The story begins with a trip back in time

The first books to come out in 2025 were Nineteen Minutes to Midnight and Gone Midnight – easily the most ‘out there’ story I’ve ever written. When the books came out in April, I was nervous to say the least. Imposter syndrome never really leaves you as a writer, especially when you bravely venture into a new genre. I’d never written sci-fi before, and I’d never thought I’d ever manage a time travel story – talk about a recipe for plot holes galore! But when the idea came to me, some time in 2023, I just had to write the story down. It all started with a teenage boy who moves into an old house in an old village, who hears the sound of a clock chiming at nineteen minutes to midnight. That was the scene in my head. I wrote that down first, with no idea where it was going to go. Maybe it was going to be a haunted house horror? Maybe a murder mystery with a supernatural element. Or maybe, just maybe, it was going to be my first YA time travel adventure, which plunges our three main characters, Jerome, Sam, and Olly, into a saga which would reach far into the depths of my imagination.

But of course, when I submitted the final manuscript to the publisher, I was nervous to say the least. The beta reading feedback was good. The story was polished and ready. So why was I nervous? Because there was still that niggling feeling in the back of my mind that people would think it was utter horse shit.

Thankfully, that hasn’t (thus far) appeared to be the case. In fact, one reader said they thought Nineteen Minutes to Midnight was “one of the best time travel stories they’ve read!”

This is incredible considering how nervous I was to release this story, and I was so happy people were enjoying it.

And just like that, I’m a bestselling author

What I never expected was for Nineteen Minutes to Midnight to become a bestseller! But that it did, which completely blew my mind when I saw the book reach number one for Young Adult Time Travel. This is something I could’ve only dreamed about when I started my writing journey just five years ago. Even better, the book has consistently stayed there throughout the year. I can’t thank everyone who has grabbed their copy enough.

But (there’s always a but…)

Like everything in life, positives come with negatives. And Nineteen Minutes to Midnight didn’t fall short of that. The thing is, I wrote Nineteen Minutes to Midnight as one story, not two. I actually submitted the book to my publisher in 2024. It wasn’t until April 2025 that I heard back from the publisher regarding the edits. And when I chased them and they finally came back, they gave me something to think about. And think about it I did, for a long time. Basically, the publisher said they couldn’t market the book effectively as it was, and they would highly recommend splitting the book into two parts. This isn’t something I wanted to do. In my mind, the story had a beginning, middle, and end which all belonged on a single cover.

But I am by no means a marketing expert. This is why I approached the publisher in the first place, so that my books would get a wider reach and my name would be found by more readers. Initially, I pushed back on the idea, explaining that this story is part of a planned trilogy and the intention is for it to be told as one. But when they came back, talking about box sets and collection ideas, it felt like they were very keen to give the book a big push on the marketing front – something I was truly grateful for. And curiosity got the better of me. What if I released the book as a single volume, only for it to plummet into the abyss of Amazon’s listings, never to be found or read by anyone? If I didn’t take the publisher’s advice, I knew I’d always have the feeling of what if?

So, I rewrote the ending slap-bang in the middle of an action scene. I sort of saw it a bit like those two-part Doctor Who episodes they used to have (I don’t know if they do them anymore), usually where the Doctor and co would find themselves in an impossible situation, only for the episode to end leaving viewers desperate for more. I used to love that – in fact, my whole week would consist of me counting down the days until we found out what happened. So, I thought, why not do something similar with my story?

But then the reviews started coming in. What really got to me the most was people were enjoying the first book, but it was clear that the cliffhanger was frustrating a good amount of them. One reader spoke of how they enjoyed the book, but felt “cheated” because they had to buy the second book to find out what happens.

So, whilst it might be a great way of bringing back audiences in TV and movies, apparently in book format it can sometimes do more damage than good. Now, don’t get me wrong, some books end on a cliffhanger and it works. The Lord of the Rings springs to mind. I suppose if I’d had more time, I may have reconsidered the ending of book one.

But that was just it: the book had been in a queue for so long, and I needed to make a decision quickly.

Ultimately, it was the wrong decision.

I spoke to my publisher about returning the books back into a single volume. The way it was written. However, they were insistent that this was the right way to go, and that most readers wouldn’t feel the same frustration as the initial reviews expressed.

Still, despite Nineteen Minutes becoming my first bestselling novel, its numbers seemed to have staggered. Ratings are low in quantity. As of the time of writing this post, it only has eleven ratings on Amazon. To put that in perspective, I indie-published another book in October, which has had over 20,000 orders and is on course for 500 ratings before the close of the year.

So, something had clearly gone wrong.

