A Rutland-based author has launched his debut novel, and will be hosting an event to mark the achievement next month..

In August, Robert Tregay will be launching his debut novel, INVASION, at an event in a popular local garden centre.

The novel is a mix of espionage and adventure, and follows Thomas Galtung, a British student who has been branded a foreign spy. As his story unfolds, Thomas finds himself caught in the crosshairs of dangerous rivals as the threat of a Nazi occupation engulfs Norway.  

Although he is based in Rutland, Robert's novel has been inspired by many trips to Norway with his wife, Karin, who grew up on a farm in Nord Trønderlag.

Robert's inspiration came from his time in Norway, where he and his wife spent summers "walking from cabin to cabin in the Norwegian mountains and visiting the country as often as possible".

Robert was inspired by the scenery and culture, as well as his interest in history, to write his debut novel - although this inspiration came much later in life for the debut novelist.

Robert said: "Some people know by their teens they will become novelists. For me, the drive to tell stories and reveal something about human life and history took a few more years to mature."

INVASION will be released in August 2023 in Rutland/Leicestershire. Image credit: Robert Tregay.

Although he now lives in Rutland, Robert was born in Cornwall.

He explained: "I graduated with a first-class (honours) degree in Geography and am an honorary professor at Aberystwyth University. After gaining academic and professional qualifications in Landscape Architecture, I spent most of my career as a Senior Partner of LDA Design, where I worked on protected and historic landscapes, climate change and new settlement design."

It was only once he stepped away from the company that he had the time, opportunity and inspiration to focus on his passions, including history, the landscape and writing.

He added: "The result is INVASION, and I hope you enjoy it."

Published by The Tregay Press, Robert's own publishing company, INVASION will make you question what is real and what is fiction, inspired by actual historical events and Robert's fascination with human experiences and narratives.

The story is set in a dark winter in 1940, and weaves together the history of the German invasion of Norway with a captivating fictional tale of love and belonging. The heart of the novel lies in the mysterious disappearance of Marta, a girl who vanished years ago from an isolated farm high in the forests.

As Thomas tries to solve the haunting mystery, he grapples with the question of who can be trusted and who conceals dangerous motives. The novel's compelling characters, evocative settings, and relentless build-up of suspense make it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and thrillers alike.

Join a local author as he launches his debut novel at Gates Gardne Centre. Image credit: Robert Tregay.

Join Robert for his debut book launch, where he will share the inspirations and research behind INVASION.  The launch will take place from 10:30am until 12pm on Saturday 19 August at Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton, LE15 7QB.

Robert is inviting the public to join him for a short reading, author talk and a glass of celebratory fizz.

He will then be signing books from 1:30 pm in the Books area near the Garden Centre information desk.

Alternatively, join Robert on Sunday 20 August for a 'meet the author day', where he will be signing books in the Books area near the Garden Centre information desk from 10:30am until 4pm. 

Robert commented: "Please come to my book launch on the 19 August. It will be informal, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have on the novel or the true historical events it's based on."

Prepare to be transported to the frosty darkness of Norway's coldest winter for a hundred years in this gripping tale of love, intrigue, and survival, where the haunting shadows of war conceal sinister secrets that could cost Thomas Galtung his life.

INVASION will be available for purchase in Walkers bookstores in Stamford and Oakham, and other bookshops soon. Or it can be ordered online through Amazon, Waterstones, or Bookshop NOW.

For more information about Robert Tregay and his debut novel, click here.

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