A Secret Conclave. A Locked Room. No Escape.
I am delighted to announce the official launch of my latest novel, By Order of the Shaman, taking place on Saturday, 18th July 2026 at The Bookshop in East Grinstead.
This special launch day will celebrate the release of a psychological thriller unlike any other—a story of mystery, spiritual intrigue, psychological tension, and the unsettling question of how far people will go in pursuit of enlightenment.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the author, have books personally signed, and enjoy selected readings from the novel throughout the afternoon.
But the day will offer something even more extraordinary.
Special Guest Appearance: Neb, Psychological Magician
Joining us for this unique event will be Neb, one of London’s most respected psychological magicians and mind readers.
With more than twenty years of professional experience, Neb has performed at over 2,000 events worldwide and has entertained audiences ranging from major international companies to household-name celebrities.
His career includes performances for organisations such as Google, Apple, Warner Bros. and JP Morgan, as well as appearances before Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Ben Kingsley, Jamie Oliver, Joanna Lumley and many others.
Neb is also known as the star of the BBC’s Science of Memory, has advised award-winning television magicians and is the creator of the acclaimed Musical Mindreader stage show.
A member of the prestigious Magic Circle, Neb specialises in psychological illusion, influence, mind reading and misdirection, creating experiences that regularly leave audiences astonished.
While the day is primarily a celebration of By Order of the Shaman, Neb’s 3-hour appearance will add an unforgettable atmosphere of mystery and psychological wonder perfectly suited to the themes of the novel.
About the Novel
What begins as an invitation to an exclusive spiritual gathering quickly descends into something far darker.
When nineteen-year-old Warrick enters a secluded Edwardian mansion, he finds himself trapped inside a secretive conclave led by a charismatic and enigmatic shaman. Surrounded by devoted followers, escalating tensions and unsettling rituals, he is forced to question everything he believes about power, spirituality, truth and human nature.
As the night unfolds, the boundaries between enlightenment and manipulation begin to blur. With no obvious escape and emotions running dangerously high, Warrick must decide whether to submit to the group’s influence or risk everything to break free.
Drawing inspiration from extraordinary real-life experiences, By Order of the Shaman is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that explores belief systems, personal responsibility, group dynamics and the timeless search for meaning.
A day of Psychological Mystery
The pairing of a psychological thriller author and a psychological magician creates an unusual and fitting backdrop for the launch.
The novel explores influence, persuasion, charisma and belief.
Neb’s performances explore many of those same themes through the lens of psychological magic and mind-reading.
Together, they promise a day filled with intrigue, conversation, imagination and the unexpected.
Event Details
Book Launch: By Order of the Shaman
Date: Saturday 18th July 2026, 11am – 5pm
Venue: The Bookshop: 01342 322 669
Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
Author: Stephen J Willis
Special Guest: Neb – Psychological Magician and Mind Reader
What to Expect
- Signed copies of By Order of the Shaman
- Meet-and-greet with author Stephen J Willis
- Exclusive readings and discussion
- Special appearance by Neb
- A day of psychological intrigue, mystery and conversation
- The opportunity to be among the first readers to enter the world of the Shaman
A First Glimpse
“Listen and listen well,’ he continued, ‘for you are all on the brink of greatness. But take heed: woe betide the man that douses his own fire of life, as it is he who thereby extinguishes his own dreams, desires and aspirations. And it is also he, and he alone, that must carry that burden until such time as he is willing to look back at his own neglect of responsibility for it.”
Warrick shifted in his seated position.
The shaman exuded a knowing presence that seemed to emanate from every pore. Each word was delivered with precision, and each was voiced with definite purpose.”
Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, spiritual mysteries, Gothic fiction, or simply enjoy stories that leave you questioning reality long after the final page, this promises to be a memorable evening.
Reviews
* I loved the plot of this book. I have been fascinated by spirituality and the psychic realms since my early teens. — Very satisfying and educational too. JL Chapman
* An adventurous and thought-provoking book that made me look at my own life and the people I surround myself with. – LC
* An excellent, captivating read with lots of twists and turns. I like the surprise ending, which leads one to question: what comes next? – MC
* The story drew me in fast. I loved the plot of this book. All in all, a fascinating read! – Anonymous Reader
* A genuinely fascinating and very intriguing story, extremely clever, with all the associated symbology, ambigrams and mysticism. – CW
I look forward to welcoming readers, friends and fellow lovers of unusual stories to East Grinstead on 18th July 2026.
The conclave awaits…
