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The Burnham Files #3
The Letter
Detective Sergeant Nolan Cormac believes he has closed the book on serial killer David Burnham, but his certainty is shattered when he receives anonymous letters insisting that Burnham is innocent of one of the five murders he confessed to—that of Marie Simpson.
The letters provide cryptic but accurate clues that force Cormac, against the objections of his superior DI James, to unofficially reopen the case. Guided by the mysterious correspondent, Cormac uncovers a key witness, and damning CCTV evidence that suggests Burnham couldn’t have been Marie’s killer.
To solve the riddle and uncover what really happened Cormac is faced with the unsavoury task of visiting Burnham in prison once more. In a series of tense interviews Burnham is surprisingly helpful and Cormac discovers who really did kill Marie Simpson and why.
But behind it all lies a deeper conspiracy that reveals Burnham's true motive …
The letters provide cryptic but accurate clues that force Cormac, against the objections of his superior DI James, to unofficially reopen the case. Guided by the mysterious correspondent, Cormac uncovers a key witness, and damning CCTV evidence that suggests Burnham couldn’t have been Marie’s killer.
To solve the riddle and uncover what really happened Cormac is faced with the unsavoury task of visiting Burnham in prison once more. In a series of tense interviews Burnham is surprisingly helpful and Cormac discovers who really did kill Marie Simpson and why.
But behind it all lies a deeper conspiracy that reveals Burnham's true motive …
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2025
59 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
56 books244 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 31, 2026
Another goody.
A third Nolan Cormac novella from Peter Ford of the Burnham files.Burnhan is in prison on remand,b ut he seems to still be pulling the strings in the case. Maria who looked after his books has been murdered, and another employee is implicated in this in a series of letters written to Cormac.
The book pushes the investigation into other areas, implicating several prominent people. As ever, with this author, it is well written, with a clever and involved plot, and interesting characters.
This is well worth a read, but would be best read as a follow-up to the previous novellas. I'm looking forward to the fourth and final part of the series.
A third Nolan Cormac novella from Peter Ford of the Burnham files.Burnhan is in prison on remand,b ut he seems to still be pulling the strings in the case. Maria who looked after his books has been murdered, and another employee is implicated in this in a series of letters written to Cormac.
The book pushes the investigation into other areas, implicating several prominent people. As ever, with this author, it is well written, with a clever and involved plot, and interesting characters.
This is well worth a read, but would be best read as a follow-up to the previous novellas. I'm looking forward to the fourth and final part of the series.
January 5, 2026
new dedicated detective following up on hints from an unknown source. good twists and turns in a novella format.
Will be reading more of this author. Interesting premise, notes from an unknown source after a trial, confession and conviction. But the DS doesn’t give up
Will be reading more of this author. Interesting premise, notes from an unknown source after a trial, confession and conviction. But the DS doesn’t give up
February 5, 2026
More Investigations to Follow
This novella follows up on the previous ones in unraveling the crimes committed by a pub owner. Each novella is complete in itself but each leads to the next. They're fascinating.
This novella follows up on the previous ones in unraveling the crimes committed by a pub owner. Each novella is complete in itself but each leads to the next. They're fascinating.
January 4, 2026
Nolan Cormac is an intriguing character.
You can feel the pain and frustration in Cormac. I'm looking forward to reading more!
I have enjoyed all of P. F. Ford's books.
You can feel the pain and frustration in Cormac. I'm looking forward to reading more!
I have enjoyed all of P. F. Ford's books.
January 5, 2026
Interesting scenario. I enjoyed the characters as well as the plot. I hope to return to the series before too long.
January 11, 2026
Very good
Good book keeps you guessing to the end and waiting for the next book good be longer but may be just long enough
Good book keeps you guessing to the end and waiting for the next book good be longer but may be just long enough
January 15, 2026
excellent book series.
This book series is well thought out and keeps you guessing and wanting to get to the next book as quickly as possible.
This book series is well thought out and keeps you guessing and wanting to get to the next book as quickly as possible.
January 18, 2026
wow!!
I had never heard of this author, and not sure how I found this book! But I am very happy I did! It was really good and look forward to more books from this Author.
I had never heard of this author, and not sure how I found this book! But I am very happy I did! It was really good and look forward to more books from this Author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews