Richard Hood has released his first novel, Filthy Rich, a contemporary work set on the British coastline that examines ambition, secrecy and personal transformation.
The story centres on Oliver Wright, a London financier whose career is interrupted by a serious health scare, leading him to relocate to Shoreham-by-Sea.
The move away from the City environment provides the setting for a period of reflection and reassessment.
“This book draws on my observations of ambition, risk and the human instinct to test boundaries. After facing serious health challenges, the idea of reinvention became deeply personal. Filthy Rich explores what happens when someone is given a second chance but struggles to let go of old habits.” Said Richard.
Through its marina setting, the novel explores the pressures of maintaining appearances and the consequences of past decisions.
As Wright attempts to rebuild his life, new connections and unresolved issues create tension between his public recovery and private motivations.
A pivotal incident at the waterfront brings these themes into focus within a tightly connected community.
Richard was born in Aberdeen in 1960 and educated locally before continuing his studies in London.
Travel has been a consistent influence in his life, from early journeys through Europe to later visits to the United States, Canada, China and the Caribbean.
He has also pursued skiing extensively, teaching in Aberdeen and completing challenging alpine runs.
His personal experiences include surviving serious illness and a kidney transplant, as well as a violent attack during his time in France, shaping his perspective on resilience.
Richard lives with his wife Joanne and their son Jonathan and previously built a business career that included managing The Courtyard Restaurant and hosting notable figures such as Andrew Lloyd Webber.
