms of the style in particular.

“I have two sci-fi books aimed at ten to 12-year-olds ready to either self-publish or present to literary agents. I haven’t decided yet.

“I am excited about those as I have had some input on those from some of the children I visited at schools before the lockdowns.”

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He has also been writing regular 100-word stories for Colne Radio, which are being read out professionally with music and sound effects.

Ian said: “On the less positive side I have a stock of several hundred of my books piled up in a bedroom because I wasn’t able to get out there to physically sell them.

“My daughter and I had good fun building things with them during the first lockdown - towers, walls, various animal shapes.

“I have continued to teach and support children with writing and other subjects as part of catch up programmes over Zoom during lockdown at North Primary School.

“I hope to be able to get back into other schools as soon as possible to talk to children and, hopefully, inspire them to write.”

Maggie Matheson - The Senior Spy is available now from Red Lion Books, in Colchester High Street.

Visit ianhornett.com for more information.