COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus-based Author Steph West is set to release her second book and debut novel Newcross in May of 2024 with special edition pre-order opening on Dec. 11, 2023 for the holiday season. Newcross is the first book in the trilogy.

Newcross sees Author Steph West journey into the science fantasy/adventure genre with protagonist Fin Baker, a tough, street-smart NYC detective who lands in 1975 thanks to a mysterious encounter with “The Man in Black.” Could it have something to do with the mother who abandoned her at birth? As she discovers dangerous truths about her past, Fin gets closer and closer to catching a killer and learning the truth about her family. 

“The novel started as a short story about wandering into the woods on a dark night and what happens?” said West. “It became so much more as I really dug in and explored the family dynamic that exists for all of us. The good, the bad, and the ugly. At its heart, Newcross is really about love. All the different kinds of love that are available to us and the lengths we go to find, keep, and sometimes—when it’s better for the other person, let go of that precious emotion.”

West said while the character drama is rooted in family and love interests, the plot is deeply inspired by science fantasy and adventure plot lines.

“If you had asked me years ago if I would ever broach the science fantasy or adventure genres, I would have said no,” said West. “I would have said I’d much more likely land in literary fiction. But, once I started writing, I found myself deeply inspired by the likes of J.K. Rowlings and Stephen King, and then from a movie perspective the likes of Steven Spielberg and David Lynch. And I wanted to give readers something that allowed them to connect deeply to the characters, but that, when it was all said and done, was just a really great, joyful, entertaining ride.”

West said she describes the book as “a family drama wrapped in an epic fantasy adventure that is akin to Indiana Jones meets Harry Potter with a splash of Twin Peaks.”

“It’s definitely got notes of those stories as a nod to their genius and inspiration for multiple generations, but it’s also got its own unique story to tell, and characters who are deeply flawed but ultimately redeemable. And isn’t that what we all want? To be loved and to be forgiven.”

Newcross is set for release May 2024 with special edition pre-orders available Dec. 11 for the holiday season.

“I’ve spent almost 10 years bringing this first book to life, from the first words I penned for the original short story, until now, with a fully fleshed-out world. And there are two more books to come to wrap the trilogy,” said West. “I just love these characters and I believe readers will absolutely fall in love with them, too.”

And just who is West’s favorite character in the series?

“I have a favorite,” West laughed. “But I’ll never tell. They’re all wildly important to the story, and I love them each for who they are and what they bring to the table.”

Subscribe to West’s email list for special updates, discounts, and offers HERE.

Do you have a novel or creative nonfiction work to publish? West is looking to sign her first author to her Red Fern Press label. Learn more HERE.