You and I might know Brendan Griffin better these days with the TD appendage to his name. However, the South Kerry, Fine Gael, Dáil representative has just released his new and second novel. Secrets of a Haunted Winter was launched this week and is a follow on from his 2013 debut novel, Secrets of a Moonlit River. Both novels were penned by Brendan as a hobby when he was a publican in the village of Castlemaine between 2007 and 2010.
Like its predecessor, the new book is set around the adventures of three Kerry school boys. After their heroics lead to the sleepy Kerry community of Ballycastle becoming the centre of international media attention, thirteen year-old Cathal Kavanagh and the mischievous Billy & Barty Shanahan are looking forward to life returning to normality. Unfortunately for them, life around Ballycastle is rarely normal!
The boys soon go from heroes to villains after becoming embroiled in yet another fiasco, and the trio face having their reputations tarnished forever more unless they can clear their names. To complicate things, the boys must deal with a spiteful neighbour, a dogmatic headmaster, their own personal sorrows and some creepy and unexplained hauntings.
The book, which is self-published, was printed land bound locally by Walsh Colour Print, Castleisland. The cover image was painted especially for the novel by local Castlemaine based artist, Cathy Giles.
Brendan says that he is delighted with the feedback on the new book:
“The response from readers so far has been amazing and I am delighted with the positive feedback from readers, young and old.
“My first book was a great success and continues to raise funds for Cuan Counselling Service in Dingle, with €1,000 having already been handed over and more on the way. Cuan Counselling provides counselling and therapy services to children and young adults from all over West Kerry.
“The nominated beneficiary organisation to be associated with the new book is Castlemaine Community Gym, an excellent community facility that serves a broad hinterland in Mid-Kerry,” said Mr. Griffin.
Secrets of a Haunted Winter and Secrets of a Moonlit River are ideal Christmas gifts for young and old and are available in most Kerry bookshops for €9.99. They are also available to buy online at www.brendangriffinbooks.com
