Bookmarkquinn

Poems of grit, fun and nonsense. #bookmarkquinn

The Pennybank Murders

Part: 1

By Mark Quinn

Superintendent Cyril Choppybottom

It was a cold, dark October evening, and everything seemed okay until a loud knock on the front door.
‘Thump, thump, thump.’
“Who the cheesecake is this at this time of the evening? They best have a good reason for disturbing me,” says Choppybottom, Superintendent Cyril Choppybottom to be precise, as he walks toward the front door of his suburbian London home with a glass of port in his paw.
On opening the heavy oak door with brass door furniture, standing there is Ginger Charlie Hopkins, local fish-market trader.
“You need to come quickly Superintendent. You need to get your hat and coat and get down to Pennybank Theatre now!”
“Why? What can be so important to spoil my port and cheese cracker night?” Cyril says, shoving a cheesy treat into his mouth.
“Murder Superintendent. Bloody murder!”
Superintendent Cyril Choppybottom spits his mushed up cheese cracker right into Ginger Charlie’s furry face.

Mark Quinn

Mark Quinn, widely recognized by his pen name Bookmarkquinn, is a poet, author, and spoken word artist based in Manchester, UK. With a style that marries vulnerability, grit, and humour, he describes his writing as “words; some from my heart and some from my arse.” That striking blend of the raw and the tender defines his work—and has earned him a loyal following both online and on stage. Writing under the moniker The Mancunian Poet, Quinn has published several poetry collections that reflect his deep commitment to emotional honesty and human connection. His books Life As We Know It and I’m Happy and I Know It are powerful, accessible works that explore themes of mental health, personal growth, and the emotional turbulence of modern life—always with a uniquely Mancunian voice. In addition to poetry, Quinn is also the author of Someday We’ll Understand: The True Story of the Missing Fishing Trawler The Doris Burton, a heartfelt nonfiction exploration that blends local history with poignant storytelling. The book serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of untold stories. His uplifting title Promoting Positivity continues his mission to share messages of encouragement and resilience in everyday life, while his children’s collection, Edwin the Bear Story Collection, showcases his talent for storytelling across ages—offering whimsical, thoughtful tales that spark imagination and kindness in young readers. Beyond the written word, Bookmarkquinn is an engaging live performer, regularly sharing his work on stages throughout Manchester and beyond, including appearances on Mancunia TV. He also brings poetry directly to his audience via Instagram, TikTok, and Tumblr, creating a space where art, authenticity, and mental health awareness meet. Through every piece he writes and every poem he speaks, Bookmarkquinn invites us to feel a little deeper, think a little more, and find beauty in both the light and the shadows. Learn more and find his latest work at markquinn.uk, and follow him on social media @bookmarkquinn.

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