AFTER three decades with West Yorkshire Police, Bob Bridgestock – and wife Carol with 15 years' service to her name – were more than ready for retiring.
So they swapped Halifax and Calderdale for the idyllic Isle of Wight and settled down to a peaceful life, far removed from murders, rapes, burglaries and other serious crimes.
And then Bob enrolled them both on a writing course and suddenly things got busy again.
As a result, crime is once again on the agenda – but in a fictional way.
The couple have published their first novel to great critical acclaim, a second is about to be revealed, a third is well on its way and a top London agent is hot on their heels.
And they are both back in front of the cameras – only this time around it is chat shows instead of press conferences.
So what happened to the quiet retirement plan?
"I was definitely ready for retirement because there is only so long that you can sustain the pressure of a job like that," says Bob, who spent all but two of his years as a detective working with many high-profile cases including the murder of Kevin Jackson in Copley, Halifax, in 2001, which saw three men convicted and jailed for life.
"In the last three years alone I dealt with 26 murders and 23 major incidents including shootings and attempted murders.
"I am someone who will give a case my all but you get to a point when you have to have a break."
Bob also served in Huddersfield and Bradford and was awarded numerous commendations throughout his career.
"Moving to the Isle of Wight was like an escape. We had holidayed there and loved it but when suddenly you get time on your hands, it gives you time to reflect and think about things. So one thing led to another.
Carol, who was as a support worker with West Yorkshire Police and received commendations for her work, says no one was more surprised than her when Bob began writing.
"People always joke that everyone has a book in them and over the years, Bob has had people laughing and crying with his tales. But whenever anyone suggested he should write a book, he always said no.
But 18 months ago, the course inspired Bob to change his mind and once he put pen to paper, he found he was hooked.
"I obviously write as I talk," he jokes.
"Because in six weeks I had produced 120,000 words – all in long hand."
As a result, Bob, 57 and Carol, 47, now work as a team as the name on the cover – RC Bridgestock – reflects. "Bob writes furiously, putting down the structure of the story and then I look through it and ask him about the emotional side. 'Well how did you feel about that, what was it like?' We discuss the characters and the colour and build from there. It works very well," says Carol.
"Yes, we do have plenty of heated debates about things," says Bob.
"But seriously, it's great to be able to do something together that we enjoy."
The debut novel, Deadly Focus is set in Harrowfield ("definitely Yorkshire but could be Halifax or Huddersfield") and tells the story of the abduction of a young girl. On the case is senior investigating officer Jack Dylan, whose worst nightmare is confirmed as a body is discovered and then another child goes missing. Could this be the work of a serial killer?
"The story and the characters are inspired by true events but we have been careful not to base it on any one real case or person. We were careful not to upset anyone," says Bob.
"Dylan is loosely based on Bob and Jen (his partner) on me but after that, people won't really recognise anyone for definite," says Carol.
Both agree they have been overwhelmed by the response to the book, with endless book signings and exceptional reviews – both locally and nationally. The profits from the novel will also help three hospices – Overgate in Elland, as well as one on the Isle of Wight and one in Wakefield.
"It's been very humbling because we've had families of victims whose cases we have dealt with come along to the signings. There have been a few tears shed," says Bob.
The second book, Consequences, is now complete and a third is well under way. Like Deadly Focus, they follow the exploits of Jack Dylan.
"Promoting the first book has just been mad and now we are very excited about meeting with an agent. I think there are a few more cases yet for Dylan," says Carol.
There has also been mention of possible translastion to the television screen.
"Now that would be terrific," says Bob. "It's great that people are enjoying reading the book because we certainly have a great time writing."
Deadly Focus by RC Bridgestock is available at Fred Wade, Halifax.