Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.
What attracted you to the horror thriller genre?
Absolutely! I'm deeply attracted to the horror thriller genre because it allows me to explore the darkest facets of human nature. From psychological suspense to gritty crime, I'm drawn to stories that delve into the
complexities of the human psyche and confront the harsh realities of our world. Personally, I need stories that pack a punch, that challenge me to confront my deepest fears and keep me guessing until the very end. That's why I'm so passionate about crafting tales that push the boundaries of imagination and leave readers breathless with anticipation. There's a raw intensity to the horror thriller genre that I find utterly captivating, and I'm always eager to dive into the next chilling adventure!
Do you write in any other genres?
Absolutely, you're spot on! While genres provide a broad framework for storytelling, it's the sub-genres that add depth and complexity to the narrative. In my first novel "Sunshine," for example, while it may fall under the umbrella of crime thriller, it's also a gripping buddy story that follows the journey of two friends navigating the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld. Their bond and the challenges they face together are central to the narrative, adding layers of emotion and depth to the overall story.
On the other hand, my second book "Son of a Bitch" ventures into the realm of classic whodunit mystery, but it's also a tale of unconventional love set against the backdrop of a gritty and dangerous world. The dynamic between the bad cop and the prostitute adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story, exploring themes of redemption, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
By incorporating these sub-genres, I aim to create multi-dimensional stories that resonate with readers on various levels. It's all about weaving together different elements to craft a compelling and immersive narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
What inspired you to write Urbex Predator?
The inspiration behind "Urbex Predator" stems from my personal experiences as an urban explorer, delving into the forgotten corners of the world. These excursions into desolation provided the perfect canvas for a gripping tale that would come to life within the pages of my book.
As an urbexer, I've wandered through deserted military compounds, where the echoes of the past still resonate amidst the decay. These locations, once bustling with life, now stand as silent reminders of bygone eras. It was during one such expedition, at an abandoned hospital, that I had a close encounter with individuals who masqueraded as security but harbored sinister intentions. Though I managed to evade them, the encounter left an indelible mark on me.
Drawing from these real-life encounters and my love for storytelling, I crafted "Urbex Predator" to delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the eerie allure of forgotten places. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of an abandoned military compound, where a group of urban explorers find themselves confronting a menacing force determined to thwart their exploration.
Through the lens of horror, "Urbex Predator" explores the psychological depths of fear and survival, weaving together elements of suspense and tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It's a testament to the haunting beauty of abandoned places and the untold stories that lie within their crumbling walls.
Can you give us your book blurb so others can find out what your book is about?
A group of intrepid urban explorers embarks on what they believe to be a routine trip to an abandoned barracks in the middle of nowhere.
As a relict from the Cold War era, they are a popular destination for photographers, influencers, and adventurers. A place that is closely guarded and harbors a multitude of risks. But it’s not just the derelict buildings that pose a danger.
Nela and her friend Tess venture to the eerie ruins to complete their photography thesis, only to find themselves relentlessly pursued through the darkened corridors by a group of ruthless thugs.
Zander, Yelka, her sister Vivien, and her manager Damon set out on a photo shoot, only to be unexpectedly cornered by a gang of depraved youths. As night descends, the boundaries between life and death blur, and the group is forced to confront the darkest corners of their own souls.
As the night deepens, will they fall victim or rise as hunters in the shadows?
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
You're invited to dive deeper into my world of storytelling! Head over to my website, jensboele.com, where you can find my latest English book, a book trailer, a press kit, and join my newsletter community. For a visual feast of abandoned wonders and thrilling adventures, join me on Instagram at broken_window_shots. And don't forget to explore my author profile on Amazon, where you can embark on unforgettable journeys through the pages of my books. Come on in and let the exploration begin!
Where can readers buy your book?
You can grab the ebook edition of my book on Amazon, while the paperback and hardcover versions are available at various online retailers and bookstores. Don't forget to check out the hardcover edition, which includes a bonus list of characters and background information at the end of the book. Happy reading!
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview. What’s next for you?
I'm thrilled to share that I'm currently immersed in crafting a new story set to be completed by year-end. Allow me to offer a tantalizing glimpse into its premise: tentatively titled "The Podcast," it centers on Josh, a former Hollywood star, who teams up with Beth, the host of a true crime podcast, for a road trip to California in pursuit of an active serial killer. However, their journey takes a chilling turn when they pick up Corey, and the hunters suddenly become the hunted. As always, expect unexpected twists and turns in the narrative.
Interestingly, I was recently asked the same question, and the plot has evolved since then. So, the latest update is: we're nearly ready to start putting pen to paper!