Greg Howes is a genealogist, writer and historical researcher based in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales, UK. Greg has lived in Wales for the last twenty eight years, though originates from Thame in Oxfordshire, England, UK.
Greg’s work as a researcher has seen him present (and research for) family history programmes on television for both the BBC and ITV channels. He has taught family history (and horticulture, in his younger days) and featured on national and local radio stations answering questions and giving advice on family history and the historical landscape.
He has written many articles for various magazines on subjects as diverse as local history, dating and archiving old photographs, and the history of woodland and ancient trees in the landscape.
Greg's first novel “The Man Behind the Glass" is based around a character called Septimus Blackwood, a Victorian photographer with a difference. The story is set in London’s East end in the year 1860. It is predominantly a mystery adventure story, based on uncovering the hidden secrets of life and death and a quest for a missing legacy buried deep amongst the forgotten rivers and cellars beneath old London. It is also a race against time, Septimus not only finds himself competing against the tide, he is also at odds with the twin evils of Joseph Bazalgette’s new sewage system and the formation of what was to become known as London’s underground train network.
It takes the reader on a supernatural journey of intrigue, horror and unexpected fantastical explorations. Mid Victorian London, was a place and time unlike any other; it was a time of expansion, vision, exploration and experiment. It was also a time of great contrasts, in wealth, health and opportunities. This intriguing voyage of discovery combined with the highly satirical characters found therein takes you to the edge of your seat and beyond...
The idea for the novel was conceived in part when the author’s mother Jennie Howes asked members of the family to write a short ghostly/supernatural tale for Christmas Eve 2007, little did she, or indeed the author know what kind of a monster idea it would turn out to be. As a family history researcher Greg spent much of his time trawling through the 19th century so a book seemed a fitting companion to the research. Another source of inspiration came way back in 1968 when he was taken to see the newly released film Oliver Twist the musical at the tender age of four in London. Greg’s grandparents both lived in the centre of London at that time and he expected to see Fagin or the artful dodger around every corner, it remains today one of his favourite films.
Greg's second novel "The Movement of Light" is a sequel to "The Man Behind the Glass," and sees Septimus Blackwood rise out of the ashes of his own ambitions. Photographer Septimus Blackwood is on a quest to rebuild and rise out of the ashes of his own ambitions. Along the way he encounters many unforeseen obstacles. These obstacles include the mysterious inhabitants of a long abandoned theatre, a nefarious foe and an elusive nocturnal gang. Also there are unseen forces at large here; those that hide under, slate, silk and stone. An old map is unearthed, its woven threads tell of a lost island and forbidden fruit.
As the luminescence of gas lamps stretches across a dark city, a power struggle ensues. Who will be the bringer of light to Victorian London? Amongst the mayhem is Rick Best, a reporter turned detective with an obsession to track down one of London’s most notorious villains. Spring Heeled Jack has eluded justice for decades. Is his time now up? Will Septimus sacrifice everything in pursuit of his goal?
Greg's other offering of late is a short, illustrated Gothic Romantic tale called,"The Maidenswell Folly."This is a story of a young woman’s search for identity. Haunted by childhood dreams and dissatisfied by her present situation Constance sets herself a quest to solve the mystery of her family’s origin. The journey takes her from her pastoral Oxfordshire home to an old Mansion House and a beguiling pleasure Garden deep within the primitive heart of West Wales.
Once there she finds herself in the thrall of an enigma. Was her ancestral home re-awakening long forgotten or hidden childhood memories from yesteryear, or was the estate itself calling her back further still into the deeper darker waters of its own ancient history?
Some of Greg's highly emotive poetry has featured in "The Yellow Booke," published by "Oldstyle Tales Press." These compendiums feature original horror stories (some written in the vein of classic supernaturalists such as M. R. James, J. S. Le Fanu, H. P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, and William Hope Hodgson, whilst others are written to push, test, and redefine the boundaries of the postmodern horror tale). "The Yellow Booke" is an original publication from Oldstyle Tales Press, whose annotated and illustrated critical editions of classic horror have piqued international interest from fans and scholars alike. "The Yellow Booke" contributes to Oldstyle Tales' mission of invigorating interest in the classical past of the horror genre, while inspiring and encouraging those who would participate directly in its future. In these pages you will find mystery, weird fiction, body horror, science fictions, ghost stories, dark fantasies, and other strange tales written by living authors.
His other pastimes include exploring castles at night, walking in wild places, lepidoptery and immersing himself in the sea. His favourite authors include - Arthur Conan Doyle, Arthur Machen, Peter Ackroyd, David Gemell, Jack London, Charles Dickens, Bernard Cornwall, Algernon Blackwood, Henry Mayhew, Mary Stewart, Jack Vance, Robin Hobb, Oliver Rackham, Marion Zimmer Bradley, H.P Lovecraft, Bram Stoker, Sheridan Le Fanu and Conn Iggulden.
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