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Author of Saxon historical fiction, 20th-century historical mysteries, and Saxon historical non-fiction. Book reviewer and blog host.

Welcome to MJ Porter’s blog. Not sure where to start? Check out these suggestions. (click the image to check out the series page).
Author Resources
Signed Editions
Audiobooks
Historical Mystery Audiobooks
The Tales of Mercia
The Dark Age Chronicles
Gods and Kings Trilogy
The House of Mercia
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles
The Mercian Ninth Century Series
The Sundered Kingdom
The Tenth Century – the ‘lost’ royal women
The Royal Women Who Made England
The Brunanburh Series
Lady Elfrida – England’s First Crowned Queen
The Earls of Mercia Series
Lady Estrid, a novel of eleventh-century Denmark
Cragside – A 1930s murder mystery
The Erdington Mysteries, quirky historical mysteries set in the 1940s
How to research Saxon England
Blog Posts from MJ Porter, author and reviewer
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Introducing Ice and Fire, my historical romantasy series

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Posted on January 29, 2022 Full size 1979 × 1250

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Gods and Kings Trilogy
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles
The Last King/The Mercian Ninth Century
The Brunanburh Series

Read the latest blog posts

I’m delighted to welcome a returning Helen Golden to the blog with her new book, A Dowager is Done-in #bookreview #historicalmystery #blogtour #avidreader
I’m delighted to welcome back Colin Garrow to the blog with a historical crime novel set in Edinburgh #blogtour #histfic #bookreview #mystery
I’m welcoming An American Slave in Barbary – The Odyssey of Winston Prescott Jones by Larry Kelley to the blog #HistoricalFiction #BarbaryCoast #SlaveTrade #AmericanRevolution #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m welcoming Rebecca Langston-George to the blog, with her new book, One Fine Voice #OneFineVoice #HistoricalFiction #MiddleGrade #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
Today I’m reviewing Kelly Oliver’s fabulous new Golden-Age crime mystery, The Case of the Christie Curse #newrelease #cosycrime #blogtour
I’m delighted to welcome The Silent Resistance by Anna Normann to the blog, with a fascinating extract #BlogTour #NewReleaseBook #WW2
I’m reviewing The Secrets of Morgarten by LS Mangos #historicalfiction #bookreview #blogtour #fourteenthcentury
I’m delighted to welcome Clare Flynn and Under a Southern Sky to the blog #NewReleaseBook #BookCompetition #HistoricalFictionBook
I’m welcoming Susan D Levitte to the blog with an excerpt from her new book, The Secrets in the Woods, 1871Fire #PeshtigoFire #WIHistory #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
The Dark Age Chronicles might be complete, but I imagine my readers still have questions. Check out this blog post about what comes before (and what came after) #TheDarkAgeChronicles#MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
Introducing 757, the first book in the brand new series, The House of Mercia #fiction #nonfiction #Mercia
The Danish King’s Enemy has a fab, new cover
I’m delighted to welcome A.M.Swink and her new book, Gradarius, to the blog with a fab excerpt #romanequestrian #romanequestrianseries #gradarius #ancienthistoricalfiction #romanfiction #equestrianfiction #boudicca
I’m sharing my review for A Body in the Banjo by Elaine Spires, a historical mystery set in Dagenham #blogtour #bookreview
It’s cover reveal time for Storm of Mercia. Return to the world of young Icel in the ninth book in the Eagle of Mercia Series. #coverreveal #preorder #histficbook
I’m delighted to welcome Lady Harriet (Harriet Taggart) and Dr. Peter Stephenson and their book, The Witch of Godstow Abbey, to the blog #TheWitchOfGodstowAbbey #HistoricalMystery #MurderMystery #theladyandthedoc #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to share and excerpt and a competition to celebrate the release of Under Vixens Mere by Kit Fielding #blogtour #newrelease
Today, I’m excited to share my review for Murder on the Cricket Green, the fourth book in Catherine Coles delightful 1940s cozy crime series #blogtour #MarthaMillerMystery
I’m reviewing the new book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Italian Mysteries, Murder at the Duomo by TA Williams #BookReview #BlogTour #CosyCrime #ContemporaryCrime

