Escape to Paris with first-time Bedford author who used lockdown to write novel

As we all came to terms with lockdown, enjoying walks near the River Ouse or maybe Bedford Park - for Marilyn Freeman that just wasn't enough.

She decided for the sake of her sanity to write a novel - and discovered it meant she could still travel - even if it was from her computer.

Marilyn, 74, of Bedford, said: "For many years I have been editing and self-publishing books for my husband and private clients but had had an idea for a novel in my head for a long time.

"When the Covid-19 pandemic struck last year and we were forced to isolate, I decided it was finally time to get down to writing that novel."

She went on to say: "I have discovered that the greatest joy in writing is the freedom it gives me to be anyone, do anything and go anywhere in the world, while still sitting at my computer."

Her debut novel - Karma: A Mystery in Paris - tells the story of a young woman, Adrienne, 22 years old, who is determined to find out what happened to her mother, who left the family home 10 years previously and never returned.

Her quest takes her to Paris in 1972 where she is accompanied by a man claiming to be the father she had never known.

Spanning three decades, the story she uncovers has its roots in the Nazi occupation of the city and the evil those events unleashed. There are many twists and turns along the way

culminating in a shocking conclusion.

And, it doesn't stop there - so inspired by her debut novel, Marilyn is now working on her next book.

The ebook of Karma: A Mystery in Paris will be released on April 3 and can be ordered via Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Amazon Books.