This is the official website of the
scary horror story writer:
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KELLER YEATS
Weird Facts About Me
Keller Yeats has written several published articles about rock music and several unpublished short ghost stories. He has several years’ experience working as a Probation Warden and he draws on this for his first horror novel “Powderfinger.” His second scary novel in this Nick Swann series, “Wyndwrayth,” will be published very shortly. In addition he is a published graphic artist and a qualified, though no longer practicing, jewellery maker and designer. He now lives together with his wife, a Siberian Husky, a Welsh Collie and three cats in a cottage by the sea in Anglesey.
5Min Ghost Interview
Could you tell the readers a little about yourself?
I don’t know when to stop eating strawberries.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Listen to music.
What is your favourite food?
Braising Burger.
Tell us a dirty little secret?
I need to wash my hair more often.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t.....
Who are some of your favourite authors?
Kurt Vonnegut; Leon Uris; Anthony Gray; Tolkein.
What was the last great book you read, and what was the last book that disappointed you?
Fatherland; Titus Groan.
What is your all-time favourite horror novel, and film?
Christine; Jeepers Creepers 2.
If you could erase one horror cliche what would it be?
None because they make me laugh.
Which fictional character would be your perfect neighbour, and who would be your nightmare neighbour?
Stuart Redman; Le Bay.
If you could kill off any character from any other book who would you choose and how would they die?
Thomas Covenent; Ravers rip him to bits!
It you had free range what fictional character would you like to write for?
Elliot Rosewater.
What do you think of the current state of the genre?
Too many vampires and zombies.
What do you think is the biggest problem facing horror fiction right now?
Too much is based on computer games which minimises characterisation and story telling.
Are there any reviews of your work, positive or negative that have stayed with you?
Nope.
What aspects of writing do you find the most difficult?
The bits between the killings!
Is there one subject you would never write about as an author.....what is it?
Child abuse and cruelty to animals.
What do you think makes a good story?
One that is unlikely but possible so it intrigues you.
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
Hammer and chisel.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
‘There’s no such thing as writers block, just a paucity of ideas.'
What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
All comments are positive.
How do you market your work?
By giving it somebody else to do.
What avenues have you found work best for your genre?
Don’t know, ask my marketing person.
Who is your favourite character from your book and why?
Nick Swann because “I feel his pain”, he,he!
How about the least favourite character?
Kaylie Weston.
What piece of your own work are you most proud of?
Hot Flash: Review of the Grateful Dead on Tour.
Are there any that you would like to forget about?
Nope.
For those who haven’t read any of your books, what book of yours do you think best represents your work and why?
“Powderfinger” because it’s groovy.
What are you working on right now?
A third Nick Swann story.
What’s the one question you wish you would get asked but never do? And what would be the answer?
Do you dream in technicolour? Answer: Sometimes
My scary Stories
"POWDERFINGER"
"Powderfinger" is a present-day scary horror story set mainly on the decrepit, abandoned but soon to be redeveloped, bank of an old canal between two towns. It centres on an old tar works known as Raven's Gate. Nick Swann is a world weary mid-forties widower and Assistant Probation Warden at St Joseph's Hostel for young male criminals, situated overlooking the canal and Raven's Gate. A woman is brutally killed on the bank opposite the Hostel on a night when Nick is on duty. Nick believes his lads had nothing to do with it, though consequently Nick is suspended for issuing too many late passes at once. Then another woman is killed and Nick becomes drawn into discovering the culprit. He works with DCI Findlay and DS Deacon as the murder toll rises. Together with help from his old friends Alan and Hugo, Nick's research uncovers a long series of similar murders in the same area, stretching back through the centuries. "Powderfinger" as the killer is dubbed, appears to be some kind of ancient mellifluous, malevolent, murderous being that attacks anyone it considers to be disturbing its peace and quiet. Eventually, as the story climaxes, Findlay, Deacon, Nick and Alan set a trap to lure "Powderfinger" to his doom and rid the area of this beast once and for all. Yet, traps can swing both ways.
Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant book 15 Oct. 2014
By Avid Reader
Format:Kindle Edition
This is a far better written book than I expected, given that it had no reviews. A quick read of the writer's bio explained a wealth of writing experience and it really shines through. It is at times terrifying, with plenty of suspense and intrigue that make you feel reluctant, yet compelled to turn the page. It is a brilliant book and I highly recommend it.
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5.0 out of 5 stars An imaginative book 30 Oct. 2014
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This is a clever riveting read.The characters are so real I can identify and become involved with them.
Looking forward to book two. Keller Yeats is definitely one to watch
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5.0 out of 5 stars One to pull the covers over your head! 31 Oct. 2014
By Susanne
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Exciting and scary read. Well crafted, intriguing story and realistic, interesting characters. I will definitely be looking out for his next book!
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4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth checking out 31 Oct. 2014
By eBook Fanatic - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
This is a well-written and entertaining story with plenty of scares and is great for Halloween. The writing quality is flawless and the plot is well-crafted with great pacing and excellent set-pieces. Well worth checking out.
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Gripping : 5Stars
by Lollipop8686
Very compulsive reading, difficult to put down! Great read!
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J Bronder Books My Review of Powderfinger by Keller Yeats https://jbronderbookreviews.com/
FOUR STARS
Nick Swann works at the St. Joseph’s Hostel. Some of the guys want out to celebrate a couple 21st birthdays. Nick has to write several late passes but doesn’t think too much about it. But when a girl is found murdered, his guys are blamed. He doesn’t think they had anything to do with it but then finds himself suspended for issuing too many late passes.
But when another woman is murdered he starts working with the detectives and doing some research. It seems there is a supernatural creature called Powderfinger that has been killing people for numerous years.
This was an interesting read. The story starts out like a regular thriller but takes a paranormal twist. It seems Powderfinger is a demon that has been killing those that disturb it. The group plans to stop it but it is quite powerful and they are going to have their hands full.
This was a good read that kept me interested the whole time. It had some good twists and turns and of course I was not expecting the ending. Definitely check out this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
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WYNDWRAYTH
the second in the Nick Swann series
Wyndwrayth finds researcher, Nick Swann, living in an old stone farmhouse on the lonely and mysterious shores of Llyn Isaf, in Wales. He becomes intrigued by its mist-covered lake island, Ynys Y Niwl and its dark, ancient and long deserted mansion, Wyndwrayth.
Its moldering edifice holds many secrets and treasures, some of which draw Nick and his old friend Alan into dangerous realms. Death stalks the island and as the dangerous spectral figures of Millar and Gideon reveal themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern between reality and dreams.
As the death toll rises, Nick finds himself, along with his new partner, Wendy and her wolf, Mir embroiled in a struggle not just to maintain sanity but to stay alive.
Reviews
Excellent: 5 Stars
by Susanne
Having read his first Nick Swann novel I eagerly anticipated the second and I've not been disappointed. Wyndwrayth covers a thousand years of dark history with a gripping conclusion. Nick is once again drawn into a spooky world of strange powers and deadly creatures. His characters are well crafted and the story is a real page turner, well done Keller!
Literary Titan Review
FOUR STARS!
Wyndwrayth by Keller Yeats proves to be both interesting and captivating as the reader follows the central figure, Nick Swann, as he bumbles through his semi-isolated real world life and slowly discovers the existence of a second, more deadly world, all around him. These two parallel worlds slowly converge as you turn the pages to reveal what is undoubtedly a cleverly researched horror novel yet still containing moments of strong humour and absurdity.
The first passage of the novel only offers the briefest glimpse of what is to come as it describes events of 1016 in a place named Flotta in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Much later a more sinister story is revealed, as the full impact of ghosts and ghouls condemned to a life of perpetual purgatory wreaking havoc from their haunted house for a 1000 years follows.
After this brief immersion into Norse mythology the story abruptly introduces the daily life of Nick as a self-styled geek, working occasionally on business research for associates at Bangor University, from an inherited cottage on the island of Anglesey in Wales.
