Crime writer Bert hopes he’ll be people’s choice
Stirling crime writer Bert Mitchell is heading to the capital after reaching the final of a UK-wide competition.
The former police officer has been nominated for the final of The People’s Book Prize, after his readers turned out in force in an online vote.
Bert - who writes as RJ Mitchell was the only Scot recognised in the original shortlist, and his book The Shift is now amongst the 12 finalists after securing more online votes than the majority of the other entrants.
The final of the competition will take place at the Stationers Hall in London next May, with the award winner being revealed by literary legend Frederick Forsyth.
“I am ecstatic to have made the final,” said Bert. “The awards are hosted by Frederick Forsyth, who is a hero of mine. The Day of the Jackal with Edward Fox, based of his novel, was one of my favourite films when I was growing up. I believe the final is going to be shown on Sky News, which is exciting. It’s a black-tie dinner gala and I am really looking forward to it.”
Bert is nominated for his latest novel The Shift, which is a prequel to his first three books, based on the character DS Angus Thoroughgood. It draws upon Bert’s own experiences as a rookie cop in Glasgow at the time of the Ice Cream Wars and the Northern Ireland Troubles.
It was a hugely personal novel, based on two miserable years as a trainee in the Strathclyde Police force from 1989, when he was based in some of Glasgow’s roughest areas, and was bullied by colleagues. One senior cop in particular threatened him with a knife to his throat while out on patrol.
The 49-year-old said he wanted to thank all of the people who had voted to help him reach the final.
“It really means a lot to me, especially as I was nominated in 2012 for The Hurting but I didn’t make the final. I would like to say a big thanks to everyone who voted for me. I’m also very grateful to WH Smith for their support, and allowing me to go out on tour to meet so many people. I’d also like to thank the Observer and former reporter Donna White, who have helped give the books so much exposure.”
Bert will again need the public’s backing for the final vote in May, however for now is focusing on finishing his new work The Blood Acre, which is due to be released in the spring, and his continuing WH Smith tour, which has called in at stores across the country.
He said: “It has been great for me to tour across Scotland and it has went so well that I have been invited to go down to England. I am visiting the store in Kingston upon Thames, which is their number three store in the UK. In the spring I am doing a mini-tour of the north of England, it is the perfect way to get the book out there.”
Bert will also be appearing closer to home, when he will sign copies of The Shift at WH Smith in The Thistles on Christmas Eve between 11am and 3pm on Christmas Eve.