Published 15 Sept 2023. The Darkest Night Need Not be the End of the Story.

Estranged from his family, divorced and in debt, Noel Reilly has nowhere to turn. When his pregnant ex-partner is murdered and he is viewed as a suspect by local police, he contemplates taking his life – before a mystical riverside encounter offers a glimmer of hope.

Still doubting his mental state, Noel can’t deny the strange events that begin to unfold, but is bewildered when an elderly neighbour with dementia seems to recognise the visionary figure he has seen. Learning that his home town has a violent and troubled past, Noel discovers he has a key role to play in the life-and-death struggle overshadowing it.

Bravely confronting his childhood trauma, Noel will need help from unexpected new friends if a deranged killer is to be stopped, and if healing is to be found for his family and the benighted town.

Professional counsellor Julia Butler is struggling to put her life back together. Her ex-partner Greg has left her for a younger woman. A recently discovered relationship between her late mother and an R.A.F. Wing Commander has revealed new family members, including a half-sister Linda with mental health issues. Julia’s only support is her warm-hearted colleague Pete, and they are now in a relationship together.

After Linda dies, Julia tries to find purpose in her life by providing a home and support to her troubled niece Grace. But when Grace seems to show symptoms of her mother’s delusion and paranoia, Julia finds herself struggling to cope.

Julia’s relationships will feel the strain as she tries to make sense of Grace’s condition and handle a manipulative client in her counselling practice.

You don’t know me but I know you.

When a stranger approaches Julia Butler at her mother s funeral and hints at a disturbing family secret, her life is turned upside down.

Who is this woman and how does she know so much about Julia’s life? Grief-stricken, Julia finds her well-ordered life unravelling and her relationships in turmoil.

As the mystery around the stranger deepens, she must not only make peace with those around her, but with the ghosts from her past to find hope for the future.

After the Funeral is a gripping debut novel which explores the complex relationships between three generations of women with sensitivity and compassion.