The city of Leicester and its multi-cultural make-up are about to be
immortalised in a gripping and powerful first novel by a Bahá'í author from the city. Rod Duncan - who is being described in the publishing world as an
'outstanding new British talent' - has signed a deal with the publisher
Simon and Schuster for three novels - all of which are set in Leicester
during the same period, but focussing on three different central characters.
The first novel, Backlash, to be published this July, is a contemporary crime
novel which explores the critical questions of multi-culturalism and racism.
The story centres around an original and memorable heroine, detective Mo
Akanbai - of mixed race origin - who is investigating a race hate crime. Her
enquiries lead her to make discoveries which take her into a dangerous and
frightening world beyond the outskirts of the city and the sphere of
localised racism. The crime novelist Martyn Waites has described the book as 'unafraid to ask difficult questions of our society, knowing the answers are never truly black and white.'

Rod Duncan's achievement is all the more remarkable because he is dyslexic. After going to a special school, he began a career in scientific research and computing before moving with his wife to Taiwan in 1998. They spent 3 and a half years there, during which time they set up a Bahá'í Office of the Environment for Taiwan. On their return, Rod worked for another environmental charity, helping faith communities to carry out nature protection projects in Leicester. It was during this time that he started writing seriously. His second novel is already written and the third is underway.

Each of them is set against the background of the same riot, exploring the ways in which it changes the lives of three very different individuals.
"Different people have different perceptions of what a multi-cultural society is, or could be," says Duncan, "This first book is an examination of all the different facets. The second is more about social exclusion and other issues will be the basis of the third novel."

It's a thought provoking approach to crime fiction. Duncan's editor Kate Lyall Grant is very excited about the series: "Rod is an outstanding writer," she says, "Gripping plots, believable characters - all add up to reveal some uncomfortable yet illuminating truths about our society."

RW