Knife Edge (DI Harland 2)

Travel Guide

Allow Fergus to give you the grand guided tour:

“Much of Knife Edge takes place in Bristol, and I found plenty of great spots to send my characters, particularly around the floating harbour. The city has lots of great old (and new) architecture, but I needed settings where a couple could get to know each other, so I included some beautiful walks along the waterfront, and the amazing viewpoint in Brandon Hill Park, which I’ve always found very romantic.

Wherever possible, I sit in (or close to) the place I’m describing when I produce my first draft, so hopefully I managed to convey something of the atmosphere.

Bentley railway station in Hampshire was a great discovery – a quiet, country stop in the middle of nowhere that actually became part of the plot, when the killer chose it as a place to meet his prey. It was very satisfying to make the geography a key element of the action.

For me, the other setting that really stands out is the Kennet & Avon Canal. The section between Bradford-On-Avon and Avoncliff is idyllic – some of the most tranquil countryside you could imagine. Again, I wanted to use this, not just as a pretty backdrop, but as an integral element of the story; the killer cleverly uses the layout of this area to ‘appear’ and ‘disappear’, preventing the police from tracking him.

I trust the authenticity of these locations comes through in the writing, and adds something to the book.”