A RETIRED detective has written a crime thriller novel in support of a hospice caring for his daughter.

George Smith, from Horsham, served as a detective chief inspector with Sussex Police for more than 30 years.

Following his retirement, he wrote his first novel A Secret Existence during lockdown.

Fast forward six months, George has penned a sequel – with all the loyalties from the novel going to St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley.

The hospice is currently caring for one of George’s daughters.

“Having enjoyed the writing of my first novel and encouraged by the positive response I have had from readers I set about writing Killers Assassins and Spies,” George said.

“When I retired, I had no interest in writing a book but now I’ve written two.”

He added: “It is an honour to once again donate all royalties from this book to St Catherine’s Hospice. The hospice’s community nursing team is currently supporting one of my daughters and their expert help has been invaluable.”

The Argus: Retired detective writes crime novel in support of hospice caring for his daughter Retired detective writes crime novel in support of hospice caring for his daughter

The new novel Killers Assassins and Spies, a direct follow on from A Secret Existence, features Ben Swan - a detective chief inspector with the Counter Terrorism Command who is recruited by MI5.

The book follows Ben as he tracks down killers, assassins and spies in the UK and US. It also follows his work with his FBI and M15 colleagues to disrupt an assassination attempt on the Cunard liner, Queen Mary II.

Although Ben relies on his fellow officers, he knows nothing about their true identities, families or backgrounds. When he develops a close friendship with a fellow officer, he begins to question how much he can trust her.

The Argus: George Smith, from Horsham, served as a detective chief inspector with Sussex Police for more than 30 years George Smith, from Horsham, served as a detective chief inspector with Sussex Police for more than 30 years

George, the former head of Brighton CID, was a senior investigating officer on a number of murder investigations.

Much like the protagonist of his new book, George operated as a detective chief inspector in the UK and Ireland with the Counter Terrorism Command.

He was also recruited into the Security Service (MI5) and worked in the UK and USA with the FBI.

As a young Detective Inspector, he was involved in the interrogation of Argentine Commander Alfredo ASTIZ during the Falklands War.

He also has a degree in history and politics and owns and manages a 22-acre woodland in West Sussex.

Killers Assassins and Spies will be available to buy from October 11, with paperback and Kindle versions available from Amazon Books and main book suppliers.