Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce reveals he is the author of the murder mystery novels that have taken the internet by storm
The books have appeared on eBay and the former Hull City boss confirms it was indeed him who told the tales of Steve Barnes
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ASTON VILLA manager Steve Bruce has confirmed he dabbled as a novel writer with three murder mystery books coming to light on eBay.
The books titled Striker, Sweeper and Defender were written between 1999 and 2000, and the Englishman has claimed credit for them after his son Alex quashed rumours he was behind them.
Steve Barnes is the novel's main protagonist, a manager of fictional club Leddersfield Town who in his spare time solves murder's and crimes.
Ahead of the weekend's rival clash where Bruce takes his side to his former stomping ground at St Andrews, the 55-year-old claimed responsibility to Sky Sports.
He said: "They were 10 or 15 years ago, they are genuine!"
Asked if he would go back into writing, he said: "No, have you read them? Go and read them and you'll understand why."
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Some versions of the book are being sold online for up to a whopping £250, with fans eager to read the tales brought to life by the ex-Manchester United centre-back.
Bruce was staggered to find out the value of his material, he added: "Are they really? Wow. That's because there were not many published. I think my son went out on Radio 5 and he didn't know anything about it. It was a long, long time ago and there'll be no more. I assure you!"
The books will live long in the memory of those who followed the life of Steve Barnes, and critics have given generally positive reviews.
K.Woodward said of Striker on Amazon: "On the one hand it is one of the most poorly written books I have ever read, yet it is hugely satisfying.
"This is a book so bad it is good, dare I say great."
Another review of the same book by The Crusader read: "There is something about this book that makes it absolutely brilliant... even though it's, err, awful!
"I read it in one sitting (it's only 128 pages long) which took me a couple of hours. Hours that I will never have again, but I'm glad that I spent them reading this."
One customer was left enthralled after reading Sweeper.
Having already read Striker, he said of the masterpiece: "The story is stronger and the characters are deeper and better developed.
"This is a short but excellent novel. It never loses its grip on the reader. I read it in a single sitting and at the end was satisfied and yet wanted more."
However, the same customer failed to see the excellence of the third instalment Defender.
He said: " This book was good but not as good as Sweeper. This is because the plot isn't as well thought out and the characters, I thought, were less believable."
Steve Bruce's Aston Villa side languish in 16th spot, but have back-to-back wins under their new manager who has won seven points out of nine.
Birmingham City sit in seventh, just outside of the play-off places on goal difference.
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