Peek-a-Boo is the debut novel from local YouTube sensation Lucy Myatt, a story which explores the power of urban myths and seemingly irrational phobia of clowns when a frightening circus comes to town.
Lucy, who also founded the popular Level Up comics and games store, in Liverpool’s Grand Central Arcade – developed an obsession with horror stories from an early age, watching scary movies with her father – a love which fuelled her passion for writing and literature.
Lucy, 28, utilises her broad knowledge of cult fiction to review graphic novels on her YouTube channel TorAthena, which boasts over 3,000 subscribers, and is excited to see her own book being published.
Uncle Frank Publications are set to release “Peek-a-Boo”, the first in a collection of titles they are set to publish, which will celebrate female writers in the horror genre.
“Peek-a-Boo” is a chilling tale examining one girl’s fear of clowns, which is perceived to be an irrational phobia – also playing on the recent ‘crazy clown’ phenomenon, which many people will relate to.
About “Peek-a-Boo”
The story of “Peek-a-Boo” centres around an evil clown and the disturbing role this character plays throughout the life of Jess, a girl-next-door heroine, whose potential is stifled by her early childhood memory of meeting the eponymous clown, when the circus visits her town.
The narrative also explores the psychological impact of not being believed when something bad happens, probing the murky depths of victim-blaming culture within the story.
One of Lucy’s best literary devices is the power of suggestion. For her: “horror is all about the unseen.”
Lucy explains: “The story revolves around a circus, which comes to town and plays on a sinister urban legend… that a ghost clown follows them across the country with murderous tendencies.
“Everyone writes this off as a myth, except for Jess, who is now 27, and she tries to convince the town it’s true, because she witnessed it first hand as a child.
“Now the circus is back in town and she knows that the clown will be back for her.”
Reversing the usual trend in publishing, the writing was in fact based on the front cover image of “Peek-a-Boo”, designed by illustrator and designer Ilan Sheady, whose illustrations are currently featured on a range of covers including, most notably, Stephen Baxter’s “Project Clio.”
Lucy extends credit to Ilan for his co-authorship in creating the the clown character, for whom she has developed a world.
“Peekaboo” launches on Friday 9th December. There will be selected events throughout Merseyside including in Lovelocks, Rococo, Atrium Cinema /tbc. The events will include a reading of “Peekaboo” with entertainment and prizes
To pre-order your copy and take advantage of the introductory price of £7.99 (RRP £9.99), Visit TorAthena.com