GLASGOW crime author R J Mitchell has been nominated for a major literary prize.

The writer – better known to Evening Times' readers as our own sports reporter Bert Mitchell – has been shortlisted for the People's Book Prize for his second novel, The Hurting: The Glasgow Terror.

The plot focuses on a terror attack in the heart of Glasgow, which results in a mass loss of lives.

The novel has been notching up impressive sales, including a recent signing session in Stirling where the total books sold outnumbered a similar session by top selling crime writer Ian Rankin.

Bert will find out in May if he is going forward to the UK final in London against three other authors.

The competition showcases new authors and votes are cast entirely by the public.

His debut novel, Parallel Lines, came out in 2011, and his third book, The Longest Shadow, is well under way.

The Hurting sees DS Gus Thoroughgood, just out of a convalescent home, reunited with sidekick DC Kenny Hardie to use their street-smart know-how to locate the terrorists.

Bert has again drawn on his experiences working for 12 years on the frontline as a police officer.

He said: "To get to the final 12 for one quarter is great. I'm amazed and delighted.

"Writing books is some form of escapism for me.

"What has been great about the book signings has been seeing people there who had bought the first book.

"The Hurting is about a terror plot in Glasgow. When you consider what happened recently in Birmingham, it is topical and relevant.

"I am really pleased about the nomination and I hope some people will log on to the website and I will get some votes!"

The founding patron of the People's Book Prize was Dame Beryl Bainbridge, five times Booker Prize nominee.

The Hurting: The Glasgow Terror, by R J Mitchell, is published by Fledgling Press, £9.99.

Nominees for spring finalists will appear today on: www.peoplesbookprize.com

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk