A Dorchester author is celebrating the release of his seventh book, which uses the areas of Dorset at the centre of its plot.

Anthony Holt MBE’s new book, Harry’s Revenge- Evil Came to Portland in a Fast Car, is a thriller.

The book sees main character Harry attacked by a group of well-connected young men and women who are seeking a greater thrill than alcohol, drugs and fast cars can provide.

Harry didn’t die but spent many years in a coma.

When he finally comes to, he develops a thirst for revenge, but takes his time to implement his plans.

Meanwhile a local senior police officer is looking to bring the group who attacked Harry to justice.

The story is full of Dorset roots, with the attack happening in Portland, the body being taken to Weymouth and events taking place near Wareham and in Somerset.

It was actually whilst working as a volunteer coast watcher at Portland Bill, where Mr Holt got inspiration for the story.

Mr Holt said: “I formulated the idea of what would happen after spending a lot of time in the lighthouse, watching people come and go.

“I developed an idea of an old man minding his own business and went from there.”

When writing he made sure to thoroughly research, using his links to a bookshop owner so he can get books to read, as well as links to the police to make sure the characters name’s were not the same as in real life.

Mr Holt said: “I wanted the book to be set in the general area in places I was are off, but at the same time not embarrassing the people there.”

Mr Holt spent 30 years in the navy and has been spending his retirement doing odd jobs, including executive roles at naval and military clubs in London.

Now he is juggling being an amateur writer in his spare time with spending time with his wife Irene, sailing, working as a volunteer coast watcher at Portland Bill and as a school governor, in addition to entertaining his four grandchildren.

Of his grandchildren, Mr Holt said: “Whenever my grandchildren come over, they keep asking me to ‘tell them stories from before their mummy was born’.

“I keep saying ‘I’ve told you all the stories’, but they always ask for them.”

  • The book, ‘Harry’s Revenge’ is available on Amazon now in both paperback and Kindle edition.