Safe Haven received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Peter Hargraves.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Safe Haven, published April 2025.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Margaret didn’t get thoroughly alarmed until the day they left.”
What’s the book about?
In a far future of reduced human presence two fairly ordinary people are forced by their circumstances to do difficult things to survive including consorting with a race of genetically engineered cougars which many humans fear.
What inspired you to write the book?
I’d always wanted to write a book about talking cats, but didn’t want to write a fantasy book, so I invented these genetically engineered ones and a world in which they could thrive. However, the two human protagonists and their struggles ended up being the main focus of the book. I also wanted to create a very vivid fictional world.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
This book is for people interested in being immersed in another world, a world both alien and charming at the same time. As well, if you like to follow the struggles of two rather “bookish” people as they end up doing things they’d rather not, then this book is for you.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The main character reminds me of so many people, both fictional and real, whose instinct is to shy away from doing heroic things, but when presented with extraordinary circumstances, they rise to the challenge successfully.
When did you first decide to become an author?
A long time ago. It took me a long time learn the craft
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No, but this is the first one I’ve thought worth publishing.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m retired, but I’ve worked as a physicist, engineer, and as a corporate writer.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best: I get to write exactly what I want. The worst: having to market my work.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling?
Probably, because it would free me from the need to market my work.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
A love of language, and the desire that my work gives pleasure to an audience, however large or small that might be, although preferably large!
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
John Fowles.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Ubik, by Philip K. Dick.