AN AUTHOR based in Llanelian will have his second published book released in May, a novel covering the time frame between the Second World War up to 2020.

Christopher Kerr’s “The Barbarossa Secret” will be available on Saturday, May 28, and weaves the suspense of discovering a long-buried secret with epic human drama.

It follows the release of his debut novel, “The Covenant”, last year.

Set between events during the World War II, and the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning, the book is based on exhaustive research and raises many real questions about areas which have never been properly explained.

The death of a man in Bavaria in 2020 is the first in a long line of dominos to fall, as a journalist searches to uncover the truth of his family’s personal involvement in one of the greatest hidden episodes of the war.

Indeed, the journalist’s revelations prove so dramatic that they will shake the foundations of present-day government and institutions and place his own life at risk, as intelligence agencies seek to keep the information hidden.

Christopher said: “Of course, it’s very resonant today, with what’s going on in Ukraine.

“Even the title, Barbarossa, which was, of course, the Germain invasion of Russia, is very resonant, but very sad for it to be so.

“I think it’s the drama of the period, coupled with the fact that so much has been covered up in history, that prompted me to write about it.

“This is ‘conspiracy fact’, mixed with fiction. It’s a fictitious work, but touching on some very real events.”

A former civil servant, marketing executive, and entrepreneur, Christopher now concentrates on writing, which has become a passion, based upon a keen interest in politics and current affairs.

He took up writing novels following the death of his wife, who always encouraged him to fulfil his lifelong ambition, and is nearing completion of his third work, “Fission”.

He added: “I’m nearly there with that – that covers a similar part of history, starting in the 1930s, with the discovery of nuclear fission for military purposes, pretty much to the present day.”

“The Barbarossa Secret” is available for pre-order now from most major book stores, and is released via The Book Guild.