A chance encounter whilst talking with a Japanese couple in the Cotswold Town of Bibury has lead to the official launch of The Determined Widow in Japan! I am very excited!! I learned that the Japanese love the Cotswolds due to Emperor Hirohito very much enjoying his stay there.
The couple explained as a result the Cotswolds is a popular place with many people from Japan. When I explained I had set a thriller close by, the couple thought I should offer it in Japan what with many people still unable or unwilling to travel.
Instead of bringing Japanese to the Cotswolds, why not take the Cotswolds to Japan.
So we are. . . my first international promotion EVER!
Here is the official introduction interview.
In Conversation with Adam Melrose about his new mystery novel set in the Cotswolds.
Over afternoon tea, we talk to thriller writer Adam Melrose about what inspired him to set his new mystery novel in the Cotswolds, and to find out about his journey to becoming an author.
Firstly, why did you choose to set your new novel in the Cotswolds?
I had come to the Cotswolds to study at the Royal Agricultural University and was immediately taken with the beauty of the area. In the first week I found myself in the breath-taking village of Bibury; a village I believe Emperor Hirohito liked very much, and stayed there on his European tour. Little has changed since his visit, and the place is still magical.
Visiting many of the villages in the Cotswolds is like walking through a film set. It is like they are almost their own characters. Also, it is so peaceful and tranquil that I thought one day I would use the area as the setting for a book, and here we are. A lot of the adventure in the book takes place within ten miles or so of Bibury.
What is the book about?
This book is the first in a series of stories known as the Matthew Holland Mysteries. It follows private investigator Matthew Holland and his investigation team who are made up of his friends and family. This first book called The Determined Widow tells the story of Bella Stone, whose husband has been found dead in a flooded quarry not far from Bibury.
Bella is sure her husband was killed deliberately but the police cannot find any proof of this. Frustrated with no one listening to her, she hires Matthew Holland and his team to investigate. As the investigation deepens, the team learn their client is determined to unearth the truth, regardless of the human cost.
Within the group of suspects; none of whom are what they first appear, lurks a ruthless killer, determined not to be unmasked. I have tried to write it in the style of the old school British thriller writers. So far the twists and turns seem to keep most of the readers guessing!
What inspired you to become a writer?
Growing up in the UK there were such inspiring children’s books. I remember being particularly fond of the Beatrix Potter series of stories with Peter Rabbit. So much so that my parents had a mural of all the characters drawn over my bedroom walls so the last thing I saw at night and first thing in the morning were all the creatures from her books.
Then as I grew up there was the likes of Agatha Christie and P D James to enjoy. I think this all just fed into the art of story writing and the feeling of how cool it would be to try and follow in the footsteps of these writers if I could.
Finally, why did you decide to offer the book for sale in Japan?
Funnily enough, I was in Bibury and I got talking to a couple who were over from Japan. After hearing about my book they said that it might be popular in Japan and that with the difficulties of travel these days, people would probably quite enjoy reading a book about a place that it was currently difficult to visit.
I thought I would first publish it in Japan in English through Amazon.co.jp and if there was enough interest, then I would look to produce a version in Japanese.
Add to that a close family friend’s ancestor was involved with Japan and cherry blossoms, and since learning that story I have always wanted to visit Japan so your country is very much in my mind. I am looking forward to visiting at some point in the future.
Adam, thank you for talking with us.
Thank you, I very much appreciate you and your reader’s interest.