So that was May. 253 bank holidays with a couple of Saturdays thrown in. And some ceremony or other. There’s a vicious rumour going around that we are half way through the year. Obviously, that’s a mistake. We are starting June as we ended May, on holiday. Sun, sea, and sand in our sandwiches, plenty…
Runes: Viking Alphabet or Magical Inscriptions by G N Gudgion – guest post
Hammer of Fates by G N Gudgion was published by Bookouture on 1 June 2023. Today I have a guest post from G N Gudgion with an introduction to runes. RUNES: VIKING ALPHABET OR MAGICAL INSCRIPTIONS? For perhaps two thousand years, runes have held an image of mystery; that sense that they offer a glimpse…
Chikọdịlị Emelụmadụ – Q&A
Dazzling by Chikọdịlị Emelụmadụ was published by Wildfire on 16 February 2023. Chikọdịlị kindly answered a few of my questions. 1. Tell us a little about Dazzling. Dazzling tells the story of two young protagonists; Treasure, whose father has died, leading to a reversal of fortunes, and Ozoemena, the latest and possibly first female in…
J M Simpson – Q&A
J M Simpson is the author of Sea State and Sea Change. The latest book in the series Sea Shaken, was published on 29 September 2022. She kindly answered a few of my questions. 1. Tell us a little about Sea Shaken. Sea Shaken is the third in the Castleby series. Castleby is a fictional…
20 Books of Summer 2023 – the pick
So it’s that time of year again. Devised by Cathy at 746Books, the aim is to read 10, 15 or 20 books between 1 June and 1 September. I have taken part for the last six years. I think I’ve only made it twice! You can read about the challenge on Cathy’s excellent blog here. Because…
Skin Deep by Antonia Lassa, translated by Jacky Collins – review
Published by Corylus Books Publication date – 15 May 2023 Source – review copy When police arrest eccentric loner Émile Gassiat for the murder of a wealthy woman in a shabby seaside apartment in Biarritz, Inspector Canonne is certain he has put the killer behind bars. Now he just needs to prove it. But he…
Mrs Porter Calling by A J Pearce – review
Published by Picador Publication date – 25 May 2023 Source – review copy Emmy Lake is the much-loved agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine, relied upon by readers across the country as they face the challenges of life on the Home Front. With the problem page thriving and a team of fantastic women behind her, Emmy finally…
Helen Erichsen – Q&A
Murder by Natural Causes by Helen Erichsen is published by Muswell Press on 25 May 2023. Helen kindly answered a few of my questions. 1. Tell us a little about Murder by Natural Causes. 22 year old Cilla is a trained hitman who specialises in The Dry Job: an assassination that masquerades as a death…
Maureen Little – Q&A
The Little Book of Plants for Pollinators: A Gardener’s Guide by Maureen Little was published on 16 May 2023. Maureen answered a few of my questions. 1. Tell us a little about The Little Book of Plants for Pollinators. I suppose the title The Little Book of Plants for Pollinators: A Gardener’s Guide sums it…
The Last Dance by Mark Billingham – review
Published by Sphere Publication date – 25 May 2023 Source – review copy Meet Detective Miller: unique, unconventional, and criminally underestimated… He’s a detective, a dancer, he has no respect for authority - and he’s the best hope Blackpool has for keeping criminals off the streets. Meet Detective Declan Miller. A double murder in a seaside hotel…
From First Page to Last 