AN AUTHOR in Malvern is launching a horror novel inspired by the inner city backstreets of Birmingham and the wild trails of the Malvern Hills.
Gareth Wood’s third novel – At Night, White Bracken – leads three working class protagonists into the depths of fear from a brooding city to a haunted countryside.
The three – Danny, Cooper and Hickey – unleash something supernatural and descend into terror.
Author, Gareth, who moved to Malvern from Birmingham in 2019, said: “I have long had a desire to produce a fantasy horror story driven by working class, inner-city characters.
“So much fantasy horror contains grandiose, traditional settings but I felt that a story emanating from my own background would feel more tangible, and more real.
“I also wanted the novel to expose both the ugliness and danger of toxic masculinity.
“Although it’s set in the north, these scenes were very much inspired by the woodlands, trails and quarries I’ve explored around Malvern. This area is incredibly atmospheric.”
At Night, White Bracken, published by Stairwell Books, has already garnered high praise from reviewers who liken the storytelling to elements of American Psycho and Stephen King’s darkest works.
Author of Walking After Midnight, CS Fuqua, said: “This is a gruesome, brutal book, and simply fascinating. Gareth Wood builds tension and anticipation. I enjoyed the story and especially his style.”
The novel is to be officially launched at The Weavers of Malvern Pub in Church Street, Malvern, where beer has been brewed in honour of the novel.
Gareth will be reading excerpts and signing copies at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 14.
