There is no secret tunnel between The Newcastle Bar and The Waag, however there is one underneath Bar Papeneiland. Just ask the bartender to point out the entrance underneath the steps. It dates back to a time when Catholicism was illegal in Holland, and Catholics would often meet in secret churches. The tunnel here led to one such secret church, which is sadly now demolished. For the novel I simply relocated this tunnel to The Newcastle Bar (another lovely drinking spot – the bar staff are not at all surly like Bart)
Amsterdam’s Red Light District needs no introduction. It is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, and is surprisingly very safe to visit, even late at night. It is well policed and most petty crimes are stamped upon quite harshly by the city authorities (not literally, as may have once been the case.) Please respect the working girls, and photography is strictly forbidden. If you follow the rules, the pimps and enforcers will leave you alone. If you don’t, you may very well end up in one of the canals.
There is a small convent in the village of Koningsbosch. Access inside is understandably carefully managed as it is a private and secluded place of worship. Both the convent and the village are beautiful, and the locals very friendly (and I’m sure the nuns are too)
Finally, the last location in the story, Katwijk aan Zee, is a gorgeous seaside town overlooking the North Sea. The beaches are pristine and the air full of healthy ozone. But be warned – Lotte may still be lurking!!
Mark Hobson
March 2020 – October 2020
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Hobson is a writer and historian. His works span numerous genres from military history to thrillers and horror, both fiction and non-fiction.
He lives at home in Yorkshire with his 3 cats.
Wolf Angel is Book 1 in The Amsterdam Occult Series.
His previous works include:
Now May Men Weep – Isandlwana: A Story From the Zulu War.
Ntombe 1879 (Non-fiction)
Isandlwana – A Military Enigma (Non-fiction)