The last thing I ever want is for my readers to think I’m trying to con them out of money, even though book one was free. And whilst it wasn’t the way I wanted to go, at the end of the day, it is ultimately my name on the cover. One reader even said they’d be cautious of reading another one of my books because of the unannounced cliffhanger, even though I have no control over updating the description. I’ll be open and honest: I don’t do this for money. I started writing when I was struggling with my mental health, and I wanted to breathe some fresh air into a new venture. It’s never been about becoming rich or famous. I just want to tell stories. Which is why recently, I made an important decision, something I haven’t yet spoken about publicly.

Taking (back) over the wheel

Last month, I formally triggered the rights reversal clause in my contract with Next Chapter Publishing. This includes the following titles:

• Forbidden Shores
• Nineteen Minutes to Midnight
• Gone Midnight

Whilst I don’t have a clear timescale as to when the rights will be reversed, I am finally happy that the ball has started rolling. And I am hopeful that at some point in 2026, the rights to these books will be returned, and I will be able to publish new editions under my own imprint: AJE Press. This will include a new, combined edition of Nineteen Minutes to Midnight. Gone Midnight will go out of print, and Nineteen Minutes to Midnight will become a single volume – a complete story, behind one cover. As written, and ready to be read as initially intended.

A new, re-edited edition of Forbidden Shores will also be released, with a new cover which fits more in line with my brand. And, to add to this, I finally signed a deal for the audiobooks to be produced!

I’ve written an extensive blog post on my frustrations with traditional publishing and why it simply isn’t for me, so I won’t go into too much detail as to why I’ve made this decision. What I will say is that this is not a criticism of Next Chapter Publishing or their approach to publishing. But if the success of One Step Closer has taught me anything, it’s that I am much more suited to publishing, marketing, and distributing my books via the indie publishing route.

One Step Closer

In October, I also took back the rights to manage the publication of One Step Closer myself. In that time, the book has had over 20,000 orders! What?! Not only that, it has become a bestselling novel for psychological thrillers in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Not only that, but I’ve seen sales rise of my other indie titles on the back of it.

One Step Closer is easily one of my favourite mysteries that I’ve written so far. It was a book that started in a similar way to what Nineteen Minutes to Midnight did – one scene, with a young woman on the wrong side of a motorway bridge, only for a young farmer to talk her down.

When I started writing this book, the intention was for it to be a romance novel between a young woman with a dark past and a farmer with an uncertain future. I got about halfway through the first draft when I shelved it. Whilst it was okay as a romance, I felt like there was something missing. I wanted to delve deeper into this dark past. Who or what was this girl running from? When I started to pen some flashback scenes, I came to the fast realisation that this couldn’t be written in a few pages. This was a whole chunk of the book. More than just a subplot.

So, I started again. Only this time I knew there had been a shift in tone, genre, and voice. I was writing a crime thriller.

I nearly didn’t come back to the book. For over a year, it was left behind as a (if I’m brutally honest) pretty boring romance novel that I couldn’t fathom what direction it was going in.

I’m so thrilled I rewrote it as a crime mystery. It elevated everything, and is a real threat to North Paradise in becoming my most read, and most successful release to date.

Audiobook-ing

At the time of writing this post, I’m eagerly awaiting the audiobook’s release. I found my narrator, Katy, on ACX, and I was blown away by her samples. I could hear my characters in her voice. So, I sent her a message, inviting her to audition for One Step Closer. When she did, I couldn’t get the offer to her quickly enough. Thankfully, we made a deal, and a couple of months later, she sent me over the completed audiobook. This is easily one of my best audiobook releases to date, and not only that, it’s my first dual-narration. One Step Closer is centred around four main characters. Two females and two males. It’s Katy’s idea to go with a dual-narration, and I couldn’t have agreed more. Katy sent me an audio sample of a narrator she had in mind. Geraint Davies put in a stellar performance as both Jack and Jonathan, as did Katy with Piper and Martha. I’m over the moon with the audiobook, and can’t thank Katy and Geraint enough for the incredible efforts in turning my story into a thrilling and immersive experience for audiobook listeners.

A peek at the future (and the past)

So, in conclusion (not to sound too formal), 2025 has been a very busy year, filled with highs and lows, and most of all, invaluable lessons as this crazy journey continues.

Off the page, it’s been an incredible year too. In October (a day before One Step Closer came out, actually), my wife and I welcomed our second child, a beautiful baby girl – and with all of the incredible joy that brings, I do also have someone else to dedicate my books to, including my next one!

In June 2026, I will release a book which I’ve been holding close to me for quite some time. Again, I’m quite nervous to release it into the world as it’s another genre shift for me, but not one I haven’t ventured into before.

