The Project
There are some years that start well, others that don’t start so well. This one’s not been good. We always knew that would start badly, though. I lost a very dear friend, Andy Setchell. What with that and my daughter going through the horrors of her mock GCSE exams, YouTube and my blogging activities have … Continue reading
Books, Reviews and Morris!
Look at that nice new cover. Beautiful, isn’t it? It will be the first of, I expect, a series of crime stories based around Jack Blackjack, with the first coming your way in late April from Severn House. Hope you will enjoy it! Books. I have piles of books in my office. Piles and … Continue reading
RIP, Andy, old mate
It is always the way. You prepare and plan and get ready to start a new book, and always, without fail, at the last minute another blasted editor’s commentary, copyedit or proof materialises. I have three books to write this year, and I’m dead keen to get started. But last week a copyedit came and … Continue reading
The week in view
The last week has been rather full of reading, just as the previous couple were. It’s the interesting stage (for me) of writing a novel. First there is the initial idea, that soon develops into a basic plot. Then there is the development of characters that will work within the main plot, and bring their … Continue reading
Thank You, Public Lending Right!
It’s at this time of year that authors all sit back and stare in horror at their bank accounts. Christmas is past. Long past. The summer is a long way away. The heating has to be funded, food bought, children’s dance lessons, hockey lessons, rugby lessons all have to be paid for, as well as … Continue reading
Review of 2016 – Books and Tools
It’s always interesting to review a year that has just passed. 2015 was not a good year for me – with 14 friends and family dying, it was never going to be a happy year. However, at least there are people who help distract me. And first amongst these are authors, of course. Last year … Continue reading
Review: SPARE ME THE TRUTH
Tomorrow I’ll be putting up a review of my year for 2015, running through my favourite books of the year, but I have one problem. One of the books I read was stunning, was thrilling, and I should have mentioned it … except I couldn’t, really. The damn thing wasn’t published last year! Caroline Carver … Continue reading
The Butcher Of St Peter’s by Michael Jecks
Originally posted on In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel:
Exeter, August 1317, and Estmund Webber is grieving. His daughter has died and his wife has committed suicide. And an altercation as he tries to bury his wife not only cripples his friend but shatters his mind. November 1323, and Estmund limps his way through…
Diaries and Paper!
Apologies – this week I’m desperately working on an edit (again). This one is the last in my Vintener Trilogy about the Hundred Years War. A good series of books, and enthusiastically supported by an increasing readership. Thanks! I should have finished the edit in the next week, but with family coming to visit, time is getting … Continue reading












