Congratulations to Brent van Staalduinen who will have his latest novel, Unthinkable, published by Canadian publisher, At Bay Press in February 2024.

Unthinkable is Brent’s fourth novel and his first thriller. Here’s more on it from Brent’s website:

“The Unthinkable has devastated the west coast, turning thriving towns into debris-filled wastelands. Lorry Martens, a former special operations medic struggling with PTSD and living in a reclusive barge community, has long repressed her lethal combat and interrogation skills. All she wants is a simple, peaceful life, but after Neil is murdered, she uncovers his role in an ancient conspiracy. Lorry is pursued into the shattered landscape by the deadly shadows of his secret life, and is forced to rediscover—and confront—the darkest parts of herself.”

The novel has received some glowing advance reviews. H&A Christensen, authors of Stealing John Hancock, say: “Brent van Staalduinen’s gritty and masterful storytelling ensnares with its visceral intensity. Through vibrant characters, he reveals poignant truths, while the suspense keeps your heart racing. Not reading this book would be ‘unthinkable.’ ” And Roz Nay, author of The Hunted and Hurry Home says: “I was lucky enough to read an early draft of Brent’s evocative, shattered world in Unthinkable. He has such a sharp eye for human tenderness and can hit that sweet spot where tragedy meets beauty. An intelligent, propulsive chase through a harrowed land, this is a must for the smart thriller reader.”

It’s great to see Brent’s storytelling talent going from strength to strength and that he is finding more readers all the time. We look forward to February next year!

Brent van Staalduinen won the 2015 Bristol Short Story Prize with his story, A Week on the Water. It is published in our Volume 8 anthology by Tangent Books.