The kingdom of Mercia

Introducing Mercia: A Companion Guide to the Tales of Mercia
Storm of Mercia is now available. This is also known as ‘the one on the ship.’ #histficbook #newrelease #authorinspiration
It’s happy release day to Storm of Mercia. Return to the world of young Icel in the ninth book in the Eagle of Mercia Series. #histficbook #newrelease #HadPossessionOfThePlaceOfSlaughter
Storm of Mercia is now available. Let’s talk about Wynflæd #histficbook #newrelease #characterinspiration
It’s (nearly) happy release day to Storm of Mercia. Return to the world of young Icel in the ninth book in the Eagle of Mercia Series. #histficbook #newrelease
The Dark Age Chronicles might be complete, but I imagine my readers still have questions. Check out this blog post about what comes before (and what came after) #TheDarkAgeChronicles#MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
Introducing 757, the first book in the brand new series, The House of Mercia #fiction #nonfiction #Mercia
The Danish King’s Enemy has a fab, new cover
It’s happy release day to Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. I’m sharing some photos from my visit to Sutton Hoo #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
I’m excited to share the cover for Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to The Last Deceit, book 10 in The Last King series, so I’m sharing a blog post about my decision to include a fictional character
On this day in history, the anniversary of the battle of Maserfeld in either 641 or 642. I thought I’d share some photos of Ad Gefrin, Yeavering Bell and Bamburgh castle as well as some book recommendations
I recorded myself introducing the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to Men of Iron, the first book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to Men of Iron, the first book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to The Last Deceit, book 10 in The Last King series, so I’m sharing a blog post about the Gaini
It’s happy release day to The Last Deceit, book 10 in The Last King series, so I’m sharing some photos of Old Sarum and Stonehenge
I finally visited Deerhurst, my fictional home for Ealdorman Leofwine in the Earls of Mercia series.
Mercia: Exploring the Heartland of Saxon England and Its Lasting Influence
MJ Porter’s Saxon Stories Order and Series Pages | Infographic
On the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan becoming King of Mercia, some snippets from my recent Zoom talk with readers
It’s the anniversary of the battle of Hædfeld. Pagan Warrior is reduced globally, and I’m sharing a post about Britain in the Seventh Century
On this day in history, the Battle of Winwæd in 655 between the Mercians and the Northumbrians
I’m sharing a blog post about Penda, king of the Mercians.
Who was the Lady of Mercia, Æthelflæd? #non-fiction #Mercia
Who was the historical Ælfwynn, the main character in The Lady of Mercia’s Daughter duology?
It’s happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Let’s talk about battle standards #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Watch and listen to a short recording about the research books I used #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s nearly happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Let’s talk about Wærmund, warrior of the Gyrwe #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s nearly happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Here are the original (very long) historical notes for Men of Iron #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s nearly happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Let’s talk about Meddi , the seeress of the Eorlingas #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
The House of Mercia
The Dark Age Chronicles
The Tales of Mercia
Gods and Kings Trilogy
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles
The Earls of Mercia Series
The Mercian Ninth Century Series
The Sundered Kingdom
The House of Mercia

The Tenth Century in Saxon England

My first gold-lettered spine:) The Royal Women Who Made England
The Royal Women Who Made England: The Tenth Century in Saxon England. But who were these royal women?
It’s International Women’s Day 2024. Here’s to the women of the tenth century in Saxon England.
I thought I’d share some of my frustrations with writing about the lives of the ‘lost women’ of the tenth century.