The Girl Who Lives By The Sea is the coastal, small-town romance novel I’ve always wanted to write. Despite being a northerner, one of my favourite places in the UK is Cornwall. So, it didn’t take long for me to decide that I wanted to write a love story set there.

I can’t wait for you to meet Mia and Luke, and discover their story. It will be available in June, in all formats, including an audiobook, which I’m delighted to announce will once again be narrated by Katy and Geraint.

And of course, this book is for my incredible daughter. I hope one day, she’ll grow up and read it, and realise that her dad can be a right soppy old git.

Romance and love stories aside, I can’t deny that I always feel right at home when writing crime. I’ve got a new mystery cooking at the moment. Whilst I can’t guarantee that it will be out in 2026, that’s very much the aim. At this moment, there isn’t much I can say about it, only that I’ve never written a mystery quite like it – and it might just include my most shocking twist yet!

Alongside all of this, I’m also working on what will be (the real) book two in the Nineteen Minutes to Midnight series. The Shadow Awakening will be the next instalment in the adventure, and the first draft is in full flow. Again, there’s not much I can say right now – this one is almost certain to be a 2027 release at the earliest – but what I will say is this world has blown right up, and the stakes have never been higher!

So, as I close the door on 2025, and look forward to what promises to be a massive 2026, I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank my readers, as I do every year, and will continue to do for years to come. After all, there’s no excitement in storytelling if there’s no one to tell the story to! So, as always, a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in my writing journey. To my beta readers, my publisher, my editor, and my readers, a huge thank you! You’ve all helped shaped what has been without a doubt my biggest year in writing so far!

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and an incredible New Year.

See you on the other side.

Alex.

The audiobook will be narrated by the incredibly talented Katy Brixey, who is busy breathing life into Piper, Jack, Martha, and Jonathan, as well as every unexpected turn in the story. Her voice really nails the heart of the book: the suspense, the tension, the dark secrets… I can’t wait to share can’t wait for you to hear the full version when it’s released.

The audiobook will be coming to Audible, Amazon and the iOS Books App very soon!

But until then, here’s a sneak preview:

When I first released the book, I had no idea how readers would respond. I just wanted to tell a story that kept people guessing. A tense, emotional thriller about guilt, secrets, and the fine line between right and wrong. To see it now sitting at the top of the charts feels completely surreal.

I’ve been blown away by the messages, reviews, and support over the past few days. Every download, every share, every bit of feedback means the world. It’s not just my book that’s reached this milestone. It’s ours.

If you haven’t read One Step Closer yet, it’s still free to download for a limited time. So if you love twisty psychological suspense, now’s the perfect chance to dive in:

Click Here to get your copy!

Thank you again to everyone who’s made this possible. This little book has taken a huge step forward, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Alex

This milestone means the world to me. Nineteen Minutes To Midnight has been a passion project from the start, an idea which popped into my head one day, and wouldn’t leave me alone. To see it being downloaded by so many readers is both humbling and incredibly rewarding!

To everyone who’s read it, reviewed it, shared it with a friend, thank you. I couldn’t have done this without your support.

If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, now’s a great time to dive in – it’s currently FREE!

It’s Here! My New Novel Nineteen Minutes to Midnight Is Out Today!

Today marks the official release of Nineteen Minutes to Midnight – a story I’ve poured heart, soul, and many sleepless nights into. This book is unlike anything I’ve written before. It blends mystery, time travel, supernatural suspense, and a touch of historical intrigue into a twist-filled ride I can’t wait for you to experience.

Set in the quiet village of Mooreview, the story begins when high schooler Jerome Adewale moves into a crumbling Georgian house on the edge of town. But this house holds secrets – including an attic-bound grandfather clock that mysteriously appears each night at nineteen minutes to midnight. When the clock strikes, it doesn’t just tell time…it transports Jerome to the 1800s.

There, he meets Arabella Wentworth, a brilliant poet from a bygone era – a woman both haunted and hunted by a terrifying entity known only as The Shadow Man. With his sharp-witted new friends Samantha and Olly, Jerome must face dangers that transcend centuries. Together, they unearth buried secrets, challenge fate itself, and learn that the past is never as still as it seems.

Expect eerie encounters, twisting timelines, and moments that will make your heart race and your mind reel.

Click here to find out more

Thank you to everyone who continues to read, share, and support my stories. You make this journey worth it!

What’s It About?

When high schooler Jerome Adewale moves into a centuries-old house on the edge of a quiet village, he’s certain life as he knows it is over. That is, until he stumbles upon something impossible—a grandfather clock that appears in the attic each night at exactly nineteen minutes to midnight.

This isn’t just any old clock. It’s a portal to the past, and through it, Jerome meets Arabella Wentworth, a poet from the 1800s trapped in a world of mystery and fear. Arabella is haunted—both figuratively and literally—by a terrifying entity known as The Shadow Man.

