J.M. Robson’s debut horror novel, Three Little Words, is set to be released this Thursday. Ahead of release day, she has taken the time to answer some all-important questions about the book, the possibility of a sequel, and the horror genre.

1. How would you describe Three Little Words, and who would you say it is aimed at?

The book is aimed at anyone who enjoys horror, mystery or thriller novels.

It’s a story about unreciprocated love and what happens to the heartbroken when they truly believe that they are not loved. They don’t die of a broken heart. Their souls are devoured by something unimaginable. 

Several people have witnessed the demon at work. They are traumatised by the death of their loved ones but they know that the demon will continue to kill, that they are not safe, that nobody is safe, including their children. They decide the only way they can guarantee their safety is to kill the demon.

The renegade team work together to find out the demon’s weaknesses as friendships are formed and further losses endured.

2. What gave you the inspiration for the novel, combining horror with love and loss?

I wanted to make the supernatural killer in my book a bit different from the usual demon that can be found in horror stories. The demon in Three Little Words is a descendant of the Nephilim, biblical creatures that were the children of angles that left heaven to mate with humans. The Nephilim wreaked havoc on the earth for the short time they populated it. So, I thought it would be fitting that their descendant also loved to see suffering, death and fed on the souls of the heartbroken.

3. What attracts you to writing in the horror genre?

I am a huge fan of horror novels and films. When I was a teenager a relative gave me a copy of James Herbert’s The Fog. I couldn’t put it down. It was probably one of the first books that really captured my imagination. 

I like a good scare but I also like a good back story. The type of story that makes you scared enough to want to sleep with the light on but also has characters that you can relate to or empathise with.

I think Three Little Words is that type of book and I really do hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

4. How would you say Three Little Words stands out from other horror novels?

It has a modern twist on the usual demonic possession horror stories. Not only is the supernatural being in my book responsible for the deaths of the broken-hearted, it ensures that everyone left behind is traumatised, believe they are responsible, knowing if they had just said those “Three Little Words” their loved ones would still be alive. I think it plays with your head, makes you really think about ensuring your loved ones know just how important they are to you or you could live to regret it.

5. You are currently working on the sequel. Can you let us know a little of what readers might expect in book two?

The sequel is set in a new location.  There will be lots of new characters but a familiar face from Three Little Words will return. 

Of course, there will be more heartache and more deaths but this time there is something wrong with the killings. Why are these people being picked by the demon? They had everything to live for, no reason to be heartbroken. 

6. Other than the sequel, what else are you working on? Will you be writing in other genres besides horror?

I have just completed another novel which is based in the Highlands of Scotland and focuses on a troubled young man. His father hates him, his cousin bullies him and his mother doesn’t want anything to do with him. One day he snaps and starts to take revenge on anyone that hurts him. His life quickly spirals out of control. There are a lot of deaths and a shocking truth comes to light.

I am currently editing the final work so hopefully it will be available soon.

7. What are you scared of?

Heights and flying. I am a terrible flyer. I panic, I cry, I am sick, so you can imagine how much fun it is sitting next to me on a plane.

8. What is the best/most terrifying horror novel you’ve ever read?

For me, it has to be James Herbert’s The Fog. A recommended must read for all horror fans. Love it!

9. What is the last book you read?

I love horror novels but I also love just about every other genre and read anything that takes my fancy. I also love ‘Whodunnit’ novels and I just finished reading Agatha Christie’s, Murder on the Orient Express that I recently received as a gift.