Featured Interview With John Holt
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born in 1943 in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. I currently live in Essex with my wife, Margaret, and my daughter Elizabeth. For many years I was a Chartered Surveyor, until I retired in 2008. I had always wanted to write a novel but could never think of a good enough plot. My first novel, The Kammersee Affair, written in 2008. was inspired by a holiday in Austria. We were staying in Grundlsee. The next lake, Toplitzsee, was used by the Germans during the war to test rockets, and torpedoes. There were rumours of gold hidden in that lake. Despite extensive searches the gold was never found. In my book, however, it is found, only in the next lake, Kammersee.
The books that followed, The Mackenzie File, The Marinski Affair, Epidemic,and A Killing In The City all feature Tom Kendall, a down to earth private detective. In August 2012 I decided to go down the self published route, and formed by own publishing brand PHOENIX. My latest novel “The Thackery Journal” is a “What If” novel regarding the assassination of Lincoln. I am currently working on two other novels featuring Tom Kendall, and another novel set during the American civil War, and I have made a tentative start on an Adventure novel.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I couldn’t tell you exactly, but I guess it was pretty early. I was brought up on Enid Blyton, the Secret Seven and the Famous Five. Every Friday when he came in from work my father would have several bags of sweets, the Eagle comic, and the Enid Blyton magazine. I enjoyed writing at school, but it wasn’t until quite late in life that I started to write. My first novel “The Kammersee Affair” was inspired by a holiday in the Austrian lake district in August 2005.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am a self published Indie author, and I tend to read works by other Indie authors – authors like B A Morton, Alfie Robins, Rob Craven. I have written 6 novels to date. Four of them are private detective novels. Detective novels are my favourite genre, followed by thrillers. I enjoyed books by Alistair McClean, and Hammond Innes, Agatha Christie, and Charles Dickens. However I would not say that any of them inspired me. I write in my own style, and don’t copy anyone.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My last book published was “The Thackery Journal” – it is set during the American Civil War. It tells the story of two friends who join opposite sides. It tells of how their paths cross, and how both become involved in the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. It is a what if novel and supposes that Lincolns assassination was actually planned by his own generals. I am currently working on the fifth novel to feature my private detective Tom Kendall, and hope that it will be ready by the end of May or early June.
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Hi guys – thank you so much for featuring me. I hope that others find it of interest. Have Liked your FB page, and shared.
You are very welcome it was our pleasure.