Let me say first of all that I did not set out to write this novel, rather the story found me and the book wrote itself.

I could not believe that it had not occurred to anyone to dramatise this tale or that no-one had really bothered about it since Victorian times. Maybe that’s it, I’m an old romantic at heart and when I heard about the plight of this poor aristocratic boy, fatherless and hounded about the countryside, brought up as a simple shepherd, I was hooked. The story grabbed hold of me and has not let go since. It’s had a similar effect on people who have been working on it with me.

Today, when more and more of old England disappears under concrete and tarmac, the simplicity of a shepherd’s life on the high fells has a great appeal. I am not coming at this story from a nostalgic viewpoint though. I know the countryside and the perils of rearing livestock. It can be surprisingly tough but nature has a harsh beauty, nonetheless.

I do hope people enjoy this little story. It has all the features that appeal to me – history, suspense, danger, romance, close friendships and above all a journey through the countryside that makes you want to put on your walking boots and go out and experience it for yourself.