Tempus Fugit

'Dark Runs the River'
Lance Hattatt's debut novel

Time and tide, or so the old adage would have it, waits for no man. With that in mind we can scarcely believe it is now some four years - something of an admission - since our last post, 'Heracles' in the Drawing Room. But we have not been idle. In fact, far from it. ‘Dark Runs the River’ is the result of an idea which began as nothing more than that, an idea, one which, slowly, over time gradually took shape, going first in one direction, then in another, until finally it came together into something which, after considerable revision,  could possibly be called a manuscript. And so, a novel was born. Intrigued? Click on the link Dark Runs the River for the publisher’s preview. 

Unpacking advanced copies - excitement - prior to publication day 15th. August, 2025

Since publication, 15th. August, 2025, it has been something of a whirlwind with both a book signing, here in Budapest, and a ‘Literary Luncheon’ held in the small Devonshire coastal town (although we tend to think of it as a village) of Budleigh Salterton.

Signing copies of ‘Dark Runs the River’ at Bestsellers, Budapest

Bestsellers, the leading English language Bookshop in Budapest, took the brave decision to order what seemed like an alarmingly large quantity of books for the occasion and which, seeing them stacked on the table, did cause the two of us to feel somewhat apprehensive. In the event, it proved to be a complete sell out with several people having to be content to wait for further supplies to be reordered. With Hungarian champagne flowing, and delicious canapés to enjoy, and friends from near and far (including two who flew in especially from Stockholm) it turned into the most joyful of evenings.

In readiness for the ‘Literary Luncheon’, Milena’s Café. Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire 

Milena, of Milena’s Café, is known throughout Devonshire and beyond for the ways in which she combines the traditional with the innovative, using locally sourced ingredients, to produce dishes which not only look appealing to the eye but taste delicious. She did not disappoint and the lunchtime sped by with a great deal of mirth, merriment and, not least, the meeting up of friends old and new. Such fun!

Some of the first reviews (abridged) which appeared shortly after publication 

And now, two months on, it is particularly touching, and gratifying, to read the reviews placed on the websites of Waterstones and Amazon in praise of ‘Dark Runs the River’. For those who may be interested, ‘Dark Runs the River’ may be ordered from Amazon, Austin Macauley (the publishers), Bestsellers (Budapest), Foyles, T.G. Jones, Waterstones and leading booksellers worldwide.

Your thoughts are, as always, greatly appreciated. And do look out for our next post!