Books – Judd Stone Series

Anti-Hero Judd Stone plays by his own rules and only a fool would dare to stand in his way. Many have tried but not many have survived. There’s simply no other Private Investigator like him! … Read the series now.

Revenge is sweet but the craving is deadly.

When a high-end escort is discovered murdered in her plush waterside apartment, so begins the hunt for a serial killer known as The Crucifier due to the unusual slaying and positioning of his victims.

In parallel there remains the need to locate a dangerous and elusive doomsday cult. DCI William Chamberlain and DI Judd Stone have an acute thirst for justice on both accounts. Stone is an ex-football hooligan turned cop. Riddled with guilt and anger, he is used to getting results – albeit somewhat unconventionally.

Chamberlain suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, but curiously, as his health deteriorates, his ability to perform acts of telekinesis increases. When faced with life or death, Chamberlain progresses from manipulating physical matter to controlling minds and sets in motion a dramatic chain of events.

But why do things spiral out of control, placing an unknown high-profile target in danger? Assistance comes from the most unlikely of sources but who is also working against the wheels of justice? And just what is the connection between The Crucifier, the cult and the high-profile target? With Spaghetti Western overtones, the chase from Liverpool to London and through both Birmingham UK and Alabama, finds both detectives having to confront their darkest demons in pursuit of the sweet taste of revenge.

He can’t stop the clock but can he save her life?

DCI Judd Stone is heading for rock bottom. He breaks the rules, he gambles and he’s begun to play around.

An unlikely lifeline is thrown Judd’s way when he finds himself catapulted into trying to prevent Rock and Pop sensation Phoenix from becoming the next member of the infamous 27 club – the name given to the list of iconic musicians who die at the age of 27.

Judd’s quest is not made easier when Phoenix’s lifestyle is even more self-destructive than his own – but how can Judd possibly protect someone from themselves?

And who else could be conspiring to benefit from Phoenix’s death? A crazed fan? Birmingham’s ruthless Gangsters? A Secret Society? Or maybe even those who Phoenix believes to be closest to her?

And when Phoenix embarks on an unprecedented tour performing at some of the most wondrous places of the world, the stakes to protect her become even higher.

This sensational follow up to the award-winning Mind Guerrilla will have you rooting for the irrepressible Judd Stone all over again.

Be sure of the facts when you’re rewriting history, for not all secrets can be buried again.

Amidst ancient stories of prowling werewolves, the Lunar Society would meet under the light of a full moon to change the face of industry and enlightenment forever. When the discovery of a human skeleton at one of their old haunts coincides with the disappearance of a talented female prodigy, Private investigator Judd Stone is certain that the two are connected.

Travelling as far afield as Prague and as close as his native city of Birmingham, Judd includes past life regressions in an attempt to unlock the explosive age-old mystery and rescue the missing girl.

With a cloud descending over the treasured legacy of the Lunar Society, Judd quickly finds himself embroiled in a shockingly dark underworld of organised crime. So dark in fact he will need a lot more than the light of a full moon to escape with his life.

Taking time out isn’t always fun. In fact, it can be murder!

When an old friend calls out the blue, Private Investigator Judd Stone finds himself presented with an offer he finds hard to resist: a boozy weekend in Liverpool in exchange for ‘playing’ guitar at an 80s tribute festival!

Yet, things take a wrong turn when tragedy leads to a clash with gangsters and fleeing the city with an unlikely bunch of allies suddenly becomes the only option.

But when an unexpected window to the occult opens, what evil still lies ahead?

Surrounded by a ferocious storm and the haunting legends of the Northern English countryside, ex-football hooligan Judd finds himself in a deadly game of two halves that will leave him wishing he’d stuck to his day job.

Double Fantasy is the fourth action-packed offering in the popular Judd Stone series. If you like fast-paced thrillers with a compelling anti-hero at its core, ruthless characters and a backdrop of great music bursting through its pages then this book is for you.

Books – Fiction

Born from the incredibly vivid imagination of the author, hold tight to your seat when you read the sensational page-turners of Martin Tracey…. Never written for the faint-hearted!

It’s more than a game when it can cost you your life… Watch out, love bites!

When Birmingham football club Kingsbarr United are relegated from the English Premier League they are seemingly rescued by a mysterious new manager from Transylvania, Professor Cezar Prodanescu and his stable of young superstars – who also happen to be a nest of vampires!

Once darkness falls and the floodlights glow, their powers enable United to win games by incredible margins. Buried nearby is the world’s first vampire and Cezar’s plan is to resurrect a clone from the extracted DNA of his ancient bones. But Cezar did not legislate for falling in love with human girl, Lily, or for acquiring such admiration for team captain and local hero Johnny Knox and United’s other human footballers.

But as Cezar struggles with his emotions and attempts to shield his identity as a master vampire, his finest example, star striker Andrei is eager to keep things on course. But will the cloning of the world’s first vampire materialise? Will Cezar lead United back to Premiership glory?

Does Cezar hold any answers for the disappearance of Johnny’s long lost son? And when the evil Andrei takes a shine to Johnny’s teenage daughter, a dramatic showdown ensues in a desperate bid to rescue her – and the entire human race.

