Valda writes…

Hello Michelle.
(I don’t expect a reply to this message) I contacted you recently and mentioned that while we were having a heatwave in Suffolk, I decided to re-read Dark Matter, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Aside from the isolation, claustrophobia and terror, obviously.

It was interesting you mentioning that a publisher had recently said that readers don’t like ghost stories in the summer, whereas I would have to disagree. The glory of a book is that it can take you to another place entirely. Hence enjoying the arctic while it was 85 degrees at home.

Which brings me to Wakenhyrst. I was lucky enough to have you visit my shop to do an event in 2019 – Waterstones in Bury St Edmunds – and I remember reading and loving Wakenhyrst. Revisiting it recently – in the height of summer here – made me appreciate even more the dankness of the whole thing. It was downright dark, moist and damp and altogether pretty boggy and offensive.
I could have wept for poor Maud having her whole life ruled by a narcissistic, misogynistic father, and reading the book second time around I think I felt almost as terrified of the behaviour of him as I did the other sinister goings on.
Not to mention learning of Richard Dadd then falling down a Google rabbit hole at ten to midnight one night and then wondering why I couldn’t sleep.

Thanks so much for your stories. And your talent. I can’t wait to read ‘Rainforest’.

Michelle Replies…

Dear Valda, I know you said no need to reply, but your message was so delightful I couldn’t resist.  I remember that event in Bury St Edmunds, it was one of the best ones of recent years; and it’s brilliant that you’ve enjoyed revisiting Wakenhyrst.  I was also interested in your comment about finding Maud’s father almost as frightening as the story’s supernatural elements.  The same thing struck me when I was writing the story.  That happens sometimes, and it’s never planned, but it’s one of the fascinating things about the writing process.  Finally, I had to laugh (and give a sympathetic wince) over your late-night Googling.  Down a rabbit-hole with Richard Dadd: not a comforting place to be.  No wonder you couldn’t sleep!  Thanks again – and I hope you enjoy Rainforest, as and when.  With very best wishes, Michelle