Unpredictability in storytelling – I love it. Driven by Deceit (Book 5 in the #AShadeDarker series) is coming soon. #domesticthriller #suspense #newrelease #psychologicalthriller

I don’t know about you but I’m a fan of unpredictability when it comes to my entertainment. A well-done plot twist in a book. A sudden realisation when watching something on television. Wonderful.

While I don’t believe I’ve achieved the heights of unpredictability I’d like to have done with this series so far. I do think I’ve written something new with each book. There are no formulas to see here. I’ve tried to cover different types of psychological suspense and crime. I haven’t always stuck to my safe haven of first person present tense. I’ve used different points of view. And there have been the twists along the way that have surprised readers.

Here are some of the shows that inspire me (no spoilers):

Inside Number 9. If you are a fan of this series from Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith you might have spotted my cheeky indulgence with the name of the Jackson’s house in A Killer Strikes. Here is a short preview of Sardines, the first episode to be aired. It is a delight. And if you watch nothing else from the series. Watch this one.

The epic Game of Thrones. That scene when a popular main character is killed off. Wow. I did not think they’d go there…

There are moments in Line of Duty when the tables turn and as your eyes widen you realise all is not what you thought it to be. Delicious. (And there’s another series on the way – yippee!)

And the glorious Talking Heads monologues from Alan Bennett. Each and everyone one of them a masterpiece. The subtlety of Bennett’s writing is a joy. What is left unsaid as revealing as the words themselves. I have just treated myself to the DVD’s (yes, I still have a DVD player) of the original series which I have seen and listened to on audio many times, and the redone ones which I haven’t seen at all. I can be quite stubborn (noooooo, I hear you cry…) and if I’ve loved a particular programme or film I won’t watch any other version for fear of ruining it. But I will watch the new set of actors take on these monologues at some point and see which version I prefer. I’ll say at the outset though that the originals will be hard to beat. 😉

So, yes, my A Shade Darker series is born out of my love of unpredictability. However, rather predictably, as it’s right on schedule, it’s time for the latest in the series to be released.

Driven by Deceit will be released on the 1st May 2026. The eBook is available to pre-order now HERE. or by clicking on the book cover below. The paperback and hardback formats will be available to buy from the 1st May.

Crack the façade… Expose the truth…

A toxic arrival. The villagers enthralled. What will it take to show the reality of what lives among them?

Laura Brown has already had a tough year. What she doesn’t need is someone making it worse. But when her friend’s cottage is rented out, that’s exactly what happens as her life, and the village she loves, are invaded by someone from her past.

Laura has learned how to react to her abuser. With silence. With indifference. No one else sees the danger in their midst. That is until her friends are affected and the time comes for Laura to remember who she really is.

With the help of a mysterious visitor and Laura’s friend, Harry O’Connor, a plan forms, but when a lack of discretion threatens to derail it, Laura finds help comes from the most unlikely place.

Driven by Deceit is a gripping domestic suspense novel. If you like character-driven action, suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists, then you’ll love this psychological thriller.

What about you? Do you like unpredictability or do you prefer to know what’s going to happen and have the story pan out in a straightforward manner? And do you have any other series to add alongside these? I can add them to my To-Be-Watched list 🙂