LYME REGIS: An author famed for his Sherlock Holmes novels has released the third and final instalment of the popular Twist of Lyme trilogy.

David Ruffle, who works at Quality Corner in Broad Street, is popular both locally and nationally for his series of five Sherlock Holmes adventures set in the town.

His quintuplet of Lyme Regis based Sherlock stories have flown off the shelves both in the town and across the county, with sales figures believed to be in the thousands.

A Twist of Lyme was released on March 3 this year and marked a new genre for the writer, who has previously focused on the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Now, the final instalment, entitled ‘A Further Twist of Lyme’, concludes the story around a family of four, called the Hamiltons, who moved from London to Lyme Regis and takes a comedic look at how they adapt to living in Lyme Regis compared to the capital.

It also marks David’s twelfth published book.

David told The News: “I used Lyme Regis as the setting because not only do I think it provides a good comedy base when mixed with the family moving into the town, but all the places used in the book are ones that I know. The family live in an old house near Colway Lane, but the exact address is never given.

“Also, my Sherlock Holmes Christmas book for children – called Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Snowman – is illustrated by town councillor Rikey Austin and is available at Alice’s Bear Shop on Broad Street just in time for the festive season.”

A Further Twist of Lyme is published by MX Publishing of London and is available online or locally at Serendip bookshop in Lyme, the town’s Tourist Information Centre and Uplyme Stores.

Another book written by David, entitled Sherlock Holmes and the Scarborough Affair, is set for publication in 2015.

The book is a collaboration between David and Gill Stammers, who many locals will know from managing the Uplyme Post Office and Stores.

It will be a tale of espionage, murder, strong-willed women and cricket.