Dreams come true, says writer, but you have to work at them

No Safe Place is the new gripping thriller and the fourth book in the Detective Lottie Parker series from author Patricia Gibney which has just been released on pre-order for Kindle.

“Her bare feet stuck to the frost as she ran. She wanted to scream out loud, but she knew he’d find her if she made a noise. As she stopped to listen for his heavy footsteps, she wondered if she would ever make it out alive…” reads the tagline, another fantastic opener for Patricia’s latest book.

Since publication of her debut novel, Missing Ones, in March of last year, Patricia has gone from strength to strength. The first trio of novels – The Missing Ones, The Stolen Girls and The Lost Child – have all become bestsellers and chart toppers.

Here we chat to Patricia about the year that was, and what’s to come over the next 12 months.

Q: 2017 was a great year for you. Starting in March with the Missing Ones it’s been a whirlwind since then. Tell us what’s it’s been like to shoot to fame in the literary world.

A: “It was a phenomenal year. I still can’t quite believe how successful The Missing Ones has been and also the two subsequent books.

“The Missing Ones has sold over half a million copies. I honestly can’t believe it. I keep thinking it has happened to someone else!

“And The Stolen Girls, which was published in July and The Lost Child out since the end of October, between them have sold almost a quarter of a million to date. These sales are worldwide, including digital and audio books.

“I think because my books are mainly in the digital and audio sphere, I haven’t been noticed too much in Ireland yet, except of course around the midlands.

“There isn’t much fame attached to it and I’m happy with that, because I am so busy writing.

“My initial contract was for four Lottie Parker books but I signed for an additional three books during the summer. So I will be writing well into 2019! Who knows, maybe longer!

“But there are many more trials and tribulations for Lottie, along with crimes and killers!

“The only difference it’s made to my life is that I am now constantly writing and editing, which I love. It’s hard work but I like to be busy.”

Q: Your books have reached number one spots all in multiple categories, and have achieved bestseller tags, that must be an amazing feeling of achievement?

A: “It is all a bit surreal if I’m to be honest. I’m so grateful to everyone who has bought, read and reviewed my books. And to local media for highlighting my success.

“The Missing Ones has been a bestseller on Amazon and Kobo and also on USA Today for a good part of the year. Also The New York Times for a time.

“They combine traditional and eBooks for their bestseller lists, whereas in Ireland the bestseller lists are for traditionally books only. So I haven’t featured on any Irish Bestseller lists. Hopefully that will change in 2018 when my books come out in paperback.

“The Missing Ones featured on many bloggers’ lists of ‘Books of the Year’ for 2017. Over Christmas The Stolen Girls became a bestseller in the UK and in Australia, reaching number one in Australia and number four in the UK. That was totally unexpected.”

Q: I understand the first three are now in paperback print editions and also have been translated into foreign languages...

A: “The Missing Ones was published in Trade Paperback in Ireland by Little Brown, on January 4, with the next two to follow during the year. All will be published in UK and Ireland in paperback. So they will be widely available in all book shops during the year.

“The Missing Ones is also Eason’s Book of the Month for January, which is amazing. I’m not sure when the foreign translations will publish, but to date Italy, France, Poland, Turkey and Hungary have signed them up.”

Q: I see your new book No Safe Place has just gone on pre-order, tell us a bit more about this.

A: “No Safe Place is the fourth in the Lottie Parker series. It follows on from the previous three but can be read as a standalone – as can all of the books.

“However, I have found that readers have become invested in the character of Lottie and her hometown of Ragmullin, so some people might like to read the books in chronological order as a series.

“No Safe Place sees Lottie with a new superior officer, who appears to have it in for her, and a journalist who is tracking her every move as she tries to find a murderer and stop him from killing another young woman who has gone missing from Ragmullin.

“It is set in February in the lead-up to Valentine’s day. It is currently on pre-order and will be published on March 22.”

Q: Is there more big news to come in 2018?

A: “I hope so! But I don’t know what the year will bring. If it is half as exciting as 2017, I will be happy. No Safe Place is out in March and the fifth [book] will be out in October. I just want to thank the amazing work of my agent Ger Nicol and my editor, Helen, and all the staff at Bookouture for the opportunity to bring Lottie Parker to the world. And also the local media outlets for always providing me with coverage.

“My family have had to put up with me hiding away with my laptop, so thanks to them for their patience! “I had a second grandchild in 2017, who knows what 2018 will bring in that regard!

“I just relish the opportunity to be able to have my writing published. Sometimes, your dream does actually come true. But you have to work mighty hard at it.”