Former Matlock Mercury editor Don Hale will travel to the States next week to unveil his latest book at a major US crime festival.

The investigative journalist-turned-author has just put the finishing touches to his latest work, Secrets of the Royal Detective, which tells the true story of his great grandfather, who became bodyguard to the Prince and Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Victoria.

The book will not be available in the UK until next month, but is being officially launched in America next week at the Magna Crime Festival.

Don said: "I have been across to the States twice before and this time I have been invited as the true crime guest of honour.

"The invitation followed a very successful speaking tour last year with colleagues Stephen Booth and Danuta Reah.

"I am looking forward to the event and will be rubbing shoulders with some very famous authors including my fellow guests of honour Alexander McCall Smith and Peter Lovesey."

Through the book Don looks back at the life of his great grandfather, James Wood, who was a top Manchester detective from 1890-1914 and the very first Royal Detective.

It was originally intended to be a simple genealogy study, but after visiting Greater Manchester Police Museum, the Central Library and archives department at Manchester City Council, and talking to friends and historians, he was persuaded to publish his findings as a book as a unique record of his great grandfather's career and achievements.

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