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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Protection Song by Bill Randall is a gritty, authentic thriller that plunges music producer Ian Wren into a deadly web of secrets and violence, blending the raw energy of the music industry with razor-sharp suspense.
Protection Song
In Protection Song, debut novelist Bill Randall delivers a pulse-pounding thriller that fuses the raw energy of the music industry with the unrelenting tension of a crime saga. At its core is Ian Wren, a seasoned music producer whose discovery of rising star Ellie Beck promises to be his next big break. But Ellie’s past is a ticking time bomb, and Ian soon finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, betrayal, and violence that threatens to unravel everything he’s built—and everything he’s only just begun to believe in.
Randall’s insider perspective sets Protection Song apart, drawing on his years in the London music scene and UK policing to craft a story that feels as authentic as it is electrifying. From late-night studio sessions to a criminal investigation spiraling out of control, the novel immerses readers in a world where ambition and deception collide. The high-stakes atmosphere of fame is rendered with unflinching realism, pulling back the curtain on the dark side of stardom.
Ian Wren is a compelling, reluctant hero—a perceptive producer forced to navigate a mystery that could cost him everything. As Ellie’s past catches up, Ian grapples with what he’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth. Randall’s sharp prose and knack for suspense keep the pages turning, delivering a polished, edgy narrative that takes crime fiction into uncharted territory.
Protection Song is more than a thriller—it’s a fresh, unapologetic dive into the intersections of art and danger, leaving readers rooting for Ian Wren’s encore. This is a debut that demands attention, and Randall proves he’s a storyteller to watch.
Bill Randall
I spent a lot of time playing in London bands, so was working with famous producers and sometimes in the same backstage areas as famous bands. So, although my bands never quite made it, I witnessed that music scene and it influenced my book, which follows an investigation through the eyes of a record producer. I also worked for the police for 10 years, as a control room operator, and then classroom trainer, which adds a level of credibility to the crime aspect of my plot.
I wrote a song called ‘Under the Tree’ for the book, as recorded by one of the main characters. After she dies, the song is released as a charity appeal. I wanted to bring the song to life in the real-world as well, so I recorded it with friends and it’s available now, with all proceeds going to Parkinson’s UK. This is a charity close to my heart, and one of my characters is also living with Parkinson’s.
–Bill Randall
Born and raised in Aylesbury, Bill Randall is a multifaceted creative whose journey through music, policing, and writing has shaped his gripping debut novel, Protection Song. A lifelong devotee of the arts, Randall’s career began in finance, but his passion for music led him to London, where he studied sound engineering in the evenings and on weekends. This dedication paved the way for a decade-long stint as a bassist in alternative bands, performing across the city’s vibrant music scene.
Parallel to his musical pursuits, Randall spent ten years working as civilian support staff for the UK police, gaining an insider’s perspective on the intense world of law enforcement. Balancing these demanding roles, he briefly chased a dream as a full-time musician before returning to a salaried position to support his family. Yet music remains a cornerstone of his life—Randall continues to play guitar as a semi-professional session musician, both live and in the studio.
Randall’s diverse experiences in the music industry and policing, coupled with a lifelong love of crime fiction, inspired the authentic, high-stakes world of Protection Song. His debut novel reflects the grit and passion of his unique path, blending the raw energy of late-night recording sessions with the tension of a spiraling criminal investigation. With a storyteller’s instinct and a musician’s soul, Bill Randall is an exciting new voice in crime fiction, poised to captivate readers with his distinctive perspective.
Find more from Bill Randall now:
Publisher’s website
https://billrandall.bandcamp.com/track/under-the-tree
Kindle: https://amzn.to/44XmQjR
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4kctbfS
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