The Magic Barber by John Milne

Introduction

The Magic Barber is a book in the Macmillan Readers series. It is a Starter Level book, so it is good for A1 English learners. The story is simple and fun. The book has pictures to help with difficult words. In this article, we will talk about the story and why you should read it.

About the Book

• Title: The Magic Barber
• Author: John Milne
• Publisher: Macmillan Readers
• Level: Starter (A1)

The Story

The story takes place in a quiet town called Shivertown. In this town, all the people wear hats. Nobody knows why, but it is a rule. One day, a man called Signor Pippo comes to town. He is a barber, and he says he can cut hair in a special way. He tells the people to come to his shop at night.

At night, the people go to Signor Pippo’s shop. He cuts their hair, but something very strange happens! After the haircut, their hair disappears! The people wake up in the morning, and they have no hair. Now, they cannot wear hats. The town is different, and everyone is surprised.

Later, something even more magical happens. The people’s hair grows back, but in many different colors and shapes! Some people have red hair, some have blue hair, and some have very curly hair. The town is now full of color and fun.

Why You Should Read This Book

1. Easy to Read – The book uses simple English, so A1 learners can understand it.
2. Fun Story – The story is interesting and has a little magic.
3. Good Pictures – The pictures help you understand new words.
4. Short Book – It is not too long, so you can finish it quickly.

Conclusion

The Magic Barber is a great book for A1 English learners. It is easy to read, fun, and has nice pictures. If you want to read a simple and interesting story, this book is a good choice. Do you want to know what happens to the people in Shivertown? Read The Magic Barber and find out!

John Milne policeman, art student, crime novelist and television scriptwriter 

John Milne: A Master of Crime Fiction and Television Drama

From Policeman to Painter to Prolific Writer

John Milne’s journey to becoming a celebrated crime novelist and television scriptwriter was anything but predictable. Born in Bermondsey in 1952, Milne took an unconventional path to writing, first training as a policeman before working as a factory laborer. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in the arts, leading him to train as a painter. While his artistic ambitions did not define his career, they perhaps played a role in shaping the vivid imagery and depth of atmosphere that later characterized his writing.

Despite these early detours, Milne eventually discovered his talent for storytelling. His ability to create gripping narratives and complex characters made him a standout figure in both crime fiction and television scriptwriting. Over the years, he became known for his sharp, well-crafted dialogue and his deep understanding of human nature, qualities that made his work both compelling and memorable.

The Crime Novelist: Sharp Dialogue and Suspenseful Plots

Milne made a significant mark in the literary world with his crime novels, which were widely praised for their realism, psychological depth, and engaging storytelling. His notable works include:

• Alive & Kicking
• Dead Birds
• The Moody Man
• Daddy’s Girl

His novels often featured gritty urban settings and complex, flawed protagonists, drawing readers into fast-paced narratives filled with tension and intrigue. Milne’s ability to balance plot-driven suspense with character development set him apart in the crime fiction genre.

In addition to crime fiction, Milne explored historical storytelling under the pseudonym Tom Bowling. He authored The Antigallican, the first novel in a projected three-part historical naval series. This work demonstrated his versatility as a writer, seamlessly blending historical detail with compelling storytelling.

A Powerhouse in British Television

While his novels gained him literary acclaim, Milne’s impact on British television was equally remarkable. He wrote for some of the most popular crime and drama series of the late 20th century, bringing his signature tension and narrative expertise to the screen. His scriptwriting credits include:

• Bergerac
• EastEnders
• Lovejoy
• The Bill
• Boon
• Taggart
• Wycliffe
• Silent Witness

Milne’s work on these shows helped shape the landscape of British television crime drama. His scripts were known for their intricate plotting, realistic dialogue, and gripping suspense. His outstanding contribution to television writing was recognized in 1998 when he won the prestigious Edgar Award for an episode of Silent Witness, one of the UK’s most respected crime dramas.

A Lasting Legacy in Crime Fiction and Television

John Milne spent his later years in Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, where he continued writing until his passing in May 2022. His work remains influential, with his novels still read by crime fiction enthusiasts and his television scripts remembered as some of the most gripping in British drama.

Milne’s ability to tell a great crime story—whether through books or television—cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. His legacy endures, inspiring future generations of crime writers and screenwriters. Through his sharp, insightful writing, he brought crime fiction and drama to life, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate audiences today.