A horror novel with 50 real-life Tenby people in its frightening plot is causing anxious moments in the town.

After the story was featured in the Observer, scores of residents have been stopping the author in the street or telephoning to see if they feature in the book, Black Snow.

The author, Malcolm Stacey, said: “Of course, I never tell them. I’d prefer them them to have a nice surprise - or a small shock - when they read what they’ve been up to in a Tenby which is very dark.”

He added: “But if you’re not one of the characters in this book, there will be a sequel. I hope to include another set of real-life residents in the second book, too.”

Black Snow has been described as Stephen King meets Dan Brown. Thanks to local interest, it has already shot to number one best seller in horror at one of the world’s biggest online bookshops.

Though set in the present time, the novel includes the famous story of how the 14-year-old Henry Tudor, later to become Henry VII, hid out under cellars at what is now Boots, while fleeing the future Richard III.

Many historical facts, myths and legends are included in a Tenby world of ghosts, sinister mists, a forgotten crypt, hidden passages and buried treasure.

The real-life Tenby characters have their real names and jobs in Black Snow. But their actions and thoughts are fictitious.

Said Malcolm: “I was a bit worried that some fellow Tenbians might take offence. But I’ve found that those who’ve read it are delighted at being included.

“I suppose it’s one way of being remembered for a very long time to come.”

Black Snow can be found on Amazon in either the traditional print version or as a £2 Kindle edition. Or it can be ordered at any bookshop.