The Whitby Trilogy
Step into the captivating world of the Whitby family as John G. Smith weaves a tale across three compelling novels, recounting the tumultuous journey of a prominent middle-class English lineage of slaughtermen and butchers. From their humble origins as nineteenth-century coalminers, smallholders, and stockbreeders to their rise as meat purveyors and shopkeepers, witness the remarkable transformation of this family through the ages, culminating in the emergence of a fifth-generation globe-trotting computer software expert, driven by the unwavering spirit of his ancestors.
At the centre of this epic saga stands Eugene Whitby, a man who perceives himself as a post-war triumph in the realm of business. Yet, beneath the surface of his achievements lies a yearning for atonement, a haunting lost love that drives his every endeavour. Guided by the encouragement of an elder brother while facing the resentment of another, Eugene’s revelations to an outsider set in motion a chain of events that thrust the Whitby family into the unforgiving glare of a criminal investigation. As you delve deeper into the narrative, you will find yourself questioning the Whitby clan’s role in shaping modern English history.
Through masterful storytelling, John G. Smith invites readers to embark on an emotional and intellectual odyssey through time, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, ambition, and the indomitable human spirit. Each novel in the Whitby Trilogy unveils new layers of mystery, emotion, and intrigue, painting a vivid portrait of a family that transcends generations and leaves an indelible mark on the tapestry of English heritage.
Prepare to be spellbound by the richness of character, the depth of historical detail, and the profound exploration of the human condition that lies within these pages. The Whitby Trilogy is not just a story; it is an immersive experience that will resonate with readers long after the final chapter is turned.
So, open your heart and mind, for the Whitby Trilogy awaits, ready to transport you to a world where the past intertwines with the present, and where the echoes of one family’s journey reverberate through the annals of time. Enjoy this remarkable literary adventure that will leave you pondering the indelible connections that bind us all.
Part 1 Eugene
Eugene: Part 1 of the Whitby Trilogy
A Tale of Love, Loss, and Resilience in Post-War Britain
In the tumultuous year of 1945, the world was still reeling from the ravages of World War II. Across the Far East, conflict persisted, and in the depths of Burma, Japanese soldiers continued their oppressive occupation. Amidst the chaos, a profound story unfolded – one that would forever shape the life of a young man named Eugene.
Although Eugene hailed from a family of skilled butchers located in the heart of the United Kingdom, fate had other plans for him. He was called up to serve in distant Burma, where the horrors of war met the desperate cries of Burmese civilians seeking refuge in the unforgiving jungle. His mission to deliver rice to the starving, though selfless, led him to a momentous encounter with a young Burmese girl who would change his life irrevocably.
As they crossed paths, Eugene and the Burmese girl found solace and love in each other’s arms. But their happiness was destined to be short-lived, for she was forbidden to leave her homeland. The cruel realities of their circumstances tore them apart, leaving Eugene with a heart forever marked by the memory of his first love.
Surviving a devastating disease that almost claimed his life, Eugene returned to his homeland, only to find himself unexpectedly excluded from the family butcher business. Undeterred, he embarked on a journey fuelled by ambition, seeking success and embracing the opportunities that arose from the ashes of post-war Britain.
Guided by a steadfast sense of purpose, Eugene’s ascent up the ladder of business and pleasure was relentless. Yet, in the depths of his soul, he carried the weight of loss, eternally mourning the love he had left behind in Burma.
Against the backdrop of a small-town community on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border, where the family business thrived on the dark allure of black market trade, Eugene’s life took on an enigmatic quality. A shadowy figure from his past seemed to linger in the corners of his existence, teasing and haunting his every step.
In the eponymously titled “Eugene” we delve into the remarkable journey of the boy turned man. It is a tale of love and sacrifice, resilience and redemption. Through triumphs and tribulations, Eugene’s life becomes a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart, forever yearning for what was lost, yet forging ahead with a relentless pursuit of success.
Join us as we uncover the secrets, the passions, and the mysteries that swirl around Eugene, revealing a profound and unforgettable narrative that transcends time and place.
Part 2 Pearl
A Classic Modern Detective Story
In the quaint town of Brighton, UK, nestled amidst the whispering waves of the English Channel, lived a quiet and unassuming library assistant named Pearl. Little did she know that her life was about to take an unexpected turn as she embarked on a journey that would unlock long-buried secrets and mysteries.
As the sun set on his long life, Pearl found herself entwined with the remarkable tale of Eugene, the central character of the enthralling Whitby trilogy. Drawn together by fate, Pearl took it upon herself to meticulously piece together Eugene’s family tree, immersing herself in his life story and cherishing an uncovered and profound connection that they shared.
