A PENARTH solicitor hopes to one day swap legal advice for writing books, following the release of his debut novel.

Peter Luther, 45, of Penarth Marina, currently works for Rausa Mumford Solicitors in Cardiff - but won't for much longer if his first novel Dark Covenant continues to fly off the shelves of bookshops across Wales.

Described as a supernatural thriller, Dark Covenant follows the story of a magazine tailored to meet the desires of its readers with a set of clues to a bizarre crossword.

And the first-time writer is now well on the way to completing his second novel - but doesn't have any plans to pack in the day job just yet.

"Writing books is very much therapy for me." said the self-confessed Gordon Gekko look-a-like.

"I think keeping one foot in the real world as a solicitor is vital for my inspiration.

"But all my books are inspired by my experiences.

"Dark Covenant was inspired by the time I lost all my money in the technology crash, whereas my third book will draw on the experience of going through IVF treatment with my wife.

"I think readers find it easier to relate to a story that way - particularly when I'm writing about the supernatural.

"My next novel - Dead Letters - was inspired by the death of my parents, who I was very close to.

"It's about your soul being trapped in something, like a letter, and works as a metaphor for letting go.

"The goal is to take an original concept and frame it in a conventional setting or emotion," explained Peter "When you read about zombies and vampires it's so far from reality you're disconnected from it.

"Hopefully I'm producing entertainment that also has something to say about the world."

Peter's next book, Dead Letters, is due for release later this year.

For more information about Peter Luther's books or to buy a copy of Dark Covenant, visit: www.peterluther.co.uk