The Judas Inheritance

Today’s novel has a Symi connection. Although it’s not named in the book, those who know Symi may recognise the island on which the story takes place. It’s a dark tale inspired by the economic downturn seen in Greece in recent years, and in particular, the increase of suicides during that time. It’s not got a lot of laughs in it! It does, though, have some historical truth in the history the story explains, and there are things in it which exist. The plaque on the wall, for example, and the location of the finale is a house I was at only the other week.

The Judas Inheritance is the story behind the film ‘The 13^th‘, or is it the other way around? Either way, the film is based on my original draft, and the novel was written in full, from my screenplay treatment. As usual, there’s more in the book than the film (and, I hope, it makes a bit more sense). This story is written in the first and third person, to give us a film feel with the present tense observer in some chapters and the first person past voice through diaries and other devices in others. Anyway, here’s the blurb.

The Judas Inheritance

An ancient curse? Desperation in the economic crisis? What is causing the suicides of so many adults and children on this small Greek island? When Chris Trelawney arrives on the island to take away his late father’s belongings, he finds that he has been left little more than a mystery. Was his father mad at the time of his death, or did he actually believe that he had awakened a powerful evil? An ancient evil that now stalks the islanders, growing stronger by the day. A curse that will cause the death of everyone around Chris unless he allows himself to believe that such things exist. But when he discovers the truth, Chris realises that death is the easy option.

“I enjoy reading James’ whimsical and slightly caustic blog about Symi and also his other lighter read Jason and that Sargonauts. I need not have worried. The writing relies on your imagination to picture the ‘evil’ and is a fine piece of psychological fear writing rather than the currently more popular slasher type.

James manages to skilfully alternate between a first person and a third person narrative, no mean feat in itself, and the final third of the book is a page turner reminiscent of Stephen King at his best with a final twist on the ferry home which I did not see coming.” Amazon review.

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The Saddling

I’m quite proud to introduce you to my bestseller, The Saddling.

This story was inspired by a moment from a dream. I was standing outside a house where a crow had landed on my roof. There were sheep on the village green, and the villagers were celebrating the fact that I had been chosen as the sacrifice whose death would save them all from destruction. There was that moment of utter helplessness, knowing I couldn’t do anything about it; the crow had made the decision and chosen me. I woke with a line in my head, “Their faith was stronger than his reason”, and a day later read a report about two teenagers being publicly executed (murdered) in Iran simply for being gay.

Perhaps a bit of Poe mixed with too much ouzo, but the dream soon developed into ‘The Saddling.’ I returned to my roots for this one, the Romney Marshes in Kent. The idyllic countryside and way of life of the Saddling village is the kind of life everyone wants, as long as you are prepared to be chosen, at random, to die for it.

Tomorrow, I have part two to tell you about, but for now, here’s the info. Remember, all books are free on Kindle Unlimited and available in print and in Kindle format.

The Saddling

“Their faith was stronger than his reason.”

To inherit his aunt’s fortune, Tom Carey must unlock a one-hundred-year-old family mystery. The solution lies on the Romney Marshes where the village of Saddling lives by an ancient Lore. Unknown to Tom, the villagers set in motion a chain of calculated events that will ensure that the winter solstice will witness their last ever ‘Saddling’ festival.

Unaware that his life is in danger, Tom befriends two village youths. Through the mists of fear and confusion, their friendship forces Tom to confront his own sexuality.

Tom finds himself the unwitting hero in a struggle between superstition and sense, denial and love, with no escape from either.

“Meticulously imagined in the eerie mists of Romney Marsh. A wonderfully evocative landscape of mystery.” Ann Butler Rowlands (Author of ‘Heaven’)

“Comparable with the best of Stephen King.” Charles Allenden

“Very gripping, imaginative read.” Amazon review

“He has mastered that technique of forcing you to start the next chapter as you really care what happens to these people.” Derek Stephen

“A real page turner and kept me guessing right to the end.” David Hendry

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