A prolific and top-selling Manx author has turned her attention to homelessness for her latest thriller novel.

Rona Halsall released her new book, ’The Guest Room’ earlier this year, with the tense and gripping tale, complete with Rona’s typically about-face plot twists, immediately generating glowing reviews and positive feedback.

The story focuses on a divorced single mother, Steph, whose comfortable, married life has fallen apart.

After a series of strange and frightening events, she takes in a homeless man who helps her around the house and fight a growing sense of loneliness, much to her estranged family’s objections.

However,strange things start happening once more and Steph realises that someone is out to scare her.

Published by Bookouture, ’The Guest Room’ is Rona’s eighth novel and she continues her knack of contriving intricate and sinister, gripping plots from the most urbane and prosaic situations.

’The Guest Room started with an idea from an article about homeless young people and how they’d come to fall on hard times,’ said Rona.

’It really struck a chord with me as I do think life is very hard for the youth of today and events out of their control can quickly lead them to being out on the streets.

’But I wanted to go further than that and shine a light on different life events that could lead to housing insecurity at any age.

’Then I wrapped my storyline round this theme, putting my poor heroine in a situation that speaks to an unease in all of us, I think. People coming into your home, your sanctuary, and making you scared to be there.’

After releasing her first novel, ’Keep You Safe’, in 2019, Rona has managed to release a remarkable number of novels, leading to sales of more than of 320,000 to date from all over the world, across three formats - paperback, e-book and audiobook.

Her books have been in the top 20 in the Kindle charts in the UK, Canada and Australia and she has a large US following.

Her second book, ’Love You Gone’, was number one in the UK Apple Bookstore, with other books reaching top 10 chart positions.

’The Guest Room is my eighth book and there is a character in here that has to be my favourite so far,’ she said.

’It comes at the end of the fourth contract with my publisher, Bookouture, and it has been a time to reflect on my publishing journey to date.

’When I first got a contract I had no idea how I was going to write a second book - the first had been challenge enough, but I was game to give it a try.

’Then, the story ideas just blossomed out of nowhere and I had loads of ideas I wanted to write.

’Fortunately my publisher has been keen to keep giving me new contracts, so I get to share them with my readers.

’I’m on a bit of a pause with the writing at the moment as my husband is undergoing chemotherapy, so all my efforts are on keeping him well and safe through this process.

’However, my publisher has offered me a three book contract when I’m ready to get started again and I have three belting storylines I can’t wait to write. ’Watch this space!’

More details on ’The Guest Room’, and further information about Rona’s back catalogue, is available at ronahalsall.com