Shotley Gate author, Michael Bacon, has said he's been 'hugely buoyed' by the reaction to his new novel – and interest in books in general.

Michael, whose latest suspense thriller, 'Deceive Me', was out last month, is currently performing various book-signing appearances at local markets and events. And he says it's a joy to receive so much positive feedback not just about his own books, but about reading books in general.

"In today's social media, mobile phone-driven world, I must admit it has been really encouraging and fun to chat to people about books," he said.

"Before I wrote '38 Sleeps', my first suspense novel, I had no idea how many people still enjoyed books the way I have always done. I've been so pleasantly surprised. And I never realised so many people are also big Kindle readers and buy audible books to listen to as well.

"Certainly, the future of books – in all their forms – appears very positive."

Michael, a former sports-writer, mainly covering Ipswich Witches speedway and non-league football, has recently been book signing at craft markets at Tattingstone, Lawford and Harkstead.

He is set to be signing books at Belstead Village Hall next month, as well as giving a talk at the Ipswich and Sudbury Sporting Memories branches about his time as a sports-writer, as well as his life as an author.

Michael added: "A few weeks ago, it was World Book Day and there were so many wonderful photographs of children dressed up as book characters. It was so great to see.

"Reading or listening to books is a great way of taking yourself off into a different world – a bit of escapism. They say everyone has a book in them. That is what I always felt, so I encourage people to give it a try. Yes, it can be daunting at the beginning, but you never know what you might achieve."

So, Nub News asked Michael how his novels are being received?

"I'm hugely buoyed with the reaction to both books," he said. "Since the launch of 'Deceive Me', many people have wanted to buy '38 Sleeps' as well. And going to various events and markets where I can chat to people and sign books, is proving popular."

Both 'Deceive Me' and '38 Sleeps' are published by Boomsong Publishing and available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. Why not catch Michael at Belstead or Harkstead Markets next month. He'll be happy to sign copies of his books.

Or follow Michael on X @Mike_Bacon and Facebook @MichaelBaconAuthor.

You can drop him a line through these channels if you wish.

Meanwhile, keep an out for Nub News competition to win a signed copy of Michael Bacon's 'Deceive Me' in our Newsletter Exclusive