Ashes of Innocence (The Wilson Files Book 1)

A Dark Thriller of Grief, Survival and Justice

John went to war to protect his family, never imagining that the greatest danger was waiting back home in Birmingham. While he fought overseas, two young boys committed an act that shattered his world. Returning home, John faced a different kind of battle as he struggled with devastating loss and fought to keep his family together.

Twelve years later, John has found a fragile sense of normality. But just as life begins to improve, shadowy figures from his past return, threatening to destroy everything he has worked to rebuild. With the one thing worth fighting for now at risk, he must confront a past he thought he had left behind.

Ashes of Innocence by Phil Price is a gripping psychological thriller exploring grief, family, survival and the lasting consequences of violence.

Discover Ashes of Innocence and follow John's fight to protect what matters most.

Excerpt from the book

Afghanistan – 2005

John leaned against the armoured vehicle in the dusty marketplace as the sun kissed the mountains to the west of their position. He felt sick, waves of nausea washing over him as he stared at the corpse in front of him. It was human, but only just. The head, limbs and genitals had been crudely removed, the remaining torso littered with puncture wounds and smeared blood. Around him, more bodies lay, swarms of flies invading orifices and crawling over cooling flesh in search of food. They were fallen Taliban fighters, cut down by machine gun fire a few minutes before. Around them, haphazard low-rise buildings built of mud and wood formed a ring around the Royal Marines who stood on the baked earth. Many of the walls were pock-marked with bullet holes, splashes of blood adorning their façades. He looked away, the lukewarm Afghan afternoon heading into another cold night, high up on the mountainous plateau. Their position was on the outskirts of Marjeh, a few hours’ drive from their base, Camp Bastion. To John, it felt like a million miles away as he looked around the desolate space on the edge of the small town.

A soldier approached, designer sunglasses framing his bearded face. “Heli is five minutes out. Once we load up, we’re moving out, back to base.”

“What a way to go! Being killed in battle is one thing, James. Being tortured and cut up by the locals is something else. Did we really sign up for this shit?”

“I know, John. That’s why the Russians shipped out. They couldn’t handle them. We all know why we’re here, though, to liberate the people of Afghanistan from their violent oppressors, blah blah blah. The world has certainly changed. Flying planes into skyscrapers will do that.”

“I preferred the world before 9/11.”

“You’re not alone, mate. I think we’re in for the long haul. Al-Qaeda is running amok, both here and around the world. Even if we kill bin Laden, another one will take his place. Another nutcase hell-bent on carnage. Come on, let’s get our shit together, Captain.”

“Roger that, Major,” John replied, walking around the armoured patrol vehicle as the dull beat of a helicopter drifted towards them. He took one more look at the corpse on the ground, inwardly shivering. I can’t wait to go home, he thought, shouldering his assault rifle.

Three hours later, John sat on his bunk, leafing through letters and photographs as troops went about their business. His boots hung off the bunk, never really leaving his feet unless he was in the shower. Even when he was asleep, they were loosely fastened, ready for action. He smiled as he came across his favourite picture. His wife, Lucy, was sitting on the edge of a slide, his daughter, Lottie, happily perched on her lap. They were both smiling at the camera, a carefree look on their faces. His wife’s dark locks were blowing in the autumn breeze, his daughter’s blonde hair similarly ruffled. They were the spitting image of each other, and their first-born daughter had inherited his mother’s creamy complexion. John was different; his chestnut-brown hair and freckles were all his own.