The author of a Bermuda-based thriller Bloodwater has revisited the island in a new book.

Writer Colin Duerden said Fried White Grunts is a series of connected stories about growing up in Bermuda which drew inspiration from his own childhood here.

He added: “It’s children’s stories for adults, but it’s not really a children’s book.

“Some of the stories probably could be read to children, but there are some that would raise some real questions in children’s minds.”

He said the novel follows the adventures and misadventures of a young boy and his “hill gang” — a group of children living on one of the highest hills on the island.”

Dr Duerden explained that while Bloodwater was popular locally and internationally, he wanted to try a different type of story.

He added: “I wanted to write something different, but still based in Bermuda.

“It’s fictional, but it’s based on some of the incidents that I experienced growing up here and others as well.

“In some cases, names have been changed to protect the innocent.

“I wanted it to not be a fairytale type of story. I wanted it to be something real.

“A lot of tourists think of Bermuda as a fairytale destination, but growing up here is not a fairytale. Children growing up here sometimes go through things that are frightening or life changing.

He added: “I wanted people who read it to somehow experience what it was like growing up in those days, to know what Bermuda was like in the not too distant past and what it was like for a child. It deals with death, it deals with redemption, it deals with hope.”

Dr Duerden said the book had got glowing reviews from figures like author Elaine McCluskey.

But he added that the title has caused confusion overseas where people might not the fish used as the title.

“In the context of the story, it’s understandable, but in Canada I have had a lot of questions about what a white grunt is.

“Every Bermudian worth his salt knows what a white grunt is.”

Dr Duerden said he was also hard at work on a direct sequel to Bloodwater.

He added: “So many people have asked me what happens to the hero next — I’m maybe about two-thirds in right now.”

Dr Duerden will sign copies of Fried White Grunts tomorrow at Bookmart in Hamilton’s Brown & Co department store.

The launch of the book in Canada will take place at the new Halifax Library next month which will include a performance by the Caledonian Orchestra of Nova Scotia.