Parliamentary corruption and murder are the themes of a new crime novel written by a former TV actor.

The latest work from David Barry, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, is crime thriller Before They Die which charts the story of a private investigator called Mike Halliday.

When the detective is put onto the case of murdered MP John Kenneally, killed while trying to reopen an enquiry into Westminster child abuse, he finds himself drawn into a nightmare world controlled by powerful people who will stop at nothing to cover up their appalling crimes.

The Welsh author, whose past is a colourful mix of acting on stage and screen, is probably best known for playing the role of Frankie Abbott in the 1970s sitcom Please Sir and then the spin-off Fenn Street Gang.

Speaking about his latest work of fiction, he said: "I have had a lifetime in the entertainment industry and have worked in most disciplines from film and TV to stage. Of course, some of these experiences influence and form my non-fictional work, but Before They Die taps into a darker grittier side."

Before hitting our TV screens, Barry had shared the stage with Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, among others.

He has been a published author since 2006, writing memoirs and books across a mixture of genres, and has worked as a radio host.

Before They Die was published last month in paperback and eBook formats, with an audio version narrated by the author also available.

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