New Release
The Marmalade Years
Colin Drake’s wretched home life is driving him to distraction. Headaches and hopelessness are only the start of his problems - until he takes a break in rural Wales that time seems to have forgotten. Or has it?
A wittily observed chronicle of one man’s desperation, redemption and his successful pursuit of eventual happiness.
The Author
Jake Buchan
John ('Jake') Buchan was born and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland. In 1981 he moved to Mid Wales, where he worked as a GP and then as a hospital doctor. Married, with three grown-up children, he lives in Llanidloes, Powys with his wife.
"I have always liked writing. When I was eleven years old, I won first prize in the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals essay competition - and I've never really stopped.”
His first novel, 'Blind Pursuit', featuring DI John Steadman a detective blinded in the line of duty, was published in 2014 and was well received. The sequel, 'Second Sight', followed in 2017, and a third novel, 'Double Vision', also featuring DI Steadman came out in June 2021.
The Marmalade Years, published in October 2025, is a departure from crime fiction. Colin Drake, a male charge nurse whose chaotic and at times frankly bizarre homelife is driving him to despair. It is little wonder that he starts getting headaches. These are only the start of his troubles! Could a journey to a remote part of Wales offer any solace? It is a land that time has forgotten - or has it? Things are not all they seem...
“A big thank you to all who have helped and encouraged me. Enjoy!"
The Books
Own a piece of the story.
There’s something special about holding a book signed by the author who created its world. When you buy directly through this website, you’re supporting Jake’s work first-hand — and receiving a signed copy that’s just for you. Whether it’s The Marmalade Years or one of his acclaimed crime novels, each book is signed with care before it leaves Jake’s desk in Mid Wales.
Add a touch of the personal to your bookshelf, or gift a signed copy to someone who loves a good story.
