SLAWTER

While a new cult horror film is being shot in a deserted town renamed Slawter, Grubbs Grady and his half-brother Bill-E are thrilled to serve as onset consultants. However, as strange incidents disrupt the set, the crew begins to wonder whether more than a filming is afoot.

"I was born in London in 1972 and moved to Ireland when I was 6 years old, where I've lived ever since. I always wanted to be a writer - I've loved telling stories since I was a child. I started out writing books for adults, and managed to get a couple published. One day, on a whim, I decided to try a book for children. The result was Cirque Du Freak. Much to my surprise, it took off, and I became a de facto children's author! Since then I've used my ill-gotten gains to buy lots of comic-strip art and travel the world. When I'm not working or traveling, I like watching movies. I've even been known to read the odd book or two."

Darren is currently working on his sixth novel in the bone-chilling The Demonata series, coming in May 2008.