8:19 *** Top 5 Book ***: Six people whose lives come together at the Harrow & Wealdstone disaster in 1952

by Jeffrey Gibbs

On 8th October 1952, the newly formed British Rail experienced England’s worst ever rail crash when three trains were involved in a catastrophic collision at Harrow & Wealdstone station, North West London, resulting in 112 deaths. This story features the accounts of six fictional people whose lives all come together at the disaster; how they came to be there, how they were involved and the aftermath of their individual ordeals and tribulations - some happy, some tragic. Meticulously researched, this is an in-depth insight into the causes and implications of the tragedy all told through the lives of the six main characters, including a fireman, whose first-hand account is based on the transcripts of the author’s own father, who actually attended the crash. The story allows the reader to experience the sights, smells and sounds as if they were actually there on that fateful autumn morning in 1952.




* Number 5, KDP/Thriller/Historical, April 2017

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2017

Reviews

[Alan Galaxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a slim volume, Jeffrey Gibbs' debut shows an attention to detail worthy of a fine novelist. The story takes us back to the horrific train crash which occurred at Harrow and Wealdstone station on 8th October 1952 and deals with 6 different people who were involved.

The personal stories of each one are expertly crafted, we are given not only a back story to each person's life but presented with their thoughts and feelings immediately prior to the crash, through their involvement in the disaster and finally the aftermath.

My only criticism is that this novel is too short, I would love to have read more on the separate personalities. Regardless I look forward to reading more by this talented author.