About Me

Once upon a time, a young law student of St John's College Cambridge could be found sneaking out of the University Library and wandering into Heffers bookshop on Trinity Street. There he lost himself in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings. Many years later, older but not necessarily wiser, that same former student started spinning tales of fantasy in a university already steeped in myth and legend. And so began Cambridge Gothic.

 

After years of working in an office and dreaming about becoming a writer, I can't tell you how much it means to see my words in print. So far, the reviews for College of Shadows and Gate of Shadows have been incredibly positive. I can't thank readers enough for their support and encouragement. Knowing how many people are looking forward to the next book in the series inspires me to keep writing every day. 

 

As for the setting, I always felt that Cambridge would make the perfect backdrop for the fantasy stories I wanted to tell. In my books, I have kept the locations as true to life as possible, and readers tell me they think of the city as one of the characters in the story. I'm thrilled that is the case. Cambridge is a unique place with all sorts of quirks and mannerisms for those willing to see. Even after all these years, I still find it full of surprises, and I try to share these with you whenever possible.

 

Given the authentic setting, readers often ask if the characters are based on real people. All are creations of my imagination, though I've undoubtedly been influenced by people I've encountered over the years. So beware next time you see me in a coffee shop, peering over my Flat White at the other patrons. I may well be looking for a new character for my next book! 

  

If you want to hear more about the series, my latest news, or exclusive offers, why not subscribe to my newsletter. I send each subscriber a free copy of Cambridge Shadows, a collection of six short stories set in the mysterious world of Cambridge Gothic. I also include the Prologue to the first full-length novel in the series, College of Shadows.

 

That's it from me. If you have any suggestions about characters, settings, or plotlines for future books, please feel free to get in touch through my website or social media. I always reply when people contact me, and every comment is valuable, no matter how small.

 

I hope you enjoy the series. It's Cambridge, but not as you know it...

 

Mark