"Nature holds our soul, and Torch Lake holds mine"

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - March 17, 2025 - PRLog -- Wicked Run Press is pleased to announce the release of the novel, To Those Willing to Drown, written by Michigan author Mark Matthews. The novel takes place in and around Torch Lake, and dives deep into Northern Michigan lore. The title gets its name from the phrase: 'the lake speaks most honestly to those willing to drown.'

The author is a Shirley Jackson Award Finalist and member of the Horror Writers Association. To Those Willing To Drown brings Torch Lake to life in all its beauty, power, and mysticism.

"Though this novel is certainly a dark piece of fiction, it is also a love letter to the area," explains Matthews. "Torch Lake holds 30 years of my life in its waters. Nature holds our soul," he adds, "and Torch Lake holds mine."

With elements of folk horror and mythology, the novel uses the history behind how Torch Lake got its name—Native Americans holding torches to the water's surface to attract fish—as part of its supernatural premise. Matthews' research led to a discussion with staff of the local YMCA camp, Camp Hayo-Went-Ha, where he learned about the stories they tell around the campfire at night. The novel features local establishments such as Dockside and Butch's, as well as the city of Bellaire and Alden. It references the Mishipeshu, a mythical creature legend has it lives in Northern Michigan lakes. It even traces history of the civil war soldiers and surgeons who migrated to the beautiful lands of Northern Michigan seeking sanctuary—but a new battle awaited.

The stunning cover art is from British Fantasy Award Winning Artist, Ben Baldwin.

The novel has received tremendous advance praise. The Midwest Book Review states: "Matthews creates a powerful, thought-provoking, multifaceted story that proves nearly impossible to put down. Depth is not just emotional, here, because Matthews has his protagonist literally delve into a lake of revelation that runs far deeper than can be anticipated." Writer Clay McLeod Chapman calls it a "beautiful, seismic novel," and Bram Stoker Award winning author Christa Carmen calls it, "deep, disturbing, and beautifully rendered."

Thunderstorm Press is expected to publish a signed, limited edition hardcover of the novel this fall. Contact your local bookstore to request a copy. The paperback is currently available on all major outlets, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.

For more information check out: https://linktr.ee/MarkMatthews
Or Contact WickedRunPress@gmail