Just how far will he go to write the perfect song?

It’s the 1990s and the world of music is dominated largely by the ‘Grunge’ acts of America and ‘Britpop’. Jake Zennor is the proverbial round peg and seems to have nowhere to go to achieve solo success since the split of his chart-topping band Blossom of Eden.

Jake’s quest is not helped by damaging media coverage and he decides to retreat from the eye of the storm to his native Peak District, hoping to figure out how he can get his career back on track.

Jake invests in a creepy mansion for his home. The old house hides secrets of darkness and Jake hides secrets of his own. If they were revealed would they help his cause?

Perhaps the solution is to sell his soul to the Devil – after all, it’s been done before.

‘Things They’ll Never See’ is a compelling haunted house story full of suspense and terror that will simply leave you ‘Mad for it!

Books – Non-Fiction: Discographies

Published through APS Publications a vast number of insightful discographies exist of the world’s most influential musical artists. Below you can discover Martin’s contributions to the ever-growing series of these interesting little books.

book cover discography Amy Winehouse

The discography of the Queen of Camden, detailing her life, career and tragic untimely death at the tender age of just 27.

This is a heart-felt tribute to the irrepressible singer with the big voice who shook the world of music and more.

book cover discography Black Sabbath

The definitive discography covering Brummie Heavy Metal band Black Sabbath and the various personnel changes alongside Tony Iommi.

Fully inclusive of Ozzy’s time with the band – however, his solo career belongs to a separate discography.

book cover discography Duran Duran

The essential discography of Brummie music legends Duran Duran, the band members solo work and side projects Power Station and Arcadia.

Includes a detailed biography of the band’s evolution from Rum Runner residency to global superstars.

book cover discography Fuzzbox

The discography of the most successful UK all-female band (who play their own instruments). These girls from Brum were gutsy, funny, cool and unique.

Here’s what they did… Including a 2022 interview with Magz (Maggie Dunne)

book cover discography George Michael

Arguably the best singer-songwriter of his generation, George Michael’s legacy following his tragic death on Christmas Day 2016, is a stunning catalogue of songs and an astonishing number of revelations regarding his selfless acts of kindness.  This discography of his works also includes those from his pre-solo career in Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley – and there’s even a section reserved for his lifetime friend as well.

book cover discography John Lennon?

A founder member of The Beatles and arguably the most influential artist and songwriter of all time, as a solo artist John Lennon composed such timeless classics as Imagine, Woman and Instant Karma. We were cruelly robbed of further decades of his music when he was tragically gunned down in NYC. This discography focusses on Lennon’s solo recordings and those with Yoko Ono.

Books – Non-Fiction: Music

Collaborating with other musical creatives to tell their remarkable stories, projects such as this are a privilege and a labour of love for Martin – an avid music lover and natural story teller.

book cover Duran Duran Careless Memories

Introduction by Martin Tracey, Foreword by Boy George. The first offering of the late Paul Edmond’s photos in this three book series brought to you by his sister Maggie K De Monde (Scarlet Fantastic lead vocalist) via APS Publications.

The collection contains images of early Duran Duran and the iconic Birmingham music and fashion scene of the time.

book cover Duran Duran Only After Dark

Introduction by Martin Tracey, Foreword by Mulligan. More priceless images of early Duran Duran and other relevant folk including the late, great Queen of the Scene Fashion Designer Patti Bell. Patti, Duran Duran and New Romantics hung out in clubs like the Rum Runner.

Thankfully, Paul’s pics allow us to peek into that world of unrivalled creativity.

book cover Duran Duran The Morning After

Introduction by Martin Tracey, Foreword by Maggie K De Monde. A beautiful innocence is captured in these early images of Duran Duran unaware of the success that lies ahead. The band still use Paul’s images today and many have featured in mainstream music publications and exhibitions – yet many photos in this series have never been seen before.

book cover Fuzzbox biography

The definitive biography as told by the band’s only two constant members. If you thought you knew everything there was to know about this fun and ballsy all-girl band then think again!

“Ever since I heard International Rescue I was hooked! A highlight of the 80s was meeting and introducing Fuzzbox on Top of the Pops” – Gary Davies legendary DJ.

Films: Contrary Trees Productions

Just like his books, film is another medium to showcase Martin’s creativity and artistic expression.

Contrary Trees logo

As well as scribing, Martin is the co-owner of the film-making company Contrary Trees Productions Ltd alongside fellow author D.G Torrens.  Established in 2023, Contrary Trees Productions aims to create quality films born out of a genuine passion for its projects. Through original thinking we wish to resonate with partners and viewers alike and maintain a respectful and refreshing approach to storytelling in the film making industry.

Their first production is the documentary series Birmingham: A City Rooted in Talent featuring a range of Birmingham creatives including Bev Bevan (The Move, Black Sabbath, ELO, Quill), Joy Bevan (Quill), Micky Billingham (Dexys Midnight Runners, General Public), Lolly, Vix & Magz (Fuzzbox), Ruby Turner, Jasper Carrott, Garry Thompson (footballer), Carl Chinn and many more. Narrated by Scarlet Fantastic vocalist Maggie K De Monde.