Blog Tour: A Secret To Die For – Matt Duff

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, Blossom Spring Publishing and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Blurb: Book One from the series ‘Ghostly Tales From The Therapist’s Couch.’

Thomas is a well-renowned medium who often helps out Scotland Yard with their cold cases.

Joe, a reporter, trusted with a dangerous secret, flees to Scotland after his friend is murdered. Under police protection, he is pursued by the same hired assassin who is willing to do anything to prevent the Government’s secret from being revealed.

With this case weighing heavily on his thoughts, Thomas pays a visit to his friend and therapist, Ian Baker, for another session on this therapist’s couch!

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this slim novelette and having finished reading it, it’s still quite difficult to describe with any of the usual genre labels! There are ghosts, but it isn’t exactly a ghost story, and there are murders, but it isn’t really a mystery either.

The main characters are Thomas (a medium who aids police with their investigations) and Ian (Thomas’s therapist), but the author actually tells the story from multiple viewpoints – quite a feat in such a short format! – so we get to see perspectives from victims, investigators and even a killer, and get brief snapshots of the personal histories and motivations of even the side characters during the story events.

I’ve already said this isn’t a traditional murder mystery, and the reason is that the murders aren’t really the focal point of the story at all. Instead, the author uses a murder investigation to allow Thomas to showcase his paranormal abilities and skills to his friend, taking us back with them to witness what happened and then filling in any missing details from the therapist’s couch afterwards. It makes for an unusual framing device and a unique perspective on the genre.

I did feel there was potential here for a slightly longer story, with more character development and some investigation in the ‘present day’ of the story, but the short format kept the book a quick and easy read and with the promise of more ‘tales’ to come from the sub-heading (Ghostly Tales from the Therapist’s Couch) I would expect there is more detail to come now that the initial set-up has been introduced.

“There is something my ability allows me to do which I haven’t told you about before,” stated Thomas. “You already know that I can sense and see things when I touch an object related to the person or scene. When I have a vision, it is like being transported back in time to the actual event, like I’m really there. If I am touching someone when this happens, I am able to take them with me so they can also experience the vision and see for themselves.” Thomas gave Ian a moment to digest this information. “Is this something you would be happy to try?”

– Matt Duff, A Secret To Die For

Purchase Link: A Secret To Die For on Amazon

About the author

I was born in 1969 in Sidcup, Kent. My father was a Chief Inspector in the Metropolitan Police and my mother was a housewife. I grew up and went to school in Bexley, Kent. My love of writing started from a young age as I was always reading and had a creative mind. Teachers were impressed with my writing and moved me up to higher English groups. My writing was exhibited at the school.

I am married to a teacher and have one son. I was a highly qualified independent driving instructor for 15 years. During this time, I studied hypnotherapy. I have always been writing stories and poetry for pleasure but over the past 6 years, I took up writing in earnest in the hope of achieving publication which has always been my ambition. I draw inspiration from the people in my life and some of my own personal experiences.

Don’t forget to check out the other blog stops on the tour for more great reviews and content (see the poster below for details)!