Katherine Males, author Johnny Tait, supervisor Mick Thompson

HE’S made a career out of making audiences laugh – but now a Codicote comedian is hoping to make them shiver.

Johnny Tait's book Conscience has been adapted for the stage and will be performed at the Hawthorne Theate in Welwyn Garden City

Former funnyman Johnny Tait is currently enjoying a reinvention as an author, following the success of his debut novel Conscience.

The writer was in WGC recently, signing copies of his book at The Bookshop, in the Howard Centre.

His appearance came shortly before a stage adaptation of Conscience was debuted in St Albans and WGC over the weekend.

“The book signings are going really well. It’s sold lots of copies – better than I thought it would be,” said Johnny.

“The feedback’s been really good – someone said the twist at the end was totally unexpected.”

Conscience tells the story of three seemingly unrelated people whose lives become inextricably entwined.

But anyone expecting a laugh-out-loud romp are in for a shock.

“It’s not a happy ending,” said Johnny.

“It’s funny in parts, some funny takes on certain angles of life – but some parts will make you shiver.”

* WGC author Howard Linskey will be signing copies of his new book Damage at The Bookstore later today (Saturday).

Howard’s debut novel The Drop was named in The Times’ Top Five Thrillers of the Year, and is being adapted for television.

He will be at the Howard Centre store from 3pm to 5pm.