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Fifty Years of Fear (Dark Lives) Paperback – September 7, 2017

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 348 ratings

"An unmissable, and heart-wrenching thriller."

"An outstanding book, detailing life from so many viewpoints. This is a complex story, enhanced by clever, talented writing. Very highly recommended." Anita Waller, author. Could you forgive murder? What if it was something worse? A childhood accident robs Vincent of his memories, causing him to become sensitive and anxious around others. His differences attract bullies, and he comes to rely heavily on the support of his family. After the devastating loss of his parents, a remarkable woman teaches him to embrace life and, little by little, he realises the world is far more forgiving than he imagined. When fragments of his memory return, he begins to unravel his past. Who was his mother? What kind of a man is his brother, Frank? And why does death surround them? Fate is cruel. History is dark. Things are not as they seem. Perhaps he should have stayed at home. "At last a page turner novel that doesn't disappoint..." "This is powerful and atmospheric storytelling..." "Absolutely brilliantly written from start to finish."
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (September 7, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 365 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1521806675
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1521806678
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.92 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 348 ratings

About the author

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Ross Greenwood
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After some were republished. Here is my complete list of works:

Canaries in the Coal Mine

The Snow Killer

The Soul Killer

The Ice Killer

The Cold Killer

The Fire Killer

The Santa Killer

The Village Killer

Lifer

Survivor

Chancer

Jail Break

Prisoner

Hunter

Death on Cromer Beach

Death in Paradise

Death in Bacton Woods

Death at Horsey Mere

Death at Fakenham Races

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

My first book Chancer was written after I decided to do something challenging while my knees permitted. No skydiving for me. I became a prison officer for four years. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

It's surprising for me to realise I've written eighteen books now. There are three strands, one where the books concern lives affected by prison, and then my detective series starring DI John Barton. The first Barton book, The Snow Killer hit the coveted number one spot on KOBO and AUDIBLE, with the rest of the series not far behind.

I've also written four detective books in a Norfolk series now, starting with Death on Cromer Beach. There are two more planned.

My publishers kindly told me I had reached over half a million sales with them in five years in July 2024

I hope you enjoy reading what I've written.

Please feel free to get in touch on Facebook, Insta or Twitter

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
348 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2017
    I LOVED Fifty Years of Fear. The story is touching and heartbreaking – and you dive into the world of the two boys and their parents. Their family is an island in a world where people on the outside judge and take harsh actions. They are strongly connected, Vincent and Frank and their parents. At home, they are safe but at school and in other places, Frank is always the protector of Vincent, a true elder brother. Slowly Vincent’s life and the family history are unravelled and with each insight new questions arise. It is so difficult to say more for fear of giving away this excellently written and cunningly construed psychological novel. I am in awe of what Ross Greenwood shows us here and how he never interferes the narration with a judgemental point of view. This book is extremely difficult to review and to categorise because it has so much. I think it is a brilliant literary work of fiction and I highly recommend Fifty Years of Fear.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023
    This book was not about who did it and hideous crimes committed. It touched on a young man with mental issues and not knowing he had a condition. He didn't know his mother committed murder , he didn't remember his childhood and thoughts his brother was a terrible bully. I liked this book it was a good read and brought awareness to mental issues on different levels.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2017
    Safe to say I was gripped from the start of the tale! It held my attention and was able to build pictures of the characters in my head, which I always feel is reflective of the detail the author gives.

    I had mixed feelings towards Vinnie - at times I felt I didn’t know him at all - very clever writing! The book feels to me, to be told in a calm manner - I didn’t feel het up at all, I did feel surprise, upset, anger and shock though - all the things I want to feel when reading.

    A well-deserved 5 stars from me. I can’t wait to read more from this very talented author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2017
    I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping tale of misfortune and adversary. The detail really draws you into the thought provoking story chronicling one mans life and you find yourself rooting for someone who could have done something unthinkable. The fast pace keeps you drawn into the unfolding events that seem to get more desperate at the turn of every page.

    Ross doesn't shy away from the dark subject matter and thoughtfully explores the issues raised.

    A highly recommended read, Ross keeps getting better and better, I can't wait for his next book!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Janie U
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clever character study and a story which feels very genuine
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2021
    I'd been recommended to read this author by a friend who, like me, enjoys crime thrillers. I know that Ross greenwood used to work in a prison close to where I live so was expecting a novel with a genuine feel to it.
    First impression is about the font which much larger than usual on the version I read, although the novel is a usual length at 363 pages. It was never going to take long to read.
    Vinnie is the narrator in the book. He was born in 1966 and gradually tells his story year by year as he experiences loss, high drama and a lot of normality as we see into his humdrum life.
    I was expecting a standard crime thriller so was totally surprised by the format and time span of this novel. Straightaway, as we are in his head, the reader is forced to empathise with Vinnie who is a man trapped by his post. As the book builds it develops into an unexpectedly clever character study of this man.
    Vinnie is dull, nerdy, intelligent, shy, easily led, conservative, unambitious and loyal. He and his family have a past though and tensions build as the reader realises there are secrets to come out.
    More than any fictional book I've read for a while, this novel feels very genuine and really gives the reader access into Vinnie's head - a man living a hard life with no opportunity to break out.
    Vinnie is very different to most people who will read this book but every reader will be able to identify with him on some level.
    This book will stay in my head for a long time.
  • Vince Bagatta.
    4.0 out of 5 stars The past.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2023
    I am sure they must have been the subject of many problems but I think this man was only trying to do what he thought was the best at the time.
  • margaret green
    5.0 out of 5 stars gripping
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2023
    An ordinary story at the start but how gripping and insightful it turned out to be.
    A must read to the end
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2017
    I loved Ross Greenwoods 2 previous books and this didn't disappoint. All three of his books are based in Peterborough, my home town. They show clearly how early life experiences, family and friends shape your future, often negatively. In this book Vincent (Vinnie) tells his story. He comes over as a rather sad and lonely boy, often bullied at school. His brother, Frank, is a different character, impulsive and aggressive. As the " Fifty Years" go by Vinnie's life slips into darkness with very little joy .You begin to wonder if family secrets and genetics have a part to play and question Vinnie's inability to form close friendships and his apparent lack of responsibility.
    I reread the book and admired the author's talent and skill. As I already knew the end I was able to see how he had carefully planted the signs of Vinnie and Franks downfall along the way. His vivid and realistic description of prison life give a rare insight into the thoughts and emotions of long term prisoners. Makes you wonder if it could happen to anyone.
  • Pauline Toop
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2024
    The epilogue at the end was exceptional, made me think of the rest of the book differently. Unusual story but well worth persevering even where horrifying.