A good ghost story never goes amiss around Christmas time, you can be sure of that. We recently had the privilege of speaking with Peter Storm, author of 'The Chine', a chilling novel set in a sinister hotel. Described in a five-star review as 'The Exorcist' meets 'The Shining', Peter's novel makes for an excellent fireside read. 

We spoke with him about how his book fits into a larger series, how his childhood inspired his writing, books that have had a profound effect on him, and what is next for him and his writing endeavours. 

Get the book here. 

1). ‘The Chine’ is the second book in a trilogy. Can you give us a brief introduction to the series?
 

PS: The trilogy, which will end with the final book "The Manor", explores the story of the Hopkins family. Decendents of Mathew Hopkins, the original witchfinder general, who over generations built a secret sect to fight the darkest side of multiple supernatural cults, preventing black covens, demon possesions and other evil forces from gaining any kind of foothold across various locations. Secretly supported by Vatican cardinals, they discover that the Carbonari, an historic Italian sect, have penetrated the higher escelons of the Vatican. It is discovered it is they who are trying to discredit the Catholic faith by bringing back the deadliest of demons and witches. So, this is the story of a family sworn to prevent the rise of black arts, where the family hunt and destroy the link at whatever cost. Each book brings the various family members of the sect together, as they try to stop the black abbots and cardinals from raising these dark forces. The Manor will see the whole family fighting together, in a terrifying conclusion.

2). You have stated that part of your love of horror comes from exploring the moors and other eerie locations where you grew up, in Dartmoor. Did you look to these locations from your childhood for inspiration for your books?
 

PS: Of course, yes, in a big way. As a child with so much space to roam, on the moor. It was easy to find eerie locations and explore them. Dartmoor is steeped in historic ghosts and hauntings. With a little imagination, it was easy to invent stories mixed with slight truths that made others feel scared.

3). Which horror books have had the most profound effect on you?

PS: Oh, there are so many great horror writers who do that. I remember reading The Amityville Horror, back in the late 80s, by Jay Anson. It was gripping, very frightening to read so I read the whole book in one night. Not because I was scared, but I loved the way it made me think, seeing clearly what Jay had seen in his own head. My favorite is Poe, his gothic horror seemed to make you wonder where he took his ideas from, which in turn sent me looking for my own dark and eerie things.

4). What crucial elements do you think make a good horror book?

PS: It is all a matter of finding your own style, discover what writing works for you. For me, it's about something that makes you feel you are actually there. A descriptive story that puts you in the actual plot, helplessly watching in your own mind to the horror happening. If you can get that across to a reader, with an unique twist. Then you have a good horror story. Great writers of horror each have their own style, all of them keeping readers terrified.

5). If we may ask, what is next for your writing endeavours?

PS: I am always two or three books ahead, so I am always developing new ideas for my future books. I have a dark novel finished already, which will be the next book I hope to release. It is a story of a young Orphan girl, who through the failure of the welfare service, grows up to be a very calculating and clever serial killer. After that I will be in the Hebridese, researching areas for a Book about Lycans.