The Newsletter Begins!
Well, after years of resisting, I’ve finally started a newsletter to keep my readers up to date with what’s going on in my world. Until now, I didn’t really see the need, as social media covered pretty much everything I wanted to say. But times change and I’ve become increasingly disenchanted with the big platforms - not to mention their owners. So apart from Bluesky I’m going to keep myself restricted to this newsletter - which will only come out when I have actual news. I promise not to flood your inbox!
House of Splinters
In case you haven’t heard, my most exciting announcement is a prequel to my first Gothic novel, The Silent Companions, which is called House of Splinters. It returns to the same haunted setting of The Bridge, 90 years before Elsie sets foot inside the mansion. The story stands alone, so you don’t need to have read The Silent Companions to enjoy it, but I think you’ll get more out of the novel if you’re already a fan.
I’ve seen a mock up of the cover and you’re going to love it. Hopefully I’ll be allowed to reveal that soon. It’s a bit of a different look to The Silent Companions but complementary to the original style, and I’ve been assured that the hardback will be the same height as the ‘companion novel’ (pun intended) so that they’ll sit nicely together on your shelves.
Release is scheduled in the UK for October 2025. Pre-orders are open now! I’ve had lots of queries about special editions and whether the book will be available in other languages. At the moment, I’m afraid the answer is I simply don’t know. So far, the only rights to have sold are UK & Commonwealth (excluding Canada). As for special and signed editions, these things tend to be decided a lot closer to the publication date and it’s not generally something the author has a say in. I’ll keep you posted!
Moonstone Paperback
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since my Young Adult novel Moonstone launched into the world! Since a disc herniated in my spine the very same week, I didn’t get to do many events and I’m still not back to full physical strength. But I’m pleased to report the book has been getting along very well without me, and is due to launch into the paperback format in April 2025, keeping its beautiful signature cover. Again, this date is for the UK release, but rights have sold to both Spain and Germany, so keep your eyes peeled those releases.
A few people have asked me which ages Moonstone is suitable for. As I’m sure you know, Young Adult novels can cover a broad range, and I certainly enjoy reading them at the grand old age of 39, but I intended this one for ages 12-16. As always, young adults are individuals and parents should read first if they have any doubts. There are no erotic scenes but there is mild body horror and gore. (I was reading Stephen King’s Carrie and Rose Madder at age 12 so it seems very tame to me, but mileage may vary!)
Up Next
I’m currently working on my second Young Adult novel for HarperCollins - this one is aimed a little higher in age range and is certainly a lot darker, at least in these early drafting stages. I’ve been working on the idea since 2019 so it’s a real blessing for me to finally be able to concentrate on this project!
I was hugely excited to see the trailer for A24’s upcoming movie Death of A Unicorn, because it seems to be inspired by the same source material as the story I’ve created - namely, the earlier myths around unicorns, and questioning the possibility of an anti-unicorn. Pure goodness must have its shadow! I’m hoping to bring a few Sleepy Hollow vibes as well.
The provisional title is Dark Horse and it’s currently slated for a UK release of September 2026.
Guinea Pigs
Most importantly, I wanted to let you know my guinea pig Buffy has recently celebrated her fifth birthday! Is that old for a guinea pig? Yes, quite! In sixteen years of owning guinea pigs, our eldest one reached six and half, but I have heard of them living up to eight years.
She is still very happy and healthy, although sleeping a lot more after playing these days. I was worried that she might pine after the passing of her sister Faith last June, but she really hasn’t. She’s always been quite an independent piggy, and very jealous of our attention towards any rivals, so for the moment I think she is happy to be undisputed queen here! She still doesn’t know how to use cushions.
