'The Long Weekend' is set in Hunstanton where walks along the beach on cold winter days helped Jane E James gather her thoughts for her first book.

The novel follows the journey of a mother who is longing to be reunited with her estranged daughters, an experience the author says she can relate to herself.

'Ms James weaves Gothic and supernatural elements through her novel to create a truly chilling read that should appeal particularly to fans of dark, creepy mystery novels,' says its description.

Ms James, who was signing copies of her novel at The Princess Theatre, said: 'The grey and wintry days along Hunstanton beach really helped me develop the book, especially its main character.

'I remember looking up and being intrigued by the Old Lighthouse; I really wanted the novel to be based around that. But I never properly visited the building until after I'd written the book because I wanted my imagination to run wild with its mysteriousness.

'The feedback so far has been very positive. Many readers are enjoying the twist at the end.'

A percentage sold at the book signing went towards Save The Children and raised £80. She will return to West Norfolk on 20 February for book signing events in Gaywood, near King's Lynn, and Downham Market.

The Long Weekend is now available in all good bookshops and on Amazon.

- Do you have a West Norfolk story? Email louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk