New Novel by NYT Best Seller Steve Alten (MEG, Trench) The..

From New York Times Best Selling Author Steve Alten (MEG: A Novel Of
Deep Terror & Primal Waters) comes THE LOCH, a story that combines the
folklore of the Loch Ness Monster with real, documented findingS from
current scientific investigations. Here is an excerpt of an interview
with the author, Steve Alten:

What is THE LOCH about?
Author Steve Alten:
The LOCH is a fictional thriller about the HUNT for the LOCH NESS
MONSTER that incorporates BREAKING NEW EVIDENCE straight out of Loch
Ness into the story that tells us, for the first time, WHAT THE MONSTER
IS and why it is so hard to photo.

What breaking new evidence?
Author Steve Alten
I spent 2 years researching Loch ness, separating the MYTH from the
SCIENCE. Then just 2 weeks before I was supposed to turn the manuscript
into my publisher, I was contacted by Bill McDonald, a forensics
investigator. Bill had been studying Loch ness since 1993 and told me he
was now sure of what the creature was, but he had to get to Loch ness
immediately as his local contacts were urging him to come quickly, that
there had been a number of rare land sightings of late. Bill didn't have
the funds to go back, so we made a deal: my publisher would fund his
trip in exchange for he exclusive on his theories and whatever he might
find. He came back with some startling evidence, and we actually had to
delay the printing of the LOCH galleys for 2 months while I re-edited
the information into the manuscript.

What did he find?
Author Steve Alten
He located two people who had seen the creature on land the night
before. They took him back to the site and he found, frozen in the mud,
SLIDE TRACKS of an animal that he estimated to be 50 to so feet!

Then, a few months later, Bill was tracked down by two American students
who had gone to the UK on Spring Break in March. They claimed they had
hired a local to take around by boat. On a shoreline they spotted a dead
deer that had ben bitten in half and mauled. As if that wasn't enough,
lodged in its exposed ribcage was the remains of a shed tooth that must
have come loose during the attack! Everything's on video, you can see it
at www.LochNessTooth.com Unfortunately, they were so excited they
signaled a passing boat, which was the water bailiff, sort of a park
ranger of Loch Ness. The guy confiscated the tooth and some of their
film and they've been fighting the Scottish local government to return
it. They hired Bill McDonald to help them get it back. Scientists have
concurred the tooth is real and have posted a $100,000 reward.

THE LOCH is available in all bookstores and at a discount at www.TheLoch.com

Advance Praise for Steve Alten's THE LOCH

"Steve Alten has again entered the genre of "Man vs. Nature as
personified by a large animal" and has excelled at it. The story is an
excellent read, with plot and characterization exceeding all
expectations. As to the biology behind the story, although sensational,
it is more credible then many so-called non-fiction books about the loch."
-Robert McCord Ph.D., Chief Curator of Natural History, Curator of
Paleontology, Mesa Southwest Museum

"The Loch" is a fast-paced horror thriller. Alten has done his research,
but not enough to slow the action down. Don't have nightmares - Nessie
much prefers eating Americans to us locals."
-Calum Macleod, Inverness Courier

"At last a novel about Loch Ness you can actually believe! Using
commendable research and excellent writing skills Steve Alten has
written a book that comes startlingly close to the truth. Reading The
Loch I was shocked that his work of fiction tallied almost exactly with
my research into the Loch Ness Monster and what it really is. Forget
prehistoric monsters, here is a horror novel rooted firmly in biological
possibility."
-Richard Freeman, Cryptozoologist, The Centre for Fortean Zoology

"THE LOCH is a compelling page-turner. I couldn't put it down. Steve
Alten has once again proven to be a literary master of the abyss."
-Owl Goingback, Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of CROTA.

"In his latest release, The LOCH, Steve Alten again mixes history and
mystery to dazzling effect, tackling not only the myth in which the Loch
Ness Monster is shrouded but also the science that promises at last to
shine a light on the creature's secret identity. Moreover, he has
delivered to us a bona fide page-burner, perhaps the most engrossing
beach read since...well, his own MEG."
-Ben Katner, TV Guide Online

"With The Loch Steve Alten combines meticulous research with riveting
storytelling to craft a new genre--the historical science fiction thriller."
-Washington Daily News

"The Loch is both a gripping underwater thriller and a poignant family
drama, sure to delight and at times terrify--those who brave its depths."
- Andrew Furman, Miami Herald reviewer, author of "Alligators May Be
Present."