In The Frame

Anna Burgin #0.5

by David Bradwell

In The Frame is the novella prequel to the Anna Burgin series of mystery thrillers, and introduces Anna and journalist Danny Churchill.

Photography student Anna Burgin didn’t expect to be arrested, but she’s the only suspect for a series of crimes, and the Police have found damning evidence in her room.

But Anna has no recollection of doing anything wrong. Was it a moment of madness? Or is somebody setting out to destroy her? And is the stranger in the bar really trying to help, or just part of an evil conspiracy?

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2018

About the author

Hi, I'm David Bradwell, author of the Anna Burgin series of mystery thrillers.

I'm based in Hitchin in Hertfordshire in the UK, although I'm originally from the north east. When I'm not writing the series (which largely involves lots of late nights and candles) I run a hosiery retail company and - when opportunity permits - indulge in a bit of screen acting.

If you like the books, or indeed have any feedback, good or bad, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome novella written from Anna's point of view of how fashion photographer Anna Burgin, and journalism student Danny Churchill, came to meet. Their friendship becomes firmly cemented during their investigation of what is essentially their first case, Anna being fitted up for camera theft.
A wonderful look back in time to their University days before the setting of the first novel of the series. Very entertaining, especially the character Wedge.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel to two recent books about photographer Anna Burgin, and her flatmate Danny. I was offered a review copy of book 2 by Hidden Gems, a site I joined the other week that offers ARCs from new authors in exchange for reviews. It sounded intriguing, but you are expected to read it within a week, and I can’t stand reading series out of order, so figured I’d just buy the prequel and see if I liked it. It turns out you can then join the authors advance reading crew, so hopefully I’ll get the next books anyway, as I liked this enough to want to read more.

This is set in 1989, where Anna is studying photography at a London polytechnic, living in halls of residence and enjoying student life. It all comes crashing down when the police find two expensive cameras hidden in her room, which were stolen from the department the night before. She’s the only one who was there, and no one else had a key to her room. Abandoned by her friends and fearful for her future, she’s drowning her sorrows in the student bar when a cheerful journalism student, Danny, befriends her and vows to help her find out what happened.

This was a quick 90 minute read, but I was rapidly drawn to Anna’s sarcastic humour, and Danny’s sweetness. I was at uni in exactly the same time period (but not in London) and it brought back memories of student life at the time, with various pop culture references, references to the student loan protests (remember them?) Hero Danny is able to solve the mystery and thus begins a friendship which I look forward to exploring in the full length books.

[Jeff King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this prequel very much. Entertaining and exciting and an excellent introduction to the two main characters that are easy to like and support. They are characters that you can identify with, fight with, sympathise with and root for. The story was well told and had me guessing right to the end and I was surprised at the outcome. Nice mixture of supporting characters both villains and goodies. Certainly grabbed my interest and left me wanting to follow Danny and Anna onwards and find out more about them. Great opening gambit and certainly a series worth following. Well done David and here's too many more.

[Peter Earle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prequel – IN THE FRAME, (Anna Burgin #3)
This tale was a welcome e-freebie which introduces us to budding photography student Anna, accused of stealing two expensive cameras from the stores. A chance meeting with another student, Danny, gives her the only friend who professes to believe in her as she battles to clear her name and understand the skulduggery behind the frame-up. It is a fun piece, although labelled #3, giving the background to the peculiar friendship that develops between the two characters that become fondly, and frustratingly, friends of the reader.
Read the review on the whole series at www.bookpostmortem.wordpress.com

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Anna Burgin series by David Bradwell is actually a prequel that goes back to the time Anna and Danny became who they are and how they met. I really wish that this book had been #0 or #1 instead of #3. But, that is my only complaint about it. As far as the story itself, it was an entertaining whodunit type of mystery they tried to solve before disaster struck them. I thoroughly enjoyed the fun and lightness Bradwell inserted into the story to keep it from being all dark and foreboding and gloomy. This is a voluntary review of a copy of this book from BookFunnel.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the great Anna Burgin series and introduces the main protagonists Anna and her friend Danny Churchill. Unusually this prequel also has a very good story line, in which Anna is framed for a series of crimes, including the theft of some camera equipment from her college.
The suspense really builds through the book to a great conclusion.
I received an advance copy of this book but have voluntarily written this honest review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really interesting to read about Anna´s student years and how she met Danny. Her life was already full of action, jealousy and action, as it would become to be in her later years. She learned through difficult ways that things are not always what they seem to be and friends not always can be really trusted.
It´s an easy and short read packed with action and thoroughly enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book from the author/Hidden Gems Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Caroline Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't sure whether, by reading this prequel after his first Anna books, I would enjoy it.
Another great storyline.
Yes it fitted in perfectly.
My concern then was - how will Mr Bradwell get back to the current time. I needn't have worried.
Having now read number 6 they have slotted together brilliantly.

[Sam C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading Cold Press and stopped to read this prequel good to find out how Anna and Danny met.
Nice easy read , and as I live in Camden great to be able to visualise where this was set.
Now back to Cold Press which is just as GOOD.

[Lindsay Borley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading cold Press and Out Of The Red was interesting to see how Anna and Danny first met and why they have such a strong relationship. Again read in one sitting. Can’t wait to read the next book. Adore Anna and Danny as much as the author David.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little starter in the Anna Burgin series. Really enjoyed it. It has given me a bit of background knowledge for the first book Cold Press which I have downloaded free thanks to the very kind offer from the author on Amazon. Thank you. I am about to dive in.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever intelligent well written novella introducing the reader to Anna Burgin. An engaging gentle intriguing little mystery, a character driven story set in the days before mobile phones what joy. I look forward to starting the series properly.
Recommended.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Cute quick intro to the characters.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to see where the relationship of Anna and Danny started. This is the story of their student days. It includes a mystery to solve, and all the humor of two special friends. I love it.

[Alan Lederfeind]

short, short...short