Writing Advice

Introducing The Ultimate Pantsers Writers’ Notebook by yours truly
Fellow writers, lets minimise the stress around getting those words on the page #writingadvice
I shared four writing tips the other day, but now I want to share my experience of just the ‘writing’ bit – an update
Happy 4th Birthday to Boldwood Books, to celebrate here are 4 writing tips from me
The pitfalls and perils of writing about Saxon England
2025 – A Writing Year in Review
2024 – A Writing Year in Review
2023 – A Writing Year in Review
2022 – A Writing Year in Review
Some reflections on ten years as an Indie-published author (a post from 2021)
A Writing Year in Review – 2020
‘My Writing’ End of Year Review 2019
2025 – A Reading Year in Review
The inspiration for The Barrage Body, book 4 in The Erdington Mysteries (and why this isn’t quite the book I thought it would be) #histfic #mystery

MJ Porter books and research

2025 – A Writing Year in Review
Fellow writers, lets minimise the stress around getting those words on the page #writingadvice
The inspiration for The Barrage Body, book 4 in The Erdington Mysteries (and why this isn’t quite the book I thought it would be) #histfic #mystery
It’s happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Watch and listen to a short recording about the research books I used #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
2025 – A Reading Year in Review
It’s happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Let’s talk about battle standards #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s nearly happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Let’s talk about Wærmund, warrior of the Gyrwe #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s nearly happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Here are the original (very long) historical notes for Men of Iron #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
It’s nearly happy release day to Lords of Iron, the third and concluding book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. Let’s talk about Meddi , the seeress of the Eorlingas #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #LordsofIron #histfic
Meet the author, MJ Porter. Five Things You Don’t Know About Me.
I’m sharing a post about the inspiration for The Secret Sauce to celebrate release day #histfic #historicalmystery
Who was Lady Estrid, and why did I write about her life? #histfic #TheEleventhCentury #England #Denmark #non-fiction
It’s the first day of the blog tour for Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. I’m sharing a recording of me ‘trying’ to say the character names correctly #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
On the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan’s coronation #histfic #OnThisDayInHistory #non-fiction
I’m resharing an interview I gave when I’d finished writing Lady Estrid, a novel of eleventh century Denmark #histfic #writingadvice #authorinterview
It’s happy release day to Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy. I’m sharing some photos from my visit to Sutton Hoo #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
It’s happy release day to Warriors of Iron, the second book in the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
I recorded myself introducing the Dark Age Chronicles Trilogy #newrelease #MenOfIron #WarriorsOfIron #histfic
I’m super excited to announce the special 5th birthday edition of The Last King, available for preorder now
It’s happy release day to Betrayal of Mercia, so I’m sharing a post about Mercia’s alleged ‘Bad Queens.’
- It’s happy release day to Betrayal of Mercia, so I’m sharing a post about the maps in the book (and the maps)
- It’s happy release day to Betrayal of Mercia, so I’m sharing a post about Crime and Punishment in Saxon England
I visited the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey in a torrential downpour but it was still beautiful
A visit to Malmesbury and the Athelstan 1100 celebrations
Where was the battle of Brunanburh fought in 937? #KingofKings #KingsofWar
My new book, King of Kings, has a number of main characters. Meet Owain, the king of Strathclyde.
The scop song in King of Kings and Kings of War #histfic #history #Saxons #NewRelease
Happy Release day to Kings of War #histfic #history #Saxons #NewRelease
The audiobook for #KingsofWar is available now #histfic #history #Saxons #NewRelease
Meet the new characters in Kings of War, Edmund, Ætheling of the English
To what extent can we – or should we – select one date or event as ‘the end of Roman Britain’? #nonfiction
MJ Porter went to Gloucester, and it didn’t rain
#TheLastKing is 2 years old today. Join me and the hosts of today’s blog tour in celebrating
A Conspiracy of Kings turns 3 today. #bookbirthday #TheRoyalWomen
Did England’s first crowned queen, Elfrida, kill her stepson, Edward the Martyr?
Today, Pagan King is on a spotlight one day blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club #blogtour #PaganKing
Pagan Warrior is on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club #blogtour – check out the posts for day 3
- Pagan Warrior is on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club #blogtour – check out the posts for day 4
- Pagan Warrior is on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club #blogtour – check out the posts for day 5
A few photos of Bamburgh Castle and Ad Gefrin (Yeavering) that helped me write the Gods and Kings trilogy
Saxon Royal Charters from 1006-1013 #TheEarlsofMercia #histfic #non-fiction
Happy Release Day to The King’s Brother, the new Earls of Mercia book (yes, it’s book XI)
- The King’s Brother Research book dump
It’s cover reveal time for Storm of Mercia. Return to the world of young Icel in the ninth book in the Eagle of Mercia Series. #coverreveal #preorder #histficbook

