A KILWINNING author’s second novel is set to hit the shelves later this month.

Eddie Phillips worked as a union representative for 20 years before moving on to become a local councillor in Barrhead.

He now writes under the pen name EJ Goldberg-Phillips and described his latest book No One Will Hear You Scream as a thriller adding that he hopes the backing of a publisher, Austin Macauley Publishers, will lead to greater success.

He said: “I’m hoping we can get people intrigued enough, if they like stories that will scare them in parts, I’m sure they will enjoy No One Will Hear You Scream.

“The first chapter is about discovering bodies down a well and about someone having to go down the well to actually examine them at close call – that’s a pretty gory start.”

Phillips and his wife moved to Kilwinning after he retired, around five years ago, and it was at this time he began to write more often.

He joked: “I am retired, but this is my retired profession.”

He also credited the Ayr Writers Club, which he attends, for developing his passion claiming it was “the best in Scotland”.

Phillips worked alongside fellow author Chris Brookmyre to create a writer’s award for local high schools and hopes his recent novel can inspire future generations now.

The writer also admitted he may have the ongoing pandemic to thank for his newfound success.

He said: “I’ve written five books, this is the second and the other books have been written thanks to lockdown.

“I have a sixth book in mind, but first things first, let’s see if we can make this book a bit of a success.”

Te added that in his time as a councillor he met a wealth of people and he hopes it comes across in his characters.

The writer said: “I’ve met prime ministers and all kinds of things in my time in politics.

“People in my book most definitely exist in real life, a character has got to inspire the imagination of the reader as much as anything else.”

Phillips’ new book No One Will Hear You Scream will be available to purchase on Amazon from October 29 as a paperback and e-book.

His first novel Achilles Heel – Your Stalker Solution is already available.