The Rocks Below – a local fundraiser

I’ve just released a new piece called The Rocks Below.

rocks below cover

It’s a story aimed at older children and young adults, but I’m hoping that it will be a pleaser for adults, too.

The setting is Dunbar, so you might recognise a few things as you work your way through.

From now until the middle of June, all profits (£1 for every copy from a £1.53 cost) will go towards help funding the local children’s orchestra Fiddlesticks, a wonderful place for children to learn and to get together.

I’ve had one review already and it says:

‘This book was full of surprises and a bit scary at some points. One of the best books that I have read. I read this book from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. I kept reading even when I was tired and my mum found me with my glasses still on asleep. I would recommend it to all. Angus (age 11)’

I was thrilled to see it because of the sincerity behind it.

The blurb reads:

‘When Sam hears that the storms along Scotland’s east coast, there’s only one thing he wants to do – catch the surf. Missing out is not an option. Taking his board out to sea is full of risk.

The storms are even heavier than Sam expects and he doesn’t escape unscathed. Nor do the local towns and beaches which are left battered, damaged and covered in the detritus of the sea, including some rather strange looking rocks the likes of which nobody has ever seen before.

It becomes clear that the local councils will need help in tidying up and the Surfers Against Sewage step forward to restore normality.

In the storm’s aftermath, however, there are a series of unusual events.

First of all, there are the missing dogs, followed closely by the disappearence of some young children who were last seen playing on the sand. Not to mention the unusual noises that have been keeping people awake at night.

Talk on the streets of Dunbar is that it’s Black Agnes returned to take revenge. Others fear environmental catastrophe. Still more cite ancient visions of the end of the world.

The Rocks Below is a tale suitable for adults, young adults and older children. It contains a subtle yet powerful message relating to environmental issues.

Fusing elements of crime fiction, science fiction and adventure stories, this is a book that entertains and stimulates thought in one exciting read.’

 
I hope you feel you can support both the book and the orchestra.
 
Many thanks.

STOCKING FILLER?

Mr Suit.  He’s available in the paperback novella for the price of £3.99.

If you’re not sure, why not go along to Amazon and check out the reviews, especially in the US.  It’s definitely adult material and it’s a little eccentric, but I have a feeling that everyone has someone in their lives who’s crazy enough to love this book.  What’s more, there’s free postage and packaging and Amazon’s usual excellent service.

Go on.  Be a devil.

Robbie Carlyle Anounces Directorial Debut Of Today’s Free Book

News today that The Long Midnight Of Barney Thomson, a great Scottish crime novel, is to be made into a film.  And who the hell will they get to play the leading role?

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/movies/movie-news/robert-carlyle-to-go-behind-the-camera-1470207

 

Not only that, but the book’s free today.  Honest.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Midnight-Barney-Thomson-ebook/dp/B0060CIX6U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354896983&sr=8-2

 

And to imagine that we share the same publisher!!!

 

Writer of THE WIRE comes to DUNBAR NOIR (and for charity)

It’s true.  I’m in an anthology with George Pelecanos.  How amazing is that?

More importantly though, all proceeds are for a worthy charity.

Here’s the blurb:

’41 writers. One cause. We’ve rallied a platoon of crime, western, thriller, fantasy, noir, horror and transgressive authors to support PROTECT’s important work: lobbying for legislation that protects children from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Powerful stories from George Pelecanos, Andrew Vachss, Joe R. Lansdale, Charles de Lint, Ken Bruen, Chet Williamson, James Reasoner, Charlie Stella, Michael A. Black, Wayne Dundee, Roxane Gay, Ray Banks, Tony Black, Les Edgerton and 16 more, with 100% of proceeds going to PROTECT.
PROTECTORS includes a foreword by rock critic Dave Marsh, and fiction by Patti Abbott, Ian Ayris, Ray Banks, Nigel Bird, Michael A. Black, Tony Black, R. Thomas Brown, Ken Bruen, Bill Cameron, Jen Conley, Charles de Lint, Wayne D. Dundee, Chad Eagleton, Les Edgerton, Andrew Fader, Matthew C. Funk, Roxane Gay, Edward A. Grainger, Glenn G. Gray, Jane Hammons, Amber Keller, Joe R. Lansdale, Frank Larnerd, Gary Lovisi, Mike Miner, Zak Mucha, Dan O’Shea, George Pelecanos, Thomas Pluck, Richard Prosch, Keith Rawson, James Reasoner, Todd Robinson, Johnny Shaw, Gerald So, Josh Stallings, Charlie Stella, Andrew Vachss, Steve Weddle, Dave White, and Chet Williamson.
Among PROTECT’s victories are the Protect Our Children Act of 2008, which mandated that the Justice Department change course and design a new national nerve center for law enforcement to wage a war on child exploitation, the Hero to Hero program, which employs disabled veterans in the battle against child abuse, and Alicia’s Law.
Join the fight, with 41 stories by top writers. Be a Protector!’

Ebook copies can be bought directly from the site or from Amazon if that makes you feel safer.

If you’re a lover of short stories or crime fiction, this is a must-have.

Thanks for the support.