Mysteries in the Harz: New book The Secret of the Dragon Temple” published!

Mysteries in the Harz: New book The Secret of the Dragon Temple” published!

Hettstedt/Halberstadt – Kathrin Hotowetz from Halberstadt is releasing the eighth volume of her successful book series “In the Shadow of the Witches” with “The Secret of the Dragon Temple”. This mystical crime series takes place in mysterious places in Mansfeld-Südharz, including Mansfeld Castle and the Röhrigschacht in Wettelrode. And what's special? Almost all locations are based on the real history and myths of the region.

Hotowetz describes how she uses historical facts as a source of inspiration and weaves exciting fiction from them. “I always look for a hook and facts to go with it and then develop my own story around it,” she says, adding that her narrative style takes readers from a comfortable atmosphere into the exciting and sometimes frightening depths of the Harz forests.

Of challenges and new connections

The publication of this new volume was not without difficulties, as Hotowetz had to overcome extraordinary obstacles over the past three years, including a broken arm. During this time, a lot of time passed before she could think again about the continuation of the midnight cycle, which revolves around a mysterious sanctuary in the Harz Mountains.

However, she already had a rough plan in mind for the next story in advance, but had to make sure that all existing strands were connected precisely. “I didn't want to make a false connection or confuse a character,” she explains, emphasizing that all previous volumes must flow into the narrative of this new chapter.

An example of this is the character of Inspector Sauerzweig, who was introduced in a previous work by the author. This figure is now brought together in “The Secret of the Dragon Temple” with other investigators such as Rogge and Sattler, who influence the investigation.

A crime thriller in the region

The premiere recently took place at the Princely Marstall in Wernigerode, where Hotowetz celebrated the events with a lively book presentation. Under the motto “a Harz”, she performed a fascinating performance, which was supplemented by the group Schattenwelt Südharz and the choir B.A.S.T from Pabstdorf. Over 420 guests experienced an evening enriched with mythical creatures and mystical stories from the region.

After the reading was met with much applause and interest, Hotowetz announced that she would travel throughout the region to hold more readings. A date has already been set: November 26th in Questenberg, followed by further events in Sangerhausen and Hettstedt next year.

While Hotowetz celebrates the conclusion of the Midnight Cycle in this volume, she describes with a smile that this may not be the final end of the entire series. “But there will definitely be a new book next year, outside of the ‘In the Shadow of the Witches’ series,” she says, leaving the question in the room as to what new adventures are still in store for her readers.

The rich history of the Counts of Mansfeld and local legends are combined with skillful storytelling to create a captivating experience in Hotowetz's new release, which takes on the fascinating stories of the surrounding area. Anyone who wants to know what is hidden behind the Dragon Temple or what other secrets the Harz region has to offer is well served with this new story. For more information about this new volume and the author, take a look on www.mz.de be thrown.