The Innocenti by Frank Kirtley

Book of the Year, an exciting thriller propelled along by an Innocenti Mini…

Despite appearances it isn’t a fact and stat based history of the boxy Bertone designed version of the British Leyland Mini. The author, Frank Kirtley (my good friend, sadly deceased) , did know his cars, but not to the extent that it would bore someone who wasn’t into vehicles.The book itself looks great on your bedside table, not least because the cover features a period (1980s) Dutch registered Innocenti 120 with a moon roof and added wing damage, pictured on a dusty European mountain pass. This suggests, as you read a few chapters in, that the story inside may well be ‘based on a fairly true story’. Driving around Spain and France in a boxy mini whilst involved in a cold war spy plot is a massive plus point. It is straightforward, there are some twists, but it is delightful to be able to get into the back seat of the Inni and go along for the wild ride.

Click on the book to find out more and buy Frank’s E Books.