ANYONE with any knowledge of the New Testament will find themselves gasping throughout the debut novel, The Judas Case, by St Bees man Nicholas Graham.

If readers can get past the suggestion that Jesus has a twin brother, bad teeth, and is a married man with a son of his own, this is a cracking detective story.

It tells of a former Temple Guard called back to duty when an undercover guard, Judas Iscariot, has either committed suicide or been murdered.

Whether, by the end of the book, you feel the author should be applauded for his storytelling ability or made to repent his heresy, the research that has gone into this book is fascinating.

It gives a glimpse of what life may have been like in the time of Jesus.

There is more to Nick Graham than the ability to tell a good yarn, however.

He attended Cambridge University where his team won their season of University Challenge.

"That was in the days of Bamber Gascoigne," he says.

University Challenge was originally based on an American show and in the year Nick's team won, it was decided to hold an international competition with Davidson College North Carolina - the US winner- against the Brits.

As a result, he was given a 12-month scholarship to North Carolina. 

In 2002, University Challenge ran a championship series inviting former champions back. The team of which Nick was a member, reunited and won again.

Nick attended St Bees School and has enjoyed being back in the village with his partner of many years, Margaret.

Whitehaven News: The 2002 University Challenge - Reunited series saw team members Nicholas Graham, left, and David Lidington (team captain). John Adama and John Gilmore with host Jeremy Paxman and another well-known former competitor Stephen FryThe 2002 University Challenge - Reunited series saw team members Nicholas Graham, left, and David Lidington (team captain). John Adama and John Gilmore with host Jeremy Paxman and another well-known former competitor Stephen Fry (Image: Submitted)

Born in Carlisle, the son of a Master Mariner in the merchant navy, Nick did a creative writing MA at Manchester Metropolitan University to help with his long-held desire to become a writer.

His day job took him to London where he worked in IT, including for British Airways.

Now back home in Cumbria, he embarked on 18 months of research for the book that gives such an up close and personal look at Jerusalem in the days of Jesus.

"And I hope there will be more to come," he adds. 

His debut novel has been printed by independent publishers The Book Guild.