Despite apparent excesses of marijuana, brandy and coffee, Nick still manages to investigate further into the mysterious local occurrences, drownings and inexplicable disappearances which all combine with the mythical backdrop to reveal the cold stark reality of evil forces at work on his doorstep.
As the chapters proceed the two sides are drawn ever closer to their inevitable confrontation – for the outcome you will have to read for yourself, but I quite enjoyed this ethereal mesh of myth and contemporary life. As the two classically configured worlds of good and evil come closer together will Nick and Wendy survive or will they pass into the world of the undead? The only spoilers I will offer here are that if you are offended by strong language and an occasional blood-letting scenario then turn away, but you would be missing an riveting story that I could not put down.
Initially, I did find Nick’s apparent excessive talking to himself annoying; but ultimately I felt like this added to his slightly eccentric and bohemian character. Wyndwrayth by Keller Yeats offers an enthralling well-researched read. The author is able to methodically create an enthralling character, place him in a vivid world, and face him against an enthralling antagonist. If you enjoy stories about myths and legends then you will certainly enjoy this novel.
J Bronder Books: My Review Of Wyndwrayth by Keller Yeats https://jbronderbookreviews.com/
FOUR STARS
It is three years after Nick’s adventure with Powderfinger and two years since his mother has passed. He now lives on the shore of Llyn Isaf in Wales. But he finds himself curious about the island in the middle of the lake, Ynys Y Niwl. He has researched it and makes plans to explore it and the crumbling mansion on it called Wyndwrayth. But Nick is going to find himself wrapped up with the supernatural once again.
We also follow a man that accepted a god’s offer at a better afterlife as long as he was the guardian to the god’s troubled son for a thousand years. Gideon soon finds himself on an island with a hate filled being that is intent on escaping and getting revenge on his father.
This was a great sequel to Powderfinger. I felt for Nick with the move to the country and the loss of his mother. It seems to be a habit of him to get himself neck deep in trouble. Of course his friends are there to help him but things don’t always turn out like he would like.
This is a good series and I’m curious to see that Nick is going to get himself into with the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
At the end of the 19th century, Silas Shacklady was obsessed with his mine in the Snowdonia mountains. Digging ever deeper in search of a Motherload, Silas disturbs dark secrets and powers hidden for centuries within that subterranean world. In 1897 the mine was sealed after a cave-in buried Silas and over two hundred men, caught forever within its black maw.
The mystery of how this happened and the strange presence of The Lady Emily, an ancient steam engine, draws Nick, Wendy and Alan into a dangerous underground adventure. One which finds them trapped in a battle between malevolent forces, risking all their lives and creating profound consequences for many.
Nick Swann Book 3
Reviews
Five Stars and Gold Award!
Shacklady by Keller Yeats is a mysterious tale set in Wales. It follows Alan, a man who has purchased an old building and some land. During his renovation he discovers that his purchase has more to offer when his friend Gerry finds an old mine that was once owned by Silas Shacklady, who became rich from mining the cliffs many years ago but abandoned the project. Alan has his old friend and business partner Nick and his wife Wendy come to explore the mine further. They soon learn that this mine contains many secrets lurking in the dark.
The suspense and intrigue in this novel is created right from the beginning. The author starts by plunging readers straight into the mystery surrounding the mine. This is done through subtle suggestions at first, such as, why there are no tracks to get the train out of the mine shaft. Then the reader is left wondering what happened to Gerry. As the reader is given the information about Gerry’s return to the mine where the characters are not, this adds yet another layer of intrigue. I reveled in this deliberate buildup of the story as I felt it was laying the groundwork for a compelling, and at times eerie, supernatural thriller.
I had initially imagined that delving into a mine would not yield much in the way of fantastic imagery, so I was content with a claustrophobic story, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author is able to create vivid imagery that blew away all my expectations. For example, by using phrases like ‘swallowed swiftly by the blackness’ and ‘the thicker the air became and the hotter it felt’ the author utilizes all of the senses while taking readers into the depths of the mine. This allowed me to perfectly visualize what was happening and imagine what the characters must be feeling.
