AN ESTABLISHED Suffolk crime writer has published what is set to be his last local crime book chronicling seven slayings in the county.

In his latest book, Suffolk Murders, 48-year-old Mark Mower, who lives near Beccles has documented and researched the true stories of some of the most heinous crimes ever committed in Suffolk between 1850 and 1925.

From an Ipswich tram driver to a Lowestoft man who murdered his 13-year-old daughter - the tales span the county.

Mr Mower, who is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association has already written six books, including Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in Suffolk and Suffolk Tales of Mystery and Murder.

Having written a number of local crime history books, he is now exploring stories further afield.

He took a break from crime writing when his daughter Rosie was born, writing a children’s book in 2009 and he is now working on a book about a counterfeiter from America.

Suffolk Murders was published on Wednesday.

He said that in Suffolk Murders there are only seven chapters which gave him the chance to go into more depth.

“It have given me more of a chance to explore the social and economic background to each case.”

He said that he liked to focus more on the social and historical context of each of the murders.

“I have set each case in the context of how people lived and how they viewed the world.

“I have tried to pick cases which have not been well worn and done to death. There is something about these that sets them apart.”

“They are all true stories.”

The book has been comprehensively researched using original records and accounts.

“The research has mainly been done through the record office using journals from the time.

“I tried to go back to the source material. I’ve got a history degree so I’m fairly comfortable with basic research.”

He said that because of the age of the stories he could not interview people from the time, but was able to use court and coroner reports.

“The record offices in Suffolk are brilliant.”

From opportunistic and irrational slayings to premeditated homicides, the full range of murderous activity is recounted.

Mr Mower will be signing copies of his book at Beccles Books on Saturday July 9 from 7pm onwards, Waterstones in Lowestoft, on Saturday July 16 from 11am to 1pm, WHSmith in Ipswich on Saturday July 23 from 11am to 1pm, Waterstones in Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday July 30 between 11am and 1pm.