Discover what’s behind the ‘13 Doors’ at Dudley Library

The former journalist has a life-long passion for horror stories and has been inspired to write his first novel featuring real-life hauntings with a local backdrop.

’13 Doors’ follows the journey of a journalist and supernatural enthusiast as he travels to thirteen different haunted locations across the UK. 

The story is largely set in Birmingham, and locations such as the Victorian graveyards in the Jewellery Quarter and the Birmingham Catacombs and also takes inspiration from sites such as Birmingham’s back-to-back heritage houses and the Black Country Living Museum.

Phelps is an award-winning journalist who spent thirty years in the news industry, working his way up from junior reporter to eventually editing nine newspapers including the Tamworth Herald. He has drawn on his journalistic experiences to flavour many of the stories.

He will be talking about his career, how we came to create the novel and will read an extract from the novel, followed by a Q&A session.

Councillor Ian Bevan, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said:

“We’re really happy we can support the launch of this debut novel which draws on local settings and history to create an unsettling atmosphere.

“I’m sure people will enjoy the local flavour of these tales and perhaps look at familiar locations through new eyes.”

Stephanie Rhoden, Better partnership manager for Dudley Libraries said:

“GJ is a local author and he knows the history of the area and his audience well. We’re looking forward to this reading and finding out more about his inspirations and writing experience.”

The event is free and light refreshments will be available. There will also be a chance to buy a book and have it signed by the author. The event starts at 6.45pm. Doors open at 6pm.

For further details call 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org

For more information about the book visit https://www.bookguild.co.uk/