Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where should I start with The Raven Chronicles?
Start with Setanta and the Lady by the Water. It is the first book in the series and introduces Setanta, his family, and the strange world growing around him.

Do The Raven Chronicles need to be read in order?
Yes. Each book continues Setanta’s story, so they work best when read in sequence.

Are The Raven Chronicles based on Irish mythology?
Very much so, but they are not straightforward retellings. I use figures, creatures and stories from Irish mythology as the foundations for a new story of my own.

Are your books only for young readers?
No. The Raven Chronicles can be enjoyed by younger and adult readers, while some of my other work is written specifically for adults and deals with darker material.

What kind of books do you write?
I move between Irish mythology, Gothic crime, horror and literary fiction. The genre may change, but Ireland, folklore, ordinary people and the darker side of human behaviour tend to follow me around.

What is Why the Curlew Cries?
Why the Curlew Cries is an Irish Gothic crime novel set in the west of Ireland. It follows former Garda Jack Dawson as he tries to finish the case left behind by his dead partner and finds himself drawn into something much older and darker.

Is Why the Curlew Cries based on a true story?
It is fiction, but parts of the novel were inspired by real Irish history, folklore and unsolved cases.

Will there be more Raven Chronicles books?
Yes. Setanta’s story is not finished.
Where can I buy your books?
Links to the available editions and retailers can be found on the Books page of this website.

Do you write anything besides novels?
Yes. I also write poetry, short fiction, essays and articles, and I make micro-budget films.

Do you do interviews, podcasts, readings or events?
Yes. I am happy to consider interviews, podcasts, radio, literary events, panels, readings and writing-related events. The easiest way to get in touch is through the Contact page.

Can I contact you about writing or publishing?
Yes. I am always happy to hear from readers and writers, although I may not be able to answer every message individually.