Most of my books are dedicated to individuals, normally family members. My new novel The Birds Began to Sing is dedicated to my wife, Zara – mainly because of her love for mystery thrillers, and also because she puts up with all my artistic hissy fits, “George McFly” moments and generally because she is fantastic.

As I have explained previously, the novel draws inspiration from a number of genre writers, including Agatha Christie, Daphne Du Maurier and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as horror stories such as Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black and the gothic romances of the Bronte sisters. But I believe it is also a unique story in its own right, and obviously I hope you enjoy it. I know Zara did, so that in itself is a high recommendation.

Here’s the blurb from the back of the novel:

When aspiring novelist Alice Darnell enters a competition to write the ending for an unfinished manuscript by late, world famous author Sasha Hawkins, it appears she might have her big break at last.

However, upon arrival at Sasha’s former home – the sinister Blackwood House – Alice is unsettled by peculiar competition rules, mysterious dreams and inexplicable ghostly visions. She begins to question her sanity as she is drawn into a terrifying web of deceit, revenge and murder.

The Birds Began to Sing is released on the 27^th of October in various downloadable formats. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon (see link below).

Print copies will be available from the 2^nd of November.