The Trap

A new book by Gregg Dunnett - coming out 30th November. Apparently.

One of the things I’ve failed at, in my shift from being a self-published to a published author, is the timing of when the books come out.

It used to be the case that I would write a book, edit it (usually with the help of family members, and some of my wonderful beta readers), commission a cover (often after failing to design one myself), turn the whole thing into an actual ebook and paperback, and finally – like a slightly overweight author flopping over the line of an ill-advised marathon – publish it. Then I would fall into a deep sleep, during which I would have fever-dreams about needing to do some kind of marketing, before waking up, coming to my senses, and starting the process all over again.  

Now it’s different, and in many ways better. But as I say, I haven’t gotten used to the timing thing. Case in point. Next month my new book The Trap comes out. I know this because today a box arrived at my house with some copies of it. I looked at them rather puzzled, wondering how these fine-looking paperbacks might have found their way to my door, and who might have written them. Then I remembered, it was me! Ages ago, before I became so engrossed in writing my new book that I forgot this one hasn’t been published yet!

All of which is a very long-winded way of saying my new (to you – obviously not to me) novel The Trap is out next month, 30th November. And it’s really good, and if you don’t believe me, here’s three people who just can’t put it down. Well, two zombies and a pumpkin. 

I was explaining all this to my daughter, who isn’t really a zombie but they go mad for Halloween here in Spain, and she asked me if I was proud of this one. It was a nice question, and it made me realise that actually I am. The Trap is the second book in my sort-of series featuring Detective Erica Sands, and which began with The Cove. The series has had a bit of a bumpy start, coming along as I made the aforementioned transition from self-published to published. But the editing that accompanied that change has definitely made a big difference. This is actually my eleventh full-length novel, and while it’s probably not one of my absolute favourites (books are like children, they can’t all be your favourites) I do feel it’s one of the most solid in storytelling terms. It’s a pretty good sequel to The Cove, and it sets the series up nicely for the next book too. Now that I’ve remembered I wrote it, I’m actually rather excited to see what people think.

(Actually I kind of already know. It’s been up on NetGalley – which I’d also forgotten – but now I’ve checked I’ve seen it’s got some really nice reviews – thank you!)

Anyway, I know a lot of you have pre-ordered this book already, so I want to say a big thank you for that. I also want to say that I’ve checked, and there aren’t any more books I’ve forgotten to publish, so if you are looking to read a new book by me this side of Christmas, you’d better make it this one!

I hope you’ll allow me to put the cover and the blurb below, and should you want to add it to your collection you can click here to pre-order. It’s out 30th November, in ebook, paperback and on audio. Thanks!

ps. Halloween in Spain is really odd. I’ve just dropped the children off at school and the town is overrun with mini zombies, witches, Wednesday Adams (very popular this year) and for some reason, a boy with a microwave oven on his head? Anyone?

With little light left in the sky, Erica nearly missed the narrow track to the isolated cottage. Trying the switch by the front door, her heart sank. The power was off. Her neck prickling, she ducked under the police tape and stepped inside...

Detective Erica Sands is called out to a lonely cottage in Dorset, England. A local woman, Jane Smith, has been found murdered in her home. At first, it looks like a burglary gone wrong until Erica’s attention is grabbed by a seemingly minor detail. A framed photograph of Jane’s two cats – one black and one white – triggers a strange disquiet in Erica, which turns to shock when she discovers a cryptic note written in blood tucked beneath the frame.

Erica’s curiosity deepens when she's summoned to a meeting with the Director General of Highmoor Prison, who reveals an unsettling twist. Her estranged father, Charles Sterling – a convicted killer himself – claims to possess crucial information about Jane’s murder. He's willing to share it only with her, leaving Erica torn between anger and a nagging suspicion that he might hold a key to the case.

As she grapples with what to do next, Erica discovers a chilling connection between the murder victim and her own past, just as the investigation takes an unexpected turn when a pair of twin girls are snatched from outside the gates of their school on a sunny afternoon. Are the two cases connected? If so, time is running out for Erica to find the girls alive…

With a sophisticated killer still on the loose, and Erica’s father doing everything he can to get into her head, the stakes have never been higher. The Trap will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page!

What readers are saying about this series:

“From page one I was hooked. The story grips you and I did not want to put it down, but at the same time I didn't want it to end because I was enjoying the story so much… I felt I was holding my breath all day yesterday while reading it.” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“RIVETING!!... What an amazingly riveting book!! I couldn’t put it down… The twists and turns were so well thought out.” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A huge twist… I certainly didn't see the end coming… A shocking and unexpected ending. Recommended.” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Wow, this was really good… an exciting book with an ending I didn't see coming. Good story with great characters. More, please.” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Well-drawn characters, gripping story, great twists! This is definitely worth losing yourself in, apparently until 2.30am yet again!” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Thrilling!... I couldn't quit reading because I just HAD to know what was coming next.” Online reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Trap will be published on 30th November, on ebook, paperback and on audio. Click here to pre-order