I thought I’d write a scary book in time for Halloween. It’s called Winternights and it’s a murder mystery.
Winternights is like Halloween but without the candy. It happens in the Nordic countries. All kinds of ghostly creatures swoop down out of the sky and scare the living daylights out of you. In Scandinavia they celebrate this kind of thing.
But my novel is set in a little village in England, where a group of occultists are gathering in the home of an Icelandic shaman. It’s just like an Agatha Christie novel, in other words.
I wasn’t sure I’d finish it by October, which, like Halloween, is when Winternights happens. So to hedge my bets I put some Yuletide celebrations in there as well. If I haven’t sold any copies by December I’ll change my marketing plan and republish it as “The Christmas Murders.”
I’m not sure seasonal marketing is a good idea. The professionals start early. I noticed most of the Halloween articles appearing in online publications weeks ago. But there’s always next year, isn’t there?
Cunningly, I haven’t called my novel “Halloween” so I have some flexibility. In England we have winter nights for at least six months of the year.
If I appear flippant it’s because murder is a such a terrifying subject. In my novel you’ll find some very unpleasant themes. There are dark secrets, weird beliefs, shocking disclosures and sickening twists.
I hope it doesn’t give you nightmares. Although, in a way, I also hope it does.
Winternights is available at the following sites:
French Kindle (dans le collection Joseph)
In the coming weeks you’ll also be able to find it on iTunes, Barnes & Noble and all the usual retailers.
