A honeymoon trip to the Papua New Guinea jungle sparked an idea for a book about the terrors of the jungle.

Patrick Woodrow went on a birdwatching trip with his new wife, Sally-Ann, and started to wonder what would happen if they got separated from their guides.

His resulting book First Contact has recently been published, and the father-of-one said: “It’s always very exciting to see the published book.

“It’s a very eye-catching cover so I’m hoping it will do well.

“It is about a young couple who get lost in the rainforest after their birdwatching trip goes horribly wrong.”

As the pair wander deeper into the jungle, they make a life-changing discovery.

The former strategy consultant, of Bainton Road, Bucknell, near Bicester, gave up his role advising international businesses more than four years ago to become a writer.

Since then the 38-year-old has written two books and is working on a third.

Mr Woodrow said: “I decided to begin writing in 2005 after I became disillusioned with consultancy work.

“But previously my academic training had all been in English literature – I got a first in English from Cambridge – so I always had plans to write a book at some stage in my life.

“I found classical literature a bit slow-moving and stodgy so decided to write thrillers.

“Fortunately I was taken on by the same agency that represents such giants as Lee Child, Martina Cole and John Connolly.

“My editor for the first two books is John Grisham’s editor for the UK version of his novels.”

Mr Woodrow said it took him a year to pen his latest book and another year to get a publication slot – but said seeing it in print made it worthwhile.

Mr Woodrow’s first book, Double Cross, was translated into seven languages and reached number three in the bestseller list in Taiwan.