Success Story of Linwood Barclay: His Journey to Becoming a Top-Ranked Thriller Novelist
New Novel by Best-Selling Author Linwood Barclay Hits Shelves
Linwood Barclay's latest novel, "Whistle," is now available in hardback for £20. The renowned author, known for his gripping psychological thrillers, has once again delivered a suspenseful tale that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Barclay's career took off following the success of "No Time for Goodbye," published in 2007. The novel, which sold over a million copies in the UK alone, catapulted Barclay into the spotlight. With combined worldwide sales of his novels reaching eight million, Barclay has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the literary world.
"No Time for Goodbye" centers around the sudden disappearance of an entire family and the impact on the sole survivor. The story is a rich tapestry of themes including family secrets, loss, mystery, and the lasting effects of trauma. The plot follows the protagonist as she uncovers dark truths about her parents’ vanishing when she was a teenager, with suspense building from personal and psychological tensions combined with thriller elements.
Barclay's works often have multiple timelines, shifting points of view, and a blend of family drama and dark suspense, as can be seen in the description of "Whistle." This context supports the understanding of Barclay’s thematic focus on ordinary lives disrupted by extraordinary mysteries.
A French TV adaptation of "No Time for Goodbye" was broadcast this year, further cementing the novel's enduring appeal. Barclay, who currently resides in a three-story, five-bedroom house in downtown Toronto and a holiday home in Prince Edward County, has written 25 novels in total.
Despite his financial success, Barclay reveals that he made a significant money mistake in 1999, purchasing a grey UNTUCKit dress shirt and a Mexican-made VW Beetle. After the success of "No Time for Goodbye," he splurged on a two-foot-long model of the Supercar for C$5,000 and a Mazda Miata convertible for C$40,000.
Barclay's annual income in the years 2009 and 2010 was a low seven figure sum in Canadian dollars. Despite his wealth, he states that his number one financial priority is to keep his head above water. Barclay also expresses that he would be ineffective as the minister of finance in Canada.
In addition to his writing, Barclay receives an income from his investments and a monthly state pension. He and his wife plan to help their children and grandchildren financially. Barclay's father Everett, a commercial artist who drew car adverts for US magazines in the 1950s, passed away from lung cancer when Linwood was 16.
Barclay's early years as a journalist were financially challenging, providing him with a unique perspective on the struggles faced by many. Despite these challenges, he has become one of the most successful authors in the thriller genre, with "Whistle" being the latest addition to his impressive body of work.
Barclay's literary success has expanded beyond novels, earning him income from investments and a monthly pension. He hopes to use his wealth to help his family, following the financial struggles of his early journalist years.
Barclay's spending habits, like purchasing a VW Beetle and a two-foot-long model of a Supercar, contrast with his financial priorities, focusing on securing his economic future rather than lavish purchases.
