Essex Man Blues: A Dave Hunter mystery

Just who was Bobby Fulton?Strange things are afoot in the Delta - the Essex one, that is - and it’s down to Dave Hunter, Southend-born bricklayer-turned-music student and blues harmonica ace to put things right, aided and abetted by his bumbling sidekicks Mick and Danny.Ordinarily, this would mean we’ve had it. But like the bluesmen who inspired him, Dave is at a crossroads. University life is ok, but it’s started to bore him. It’s a bit too … Safe, maybe?There is also the small matter of him having met a girl he rather likes (rather likes a lot in fact). She’s a sexy, sassy saxophonist, which would be perfect if only she was less taken by the advances of a certain smooth-talking American exchange student who Dave isn’t keen on. Could it be that a dangerous journey into the heart of the Essex badlands is just what he needs?With every passing day and repeated spin of the mysterious vinyl, found in a charity shop and seemingly the only record this Fulton guy ever cut, Dave Hunter starts to suspect the answer may well be yes.On the other hand, he’d be just as happy down the pub, necking a pint of his beloved Estuary Lager with some Dr Feelgood on the jukebox.Or would he?Essex Man Blues is the debut novel from (soon to be acclaimed) writer Steve Bartington. It is also the first novel to feature blues ‘n’ booze-loving brawler and reluctant hero Dave Hunter, in a tale involving murder and intrigue amid themes of brotherhood, courage, faith and redemption. There’s lots of drinking too.