The government has legalised assisted dying, and one man is staging the ultimate reality TV show - where the audience get to help him on his way. As the clock ticks down, and those for and against the impending broadcast argue their case, we travel back in time to discover what lead Peter to this terrible point in his life. A list of unsolved murders, suicides and destroyed friendships have been left scattered wherever Peter has set foot. As we discover a family torn apart by his brief presence in their lives so many years ago, we also see the effect he's had on one impressionable young man who sticks by him the whole time: Neville. Peter's biggest fan, and wholehearted believer in the book Peter wrote, Neville treats his idol as a messianic figure. The two are their own worst enemies, finding themselves embarking on a murderous journey to the depths of depravity together with a host of other damaged souls. That one of them, OAP getaway driver Gerty, might finally redeem herself after a lifetime of crime, leaves hope for Peter himself... This gripping sequel to I Am Dead and Icon's Request has been inspired by Joseph Conrad, Franz Kafka and Albert Kamus. Gareth also takes inspiration from TV shows like Doctor Who, The Saint and Danger Man. A Matter of Dark will appeal to fans of sci-fi/fantasy fiction who consider how fast the world is moving, both technologically and morally. We're all naturally fearful of change - but need we be?

A misanthropic streak coaxed GARETH WILES to turn his back on a potential career in teaching teenagers the joys of Shakespeare and instead aid pensioners in the joys of a weed-free garden. Life and death is quick and constant in his world, a world often on the fringe of society. He runs a Horticultural Society and is the only member under retirement age. Gary has a BA in English with Media Studies and an MA in English Literary Culture.