Candy Stripes — R. Patrick Gates

Candy Stripes is the first young adult/teen thriller by renowned horror writer, R. Patrick

Gates, to see publication in the U.S. Author of such classics as Grimm Memorials,

Grimm Reapings, and Tunnelvision, Gates has created a knock-down, drag-out, non-stop

thrill ride, pitting a young girl, a candy stripe volunteer at the local state hospital, against

a madman.

Sally is only on her third day of volunteering at New Jersey State Hospital when a super-
storm blizzard/hurricane hits. Sally is delivering flowers to the psychiatric building when

the power fails, trapping her there. When a madman mistakes Sally for someone else, she

must use all of her wits to survive. Candy Stripes is a page-turner that will not disappoint.

“For my entire career, family, friends and fans have asked when I am going to write

something their kids could read. (If you've read any of my adult novels, you know what

they meant -- if you haven't, they will be available soon, right here!) As a middle school,

high school and college teacher, I also felt pressure to produce something for the younger

set. In 2005 I got the opportunity in a rather odd way. At the time I was with Kensington

Publishing and my editor was Jon Scognamilio. Due to illness, my writing output was

way down and I was incapable of writing very much at all. Jon told me of this German

publisher who was looking for American writers to do short young adult paperback

thrillers. Considering my condition, these short novels were perfect for me and I started

writing them. The Germans loved them, and I've done a novel a year for them since.

(Which is one reason I haven't published anything in America in a while as well.)

“Unfortunately, American publishers are not interested in short novels (novellas) and I

have not been able to find a hard-copy publisher; so I am extremely happy and excited

to start publishing these never-before-seen-in-English thrillers here on Amazon. I can

honestly say that these stories pack the thrilling punch of my adult work, but without the

graphic violence or horror. I hope you will enjoy.”

--R. Patrick Gates