However, her inquisitive spirit and relentless pursuit of the truth would soon propel her into a world of intrigue and danger. Following Eugene’s unexpected demise, Pearl became haunted by suspicion that his death was no mere accident but rather a sinister act of foul play – a cold-blooded murder.
Pearl would unwittingly find herself embroiled in a cold-case police review, seeking to unravel the long-standing enigma surrounding the deaths of Eugene’s two brothers, shrouded in the shadows of the 1950s. As she ventured deeper into this enigmatic labyrinth of deception, new evidence began to surface, casting a dubious shadow over Eugene himself. Yet, Pearl’s compassionate heart vehemently refused to believe in his guilt, even as the finger of suspicion pointed unwaveringly in his direction.
With an unyielding resolve to uncover the truth, Pearl adopted the role of an amateur sleuth, defying the boundaries of convention, and embarking on her own personal quest for justice. The stage was set for an epic clash between her heartfelt convictions and the cold, calculated evidence presented by the relentless police work.
“Pearl” is a riveting tale of passion, intrigue, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who sought to unveil the secrets of the past. As the scales of justice teetered precariously between the forces of emotion and rationality, the ultimate question loomed large – which of these two formidable adversaries would ultimately triumph?
Join Pearl as she delves into the depths of the human soul and navigates through the tangled web of truth and deception. As the story unfolds, it will leave you captivated, questioning, and yearning for the resolution that lies just beyond the horizon.
Part 3 Luke
In the ever-evolving world of technology and finance, one name stood out like a beacon of innovation and success—Luke, a brilliant computer expert whose journey is chronicled in the pages of this gripping novel. Emerging from the depths of academia, his university thesis paper begat a groundbreaking idea that would catapult him into the realm of financial prowess.
With sheer determination and unwavering focus, Luke transformed his idea into a thriving computer software business that revolutionised the management of financial derivatives. Investment banks from the far reaches of the globe, spanning the UK, Australia, China, Singapore and Europe, sought to lease his Swaps and Options packages. The initial development costs were soon covered, paving the way for a highly profitable financial services empire.
From the seeds of his initial coding and financial triumphs, a second idea took root and flourished. Luke’s team of talented programmers devised an ingenious method for inter-country money transfers—quick, efficient, and cost-effective. However, with innovation comes intrigue, and rumours of market manipulation swirled in the shadows. Undeterred by whispers of suspicion, Luke pressed forward, unearthing a third frontier to apply his unparalleled computer skills—Artificial Intelligence (AI) in robotics for surgical treatments. In a groundbreaking collaboration with a university in Myanmar, the world’s first robotic surgeon was born.
As the narrative unfolds, a recurring theme emerges—no fortune is garnered honestly. Luke, driven by ambition, begins to navigate the delicate web of human relationships, sometimes shamelessly using those around him to achieve his goals. But, old adversaries loom ominously, drawing nearer, and the net of scrutiny slowly tightens. The relentless pursuit of success and the desire for more seem to cloud the boundaries of ethics and morality.
In this third instalment of the Whitby trilogy, the stakes are higher than ever. Can Luke outmanoeuvre the forces that are closing in? Will his insatiable hunger for success blind him to the consequences of his actions? With each step he takes, the line between right and wrong blurs, leaving readers to ponder whether Luke’s genius and cunning will lead him to the pinnacle of achievement or down a treacherous path of self-destruction.
Prepare to embark on a roller-coaster ride of ambition, intrigue, and moral dilemma as Luke’s tale unfolds. In this enthralling saga, the battle of wits between a brilliant mind and the forces that seek to uncover his secrets will captivate and keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Children’s Books by John G Smith
The Adventures of Eugene
Eugene was a butcher-boy. When he was only twelve years old he could make sausages and pies and cut up joints of meat. But, when he was eighteen, he was sent to Burma to drop rice from an aeroplane to villagers starving in the jungle. The Japanese soldiers were running scared.
Eugene fell in love with a beautiful Burmese girl named Chit but when he returned to England, she was not allowed to come with him. They were both very sad. Years later he married Dorothy and they opened only the second supermarket in England. Things started to go wrong.
There was an explosion down a coal mine, a terrible car crash and then Dorothy died: but how? Worse was to come. Two brothers disappeared without trace and then a farmer’s dog sniffed out a man’s arm buried in a field. The police came to see Eugene. Had he killed his brothers after a family argument.
