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In "Crucial - A Champion’s Tale” Mark Tournoff invites you to accompany him on a remarkable journey. He retraces his steps along the path which led him to his becoming one of Countdown’s foremost competitors of the modern era. Follow him from the point at which he sets out to join the thousands who apply to appear on the show, to the moment when his fifteenth appearance reaches a dramatic conclusion. As well as vividly recalling his experiences on "Countdown", and his encounters with Carol Vorderman, Susie Dent, Richard Whiteley and Des Lynam, the author gives insight to the approaches and techniques he developed which proved so effective on the show. This book is a "must" for anyone who is a regular viewer of Countdown, or who wishes to become a contestant on the show.

Sussex, England, August 2009.

Andrew Hanson ("Lucky") enjoys a seemingly idyllic lifestyle in his country estate (Paradise). When scientists discover a cure for the ageing process, Lucky is determined to take the opportunity to live indefinitely. His highly intuitive daughter Sophie is deeply concerned that this decision will have dreadful consequences. When the owner of the clinic where Lucky is receiving treatment is found murdered, Sophie becomes more convinced that she will be proved right. However, Lucky is unrelenting in pursuit of his goal, and becomes caught up in a series of events which threaten to bring tragedy on all around him. "A Nightmare in Paradise" is a gripping, mysterious, fast moving tale of greed, loyalty, passion and trauma which will have a profound impact on all who read it.

Bodmin, Cornwall, July 2002

Primary school teacher Gareth Bell is preparing a birthday treat for his wife Helen. He has invited her family for a surprise lunch at a restaurant near her workplace. But when Gareth comes to fetch Helen he sees her leaving in a car. At the wheel is a man he doesn't recognise. Gareth follows them to a nearby hotel. It is the start of a chain of events that will haunt Gareth so profoundly that he will doubt whether he can carry on living at all.

Set amidst the rugged beauty of the North Cornish coast and the bleakness of the mainland, "Sharp Right to Oblivion" is a profoundly moving tale of mature relationships, which will appeal to the sensitive, thoughtful reader. Its characters are portrayed vividly and sympathetically, and the humorous touches ensure that the elements of tragedy are not overwhelming.