Louise Shelley, (1962, E) (real name Andrea) was born and lived in the Rhondda before moving to Cardiff in 1985. Impressed by Alan Garner and his ability to combine history, myth and landscape, she decided to write her first novel. Whilst researching she came across the Tyntyla tragedy of 1862, whereby the body of a young female was found with her head practically severed from her body, and the verdict was suicide. In her fictional account, the ghost of the victim contacts a woman of the same age in the present day, who becomes embroiled in solving the case. It is a multi-faceted novel, which combines romance, landscape and the supernatural and even has a feminist element. Donations from the profits will go to Rhondda Animal Aid and Valley Kids. January 2022 sees the launch of her second novel, ‘When The Cages Bird Flies’.
Book
- Wine from the Emerald Tree (2018) Rowanvale Books
- When The Caged Bird Flies (2022) Clink Street Publishing