Manawatu Author Launches New Detective Novel Set in Fictional Country

A Manawatū author has unveiled his latest work, expanding the universe of his crime-fighting detective, Frank Porter. Campbell MacNeill’s new novel, titled The Devil’s Breath, follows the success of his debut psychological crime novel, And In The Shadows, They Lie, published last year.

MacNeill, who teaches at Feilding High School, draws inspiration from his diverse experiences, including time spent living in Canada and Chile. His first novel featured detective Frank Porter investigating a murder case in Toronto, where the killer evaded justice, prompting a group of individuals to seek their own retribution.

A New Chapter for Frank Porter

In his latest work, MacNeill takes readers back to Porter’s early career. The prequel, set in a fictional South American country called Oculto, sees the young detective, now aged 21, navigating a complex investigation into a missing person amidst a backdrop of murders and an experimental drug.

“When I wrote the previous one, it was well received; everybody really liked the main character,” MacNeill explained. “This particular book was originally about someone else, but I adapted it to fit Porter into the story.” He emphasized the character’s evolution, stating that the shift in setting and timeline allows for deeper development.

The draft for The Devil’s Breath was completed some time ago, but initial feedback suggested a need for simplification. A student’s critique highlighted that the story contained too many perspectives, leading MacNeill to revise and streamline the narrative.

“I thought it would be cool to almost build the character,” he said, noting that the process of creating stories is enjoyable, although marketing them poses challenges.

Future Prospects for the Series

The novel concludes with an open ending, leaving room for potential sequels. If The Devil’s Breath garners a positive response, MacNeill plans to continue chronicling Porter’s career in future installments. The writing process for this book was relatively swift, thanks to the existing draft, yet he acknowledges that entirely new material will require more time.

MacNeill opted for self-publishing once again but collaborated with the South Island print and design company Copy Press for this release. Readers can find the book at Bruce McKenzie Booksellers in Palmerston North or purchase it online through the Copy Press website.

With this new installment, Campbell MacNeill not only enriches the narrative world of Frank Porter but also positions himself as an emerging voice in the realm of crime fiction. Readers can anticipate further adventures as he continues to explore the complexities of justice and morality through his characters.