Helensburgh crime author Daniel Sellers releases new book

Crime writer Daniel Sellers' new book Murder on Skye is set to be released on Tuesday, October 29.

It's the fourth in his DI Lola Harris series. The latest title sees Lola hunt for the killer of a missing juror who was on the jury of a convicted celebrity entrepreneur and reality TV star. 

However, Lola's hope for uncovering the truth lies hundreds of miles north on the Isle of Skye.

Daniel decided it was time to give his protagonist a change of scenery in the book and knew that the Inner Hebrides was the perfect location as it has a special place in his heart.

He said: "Skye is one of those magical places you can’t quite believe exists. The landscape is astonishing and I’m not surprised it’s been used in so many films.

"I’ve been visiting the island for years, usually in winter when the roads are quiet and there are no midges.

"I have wonderful memories of walking in Glen Brittle and out to Neist Point — which features in Murder on Skye and in fact is on the cover of the book. 

"The Lola Harris books usually take place in and around Glasgow, but I wanted to give Lola a bit of a change of scene.

"The story starts in Glasgow, in Kelvingrove Park, but quickly moves to Skye, where there is crucial evidence to be found.

"The geography of the island and the intermittent phone signal meant it was the perfect setting for an exciting story with lots of chases."

The new book will be released on Tuesday, October 29 (Image: Daniel Sellers) But the Helensburgh author felt it was important to use a celebrity combined with the justice system in his new book.

He added: "I think we’re obsessed with celebrities these days, and it’s not always healthy.

"There are some very worrying 'role models' out there, especially on social media.

"I wanted to describe one individual who is really toxic but who also has a huge fan base — someone whom another, misguided person might kill for."

Skye is not the last that readers will see of Lola as Daniel has exciting mysteries much closer to home ahead for the character and has shared exclusively with the Advertiser the launch of a brand new series.

He said: "I’ve just handed in the fifth in the series to my publisher and am waiting for their judgment. My early readers have really enjoyed the book, which is reassuring.

"It’s set near Loch Lomond in a (possibly haunted) castle. I’ll start the sixth book soon — I’m just trying to think of a plot, though I’ve a good idea forming.

"I think this is the most exciting of the series so far, in a wild setting that suits the high-stakes plot. I do hope readers will enjoy it.

"The first book in a brand new series will be published by Allison & Busby in February next year.

"The Lollipop Man is a thriller, but quite different from the Lola Harris series. It’s set in West Yorkshire in the 1990s and sees a teenager team up with a local TV presenter to catch a notorious killer known locally as the "Lollipop Man”.