Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 349 pages
Genre: Mystery, Literary Fiction
Publisher: P.J. Murphy
Release date: May 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M. The book is not violent, and swearing is infrequent. There are a number of references to ghosts, but the atmosphere is more gothic than scary (with one exception). However, it is a book aimed squarely at adults, with references to depression and mental illness.
Bestselling author Richard Debden is missing. The only clue: a copy of his unpublished final novel delivered to his ex-girlfriend, Amy. When those closest to Richard reunite for his memorial, Amy turns to Chris, his former best friend, to help unravel the mystery. Could Richard still be alive and in need of their help?
Richard’s manuscript tells of two abandoned children in wartime Britain, instructed by a shadowy Postmaster to deliver letters to ghosts and release them from their torment. As Chris and Amy delve into the text, they identify parallels between fiction and reality; clues to a trail that leads across the country and – they hope – to Richard.
But they are not the only interested party. A mysterious society is following them, their motives unclear. Can Chris and Amy unlock the secrets of Dead Letters, or will more sinister forces get there first?
Dead Letters is the captivating second novel by P.J. Murphy, author of Troubleshot.
P.J. Murphy writes novels that introduce unusual and humorous twists to classic genres. If you pick up one of his books, you’re in for an interesting read that never loses its sense of fun. As a writer, P.J. tries to stick to the adage ‘write what you know’, although with the addition, ‘just make sure you exaggerate and distort it beyond all recognition’. He is planning to write a novel about taking a road trip with a parrot. He has never owned a parrot.connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ GoodReads
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR:
Tell us about the process of writing Dead Letters
Dead Letters resulted from bringing together two ideas that had been milling around. The
first was a gothic supernatural story depicting ghosts as memories of people and events. I
had also been playing with the idea of having characters try to puzzle apart the truth behind
a novel. The mystery element of ‘what happened to the missing writer?’ came later. It
wasn’t easy to combine those elements, and it took me about 15 years to finish.
There are a lot of references to mental health issues in Dead Letters. Was this an
important element of the book for you?
The most important thing to me was ensuring the characters were believable. I wanted a
character’s mental health to be a real part of their personality, influencing how they behave,
positively and negatively. For example, Richard, the missing author, is depicted as bipolar.
Although he struggles to cope sometimes, his condition is also a source of his creativity.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
I’m currently reading The Cyclone Release by Bruce Overby. It’s about life in a Silicon Valley
start-up and the whirlwind of activity, hopes and dreams surrounding the development of a
new product. It’s not something I would normally read, but I got hooked on it from a
sample, and its evocation of a working environment very different to anything I’ve known (I
work in the non-profit sector). It did resonate with me, though. We’ve just finished a major
software implementation, and I could relate to the characters’ struggles.
What advice would you give to budding writers?
Don’t give up! Writing is hard work, which takes a long time, and the first draft of whatever
you write will often be complete rubbish. It’s what you do next that matters. Once you’ve
got your manuscript presentable, it’s important to get feedback from others. The trick is to
know what to take on board and what to dismiss. Too many authors dismiss on-point
feedback because they believe the reader ‘doesn’t get it’. Equally, I have been discouraged
by negative feedback that was more due to taste. Take whatever you can from it.
Are you planning a sequel to Dead Letters?
Dead Letters was written as a standalone, but it probably won’t be my last mystery book.
I’m currently planning a sequel to my first novel, Troubleshot (a satire inspired by my
experiences working in the UK charity sector). The sequel will be set in Geneva, where I live
currently, and will satirise aspects of living internationally. In the meantime, I’m releasing an
earlier book, Yesterday’s Shadow, and an audiobook version of Dead Letters. You can find
out more at http://www.pjmurphywriter.com
Casia's Corner 
This sounds like a book I would really enjoy