A Tarnished Life

An alcoholic close to death, Emma, a once beautiful woman with the promise of a bright future, lives the last few years of her life in a squalid basement room. In an attempt to banish loneliness, she takes comfort in recalling happier moments shared with loved ones, but is also forced to relive a series of disastrous relationships.

This gripping family saga traces her story from childhood, life as a young woman in war-ravaged London, and a period of affluence and happiness filled with the desire of creating a family of her own. Her hopes are thwarted, and her marriage starts to fail. During this time, she forges a bond with a Scottish couple who bear the scars of a tragic past.

Unable to cope with her disappointments, broken dreams, and a devastating revelation, inexorably she embarks on a spiral of self-destruction. Even the unwavering presence of the man who gave up everything for her cannot release her from the prison of her own making.

In Tiger Country

In a bustling surgical theatre, where life, death, and difficult decisions intertwine, the lives of Eliza, Ibrahim, and Henry collide, each carrying their own dreams, burdens, and secrets.

Eliza, a junior doctor driven by ambition and insecurities, finds an unexpected champion, only to uncover ulterior motives lurking beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, another, haunted by the specter of racism, yearns to rise above it, but the path forward requires unlikely allies. As tensions reach a boiling point, a sinister conspiracy unfolds, threatening to unravel the very fabric of their profession. Amidst the chaos, a pillar of unity and strength emerges, grappling with the complexities of identity.

In Tiger Country delves into the intricate tapestry of diversity, prejudice, and the hidden depths that reside within us all, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in the high-stakes world of medicine.

Miss

This fictional story delves into the dark worlds of human trafficking, prostitution, and questionable ‘big business’ practices. It chronicles a couple’s tumultuous journey through the emotional gamut – from despair to happiness, violence to peace. Their path takes them from Yorkshire to across Europe and the Caribbean as their story highlights the total dependence and unyielding belief these two have in each other.

Touching on complex themes involving the grey areas of consent and morality, this tale will tug at your heartstrings. Ultimately, it is an emotional rollercoaster centred on an unconventional but enduring love story.

Tragic Wedding

In the 1990s, the UK made significant strides in addressing women’s rights, with issues such as workplace discrimination, maternity leave, and equal pay coming to the forefront of societal awareness. Despite these advancements, certain harmful practices, like underage and arranged marriages, persisted, particularly within Asian and African communities. Many families, holding onto the traditions of their original cultures from former British colonies, failed to recognize the conflict this caused with their UK-raised children, who embraced different values and lifestyles.

The novel centres around Jameela, a young woman tragically caught in such a cultural rift. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of her forced marriage and subsequent life in a tribal society, just as the fanatic militia known as the Taliban begins to rise in power. Years later, Jameela’s sister and a friend, both medical graduates, journey to this tribal land on a mission to help and to search for Jameela. Their efforts lead to arrest and near despair, until a nurse, partially educated in the UK, and her influential uncle intervene, enabling a poignant reunion with Jameela. Now a widow, Jameela has been deeply indoctrinated by the Taliban’s extremist teachings, viewing even the simplest acts of affection as forbidden.

Through an intensive rehabilitation program, Jameela gradually recovers from her indoctrination. Together, the three women return to the UK, united by a resolve to establish a charity dedicated to combating arranged and underage marriages. Their mission is bittersweet, however, as their success is overshadowed by the tragic death of their mother, who is overwhelmed by the shock and joy of seeing Jameela alive.

This poignant tale not only highlights the stark realities faced by women caught in the crosshairs of cultural tradition and modernity but also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption and advocacy.

A Cry of Hounds

When, in the middle of winter, a beautiful woman arrives in a small village in the English Lake District, James Cameron, the local vet, is drawn into the air of mystery that surrounds her. As he becomes increasingly entwined in her dangerous world, he is drawn into conflicts that will have widespread consequences for him and his community, leading to violence and the involvement of the law at the highest levels.

Douglas' Diary

This delightful and imaginative diary is narrated by Douglas, a dog who embarks on a narrowboat journey with his human ‘pets’. Douglas recounts his adventures from his unique canine perspective, bringing humor and whimsy to the tale.

Written in engaging diary format, Douglas shares daily events of the journey in his own words. His creative descriptions – referring to the narrowboat as his ‘long-kennel’, the car as his ‘short-kennel’, lifts as ‘magic cupboards’, and more – add a fun touch. As an observant narrator, Douglas provides thoughtful insights into the people and places encountered along the way, while also delighting in simple pleasures like walks, playing ball, and goose droppings. Douglas’ affectionate bond with his Pets shines through.

Enhanced by a map and illustrations, Douglas chronicles the English countryside and villages along the winding canals and rivers. This creative and charming travelogue will appeal to dog lovers, canal boat enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a heartwarming tale of adventure and friendship. Douglas is a captivating guide on this 500-mile narrowboat voyage around the Pennine Ring.

To New York City

Rita, a voice actor admired for her resilience and beauty, navigates life’s complexities despite her severe blindness. In the bustling heart of New York City, she prepares to grace the runway in a prestigious fashion show, a stark contrast to her tranquil love for the ocean’s embrace. As her life’s next chapter beckons aboard a transatlantic cruise, Rita faces a cascade of introspection and unanswered questions.

