Richard Hood has released his debut novel, Filthy Rich, a contemporary British story set along the Sussex coastline that examines ambition, secrecy and personal change.
The book follows Oliver Wright, a London financier whose demanding career is brought to a halt by a heart attack, prompting a move to Shoreham-by-Sea.
Removed from the pace of corporate life, the character attempts to rebuild his health while reassessing his priorities and past decisions.
“This book draws on my observations of ambition, risk and the human instinct to test boundaries. After facing serious health challenges, the idea of reinvention became deeply personal. Filthy Rich explores what happens when someone is given a second chance but struggles to let go of old habits.” Said Richard.
Set within the marina and yacht club environment, the narrative explores the pressures of reputation, the pull of former behaviours and the consequences of hidden actions.
As Wright forms new connections, unresolved issues from his previous life resurface, creating tension between outward recovery and inner conflict.
A decisive incident at the waterfront forces him to confront the impact of secrecy within a close community.
Hood was born in Aberdeen and later studied in London before building a career that combined business and travel across Europe, North America, China and the Caribbean.
He also pursued skiing extensively, working as an instructor in Aberdeen and completing demanding alpine routes.
His life has included major health challenges, including skin cancer and a kidney transplant in 2015, as well as surviving a violent attack in France.
These experiences have shaped his interest in themes of resilience and second chances.
He now lives with his wife Joanne and their son Jonathan and previously managed The Courtyard Restaurant, where he hosted prominent visitors.
The release is published by UK-based Maple Publishers, a company known for supporting imaginative and engaging works in literature, with book cover design, illustrations, and book layout by White Magic Studios.
Filthy Rich is available via Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover editions. A book trailer can be viewed on White Magic Studio’s official channel.
