Blok Party

 

Books, particularly Crime, Mystery and Thriller novels are a great refuge from the ubiquity of these days of COVID, as well as the long nights. The dark edge of literature is not only a cognitive escape for readers, but also writers. The problem is how to spread the word about new releases when the world is under lockdown, and gatherings restricted by Governmental Statute? 

We have Googlemeet, MS-TEAMS, Zoom, Loom, Facetime, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Shots Mag Blog…..….and the plethora of online venues, where an internet connection can help gather people together – where once we met in bookstores and clubs in London to talk books, and to enjoy a social drink…..as opposed to what some of us do today.

 

So it was a pleasure to find myself together with fellow bibliophiles, journalists and hard drinkers - Deidre O Brien, Jake Kerridge, Zoe West, Lisa, Claire together with Rachael Blok, and her publishers Head of Zeus – all behind the safety of a PC Screen, to talk and learn about the upcoming INTO THE FIRE which is being released on April 1^st 2021. So here’s what I garnered about this new name [to me] from Head of Zeus’ Blok Party -

Rachael Blok is the author of the Marten Jansen series, set in St Albans. We’re gathered at the Blok Party, to learn about her third novel - Into the Fire, and discover very briefly about Rachael’s publication journey so far.

Her first book, Under The Ice, was published at Christmas 2018 and prompted the Daily Mail to describe her as 'a truly special talent'.

 

Her next book, The Scorched Earth, which was reviewed in several broadsheets and tabloids, confirmed her as a rising star in crime writing.

 

And then of course the pandemic hit. Head of Zeus was hugely disrupted so decided to delay her third novel - Into the Fire by six-months. So, while she was waiting for editorial notes (delayed by over six-months) she got involved with an elegant crime short story project which became two collections - Afraid of the Light and Afraid of the Christmas Lights, with a selection of other established crime authors.

 

Her books are really a blend of police procedural and psychological thriller - and they are also complemented by extremely fine writing - lyrical, haunting, poetic.

 

And in her third book, her skill is evidenced further.

 

This time, her twist on the procedural is to add a locked room element.

 

Into The Fire takes place in a beautiful stately mansion outside St Albans, and stars a cast of glamorous celebrities, politicians and entrepreneurs. This house party is full of simmering secrets… and before long the characters realise there is a murderer in their midst.

 

So, if you’ve not uncovered the dark secrets trapped within Rachael Blok’s work, you have time to experience the vicarious thrills of her first two novels [now in paperback] and all from the comfort [and vantage point] of your armchair – cocktails or hard liquor are optional, but useful to steady ones’ nerves as you enter Blok’s dark imagination…….I have my copy…and also her first two - have you pre-ordered yours?

 

For more information about the work of Rachael Blok, click HERE

 

Shots Magazine, would like to thank Laura Palmer and Kate Appleton from Head of Zeus as well as the energetic Sophie Ransom from Midas, London for the invitation to Rachael Blok’s party, and the fine selection of cocktails mailed to us in readiness for the launch celebrations of INTO THE FIRE - or what I term ‘The Blok Party’.