Tom Tit And The Maniacs is set in 1980 against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Rippers reign of terror. 'Set against the backdrop' may appear to try and minimise the effect Britain's most notorious killers of had on the West Yorkshire community, this is not my intention at all. Whilst Peter Sutcliffe's murder spree is predominant in the life of Tom Wilkins, he is also coping with a mother with mental heath illness, questionable school 'friends,' a big sister and trying to be a birdwatcher without binoculars.
Connors has a wonderful fresh, uncompromising, almost blunt storytelling style. In 'Tom Tit' he wonderfully catches life through the eyes of this ten year old boy. His hopes and battles and the fears of many are superbly captured with humour, despite the dark subjects.
With the recent renewal of interest following Sutcliffe's recent death, this book is unquestionably a book for today. Focusing on his victims and the fear he created throughout West Yorkshire.
Published by Armley Press, Tom Tit And The Maniacs is available direct from the author and Amazon.
https://www.markconnors.co.uk/shop.html