The Dark Months released, a thriller set in Northumberland

Called The Dark Months, the novel, set over winter, centres on local woman, Pauline from Allendale, who unknowingly steps into a deadly shadow world after aiding a strange military fugitive hiding in her local church.

Written by Steve Chambers, the book follows Pauline and the stranger, a former soldier, who is targeted by a mysterious poisons lab for escaping with knowledge of their untraceable new poison.

Pauline's altruistic act results in a brutal spiral into a world filled with secretive agents and dangerous truths, where death is looming.

The Dark Months is set in the Northumberland countryside (Image: Zymurgy Publishing)

Centring on the stark winter wilderness of the Northumbrian hills, including Hexham, 'The Dark Months' captures the essence of English towns all while providing a thrilling narrative.

The novel embodies the author's skill for fast-moving, corrosive storytelling and encapsulates the protagonist's relentless quest for survival in a dangerous world.

Nottingham-native Mr Chambers, an award-winning dramatist, equally adept at infusing his narratives with gripping tension and unveiling surprises at adept junctures.

With a successful background in popular TV shows such as ‘Casualty’ and ‘Byker Grove’, Chambers has a wealth of experience of writing for suspense and also had first novel 'GLADIO - We Can neither Confirm Nor Deny' published by Zymurgy Publishing.

The Dark Months is available for £9.99 through Zymurgy Publishing.