Shacklady is a dark and suspenseful supernatural horror story with an intriguing backstory that gives this book surprising depth. With a captivating cast of characters, a compelling mystery at its core, and sharp writing this is a tense scary story that I highly recommend.
Literary Titan June 28
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2022
Shacklady, by Keller Yeats, Follows Nick, Wendy and Alan as they set out to uncover the mystery behind Silas Shacklady and his mysterious disappearance. The story of Silas Shacklady speaks of a miner who is in search of the motherload but disturbs mysterious forces. Nick, Wendy and Alan’s expedition just may cost them their lives.
Yeats adds his love of history to his suspenseful novel taking the reader on a chilling adventure. I enjoyed how the suspense progressed at a smooth pace and the characters were slowly seeing and hearing things one by one building up the mystery and suspense. I also enjoyed that the author thrusts the reader into the story. Yeats’ ominous and dark descriptions of the mine made it hard to put the book down as I wanted to know what Gerry and the others were seeing in the mine. The author is a master at telling horror stories and it shows in this story. My imagination started to run wild as I kept reading on thinking what was hiding in the shadows or wondering when something would ease it’s way out of the darkness. The manuscript that Wendy finds in the mine is interesting and I enjoyed reading the entries. Not only do these chilling experiences that the miners describe in the manuscript begin to scare Wendy it also began to intrigue and scare me as I wanted to know more. The characters in the story are likeable and I enjoyed reading their witty banter with one another. I began to worry for them as they explored the mine and began to see and hear things.
Shacklady, by Keller Yeats is a book that will hook you in from the turn of the first page and will have you captivated until the very end. I highly recommend this page turning book as it will have you at the edge of your seat.
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The third in a Paranormal horror series that sees three friends investigate an abandoned Welsh mine.
‘Shacklady’ by Keller Yeats is book three in the Nick Swann Investigates series. In this story we see Nick and Wendy visiting Alan’s new house before being drawn into a dangerous, underground paranormal investigation of an abandoned mine. The more the group learns about the mine’s history the more they find themselves caught up in a battle between malevolent sources.
This is a very creepy story that has you feeling uneasy from the very start, as the group explores the Silas Shacklady mines and the ominous and unexplainable presence of The Lady Emily that looms near the entrance. Moments of tension are expertly created throughout the book, with lighter moments as Nick and Wendy reunite with Alan, although the spectre of what lurks in the mines is omnipresent throughout the plot. The author’s descriptions and writing style were perfectly unsettling, it seems that they are able to turn anything mundane into something sinister. I made a note about a quarter of the way through that I never knew clocks were so creepy.
I haven’t read the two previous books in the series, however I was able to enjoy this investigation on its own and get to know the three main characters. I would say that it may be of benefit for any readers to enjoy these books in order, starting with Powderfinger, as there are references to past cases and the character’s dynamics seems to have been fairly well established in previous books.
A gripping, tension-filled book that had me turning the page with the hope that my mind would be eased by the conclusion.
Amazon Review 5 Stars
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Keller Yeats doesn’t disappoint in this new tale of Nice Swann Investigates. Building on his previous tales of Powderfinger and Wyndwrayth, Shacklady is a very spooky tale, mainly set deep inside a Welsh mountain. Nick, Wendy and Mir go to Alan’s housewarming in Snowdonia, only to discover he has found a mine engine and lost a friend.
Nick and Wendy start exploring old Shacklady’s slate mine only to find themselves going deeper and deeper into the realms of Shubin and his ghostly pursuit of the ‘motherlode.’ Deeper still, lost, and disoriented they reach Shacklady’s Rest and witness his demonic plans for escape and revenge upon all relatives of those who trapped him and all his men down thé mine over a century ago.
This story is not for those scared of deep dark places, well unless you want to spook yourself silly in a safe way. It has pace, history, humour and lots of imagination. The interplay between the characters is beautifully written and the climax spectacular.
Fully recommend if you like a well crafted spooky tale with believable characters and a bit of landscape and history for added flavour.
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Susanne
News
Keller Yeats Nick Swann Series 1-3 now Available on Blue Rune Publishing!
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