The Hickory Stick: The serious, hilarious and saucy antics of a young Norfolk Police Constable in the early days of Queen Victoria - Softcover

Bocking, Ted

9781910670729: The Hickory Stick: The serious, hilarious and saucy antics of a young Norfolk Police Constable in the early days of Queen Victoria

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1910670723 ISBN 13: 9781910670729

Publisher: Thistle Publishing, 2015

“A very interesting fictional account of a police constable in the early days of Queen Victoria. A true coming of age story.”
Deanne Patterson - Reviewer

In January 1840, 19 year old Barnaby Madden becomes a constable with the new Norfolk County Constabulary, having been given just three days’ instruction and then sent on his way.

Barnaby encounters thieves, robbers, rapists, kidnappers and smugglers. He is rejected by many but welcomed into the arms and beds of various women at both the top and the bottom of society. He fights with the navvies, witnesses a hilarious funeral, and sees the tragic deaths of young children. At times he is reprimanded by his superiors, or commended for his bravery. He can be the friend or the enemy of both the criminal fraternity of mid-19th century Norfolk, and those of the higher classes of society.

Barnaby finds joy, sadness, despair, anger and outrageous casual romantic encounters. His is a story which shows some of the hardships and injustices of life and the wide division between rich and poor in this era. It also recounts some hilarious exploits, and the dispensing of summary justice the like of which would never be seen today.

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About the Author:

A blitz survivor, an inconspicuous grammar school education and a bemused service in army Intelligence makes for an odd background for an author. Remnants of Ted Bocking's great grandfather’s scribbled notes formed the basis of the Barnaby Madden books - The Hickory Stick and The Ashen Rung. Married with children and grandchildren, Ted lives in Cambridgeshire with his wife and his Border Collies. Ted is much involved as a Trustee for local charities.

Review:

NOMINATED FOR THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE 2016

“A very interesting fictional account of a police constable in the early days of Queen Victoria. A true coming of age story.”
Deanne Patterson - Reviewer

“A fun, fast paced book... a good summer read.”
Kirsty White (Reviewer)

"Barnaby leads quite a life.... he rubs elbows with the creme de la creme and the bottom of the barrel, has lovers, and lots of experiences. Is there a sequel in the works?"
Catherine Hankins (Reviewer)

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