Is Eleanor, her confidante, truly the ally she seems? Can Rita reinvent herself to fulfil the yearnings within? Will the Atlantic’s vast waters offer solace or merely reflect her deepest contemplations? Amidst nature’s serenity and the vibrant cacophony of cities like Copenhagen and New York, Rita seeks the essence of human connection, intimacy, and the true meaning of friendship through the lens of her blindness.

As she contemplates the nature of kindness and the miracles of life, Rita’s journey is punctuated by moments of profound significance. With each meaningful encounter, she explores the depth of human kindness she both offers and deserves.

Blood Phone

Children in Congo are digging rare earth minerals and ore for weapons, mobile phones and electric cars held at gunpoint by child soldiers. Millions of people have been killed in Congo because they live in resource-rich areas. ‘Rape is a weapon of war’ says Congolese Dr Denis Mukwege, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Erik Luyts, a commodities trader based in Geneva, travels to Congo because the Chinese are becoming too competitive. His wife Pauline at Doctors Without Borders warns him against it. Erik decides to do something about the terrible abuses, but can’t prevent that his hidden past is catching up with him.

Praise for Van Campen:

‘May I call you the Dutch John le Carré’

Alphonse Muambi, Congolese Journalist.

‘I must say, this is an exciting book.’

Pim van Galen, Journalist at Dutch Public Television (NOS).

‘We may be able to stop the bleeding, but not the bullets.’

Cecile Dehopre,  Doctors without Borders, Amsterdam.

‘Van Campen makes people aware and confronts them with child labour, working conditions and conflict minerals in Congo’s current mining industry.’

Bas van Abel, founder of Fairphone.

‘This book is a revelation, after you read it, you will never mindlessly make use of a mobile phone!’

Charles den Tex, thriller writer.

Dead Man Walking

Billy Collins’ childhood on Portland Isle, Dorset, is a tapestry of idyllic moments, albeit cast against the ominous backdrop of World War II. His life takes a dramatic turn following the tragedy of Operation Tiger, leading to his forced evacuation to the isolated Yorkshire moors. Here, he spends the remainder of the war in the company of a taciturn government official, far removed from the world he knew.

At the age of 18, imbued with a sense of duty, Billy joins the Royal Engineers, embarking on a career as a bomb disposal officer. After years of service, filled with brushes with danger and meticulous snipping of wires, Billy decides it’s time to retire. However, fate has a twist in store; his final assignment takes him back to Portland Isle. Confronting his past and the fears that have shadowed him, Billy stands on the precipice of full-circle closure. This poignant tale weaves the threads of memory, duty, and destiny into a narrative that captures the essence of a life lived in the shadow of war.

The Long Road Home

This narrative unfolds the life of Ernst, a young German soldier during World War II, caught at the crossroads of duty and family loyalty, stretched between Germany and England. At nineteen, Ernst navigates the tumult of his own moral dilemmas against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape, accompanied by an officer who has vowed to see him safely home.

As we journey through the pages, we’re drawn into the visceral experiences of war-torn Germany. Nightly, as Ernst and his comrades traverse the roads under the cover of darkness, the ominous hum of bombers overhead is palpable, each man acutely aware that their loved ones are in the crosshairs. In the daybreak’s light, the crimson hue of their burning cities stains the horizon, a constant reminder of the devastation being wrought upon their homeland.

The story doesn’t shy away from the shared fear and terror that grips both German and American soldiers, delving into the harrowing plight of US troops captured and held as prisoners of war. Despite the hospital’s eerie quiet, indicating few casualties are being brought in, the war’s end in 1945 doesn’t immediately herald peace for Ernst and his comrades. It’s not until four years later that they can finally part ways.

Returning to a country he can call home, Ernst confronts the suspicion and distrust from those around him. It is during this turbulent time that he meets a young woman who helps to heal the bitterness of war. Together, they embark on a life filled with hope, leaving the shadows of the past behind as they step into a shared future.

Ain't Nobody Perfect

In backwoods peninsular South Carolina live diverse characters including over-the-top cops, naive moronic crackers, the plainly mad, a Nazi war criminal and his nemeses, tempestuous lovers, and more. In a wonderfully out-of-place Scottish castle lives a very clever man with a hook for a hand. A greedy businessman tries taking everything not nailed down, while a beautiful, intelligent reporter is sent to this purgatory for her sins. An odd township of throwbacks and the criminally insane, many endowed with a Byronic ferocity.

The dialogue zooms, crackles, and pops, often wild, nonsensical and counterintuitive, with wild accusations and ridiculous alibis.

ONCE READ, NEVER FORGOTTEN!

It's What Friends Are For

Anne is an aging widow facing a small, lonely life with even fewer prospects. Unexpectedly, her tiny social circle expands by one with the arrival of Beverly. As the two women bond over their many commonalities, Anne’s dreary existence brightens. Their blossoming friendship soon sparks something more, sweeping Anne into an emotional affair before embarking her on an adventurous new journey beyond anything she’s known.

What first appears as a fun, lucrative modelling gig becomes the initial step down a winding path of exploits entirely outside Anne’s norm. Under Beverly’s guidance, Anne’s life grows increasingly removed from convention – yet isn’t that what friends are for? When domestic circumstances then steer events toward seedier terrain, Anne finds herself immersed in the sex industry, again chaperoned by her new companion.

From bad to worse, a family crisis threatens to embroil Anne’s daughter in her unconventional lifestyle. Finally, Beverly bares menacing true colours through blackmail, leaving Anne hapless and despairing. With nowhere left to turn, could a humble bookkeeper hold the key to her salvation?