Costa Blanca North
Jávea resident publishes first novel at 77 after overcoming life-threatening illness
Jávea-based author has published his first novel, The Quiet Deception
Credit: David Conway
For many people, writing a novel remains a lifelong dream. For Costa Blanca North resident David Conway, it became a reality at the age of 77.
The Jávea-area author has published his first novel, The Quiet Deception, a psychological mystery that spans Scotland, Gibraltar, the Costa del Sol and the Mar Menor, bringing together suspense, betrayal, redemption and human relationships in a story decades in the making.
Speaking exclusively to Euro Weekly News, Conway described the book as “something I have wanted to do for many years.”
“It is a work of fiction, a psychological mystery, something I would have called a ‘good yarn’ in my early years,” he said.
The novel follows former colleagues Scott and Tom, whose lives have taken dramatically different paths since they first worked together in a successful financial business. Reunited under difficult circumstances, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, while an ageing Glasgow crime boss and his troubled son add further layers of intrigue.
A story inspired by life
While The Quiet Deception is entirely fictional, Conway admits that many of the characters and situations were shaped by experiences gathered throughout his life.
Born in Worcestershire, he lived and worked across the UK, including Ayr, Troon, Dumfries and Glasgow in Scotland, before eventually settling in Spain with his wife Jackie.
“I think we draw on life events and experiences that linger in the psyche, and hope that a damn good imagination and a love of writing will do the rest,” he said.
His fascination with human behaviour became one of the driving forces behind the novel.
“The extremes in human psychological interaction are fascinating; from pure evil to divine goodness. It’s a never-ending stream of intertwining threads that can never be completely untangled.”
The book opens in the Mar Menor region, where the protagonist reflects on the dramatic events that have brought him to a pivotal moment in his life. From there, readers are taken on a journey through Scotland and southern Spain as hidden truths slowly come to light.
Spain provided the spark
Conway believes his move to Spain played a major role in finally completing the project.
“I genuinely think moving to Spain has been the catalyst for my current situation,” he told Euro Weekly News.
The author and his wife have long had a deep affection for the country. They married in Gibraltar 35 years ago, spent their honeymoon in Jávea and travelled extensively throughout Spain over the decades.
“We have a soft spot for this country,” he said. “We’ve taken more holidays here than anywhere else.”
Among his favourite destinations are Murcia, Cartagena, the Mar Menor and Málaga, although he says northern Spain remains one of the most beautiful regions he has visited.
Those locations helped shape the setting of the novel, which moves from south-west Scotland to Gibraltar, the Costa del Sol and eventually back to the Mar Menor for its climactic conclusion.
A second chance at writing
The road to publication was far from straightforward.
Conway originally began writing the novel in 2011, but a serious illness brought the project to an abrupt halt.
What initially appeared to be a routine flu virus developed into a life-threatening medical emergency.
After being admitted to hospital, doctors discovered he was just hours away from total organ failure.
Following a lengthy recovery, the manuscript remained untouched for years.
“I realised that I had completely lost the thread, the interest and the ambition to write,” he explained.
It was only in 2026 that the desire returned.
Beginning again from page one, Conway revisited the story with what he describes as “15 years of extra life experience” and a fresh perspective.
That renewed determination eventually led to the completion of The Quiet Deception.
From music to mystery writing
Long before becoming an author, Conway enjoyed a colourful career in music.
As a teenager during the explosion of British popular music in the 1960s, he performed with his band The Huskies, supporting acts including The Kinks, The Moody Blues, Spencer Davis, Manfred Mann, Cream and Small Faces.
He later played rhythm guitar on recordings by the late singer-songwriter Clifford T. Ward, whose work received airplay on BBC Radio.
More recently, some of Conway’s own compositions were used by Channel 4 television.
Yet despite these achievements, writing a novel remained an ambition he was determined to fulfil.
“That’s another itch finally scratched,” he said.
And he may not be finished yet.
Although The Quiet Deception is his debut novel, Conway hints that readers could see more from him in the future.
“I do have a sequel milling around somewhere in my head,” he said. “We’ll see where it takes me.”
For a first-time author who nearly abandoned the dream altogether, that sounds like the beginning of another good yarn.
Hundreds of runners and spectators flocked to La Xara over the weekend as the Marina Alta’s popular Circuit a Peu series entered its final stretch, with the village hosting one of the most anticipated races of the season. The XXIV Volta a Peu La Xara brought a lively atmosphere to the streets on Saturday evening, combining competitive sport with a strong sense of community spirit.
As the penultimate scoring event of the 2026 Circuit a Peu Marina Alta calendar, the race attracted athletes from across the region eager to secure crucial points before next weekend’s grand finale in Benissa. The event also marked La Xara’s debut as an invited race within the circuit, adding extra excitement to an already well-established local sporting tradition.
Streets filled with runners and supporters
The sporting festivities began during the afternoon with children’s races, transforming the village centre into a hub of activity. Families lined the streets as young runners took part before the main event got underway later in the evening.
At 7pm, competitors set off on the 9.4-kilometre flagship race. The route combined urban sections through the heart of La Xara with longer loops towards the Camí Fondo area before returning to the finish line on Avenida de L’Oest. Organisers designed the course to be both accessible and challenging, showcasing the area’s mix of village streets and surrounding countryside.
Local organisers, supported by Club Atletisme La Xara, also provided practical facilities including bike parking, baggage storage and access to showers at the nearby municipal sports centre.
Victories for Anfalous and Porter
The men’s race saw Hicham Anfalous of CA Ondara cross the finish line first in an impressive time of 31 minutes and nine seconds. Toni Soler Llidó of Llebeig Xàbia secured second place, while independent runner Olmo Velayos Hernando completed the podium.
