G.P.(Graham) Taylor has always been fascinated by the world of religion. In his first book Shadowmancer he explores the varied themes in a dark, magical thriller that is atmospherically set in Yorkshire, drawing on influences from history and local folklore.

He has worked in many professions. As a teenager he headed for London and after a frantic few years of exploration and promotion in the record industry he returned to Yorkshire to join the police force. During his time as a policeman he was ordained as a priest until, six years ago, he became a vicar full time in the parish of Whitby, where he lives with his wife and three children.

Influences have been varied throughout his life but it is perhaps his present role that inspired his first novel the most. He believed that ‘the problem with the villains in children's books is that they aren't scary enough’ so he created his own scary alternative, Obadiah Demurral.

The chart-topping, best-selling, Shadowmancer will be released as a special edition hardback in October 2003. It contains a previously unpublished chapter and lots of intriguing information regarding the inspiration for the book and the setting.

G.P.Taylor’s second novel, Wormwood, is an historical thriller set in London in the eighteenth century. It is to be published by Faber and Faber in June 2004.

Profile supplied by Faber & Faber. Last updated December 2003.