THE SHADOW KEY Launch
On the 18th April, my second novel The Shadow Keywas released in the UK. Being my second novel and a novel which I had been itching to write since 2006, it meant a massive amount to me, especially since it was my 'love letter to Wales'. Ensuring it had as strong a start as possible was something myself and my publishers were especially keen on getting right, and as with the marketing vision for Pandora, Harvill Secker and Vintage Books did a stellar job:
The selection of images and videos featured in this post showcase the promotional campaign for The Shadow Key. NB: the publication date changed from the 11th April to the 18th.
x3 Above: Proof box swag sent out to early readers - paperback ARC, lovespoons, candles, welshcakes, bookmarks, postcards ...
The marketing run for my second novel really leaned into the Gothic vibes of the genre, as well as the Welsh and medicinal elements of the plot, so I was incredibly lucky to have a launch event hosted by the perfect venue in the form of The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret.
Located just around the corner from Guy's Hospital* (the very same hospital my main protagonist Henry Talbot used to work at), and housed in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the Old St Thomas’ Hospital, 'The Old Op' offers a unique insight into the history of medicine and surgery. The original timber-framed Herb Garret was once used to dry and store herbs for patients’ medicines, and in 1822, an operating theatre was installed. Once used for operations that predated anaesthetics and antiseptics, it is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe for female patients. However, the layout is pretty much exactly the type Guy's Hospital would have had, and therefore the kind Henry himself would have operated in during his peak years - it was during a visit to 'The Old Op' back in 2015 I had the original idea for a teaching surgeon character, so it was extremely apt that The Shadow Key was launched there, in such atmospheric surroundings.
*Guy's Hospital. Engraving by W. H. Toms after R. West, c.1738.
The staff - led by the lovely Victoria - did a phenomenal job of hosting us, ensuring themed drinks such as 'Dr Talbot's Tincture' were on hand, and even went so far as to showcase the novel as their May Book of the Month, calling The Shadow Key "a joy to read and a strong recommendation for those who enjoy historical fiction and mystery."
The evening followed the following format - a small meet and greet, a Q&A session between myself and my wonderful editor Liz Foley, book signings and bookish chat after ... It truly was a lovely way of launching my second novel off into the world, made all the more special by the incredible environment we were all in. Below are a selection of photos from the evening, to give you an idea of the atmospheric delight we all experienced!
Once again, thank you to everyone at Harvill Secker and Vintage Books for championing my novel so enthusiastically, and The Old Operating Theatre for arranging such a fantastic campaign to launch Henry and Linette's darkling Welsh tale into the world!
