Discovering The America Ground: A Hidden Chapter of Sussex History Brought Back to Life

Every book begins with a spark; sometimes a family mystery, sometimes a forgotten document, and sometimes a place so rich with story that it refuses to let go. The America Ground is one of those places and is this book's spark.

Even for most people living in or visiting Hastings, the name may be unfamiliar; and so too, the wild and unruly corner of the town which it describes. This remarkable piece of local history is almost entirely unknown. And that is part of what makes writing—and reading—about it so compelling.

A Forgotten Land with a Story Like No Other

In the early 1800s, a large area saw enterprising people—fishermen, rope makers, hoteliers, tradesmen, and families—move in, build homes and workshops, and form a thriving community. A bold population determined to live on their own terms. This is the historical backdrop that inspired The America Ground, a novel that explores how ordinary people create meaning, belonging, and identity in extraordinary circumstances. But the book is not merely a retelling of events. It’s a tapestry of mystery, history, and human resilience, woven together through the eyes of characters with secrets of their own.

Our Favourite Genealogist, Morton Farrier, Enters the Story

Of course, readers of the Forensic Genealogist series will know that The America Ground is not only a historical tale—it is also one of Morton Farrier’s most atmospheric investigations. In this novel, Morton is drawn into the mystery when a seemingly straightforward commission leads him deep into the forgotten past of Hastings. What begins as routine genealogical research soon evolves into a layered historical puzzle, pushing Morton to uncover long-buried truths about identity, land, law, crime and the people who once lived in The America Ground.

Without giving anything away, this case challenges Morton in ways that reach beyond archives and documents. He must navigate local history, conflicting accounts, and the legacy of a community erased from the map, all while managing the personal and professional pressures that long-time readers will recognise. The result is a dual-timeline story that blends historical fiction and forensic genealogy—ideal for readers who enjoy mysteries rooted in real places, real records, and real human stories.

Mystery, Intrigue, and a Sense of Place

I’ve always been interested in how landscapes hold stories—how buildings, streets, and coastlines remember the past even when we forget it. In writing The America Ground, I wanted readers to experience Hastings not just as a modern town, but as a place layered with untold histories.

The novel combines:

• A richly researched historical setting

• Suspense and slow-burning mystery

• Characters navigating the tension between independence and belonging

• The real events surrounding the America Ground community

  
  

For anyone who enjoys a story anchored in real events yet shaped by human drama, this book sits at a crossroads between historical fiction, mystery, and local legend.

Why Readers Tell Me This Book Stays with Them

Among all my novels, The America Ground is the one that readers most often describe as “atmospheric,” “immersive,” or “haunting.” I think that’s because the place itself is a real protagonist.

When you walk around modern Hastings today—Trinity Triangle, Claremont, Robertson Street—you’re walking on The America Ground. Many people have told me that after reading the book, they’ll never be able to look at that part of the town in the same way again.

And that is exactly what I hoped for: a novel that not only tells a story but transforms your sense of place.

Where to Read The America Ground

Whether you’re discovering the book for the first time or returning to it because of a renewed interest in local history, it’s available in multiple formats. You can choose whichever suits your reading style, and each link will take you to the best retailer for your location.

https://mybook.to/TheAmericaGround-ebook for ebook

https://mybook.to/TheAmericaGround-paperback for paperback

https://mybook.to/AmericaGround-Hardback for hardback

https://mybook.to/America-Ground-audio for audiobook

These links automatically direct readers to their preferred store or region, making the buying experience smooth and frustration-free.

Step Into a Forgotten World

If you’re drawn to stories rooted in real history—stories of defiance, community, mystery, and quiet rebellion—The America Ground offers all of that and more.

It is a reminder that history is not just held in museums or archives. Sometimes, it’s beneath our feet, written into the very ground we walk on.

I hope you’ll join me in rediscovering what I found to be a remarkable corner of Sussex history. It was a joy to write...