FOR Burnham author Frances Evesham, 60 is the new 40 after she embarked on a 'retirement' career.

Frances decided on writing novels rather than sitting around watching TV after giving up work as a speech therapist after 30 years.

She said: "My working life was hectic and demanding.

"I thought I'd get to put my feet up when I retired, but I was wrong.

"My love of mystery, crime and history kept nagging at me until I sat down and wrote the first of a series of stories."

Her second novel, Danger at Thatcham Hall, a murder mystery set in the 19th Century, is being released tomorrow (Friday), by The Wild Rose Press.

Frances said writing each story takes months of sweat and tears and dozens of drafts until it's finally ready for publication.

"It takes over your life so that you forget aches and pains, worries and regrets as you live in you make-believe world.

"I wish I'd started my 'retirement' career sooner.

"I feel 20 years younger and bursting with energy.

"My advice to anyone thinking about retirement is to do something you truly love, whether it's travel, growing orchids or painting - the days just fly past."