Thank you for agreeing to participate! We’d love to feature your insights in our upcoming Book of the Month discussion and give our readers a chance to connect with your story. 

Here are a few Q&A questions for The Secret Letterbox. Feel free to answer in as much or as little detail as you like. What inspired you to write The Secret Letterbox? Was it a personal experience, a historical event, or a “what if” scenario that sparked the story?

I was initially exploring themes on loyalty. A quality I particularly like and value. I wanted to tell a story that would resonate regarding family bonds and, as I say, loyalty. During my initial thought process, I contemplated how a life-changing, dramatic event might affect someone for the rest of their life. A childhood which would inspire unquestioned loyalty in the future. In this case, between siblings. So, in answer, this is a “what if” scenario. What if something tragic happened, how would that affect relationships going forward. The bond would presumably become even stronger. Though, feelings of anger, guilt and blame would naturally arise too.

1. The book explores themes of loss, family bonds, and long-buried secrets. How did you approach weaving these emotional threads into a suspenseful mystery?

I attempt to write characters that have some emotional depth and complexity with a protagonist that readers can relate too or have empathy towards. I am not saying I accomplish it but that is the goal.

If the characters are not relatable, interesting or elicit empathy, as clever and as twisting as the plot might be, readers may not go along for the ride. So, I concentrated on the set-up, the characters, and their situation before moving forward. I tried to create some plot twists which keep the reader guessing. It’s a cliché, I know, but I think of a puzzle and revealing a few pieces at a time. Some of the pieces will be irrelevant (or red herrings) and some will be pertinent. Hopefully, one or two – when later revealed – might even make the reader gasp. That’s the hope anyway.

2. Neal’s journey uncovers hidden truths and past mysteries. Did you plan the twists in advance, or did the story evolve organically as you wrote?

I drafted the plot but added a few extra twists when they seemed to improve the story which happened in this case. I am always open to changing things and deviating from the original outline.

3. Dartmoor plays a haunting role in the story. How did you choose this setting, and what role does place play in your storytelling?

I used to live quite close to Dartmoor in the southwest of England. Having walked across parts of Dartmoor in the winter (which is a little foolhardy depending upon the weather), I was inspired to set my novel –The Secret Letterbox – there.

If you are unfamiliar with the moors, the landscape is fully arresting and, in the winter quite bleak. Famous for its tors (outcrops of bedrock), bogs and its Bronze Age history. This sense of the past and that dramatic scenery really grabs hold of you. I wanted to transfer that impression of bleakness and foreboding to my novel.

In turn, to add an extra dimension to the disturbing situation Neal Havers had found himself in. This was not a happy homecoming in any sense for him. This was a return full of poignant reminders of a scarring tragedy and an interrupted childhood.

I hoped Dartmoor’s imposing setting and its frigid landscape might add an extra layer to the story, an extra character if you like. I also wanted to add the letterboxing aspect to the story as it is unique. The official letterboxes, if you are unfamiliar, are small stone caches which are secluded in hidden places across Dartmoor. To locate them takes some good orienteering skills and the ability to solve clues to find their whereabouts. Living there, I imagined the three brothers would have enjoyed a treasure hunt such as this during their childhood.

So, in a way the location is everything to this story. I think the story would have looked quite different if it had been set, say in Florida. (Where the protagonist resides).

4. Mystery novels often balance suspense with character depth. How do you create tension while keeping readers emotionally invested?

I created an emotional trauma at the beginning of the story (or at least one that is recalled and narrated) and hoped the reader would invest in the story. This includes the protagonist’s harrowing memory and the subsequent search for his missing brother.

Regarding tension, I try to ratchet up events which will hopefully create that tension. Always trying to raise the stakes and place obstacles in the path of the protagonist. You will see the first obstacle is early on, Neal is full of neurosis and has a fear of flying but he must return to England to fulfil his mission. Friendship, love, and loyalty is not always straight-forward and easy, so I wanted to show what he was prepared to go through when the occasion arose.

5. If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers of mystery and suspense, what would it be?

Look to write a story that positively interests you and genuinely excites you. If you do this, there is a good chance the reader will feel the same way about your own story. If you do get writer’s block you will always find a way forward. And if stuck, you will still enjoy the process and the rest will ultimately fall into place!

6. Are there any upcoming projects or stories you’re excited to share with your readers?

I started a blog for the first time in December 2024. I refrained from writing about my everyday activities because I thought that would be awfully boring to readers!

Instead, I decided to review old films, specifically films from Hollywood’s Golden Age of Noir; the 1940s and 1950s.

Having read hard-boiled novels too, and having enjoyed watching these wonderful films over the years, I thought it might be fun to review some of them. (I know 70 or 80 years late – but better late than never!). If you are interested: http://johnkempauthor.com/blog-film-noir-reviews/

The books and films have inspired my film noir series, featuring Sterling a London private investigator. So, the books are a sort of homage to these films.

I have no definitive writing plans, just some notes and ideas on a fifth film noir-inspired novella called, “Poison Jars” and possibly another mystery in the future. I have also recently revised an older book: Far Reaching Aspects which has some ghost story elements to it. Here’s a preview:

Set on a rugged outcrop of the bleak Cornish coast, the mysteriously haunting property called The Crow’s Nest is up for sale. Confident young Daniel Stourton is top salesman at a local estate agent and sees his career and future clearly mapped out before him … until he inserts the key to the front door of the old house. His life is about to change forever. 

This is a revised 2026 version.   

Thank you.

John