BOOK LAUNCH

Cambuslang author Gavin Bell is preparing to launch the third novel in his hugely successful Carter Blake Series.

Gavin, who writes under the pen name Mason Cross, will launch ‘The Time to Kill’ with a special event in the Waterstones store on Argyle Street tonight, Wednesday.

The book will officially be available to buy from tomorrow, Thursday.

Former West Coats pupil Gavin has already won praise from the likes of Lee Childs, author of the Jack Reacher series, and former President Bill Clinton for his work.

His debut novel, ‘ The Killing Season’ drew widespread praise while follow up, ‘The Samaritan’ was equally well received.

Despite his success, Gavin, 37, admits he is still getting used to life as an established writer.

He said: “I do still feel like a new author and I am always a bit nervous at promotion events.

“It’s hard when something is about to come out, but so far the advance reviews and response has been really good.

“I’ve said this before but sometimes it feels like I have won a competition. Yesterday I was getting my photo taken around Glasgow and it was quite bizarre. People were wondering who I was.

“It’s weird but it’s all part and parcel of getting seen by people and promoting the book.”

His past two books have seen the hero, manhunter Carter Blake, track down a series of unpleasant characters.

But this time Gavin wanted to make the hunter the hunted: “In this one, Carter Blake is on the run.

“The people he used to work for have decided they want rid of him.

“It was different from writing the first two but I’ve always loved books and movies