In the women’s competition, Patricia Porter Sancho of SD Correcaminos claimed victory after finishing in 37 minutes and 40 seconds. Alexandra Font i Botella followed in second place, with Michelle Dixon rounding out the top three.
Several special prizes were also awarded, including Baleària-sponsored travel vouchers to the Balearic Islands, adding an extra celebratory feel to the evening.
One race remains
With La Xara now complete, attention turns to Benissa, where the final race of the Circuit a Peu Marina Alta season will take place next weekend. For many runners, Saturday’s event was more than just another race – it was a reminder of why the circuit remains one of the region’s most cherished sporting traditions, bri
Young athletes from Club Gimnasia Calpe are celebrating a remarkable achievement after delivering a series of standout performances at the Provincial Absolute Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, securing multiple medals and booking their places at the upcoming regional finals.
The competition, held in Almussafes, brought together some of the province’s most talented rhythmic gymnasts, with athletes competing across a range of age groups and disciplines. Against strong opposition, the Calpe team impressed judges with polished routines, technical precision and confident performances on the competition floor.
Provincial titles and podium finishes
Several Club Calpe gymnasts returned home with medals after a successful day of competition. Among the standout performers were Marina Galstyan Keleyjan and Anna Maria Lebedeva, who both claimed provincial championship titles in their respective categories.
Victoria Ureche also enjoyed an excellent competition, earning a silver-medal finish, while Arina Ten added another provincial crown to the club’s growing collection of successes this season.
The strong results reflected months of preparation, training and dedication from both the athletes and coaching staff. Rhythmic gymnastics combines athletic ability with artistry, flexibility and coordination, making success at provincial level a significant accomplishment.
Younger members of the squad also rose to the occasion, demonstrating the depth of talent currently developing within the club. Their performances highlighted the strength of Calpe’s gymnastics programme and provided further encouragement for the future.
Next stop: the Autonómico
The results have secured qualification places for several Calpe gymnasts at the Autonómico championships, where the best athletes from across the Valencian Community will compete for regional honours.
Reaching this stage represents an important milestone and offers competitors the opportunity to continue their journey towards national-level events. With confidence high following their provincial success, the club’s athletes will now turn their attention to preparing for the next challenge.
Club officials praised the commitment, discipline and determination shown throughout the season, describing the latest results as a reward for months of hard work.
For Calpe, the championships provided another reason to celebrate, with a new generation of gymnasts continuing to raise the town’s profile on the regional sporting stage and proving that the future of rhythmic gymnastics in the area looks bright.
Costa Blanca North
Lady Elizabeth School students shine at Forbes Talks x ISP in Madrid on “Leading Your Future: Learning How to Learn”
Madrid conference challenges pupils to rethink modern learning.
Credit: Lady Elizabeth School
Understanding how we think, feel and act is essential when making decisions about the future. This was one of the key themes explored by neuroscientist Nazareth Castellanos alongside students from Lady Elizabeth School and other students from ISP Schools Iberia during a special event held at Forbes House in Madrid.
About Forbes Talks x ISP
A truly inspiring event organised by Forbes in collaboration with ISP Iberia Schools, the gathering brought together students, educators and thought leaders to reflect on how we learn, grow and shape our future.
One of the leading voices of the day was neuroscientist Nazareth Castellanos, who encouraged attendees to rethink the idea of a “linear” career path. During her talk, she highlighted the importance of attention, emotional balance and physical wellbeing as key elements for effective learning and conscious decision-making, reminding us that education extends far beyond academic achievement.
Lady Elizabeth School students take part
We are especially proud of our students Lola S. and Yuexin, who not only attended the event but also played an active role in the discussion.
Lola. and Yuexin, students from Lady Elizabeth School, represented our school community with confidence and curiosity. During the discussion, Lola asked a question about the importance of sleep, which led to an insightful reflection from Nazareth Castellanos. She explained how sleep plays a fundamental role in brain health by helping to remove waste and consolidate memories in the hippocampus, which is why getting proper rest is especially important before an exam.
Event video highlights
Jávea resident publishes first novel at 77 after overcoming life-threatening illness
Electricity bill rise: Here is how much households in Spain could really pay this summer
Torremolinos major beach safety upgrade, nearly 50 staff deployed for summer 2026
Mexico’s Most Controversial Politician, Rubén Rocha, Goes To Ground As Cartel Questions Intensify
Insurance company Mapfre decides to pay out €14 million compensation for 2025 blackout
In The Final Stretch Of Colombia’s Presidential Campaign, Undecided Voters Are In High Demand
-
ElPais2 weeks agoMexico’s Most Controversial Politician, Rubén Rocha, Goes To Ground As Cartel Questions Intensify
-
blackout April 20254 weeks ago
Insurance company Mapfre decides to pay out €14 million compensation for 2025 blackout
-
Foreign demand4 weeks agoWho Bought Where In The Second Half Of 2025?
-
Abelardo de la Espriella1 week ago
In The Final Stretch Of Colombia’s Presidential Campaign, Undecided Voters Are In High Demand
-
New Developments4 weeks agoInside The Most LUXURIOUS Apartment Building In Spain!
-
Costa Blanca South4 weeks ago
Alicante police chief to retire after 17 years of service
-
New Developments4 weeks ago🌅 Stunning Penthouse With Panoramic Sea & Mountain Views Benalmádena
-
Costa del Sol4 weeks ago
Starlite Marbella 2026 offers over 1,000 summer jobs: Apply before positions fill fast