Bristol-born author Frederick J Hillberg has released his new historical novel, ‘The Dangerous Journey’, which tells the true story of a brutal attempted murder that shook Victorian England and sparked a landmark legal case.
Set in 1840’s Victorian England, the story follows the life of Bristol accountant William Miller Mackreth, who was viciously attacked by a mysterious man in the Shropshire town of Ludlow. The book, written by William’s great-great-grandson, Frederick J Hillberg, brings to life the events leading up to the attack, William’s recovery, and the sensational trial that followed.
Hillberg, who is retired, shared his motivation for writing the book, saying, “I began working on the project several years ago when investigating our family tree. I knew that William Mackreth was a wealthy businessman in Bristol but it wasn’t until a visit to the Bristol Archives and a reference to the ‘Ludlow Chest’ that the full story began to unfold.”
The book delves into the shocking attack on William Mackreth and the subsequent trial, which became a landmark case in British legal history and captured the attention of Victorian society. Even renowned author Charles Dickens is believed to have mentioned the case in a letter to a friend.
In addition to recounting the events in Ludlow, the novel also paints a vivid picture of life in Bristol during the era, highlighting the struggles of Mackreth and his fiancée, Jane, as they navigate through a society governed by ‘Bristol Time’ and ‘Bristol Nails’, and where class divisions were still prominent.
Hillberg remarked, “It is a remarkable tale, almost stranger than fiction, not only due to the nature of the crime and the sheer number of coincidences but also the fact that my great-great-grandfather survived the attempted murder that left him scarred for life. I am incredibly proud to have been able to bring this piece of family history to light. I think the book will appeal strongly to anyone with an interest in local history, crime and mystery, or a touch of romance.”
Aside from his writing, Hillberg is an active member of his local community and enjoys gardening, photography, and collecting coins and stamps. He also published a children’s book, ‘Brave Cat Millie’, in 2023.
‘The Dangerous Journey’ is published by Brown Dog Books and is available in paperback and eBook versions. The paperback version can be ordered from all bookshops and the eBook is available on Amazon (Kindle), Kobo devices, and Apple iBooks.
For more information or to request high-resolution images, please contact Jane Shergold on 07966 176028 or 01225 580214, or via email at jane@carrawaypublishing.co.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.