Cork author’s crime series centred on man’s murder spree

IN his debut novel last year, Lyngate Woods, Cork author Denis McCarthy produced a dark murder story which raised lots of questions about society, crime, and the impact of social media.

Now his sequel, Awoken, is set to hit the shelves.

Denis, originally from Churchfield in Cork city, and now living in Manchester, is also working on a third book in the Rob Hills Murders Series.

The books tell the story of Rob Hills, who carried out a series of vicious murders on women, after he felt he was betrayed by past girlfriends and friends.

Denis explained: “The first book dealt with a number of questions, which are continued in the second book Awoken, concerning the impact of our treatment on other people, but the savage consequences are still felt by victims.

Although set 18 years after the murders were committed, Awoken sees DCI Andy Martins and his new partner, DCI Alice Pepper, investigating a case they thought had long finished, but with brutal and vicious consequences for victims and families.

Set initially in east Clare, the story arc includes the UK and Norway.

Detectives receive a chilling piece of evidence from an unknown murder. The case brings back memories of the murder of Andy’s wife and the savage killings of five women, with murderous gusto, by Rob Hills.

“The disturbing use of social media by the killer brings distress to victims and those hunting the killer,” says Denis.

Questions arise as to the identity of the killer, with uncanny similarity.

In Lyngate Woods, readers were unclear if the protagonist survives. This is revealed in Awoken, which also focuses on the impact of Lucas, who is Rob’s son, and Scarlett who is the daughter of Detective Andy Martins.

There are more twists and turns which will promise to keep the reader intrigued and wrong-footed throughout the book.

After leaving Cork in the 1990s, Denis moved to London, before embarking on a journey helping aid agencies in war-torn areas for several years.

He then travelled throughout Europe and the USA, mainly busking and playing in bars, enjoying the freedom of solo travel.

“The experience has helped me to take a wider view of all situations, suggesting there is a cause to every action, and a cause can be questioned and potentially treated,” he says.

Lyngate Woods and Awoken are available on paperback, kindle and audiobook from audible.co.uk and amazon.co.uk