Ali Kurmi is 35, an ambitious songwriter and DJ with a quirky love of 70s and 80s music. At one of his corporate gigs he's instantly captivated by an older woman in the crowd: Laura O'Brien. A year earlier, Laura's husband — Ireland's legendary racehorse breeder Frank O'Brien — dropped dead, leaving her wealthy, isolated, and trapped between her grief and two very bitter stepchildren. Determined to start over, she escapes the acrimony by moving to Hampshire and taking a part time job with an events company. It's at one of these events that she meets Ali, and their connection quickly deepens into a powerful, unexpected love.
With such different ages and cultural backgrounds, neither expected to fall so helplessly in love. Ali is inspired to write more music — and funded by Laura, pursues a place in the unwelcoming music business. Laura just wants to put her recently-acquired vast wealth to philanthropic use. But danger lurks in the shadows — Stephanie, Laura's scheming stepdaughter, wants blood. Fuelled by greed and resentment, she's plotting something deadly ... and failure isn't an option.
Set between rural Hampshire and Tipperary, Fatal Equation is an emotional ride of love, ecstasy, frustration, obsession, and revenge. Featuring a colourful cast of friends and a soundtrack that brings the story to life, this is a novel for readers who love to become fully immersed in the story.
As a songwriter and former BBC producer, I'd spent years creating music that didn't fit neatly into mainstream genres. In 2018, frustrated by the barriers facing independent artists, I decided to build a world my music might inhabit - and Fatal Equation was born.
This project became a creative experiment: a novel, a music album, and a TV drama proposal. I wanted to explore whether readers would engage with a story that had a real soundtrack.
The result is a multi-format experience. You can read the book, listen to the Coolstar album, hear me discuss the creative process on the Fatal Equation podcast, and explore the characters in depth.
It's storytelling across platforms - and I'm delighted by how readers have responded.
Fatal Equation is the first book in a trilogy that follows Laura and Ali's relationship as it's tested by family betrayal, cultural conflict, and dangerous enemies. The story continues in:
Each book can be read as a standalone, but together they form an epic saga of love and friendship, ambition, and survival.
Fatal Equation is available in multiple formats:
For international retailers and streaming links, visit linktr.ee/fatalequation.
Despite the ballooning chaos enveloping his private life, Ali Kurmi is an ambitious songwriter and producer - but his music doesn't conform to mainstream genres. Determined to succeed, he hatches a plan to find a place in the unwelcoming music business. His band Coolstar is his vehicle.
The Coolstar album was released simultaneously with the book and features original tracks that reflect Ali's creative journey. The music is available on all major streaming platforms and for download.
If you're reading Fatal Equation with your book club, I've created a dedicated resource page with discussion questions, themes to explore, and ideas for incorporating the music into your meeting.
You can also explore profiles of the main characters:
“Fatal Equation. I tried a musical novel hybrid with my own #Zero, which I spotted in a charity shop today & note has (checks stats) 1 monthly listener on Spotify. Better luck to the talented @gethynjonesuk with his bold take on an underpopulated genre. Check it out.” Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph.
“ A brilliant holiday read. I always take a new book to read on holiday! This has something for everyone. Romance, family feuds, success! A feel good book everyone can enjoy!!” Verified Review
“I absolutely love this book. It has everything you could possibly wish for ... can't wait for the next one! Thank you Gethyn Jones.” D. Hampshire
“I could certainly get used to living the lifestyle of the super rich, but dealing with the fallout from contentious bequests and grasping beneficiaries, I don't know whether they'll all make it out alive! Highly recommended as an enjoyable, absorbing read. ” S Archibald
“This has the making of a great TV drama and the surprise inclusion of six superb musical tracks by musicans collectively called CoolStar make this a good story to read. All good luck with it.” J. Cross
“What sets Fatal Equation apart from other age gap romance thrillers is its fast-paced action, unique plot, and its well-developed characters. The protagonists are a strong and intelligent woman and a man with a strong moral compass.
“The villains are equally well-drawn, with each member of the family having their own unique motivations and personalities. Overall, if you enjoy romance novels with intense action, likeable characters, a romance that will have you swooning, and a twisty plot, then Fatal Equation is the perfect book for you.
“Gethyn Jones has crafted an exciting and engaging romance novel that is sure to leave you wanting more. And if you do want more, head over to Gethyn's website to check out the accompanying EP.” Epic Book Society, Best Age Gap Romance Books
Gethyn spent 30 years as a producer, presenter and journalist – primarily in BBC local radio and latterly in commercial radio and TV.
He's also an accomplished songwriter and producer, having been part of JUGG Music which, in its day, provided music for a variety of BBC and ITV programmes.
Fast-forward to 2018, determined to find a place for his music, he began work on the trilogy, Fatal Equation – a music album, TV drama proposal and novel.
