A RETIRED nurse has released her first book.

Elizabeth Thomas, 63, of Cwmcarn, recently retired as an auxiliary nurse at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but has now turned her hand to writing books.

The book, The Jam, is a fictional thriller about a serial killer, Sean Morgan, who has been brought up in a Welsh mining village and looks to take revenge on those who have “wronged him in care”.

Published by United PC publishers, Mrs Thomas said said: “I had just been writing poems for years, especially for people’s birthdays. I always enjoyed writing, but it was just for fun.

“My family encouraged me to send some rough chapters to a publisher and it went from there, really.

“When you get into something, you enjoy it and make time to do it. I’ve always enjoyed reading thrillers, particularly James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, and Dan Brown. My grandchildren often look at me and say, ‘How can you like things like that? You’re soft!’”

The book, itself, is part of a planned trilogy by Mrs Thomas and she has already written the sequel to The Jam.

The Jam focuses on Sean Morgan’s history and the relationships he has with his victims. Mrs Thomas said the result is quite serious, with little humour.

She said: “The book is really about the stories behind the murders and the impact they have on those involved.

“There is an aspect of good in him and he will never hurt children, but he is quite bad. I’d describe him as vicious, but nice.

“He’s put into care at 15 and by the age of 28, he decides to take revenge on the people who put him away.

“Although he does give them a chance to repent, before he ultimately takes action.”

Mrs Thomas’ book is available on Amazon in paperback form for £14.80.