Jan Toms: 4 books

Once renowned as a place to dump criminals, and with a past steeped in smuggling, the Isle of Wight provides copious tales of corruption, violence, and delinquency. From the customs officer who had both his hands severed by smugglers, to Bembridge witch Molly Downer who embarrassed the vicar by making...

Taking you through the year day-by-day, The Isle of Wight Book of Days contains quirky, eccentric, shocking, amusing, and important events and facts from different periods in the history of the Island. Ideal for dipping into, this addictive little book will keep you entertained and informed. Featuring...

When gang warfare breaks out on the Isle of Wight, Victor Green, tax inspector and poet, unexpectedly solves the mystery Victor Green is 37, unmarried, and works at the tax office. He lives alone and is the sort of man who irons his underpants. When Victor receives a letter from the council telling...

Did you know that after the Civil War a fine was imposed on Newport parents who allowed their children to play on a Sunday, that Darwin began On the Origin of the Species, while staying at the Kings Head Hotel, or that there are 21 tourists to every Island resident? This is a funny, fact-packed compendium...