Mike Carden

Twenty years ago, and more, I submitted a novel of Alfred the Great to publishers and agents, only to be told that Bernard Cornwell had beaten me to it with ‘The Last Kingdom’. Instead I wrote cycling books, funny ones linking historic sites and towns, such as 'The Full English'.

Then in 2021 I revisited my Alfred novel, and in 2022 published ‘Alfred of Wessex. Book One: Inheritance'. Readers described it as ‘exciting’, ‘gripping’ and ‘thoroughly enjoyable’.

‘Alfred of Wessex. Book Two: Vengeance' was published in February 2024 and comments have included 'a fantastic follow up from the first in the trilogy,' and 'excellent read, finished in 3 days.'

'Book Three: Resistance' was then published in December 2024 and has been described as 'enthralling'.

These are novels based on real historical events in 9th century Anglo-Saxon Wessex during the viking wars.

My cycling books also continue to entertain people.

• ‘The Full English: Pedalling through England, Mid-Life Crisis and Truly Rampant Man-Flu’

• ‘A Bit Scott-ish: Pedalling through Scotland in Search of Adventure, Nature and Lemon Drizzle Cake’

• ‘A Lake District Grand Tour. Pedalling through Lakeland: The Challenge, The History, The Wildlife, The Scones’

They have been described as 'warm, well observed, unpretentious and very funny.' (Adventure Travel magazine). And perhaps there will be another one of those one day.

If you would care to follow me here or via my website or social media, I can update you.

Best wishes

Mike Carden