Torquay author’s paranormal novel climbs Amazon charts

A Torquay author is celebrating early success following the release of his new paranormal mystery novel.

Michael Christopher, a retired company director now living in the bay, has published Disturbing Time, a story blending history, mystery and the supernatural, which is already gaining traction with readers online.

According to available figures, the book recently reached number 14 in the Amazon Top 100 for the paranormal activity sub-genre and is currently sitting at number 35, marking a strong debut for the local writer.

The novel follows Arthur Campion, a young man in 1960s Nottingham who becomes drawn into the world of clairvoyance, séances and past-life regression. As the story unfolds, Arthur and his companions investigate the lives of four people from the 1890s, uncovering hidden histories while he begins to discover his own psychic abilities, with unsettling consequences.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Michael said his passion for traditional storytelling and his own Victorian heritage played a key role in shaping the narrative.

He added that a personal childhood experience also influenced the story, describing a moment where he felt a connection to “another life”,  something that later became the opening idea for the novel.

The book features a dual timeline, moving between the 1960s and the Victorian era, and includes a novella within the main story to explore the historical lives being investigated.

Michael hopes the novel will appeal to readers who enjoy stories where reality is questioned and mysteries slowly unravel, particularly those with an interest in history and the paranormal.

He also believes Torbay’s long-standing fascination with unexplained phenomena makes it an ideal place to share his work.

“Torbay has a vibrant history of paranormal events, subjects that rarely fail to attract attention,” he said.

While Disturbing Time, published by Blossom Spring Publishing, has already featured in Riviera magazine, Michael is now keen to build a stronger local readership.

The novel is available now in paperback and ebook formats.