With his new friends, Samantha and Olly, Jerome embarks on a thrilling adventure through time, uncovering dark secrets, dodging unseen dangers, and discovering that the past isn’t as fixed as it seems. But some forces don’t take kindly to meddling with history, and if Jerome isn’t careful, he might just shatter time itself.

Why This Book is My Biggest Yet

I’ve always loved a good mystery, but Nineteen Minutes to Midnight takes things to a whole new level. This book is packed with eerie folklore, a deep and twisting time-travel plot, and characters who stole my heart as I wrote them (including one particularly terrifying villain). It’s a story about friendship, courage, and what happens when the past and future collide in ways no one could predict.

When Can You Get Your Hands on It?

The countdown has begun! I’ll be announcing the official release date very soon, so watch this space. In the meantime, keep an eye out for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes details, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.

If you love stories filled with mystery, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural, Nineteen Minutes to Midnight is for you. I can’t wait for you all to read it.

Are you ready to step through the clock?

With its three (wow) year anniversary just around the corner (March, 3rd) and Valentine’s day on the horizon, I am delighted to announce a new edition of After all these years, is now available.

This is the most unique book in my collection—and is still one of my favourites!

A totally addictive, laugh-out-loud, will-they-won’t-they YA romance that’s perfect for cosy evenings and hopeless romantics. Packed with quirky characters, heartwarming moments, and all the feels, this is one story you won’t want to put down.

Soulmates… are they always destined to be together?

Aaron and Kayla have been inseparable since they were kids. For Aaron, Kayla has been his world—and the love of his life—since he was eight years old. For Kayla, it’s complicated. She adores Aaron, but juggling high school drama, her social life, and a boyfriend like Brett Thompson—the most popular guy in Springtane—doesn’t leave much room for her nerdy best friend.

Despite the distance that popularity, parties, and peer pressure create, Aaron remains Kayla’s rock, the one person she can always count on. But when college comes knocking, everything changes. With Aaron heading to Houston and Kayla staying in California, the miles between them feel impossible to bridge.

Will Aaron and Kayla’s bond survive the growing distance between them? Or will life’s twists and turns pull these soulmates apart for good?

You can order a copy of this new edition by clicking here!

Signing with Next Chapter Publishing

One of the most significant moments of the year came in February, when I signed my first publishing agreement with Next Chapter Publishing. It was a dream come true and a huge milestone in my journey as an author. Even better, this wasn’t just a one-book deal—Next Chapter Publishing will be releasing my next three novels, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in my career.

The Release of Forbidden Shores

By October, the first of these novels, Forbidden Shores, was published. This explosive psychological thriller, my fifth novel in total, is, in my opinion, some of my best storytelling yet. Writing Forbidden Shores was an incredibly rewarding experience, and seeing it in the hands of readers has been nothing short of exhilarating. Your response to the book has been amazing, and it’s been a privilege to share this story with you.

North Paradise Reaches a Milestone

Another highlight of 2024 was seeing my crime thriller North Paradise surpass a remarkable milestone: 500 Amazon reviews. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5, the response to North Paradise has been both humbling and inspiring. Knowing this story has resonated with so many of you reminds me why I love writing and storytelling so much.

A Record-Breaking Writing Year

This year, I’ve written more than ever before—three novels in a single calendar year. That’s a personal record and something I’m incredibly proud of. Each book represents countless hours of hard work, passion, and dedication. It’s been a whirlwind, but the creative energy has been thrilling and deeply fulfilling.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I look ahead to the new year, I’m filled with excitement for what’s to come. Novel number six—my most ambitious story yet—is just around the corner. I can’t wait to share it with you and to continue exploring new characters, worlds, and narratives that challenge and inspire me.

Thank You

To my readers: thank you. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and enthusiasm mean the world to me. Every review, message, and recommendation you’ve shared has played a huge part in making this year so special.

Here’s to 2025 and all the stories we’ll experience together. I can’t wait to take the next step of this journey with you.

Alex

While I’m keeping most of the details under wraps for now, I can tell you this: it’s my most ambitious project yet – a journey years in the making, both past and present! Featuring some of my favourite characters, this story is an epic adventure like no other. Where – or when – it takes place? That’s a secret for now.

But trust me, I can’t wait for you to experience it!

Check back later for more updates, and enjoy this little sneak peek…

He looked back over his shoulder, up at the window in the attic roof. The sky was pitch black outside, but when he peered back through the opening of the old grandfather clock, he saw radiant sunlight, as if summer was still in full bloom…

Stay tuned…the adventure begins in 2025!