A DJ is swapping the decks for the world of fiction in an explosive debut novel.
Darren Palmer, from Horsham and the face behind children’s entertainment brand Just School Discos, is set to release his first action thriller, The Great Eight Part One.
The eBook is set to release on April 2 2026 and is available for pre-order now, with the paperback release expected to follow.
Mr Palmer said: “I’m not a trained author – I’m a DJ who decided to give it a go.
“I’ve always loved action films and thrillers, and I wanted to create something that felt exciting, unpredictable and just really fun to read.”
The Great Eight Part One is an international techno-thriller introducing a New York police detective, a computer hacker and a nomadic fighter who must join forces.
They face off against a shadowy group of eight powerful global figures operating in secret.
The story spans continents and includes undercover missions in New York, high-stakes encounters in Egypt and a mix of car chases, gunfights and cyber warfare.
Despite the globe-trotting drama, Mr Palmer said he wanted to keep the story grounded and relatable.
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Mr Palmer said: “These characters aren’t superheroes.
“They’re not even sure what they’re getting into half the time – and that’s what makes it interesting.”
The book is aimed at adults and young readers aged 13 and up.
It’s the first instalment of a planned series, with more books expected to follow in the same universe.
Mr Palmer said he balances his writing with a busy DJ schedule.
His goal was to create a story that combines high-stakes action with a sense of humour and unpredictability.
The eBook is available for pre-order on Amazon, and has already attracted interest from early readers for its fast-paced storytelling and distinctive concept.
Mr Palmer is best known as a DJ and entrepreneur, running a popular children’s entertainment business.
The Great Eight Part One marks his first foray into fiction writing.
The eBook can be found on Amazon by searching for the title or by visiting Mr Palmer’s author page for more details.