Merryll Manning Update

The problem is that Merryll's fourth adventure needs a considerable amount of re-writing.

Yes, it could be re-published exactly as it appeared in book stores in England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc., way back in 1986.

But I was never completely happy with that edition. When I had almost finished the book, my publisher showed the galleys to a well-known film producer who was so impressed, he not only purchased the movie rights but interested John Meillon in playing one of the characters.

Meillon was a big star. He later played the title role in "The Picture Show Man" which was a huge hit worldwide.

Anyway, John rang me to talk about his part. He was so enthusiastic that I felt I had to enlarge his role. He wasn't going to play Merryll Manning (Ray Barrett had been signed for the lead) but his temporary sidekick. 

So that's what I did. I made Manning's pal both important and indispensable.

But now I'm putting the book back into my original design. So this adventure -- unlike Merryll Manning: Trapped on Mystery Island or Merryll Manning: The Health Farm Murders or Merryll Manning: Beachfront "Holiday" -- will be virtually a 70% "new" book!