Skin Deep by Michael Crannoc
Skin Deep is a dark noir mystery thriller layered with elements of supernatural horror. At its core, the story follows two compelling protagonists – Billie and Seb – each driven by urgent, personal missions. As their paths cross, trust doesn’t come easily. But as their individual quests intensify, they must learn to rely on each other, forging an uneasy alliance that gradually deepens into genuine connection. The novel weaves together multiple narrative threads, introducing a diverse cast of characters whose lives intersect with Billie and Seb’s. Among them is a shadowy cabal of ultra-wealthy elites – morally bankrupt and dangerously powerful – who will do anything to protect a secret operation that thrives in the dark.
Supernatural horror elements permeate the story, creeping in slowly and heightening the tension. The unexplained grows more sinister as the mystery unfolds, wrapping the reader in an escalating sense of dread and foreboding. Skin Deep blends gritty noir, psychological suspense and eerie supernatural horror into a taut, atmospheric tale of trust, corruption and survival.
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SEB AND BILLIE, TWO LONERS THRUST TOGETHER BY FATE, AND DRAGGED HEADLONG INTO A GATHERING MAELSTROM…
When FBI agent Jaz Freeman seeks out Seb Straeker, offering the chance to spy on the clandestine cabal behind the Cliff House, Seb can’t resist the opportunity to exact revenge.
Aboard the Estrella de Mar, a prestigious cruise liner, intel reveals he has just seven days to plant surveillance devices before the cabal’s secret rendezvous. The plan requires Seb to go undercover as a bodyguard to the world-famous diva Janie Reichenbach, the cruise’s headline act.
Enter Billie Dakota… a strangely irresistible private eye, hired to investigate death threats to the diva. Billie seems to know that Seb’s not what he says he is. She suspects he’s a liar, maybe even a thief – but definitely not a bodyguard.
With a corrupt cabal of wealthy elites, hungry to live forever and willing to do anything to keep their secrets, Seb and Billie will discover that they don’t have to look very far to find that true evil is only…
SKIN DEEP
about the author
Originally from Brisbane, the River City of South East Queensland, Michael Crannoc is an emerging author making his mark on the Australian literary scene. With a distinctive style that merges classic thriller elements with mystery and a dash of horror, his writing captivates and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
His debut novel, The Cliff House, is a dark mystery-thriller that quickly demanded a sequel, leading to the fast-paced follow-up Skin Deep.
When not writing, Michael is often accompanied by his partner, their two scruffy dogs—Maggie and Pippin—and a carefully curated 80s playlist. His stories are inspired by weekend adventures into the countryside, where he explores winding trails, historic towns tucked away in rugged landscapes, and crosses paths with fascinating people, all of which fuel his creative process.
Acknowledgement of Country
Coven Press pays deep respects to the traditional custodians and original storytellers of the lands on which we live and work, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people of the Kulin nation, and recognise their continuing connection to the lands, waterways and skies. We acknowledge the Aboriginal history of storytelling and respect the privilege to contribute to this ongoing tradition.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.