Win a signed copy of 'From One Hell to Another' by Liz Cowley and Donough O’Brien

Putney's Liz Cowley & Donough O'Brien are a husband and wife writing team who independently are a best-selling poet and non-fiction author respectively. This year they have combined their considerable writing talent to deliver 'From One Hell to Another'



A literary collaboration based on a true, but largely-unknown, event during the Second World War when Spanish and French resistance fighters gained an incredible victory over a vastly superior number of German soldiers.

Set near their second home in South West France, the novel is a heady mix of romance, horror, betrayal and warfare. After a gruelling escape through the Pyrenees snow from the horrors of the Spanish civil war, Carmen and her family settle in the apparent peace of southern France. But relief is short-lived. Within months, France too is plunged into war – and worse, a rapid defeat.

Under the control of Hitler’s puppet Vichy regime, the region is plagued by starvation, restrictions and atrocities, especially against Jews, propelling Carmen to join the Spanish who are now bolstering the French resistance. With the help of the British S.O.E - and against huge odds – they win a spectacular victory over the Germans.


Literary couple Liz & Donough

Liz Cowley had a long career as an advertising copywriter and Creative Director, working in several of the world’s leading agencies. A long-time fan of poetry, she enjoyed success with her first collection, A Red Dress, published in 2008; and her second, What Am I Doing Here?, published in 2010, which were made into a theatrical show in Ireland and the UK. She has also written two poetry books for gardeners, Outside in My Dressing Gown and Gardening in Slippers. Pass the Prosecco, Darling!, a humorous book about cooking disasters, was followed by Serial Damage, a murder novel co-written with her husband, Donough O’Brien.

Donough O’Brien, before turning to writing, enjoyed a successful marketing career in Europe and the US. His illustrated history books include: Fame by Chance – looking at places that became famous by a twist of fate; Banana Skins – the slips and screw-ups that brought the famous down to earth; In the Heat of Battle – those who rose to the occasion in warfare and those who didn’t; and ‘Who?’: The Most Remarkable People You’ve Never Heard Of. Also co-written with Liz Cowley was Serial Damage.