The Alpha Flame book cover — gritty 1980s Birmingham crime novel about twin sisters uncovering secrets and surviving abuse

The Front Cover

This is the final front cover of The Alpha Flame: Discovery. It features Maggie stood outside the derelict Rubery Hill Hospital.

The Alpha Flame: Discovery
A Gritty 1980s Birmingham Crime Novel

Survival, secrets, and sisters in 1980s Birmingham.

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★ Reader Praise ★

A beautifully crafted, haunting tale of drama and secrets.

As a reader, you never know what to expect when starting a book. I was thrown into chaos and the raw emotion of grief during the first few pages.

Alpha Discovery had me hooked from page one, as I felt like I was intimately viewing a story of grief, sorrow, and hidden secrets as the main characters, Beth and Maggie’s relationship, is explored throughout the novel. It is a well-written story that provides the reader with an intimate view into the author’s descriptive perspectives on the characters' emotional state of mind.

Sonia Hebdon on Goodreads — 18 August 2025

Loved it , can't wait for the next one

Sue Pretty on Goodreads — 14 August 2025

“The Alpha Flame: Discovery” was a wonderful read. I really loved the story.

The characters, Maggie and Beth, are outstanding in their own ways. Their connection and the strength they show in looking out for each other are portrayed brilliantly. I like how each chapter provides clues about who the narrator is; it made following the story easier. That said, there were times I had to go back to the beginning of a chapter to remind myself who was speaking to whom.

Even the side characters are well-written and given substance. The chemistry between the characters is also amazing. While you can sense where the story is headed, there are still quiet surprises sprinkled throughout. There were a few instances where the details felt very explicit and descriptive, which surprised me a little, but I knew what I was reading, so it wasn’t an issue.

Overall, I’d give this story a 4.5/5. I’m looking forward to reading more chapters ahead!

Ela Sharp on Goodreads — 27 July 2025

The Alpha Flame: Discovery: Synopsis

Listen to Catherine telling you about The Alpha Flame: Discovery

Synopsis

Set in 1983 Birmingham, The Alpha Flame: Discovery is a gritty crime novel following twin sisters Beth and Maggie as they uncover dark family secrets and fight to survive abuse in a harsh, realistic world. With unflinching honesty, it explores the bonds of family, the scars of the past, and the resilience needed to endure. This powerful first instalment in the trilogy immerses readers in the grim realities of 1980s Britain while celebrating hope in the face of darkness.

For Beth, the world is a cold and unforgiving place. Devastation strikes in a single moment, leaving her isolated, shattered, and vulnerable. Alone in the bleak shadows of a city that offers neither refuge nor redemption, she is forced to navigate a relentless cycle of desperation and despair. Every step of her journey tests the limits of her endurance, pushing her into harrowing situations where survival feels like a hollow victory. Beth’s existence is marked by loss, betrayal, and an almost suffocating loneliness that threatens to consume her entirely. Yet, even in the darkest corners of her ordeal, a fragile ember of defiance smoulders within her, a quiet, stubborn refusal to let the world destroy her completely.

Maggie, by contrast, is a force of nature, a woman who thrives on her unshakable drive and an unrelenting belief in her own power. Behind her fiery red hair and disarming charm lies a storm of determination and ferocity. Maggie doesn’t just live; she races through life, fuelled by a need for speed and the thrill of freedom. Her Triumph TR6 isn’t just a car; it’s an extension of her spirit, sleek, powerful, and unapologetically bold. On the open road, with the engine roaring and the world blurring past her, she feels invincible. But Maggie’s intensity doesn’t stop at the wheel. Her relationships burn just as brightly. As a lover, she is dominant, passionate, and unafraid to embrace her darker desires. While fiercely loving and loyal, Maggie is also formidable; crossing her isn’t a mistake anyone makes twice.

When fate brings Beth and Maggie together, their connection is explosive, a union of two polar opposites that burns with both tenderness and raw power. For Beth, Maggie represents a lifeline, a reminder that love and trust still exist, even in a world that has betrayed her at every turn. For Maggie, Beth awakens a fierce protectiveness and vulnerability she’s rarely allowed herself to feel. Together, they ignite a flame that challenges them to confront their own fears, desires, and limitations.

Set against the kaleidoscope of 1983, where synthesised anthems provide a pulsing soundtrack and the streets are alive with the bold styles and rebellious energy of the decade, their story unfolds in a city teeming with danger and intrigue. From high-speed chases along winding roads to dimly lit clubs and desolate alleyways, the heroines’ journey is a visceral exploration of survival and freedom. The neon haze of the era contrasts sharply with the stark realities they face, painting a vivid picture of a world where strength and vulnerability coexist.

As secrets surface and danger tightens its grip, Beth and Maggie must confront not only the challenges around them but the truths within themselves. Their bond is tested by betrayal, desire, and the shadows of their pasts, but through it all, their flame burns brighter, illuminating their courage and the unbreakable spirit of two heroines determined to rewrite their fates.

At its heart, The Alpha Flame is a story of survival, passion, and empowerment. It explores the devastating lows and triumphant highs of life with unflinching honesty, capturing the raw power of human connection against the gritty, vibrant backdrop of an unforgettable era. With its blend of drama, intensity, and unapologetic emotion, this is a story that will leave its mark long after the final frame.