Over the following months and years I began to read more about these theories and was deeply fascinated. However at the same time I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of what was said before he was elected, and the actions he took after he was in power were very different. Whatever he said on his campaign trail didn’t stop him freeing the slaves later down the line. I also noticed the comparable role President Obama took in his own views on gay marriage.
The theories in this book are simply that, theories. But it was hard not to look at them and see an opportunity to write a thriller, which would not only tell the story of Lincoln, but that of Darnell Jackson and the struggles he was facing before Detective Vanessa Jamison came into his life.
I began writing this book nearly a decade ago. Ten years on as I write this note, there are riots in the street with the Black Lives Matter protests. On the news, statues of former heroes are being torn down as their legacies are questioned both in America and here in England, where I now live. Despite me picking up this story coincidentally many years later, the same debate is being held and this book suddenly seems timelier than ever.
At the same time it saddens me that black people are still facing the same fight they’ve battled for hundreds of years. But I hope the latest movement gives us some hope for a better future for people of colour on both sides of the Atlantic and indeed all over the world. I think we all have a part to play in ensuring that happens.
I understand as a white English male author I won’t have got everything right in this book. I tried to research as much about the story as well as the characters I’m representing as possible prior to writing the first chapter, and I hope I did anyone who feels represented in this story justice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope whatever your beliefs on Lincoln’s legacy you enjoyed the book. I hope it offers some entertainment during a fairly bleak period of COVID-19; thankfully lock-down gave me ample time to write a second book this year. I’ll be back in 2021 with my next one when hopefully we will be in a brighter environment than we are as I write this one.
Best wishes,
David Hatton
With thanks
I’d like to thank the following people:
Alburt and Patrik, who looked after me whilst I lived in Chicago and took me on the epic road-trip down Route 66 to Springfield, which inspired this book.
Marti and Beverly, who took me into their home in West Virginia. Beverly took me to the Lincoln Memorial and The Smithsonian in Washington DC, as well as the Antietam National Battlefields in Maryland, which took starring roles in this book and inspired some of the story.
To the writers who have all contributed to the debate around Lincoln’s legacy. The books and articles written gave me so much insight into the different views on Lincoln’s stance on slavery and this book wouldn’t have been put together if it wasn’t for your research.
My partner, David, who continues to support me throughout my writing. He’s never read a word I’ve written and won’t read this, but he does so for the right reasons; he’s petrified he won’t like the books and doesn’t want to upset me… bless him.
My parents, Joan and Alan, who helped me emotionally and financially in my mission to move to America (without which this story wouldn’t have developed) and have supported my writing since day one. They continue to be the best sales agents for my work.
To those who have bought my books, written reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Facebook and told their friends about them! It’s so appreciative and helps spread the word so thank you!
About the Author
David Hatton was born in Preston, Lancashire. He spent a year living in Chicago where he was inspired to write the book you see before you now. He has three other novels, The Return, The Medium and The Catfish, and he’s hosted talks at literary festivals across Lancashire, most recently the Stonyhurst Literature & Film Festival. Today he lives in Horwich, a village outside of Bolton, with his partner, David, where they enjoy walks up to Rivington Pike and a pint down at The Bank Top pub.
To keep up to date with David’s latest books… visit:
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Email: [email protected]
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Also by David Hatton
The Return
Beverly Hahn has the surprise of her life when her husband, Marty, knocks on her door, ten years after he was declared dead in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. How will she tell her children? And how will she face those who supported her through the grief she had no entitlement to feel?
Available on Amazon
*****
“Enthralling novel.”
*****
“Fantastic read.”
*****
“A sensitive subject that kept me gripped.”
*****
“A real page turner.”
*****
“More twists than a road in the Lake District”
Also by David Hatton
The Medium
When Michael Walker is approached by a psychic medium claiming to know the whereabouts of his missing wife, he has to choose between his belief in science and the desire to find the love of his life. But is the medium everything she claims?
Available on Amazon
*****
“I know it’s a cliché to say this but I genuinely couldn’t put The Medium down.”
