A Quickie with Sarah England
Tell me about your latest book and why we should read it?
'The Soprano' is my latest book, which came out on 30th August. Here is the lowdown….
A Haunting New Supernatural Thriller by the author of Bestselling Occult Horror Trilogy, 'Father of Lies.'
'It is 1951 and a remote mining village on the North Staffordshire Moors is hit by one of the worst snowstorms in living memory. Cut off for over three weeks, the old and the sick will die; the strongest bunker down; and those with evil intent will bring to its conclusion a family vendetta spanning three generations.
Inspired by a true event, 'The Soprano' tells the story of Grace Holland – a strikingly beautiful, much admired local celebrity who brings glamour and inspiration to the grimy moorland community. But why is Grace still here? Why doesn't she leave this staunchly Methodist, rain-sodden place and the isolated farmhouse she shares with her mother?
Riddled with rumours of dark witchcraft and rife with superstition, the story is mostly narrated by the Whistler family who own the local funeral parlour, in particular six year old Louise, who, now an old lady, recalls one of the most shocking crimes imaginable.'
Why would you want to read it? Do you like fast-paced mystery thrillers set in wild moorland, laced with psychological intrigue and designed to creep you out? Whilst not an occult horror like the Father of Lies trilogy, The Soprano is haunting and atmospheric, based on a real life crime, and will hopefully have you gripped and whipping through the pages.
If someone was to write your life story what would the title be?
My life story would be called, 'Rip it up and start again.'
Reason? I never get things right first time…I'm one of those people who has to work hard at everything, and I make so many mistakes it's unbelievable.
If you could co-write with anyone in the world (alive or dead) who would it be?
The strangest request I've had was to send a signed copy of my first occult horror novel, Father of Lies, to a couple for an engagement present. Apparantly it earned the prospective bridegroom serious brownie points. I have to say I was extremely flattered to be asked but as far as engagement presents go…. it's a bit like getting a copy of The Exorcist. Actually, come to think of it I'd prefer it to flowers too!
Who would I co-write with? Oh definitely the late James Herbert. He's the only horror writer who really creeps me out… but as he is no longer with us I'd go for Ian McEwan. MInd you, he'd have to brush up on his prose – I wouldn't want any shoddiness. 🙂
Tell me something nobody else knows about you (yet!).
An unknown fact about me… Although very shy I am in fact a frustrated actress. I can mimic anyone within minutes of meeting them and do almost any accent. I'd actually love to both write for and act in something like The Fast Show! lol…
Finally please recommend 3 books that you have recently read and tell me why you've chosen these.
Three books I can recommend… 'Shrine' by James Herbert. There is a seriously creepy scene in this where the protagonist is in an ancient private church during a rainstorm. OMG….
Next would be 'East of the Sun' by Julia Gregson. A literary novel – superbly narrated and worth reading for the upper class suffering in the heat of India. They dined in full evening dress with sweat pouring down their backs. Just a great story.
Finally I'd say 'Affinity' by Sarah Walters – love historical thrillers and this is set in a London women's prison. Beautifully crafted and to say I didn't see the end coming would be an understatement. Left me reeling. Sheer talent. Sheer perfection.
Who is Sarah England? Sarah England is a fiction writer based in the UK. She trained as a nurse in Sheffield before working in medical sales & specialising in psychiatry (South Yorkshire) – a theme which carries into many of her stories. A prolific magazine writer she had hundreds of short stories and serials published all over the world before her first novel was published in 2013.
At the fore of Sarah's body of work is the bestselling occult horror trilogy, 'Father of Lies'. All three books in the series are now available in kindle, paperback or audio format, in addition to which there is kindle box-set. To date nearly 700 reviews have been written across amazon for this popular but chilling trilogy, with much more to come in the genre.
If you like short stories, 'The Witching Hour' is a collection of 20 previoiusly published thrillers, serials and tales with a twist.
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