Historical Fiction Reviews

I’m delighted to share my review for Adam Lofthouse’s Tribune and the Sword #historicalfiction #bookreview #RomanEra
I’m sharing my review for Sacrilege by Keith Moray, a brand new historical mystery set in 1361 #bookreview #blogtour #newrelease
I’m sharing my review for Operation Berlin by Michael Ridpath #blogtour #bookreview
Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Viking Conqueror by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction #HaraldHardrada
I’m welcoming The Teacher’s Noble Heart by Susanne Dunlap to the blog #blogtour #RegencyRomance #bookreview
I’m reviewing The Secrets of Morgarten by LS Mangos #historicalfiction #bookreview #blogtour #fourteenthcentury
I’m delighted to share my review for Adam Lofthouse’s Wolf and The Crown, which is released today #historicalfiction #bookreview #RomanEra #WallOfHadrian
I’m reviewing Woden’s Spear by Donovan Cook #blogtour #newrelease #historicalfiction
I’m reviewing Rebellion by Richard Cullen, the first part in a new historical fiction action and adventure series set in the thirteenth century #blogtour #histfic
- I’m reviewing Crusade by Richard Cullen, the 2nd part in a new historical fiction action and adventure series set in the thirteenth century #blogtour #histfic
Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Emperor’s Axe by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction #HaraldHardrada
- Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Raven Lord by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction #HaraldHardrada
- Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Warrior Prince by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction
I’m delighted to share my review for Adam Lofthouse’s new Roman-era historical fiction novel, Usurper, which is released today
I’m reviewing Loki Unbound by SJA Turney #histfic #bookreview
Check out my review for Camelot by Giles Kristian #hisfic #bookreview
- Happy release day to Arthur by Giles Kristian, the last in the Arthurian Trilogy #histfic #newrelease
Check out my review for Matthew Harffy’s new release, A Time for Swords #bookreview #histfic #blogtour
- Check out the review of For Lord and Land by Matthew Harffy #histfic #Beobrand #bookreview
I’m reviewing Casa Paradiso – 300 Years in the Life of a House, a beautiful collection of short stories all taking place in the same location #blogtour #histfic
I’m sharing my review for the thoroughly atmospheric, The Crash by Kate Furnivall #newrelease #histfic
I’m reviewing the fabulous Arden by GD Harper, an intriguing story of Shakespeare’s earliest years #blogtour #histfic #newrelease
I’m welcoming The Soprano’s Daring Duke by Susanne Dunlap to the blog #blogtour #RegencyRomance #bookreview
I’m sharing my review for the audiobook of The Solitary Sparrow by Lorraine Norwood #histfic #audio #blogtour
I’m sharing my review for Toby Clements new historical fiction tale, A Good Deliverance, the story of Thomas Malory, author of Le Morte D’Arthur #histfic
I’m sharing my review for Jane Dunn’s Regency romance A Lady’s Fortune #blogtour #histfic #romance
Today, I’m sharing my review for The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa #blogtour #histfic #newrelease And there’s a competition too
Check out my review for Cecily by Annie Garthwaite #histfic #bookreview #highlyrecommended
Check out my review for Death at the Mint by Christine Hancock #historicalmystery #bookreview
I’m reviewing for Masters of Rome by Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty #bookreview #histfic #blogtour
I’m sharing my review for Domitian by S J A Turney – highly recommended historical fiction #bookreview #histfic
Check out the review for The Royal Game by Anne O’Brien #histfic #bookreview #Highlyrecommended.
Check out my book review for Ravenspur by Conn Iggulden #histfic #bookreview

