Unveiling the Mysteries Behind the Ghost Hunter Series
Martin J. Best discusses his haunted childhood, the development of his Ghost Hunter series, and how his personal experiences and hobbies influence his authentic approach to paranormal fiction.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Torquay on the English Riviera, Martin J. Best has carved a niche for himself as a master of the paranormal. With a life story as intriguing as his novels, Martin’s journey from growing up in a haunted house to becoming a full-time author is nothing short of fascinating. His early experiences with the supernatural have not only fueled his passion for the occult but have also provided a rich tapestry of inspiration for his writing. Known affectionately as the Prince of Paranormal by fellow author Mark Carnelley, Martin’s work stands out for its authenticity and depth, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs.
Martin J. Best’s Ghost Hunter series is a testament to his storytelling prowess and deep understanding of the paranormal. His ability to weave genuine locations and historically accurate events into his narratives sets him apart in the genre. The series’ protagonist, Malachi Hunter, is a compelling character whose evolution mirrors the author’s own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Martin’s dedication to creating believable and relatable characters, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, has earned him a devoted readership. As you delve into this interview, prepare to be captivated by Martin’s insights into his creative process, his personal experiences with the supernatural, and the themes of courage and self-discovery that permeate his work.
Your fascination with the paranormal began in your childhood home, which you describe as actively haunted. How did those early experiences shape your interest in the supernatural, and how do they influence the Ghost Hunter series?
Seeing an apparition, and hearing disembodied voices, amongst other things, left me wanting to understand my experiences, which led to much research, further experiences, and a deep, abiding fascination with all things occult and supernatural. This fascination has profoundly influenced the paranormal elements of the Ghost Hunter series, and I’ve used my own experiences plus my research to make them as authentic as possible. I also use many genuine locations, and the haunting in Of Gods and Ghosts is set in my childhood home.
Malachi Hunter is a unique protagonist who evolves throughout the Ghost Hunter series. How did you develop his character, and what personal qualities or experiences did you draw on to bring Malachi to life?
Mal starts the series as a socially awkward loner, ostracised by his peers, and a puzzle to his parents, because of his obsessive interest in the supernatural. I too am something of an obsessive loner, and remember my late father voicing his concerns over my interest in the supernatural. Mal’s character really begins to flourish when others are relying on his expertise in the supernatural. At first intimidated by the responsibility, he rises to the challenge, and emerges as a poised, and natural leader. Although these qualities transfer to some extent to other aspects of his life, Mal still lacks self-confidence when dealing with those outside of his circle of family and close friends, giving his character a vulnerability many can empathise with.
In The Novice Ghost Hunter Malachi’s first investigation unleashes unexpected consequences. How do you approach building suspense and terror in your stories, especially when dealing with paranormal themes?
As in real life, my characters are often engaged in a mundane activity when they first encounter the paranormal. The subsequent terror, is caused by the unexpected manifestation of something that they don’t understand, and over which they have no control. There are often subtle clues leading up to such encounters: a door that was closed, is open; a shadow is glimpsed from the corner of the eye; an object that might be out of place. That said, in the case of the egregore in Pariahs, it was full-throttle from the outset, and my job was to find different ways for the ghost to manifest. The fact that much of the action takes place in the dark adds a dimension of suspense, as even familiar surroundings take on a sinister quality by torch light. The Celtic Gods provide the urban fantasy element of my stories, and they are terrifying in their sheer power and unpredictability.
You’ve been dubbed the Prince of the Paranormal by fellow author Mark Carnelley. What do you think sets your approach to paranormal fiction apart from other writers in the genre?
I’m grateful to Mark for that title! Where my approach differs, is I aim for the stories to be down to earth, and credible. To this end, my characters seek plausible explanations for the paranormal events they experience, I use genuine locations, and incorporate historically accurate events. As IAN Book of the Year finalist, J.G. Macleod said of Gods and Ghosts: ‘I forgot it was fiction, as the dialogue and action took over, and felt as if this could be happening in my own neighbourhood.’
When you’re not writing, you enjoy ghost hunting, walking, and listening to music. How do these hobbies feed into your creative process, and have any of your ghost-hunting experiences directly inspired scenes or events in your books?
I have two large, active dogs, so walking is compulsory; fortunately, I enjoy it, and we live close to beautiful countryside. I find that walking allows me process story ideas, and I often mentally write as I walk; the challenge being to remember what I’ve done when I get home! Some of the locations we visit are included in my work, such as St. Michael’s Chapel in Chapel Woods, which houses The Fall, gateway to the Summer Lands, in the series.
I’m a former mobile DJ, and have a wide, eclectic, taste in music. When writing, I constantly have music playing; anything from Mongolian folk-rock bands such as Nine Treasures, to the electronica of John Foxx.
Although not a ghost-hunting experience, I unexpectedly saw a ghost whilst staying with friends in their new home. After some research, I discovered that the previous owner, an elderly alcoholic lady, had died on the property, and the ghost in The Novice Ghost Hunter is loosely based on her.
The Ghost Hunter series explores the theme of confronting fear, both supernatural and personal. What message do you hope readers take away from Malachi’s journey, particularly in terms of facing the unknown and finding one’s true path?
I like to think the take away from Mal’s journey is that which is unknown, with time and scrutiny, becomes recognisable, and with patience and persistence, we all have the capability to overcome our fears, and find our way.
