Drake and Hepple

As the blog title clearly announces, this blog post is about Drake and Hepple. But, who or what are Drake and Hepple? And in what way are they connected to Chester? Eagle eyed, regular Chester Lifestyle visitors may well remember the two names. But before I continue and explain exactly who they are, a simple question pops into my mind. I wonder if Drake and Hepple can do for Chester what Morse did for Oxford? Or Bergerac did for Jersey for that matter? So, let’s get right into it then.

Drake and Hepple

Drake and Hepple are fictional characters from a series of murder mystery novels written by Chester born author, Bryan Lawson. In all, Bryan has written four, Chester based, Drake and Hepple murder mystery books. Two of which are available, with the third and fourth in the pipeline.

The two published offerings are entitled, “A Degree of Death” and “Fatal Practice.” More details on these below.

In final draft but not yet published, is the third in the series, “The Art of Murder.” A bit of a background to whet the appetite. The body of a famous Chester based painter is found in the River Dee. Drake and Hepple investigate and discover a web of strained personal relationships as well as the involvement of a Chinese Triad promoting forgery and theft of art. Drake has to go to Hong Kong to unearth the murky oriental involvement.

There is a fourth volume called “The Flautist.” The book opens with a dreadful event at a new concert hall in Chester. A famous local flute player is found dead in her dressing room. Drake and Hepple work to discover a family with complex relationships and a curious history. Drake travels to that most musical of cities, Prague to uncover a mysterious series of events.

There is a fifth Drake and Hepple volume, but this one isn’t based in Chester. It is the second one in the series and entitled, Without Trace.

Dramatic and Fascinating

All five volumes use real locations that are dramatic and fascinating. Both the past and present of these locations are found to have significant influences on the mystery. If you look at Bryan’s web site you can see that he has started publishing photographs of all the key locations on a chapter by chapter basis. Readers can look at the places featured as they read the book if so desired. Of course there are many pictures of Chester.

Previous Drake and Hepple Mysteries

Bryan’s first Chester related Drake and Hepple novel is “A Degree of Death.” You can find out more about this particular mystery HERE from a post I added a few years ago.

However, here’s a short spoiler for you to have a look at.

“A member of the Singapore Parliament is found murdered on a footbridge in Chester. A DEGREE OF DEATH is a crime novel about the past sneaking up on the present and making a real mess of things. It is September 2005. Murky oriental history entangles with events at Deva University in Chester, a brand new institution doing its best to invent tradition.

But do these new ivory towers hide more worldly pursuits, and what really goes on behind the genteel façades in the historic city of Chester?

DCI Carlton Drake is widely recognised for being as clever as he is tall and clumsy. He resumes duties after a sabbatical, taken for personal reasons, to investigate this diplomatically sensitive case. By contrast his high-flying young assistant Grace Hepple is stylish but inexperienced. Together they uncover an intriguing mystery.“

Hmm…..interesting.

His third, but second Chester based novel is “Fatal Practice.” Another epic murder, mystery classic with many twists and turns. You can see more details HERE.

Drake and Hepple On The Small Screen Maybe

I asked the question in the opening paragraph if Drake and Hepple could do for Chester what Morse did for Oxford? Why not, I suppose is the simple answer. Great storylines in great locations.

If you could adapt the volumes for TV or film, who could play Drake and Hepple? A TV adaptation may result in both characters being same gender. Or, one male and one female as in the books. A bit like Dempsey and Makepeace I suppose. A series from way back in the 1980’s before you ask. Didn’t the two main characters go on to develop an off screen romance and marry in real life? Any romantic links between our two heroes?

Not my decisions to make however. That will be down to the creative gurus if they felt these fascinating novels were to develop further. Going a step further, why not have the core of the cast Chester connected artists?

Have a look at my “Famous People From Chester” page – there’s quite a few on there. Just to clarify though, Popeye the Sailorman isn’t available.

That gets me thinking. Where can I ask the initial question to see if this has any mileage? Leave it with me.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Thanks for reading my latest blog post – Drake and Hepple. Some interesting novels there to have a look at don’t you think.

To see all of my other blog posts on a variety of topics, then visit HERE.

And going off on a complete tangent and as this is a Chester related website. Here’s the “help support a local small business” section.

As This Is A Chester Related Website

As this is a Chester related website, you may be looking for the ideal Chester related gift for your loved ones. If so, then have a look at my Chester section of my new Etsy store. You can find out more about my Etsy store HERE.

Plenty of originally created downloadable digital artwork for you to have a look at HERE. And, as I say, a variety of Chester related products to choose from. Go on….you know you want to!!

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