Essex author publishes mysterious new Hebridean book
Added: (Fri May 03 2019)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Solving mysteries has become second nature for retired travel insurance expert Iain Sykes.
The 74-year-old vicar’s husband is an expert on UFOs, government conspiracies and everything Roman.
Iain, who lives in the Essex village of Great Leighs, has now gone back to his mysterious roots in rural Scotland for the setting of his debut novel, Johnnie Quiet.
The father of two grew up in the shadow of the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis.
And he has set his brilliantly-observed new novel on the same enigmatic island in the 1960s.
Iain said: “The idea of a mysterious stranger with unusual powers struck me a few years ago and I think the island is a fascinating place.
“Also, I think the Callanish Stones are an ideal vehicle for an esoteric, spooky mystery.
“Johnnie Quiet is set during the 1960s as I lived there then and know the local culture, lifestyle and humour fairly well.”
Johnnie Quiet throws up countless questions as a mysterious stranger arrives on the Isle of Lewis in 1963.
After saving a local teenager from drowning, all eyes turn on the eccentric Johnnie.
And after making a prediction that US president JF Kennedy will be assassinated the mystery of the stranger deepens.
Iain, who only began writing five years ago, added: “Johnnie Quiet asks plenty questions… who is this strange man? Where does he come from? Why is he here?
“And causing the most intrigue, why is he so intensely interested in the Callanish Standing Stones on the island?
“With each chapter the answers are slowly revealed, and Johnnie’s mission is truly monumental and life-changing.”
The Callanish Stones are believed to have been erected in the late Neolithic era, and for centuries were used for rituals.
Since the publication of Johnnie Quiet it has been rewarded with five-star reviews from captivated readers.
Iain has been described as ‘a new Christopher Brookmyre in the making’.
And Johnnie Quiet has been hailed ‘inspiring’, ‘amazing’ and ‘captivating’.
Reader Nicola Johan added: “Johnnie Quiet is a story to heal the soul. Such a special story.”
For more details, visit Amazon and search for Iain R Sykes, where the paperback and Kindle formats of Johnnie Quiet are both available.
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