“It was a very fragmented process — sometimes weeks or months would pass before I could return to it, and each time I did, the story evolved further. Following those organic changes and bringing everything together into a coherent whole was one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the process.”
The book follows a former detective investigating the murder of a teenage girl, uncovering deeper truths about crime, exploitation, and a community under pressure.
“At its heart, the novel is about Sally,” said Keith, “a young girl failed by the systems meant to protect her and the consequences of that failure.
“It is very much a Calderdale book, and quite deliberately so. It portrays a modern Calderdale with all its problems, tensions, and hopes.
“It explores themes such as racism, drugs, social division, and how extreme politics can exploit dissatisfaction and isolation.
“But it also reflects the resilience and strength that exist within communities here. People who know Calderdale will recognise its landscapes and spirit throughout the book.”
Keith has written all his professional life, working as a journalist and PR practitioner, as well as publishing academic books, but says he has always wanted to write fiction.
“This particular story stayed with me because many of its themes feel very relevant today,” he said.
“While parts of the novel are bleak, it ultimately reflects hope – that individuals and communities can change.”
Keith says he already has several further projects underway, including a sequel to The Eyes of Sally Taylor.
“Writing fiction has opened up a whole new creative direction for me,” he said.
“As someone who has lived and worked in Calderdale for many years, it was important to me to write a novel rooted in the place and the community.
“Calderdale has a powerful identity, shaped by its history, its landscape, and its people.
“This novel reflects both the challenges and the resilience that exist here. It also represents a personal milestone for me, moving from journalism and academic writing into fiction, and I hope local readers will recognise something of their own experiences within it.”
The Eyes of Sally Taylor is available now in bookshops and Amazon.
Evening Courier, 18th February, 2026
Keith Butterick 