I attended Darkside of Brighton a few weeks ago, taking on the role of moderator to a panel of authors who write dark stuff, but also like to cross genres. I had briefly met two of the authors on the panel at other events, but I have to say I didn’t even know of Alan Meredith before I was booked.

Although I can’t promise to always do it, if I’m on a panel in any capacity, I prefer to have read at least one book by the other panellists. As a moderator, it was vital to at least have some idea of what the authors concerned wrote so I could ask relevant questions. In Alan’s case, I soon realised that he hadn’t written any novels – his books were short stories and novellas. And that allowed me to read a couple compared to one each for the other panellists.

Self Defence was the short story I read, and was very enjoyable (well worth a read), but its length doesn’t really justify a full review. Lucas, on the other hand, does. Here’s the blurb:

Hallucinations where I am tortured to death or Emmerdale? Tough call. Ever feel that your life is so empty that all there is left to do is drink? Life for Lucas hasn’t changed since he was 20, battling an addiction which consumes him and anyone close. Can Lucas break the cycle or is he cursed to have his life stuck on repeat?

Like the blurb, the novella is both witty and dark. And it pulls you in on the first page and, in my case at least, kept dragging me back at every opportunity. As someone who reads mainly at bedtime, it can often take me several days – or even weeks – to finish a book. I dipped into Lucas early on a Saturday morning and read the last page by teatime.

So what can I tell you about Lucas? The main thing really is to go in with no expectations – other than the afore-mentioned witty and dark. Mainly the dark, though, because even the humour has a dark edge to it. If you’re looking for a fairy story, or a rom-com, you will need to look elsewhere. But if you like the kind of story that plays with you, leading you in one direction and then revealing it meant something else, you’ll love this. It’ll help if you’re comfortable with a bit of horror and gore as well.

I struggle to keep my own novels down to a reasonable length, so I’m always impressed when I find a writer who can tell a story concisely. To find one who can do that, but also manage to leave you feeling as if you’ve experienced a character’s whole life story takes things to an even higher level for me.

As a reader looking for a new author, it’s always good to see a comment like, ‘for fans of…’, on the cover. If I was asked to quote on the cover of this, I honestly don’t know who I could insert into the blank space. There really isn’t anyone I can think of to compare him to. But, if you’re willing to take a bit a gamble – it’s only a novella, so how much of a gamble is it? – I’d strongly recommend giving Lucas a go. You won’t be disappointed.

If I have piqued your interest in Lucas and you want to know more, click on the image below for the Amazon link.