Historical Fiction Blog Tours

Today, I’m delighted to welcome NL Holmes and her new book, A Taste of Honey to the blog, with an excerpt #AncientHistoricalFiction #AncientEgyptianMystery #CozyHistorical #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m welcoming AB Michaels to the blog with an excerpt from her new release, The Twisted Road #historicalfiction MurderMystery #HistoricalThriller #TheCoffeePotBookClub #BlogTour
I’m welcoming The Queen’s Maid: Anne Boleyn in France by Rozsa Gaston to the blog #AnneBoleyn #AnneBoleynChronicles #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalSaga #TudorFiction #FrenchHistory #WomenInHistory #WomensHistoryMonth #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m welcoming The Queen’s Maid: Anne Boleyn in France by Rozsa Gaston to the blog #AnneBoleyn #AnneBoleynChronicles #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalSaga #TudorFiction #FrenchHistory #WomenInHistory #WomensHistoryMonth #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m reviewing Secrets Taken to Grave, a gothic mystery by Isobel Blackthorn set in Scotland #blogtour #histfic #recommended
I’m delighted to welcome Kathleen McGurl and her new release The Vanished Girl to the blog #blogtour #newrelease #BookBlast
I’m welcoming An American Slave in Barbary – The Odyssey of Winston Prescott Jones by Larry Kelley to the blog #HistoricalFiction #BarbaryCoast #SlaveTrade #AmericanRevolution #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m welcoming Rebecca Langston-George to the blog, with her new book, One Fine Voice #OneFineVoice #HistoricalFiction #MiddleGrade #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome A.M.Swink and her new book, Gradarius, to the blog with a fab excerpt #romanequestrian #romanequestrianseries #gradarius #ancienthistoricalfiction #romanfiction #equestrianfiction #boudicca
I’m delighted to welcome Lisajoy Sachs and her book, Bright One, to the blog #BrightOne #HistoricalFiction #WWII #JewishHistoricalFiction #Holocaust #FamilyHistory #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer Wizbowski and her book, Poinsettia Girl, to the blog #PoinsettiaGirl #HistoricalFiction #RenaissanceFiction #TheCoffeePotBookClub #BlogTour
I’m welcoming Max Eastern and his new historical thriller, Red Snow in Winter, to the blog #RedSnowInWinter #HistoricalThriller #SpyThriller #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #BookBlast #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Marcia Clayton and her new book, Annie’s Secret, to the blog #Victorian #Historical Fiction #Romance #Saga #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m welcoming Jill Bray, and her historical mystery, A Brotherly Devotion, to the blog with an extract #blogtour #historicalmystery
I’m delighted to welcome Carol Anne Dobson and her book, Storks in a Blue Sky, to the blog #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalFiction #Devon #Alsace #TheCoffeePotBookClub #BlogTour
I’m excited to share an excerpt from RJ Verity’s new historical fiction novel, Poole of Light #blogtour #historicalfiction
I’m delighted to welcome Brodie Curtis and his book, Showboat Soubrette, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #AmericanHistoricalFiction #HistoricalAdventure #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Heidi Eljarbo and her new book, Whispers in the Snow,to the blog #HistoricalMystery #RomanticMystery #HistoricalRomance #SweetRomance #BlogTour #NewRelease #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Paula Dáil and her book, Red Anemones, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #FamilyLegacy #JewishHistory #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Catherine Hughes and her new book, Therin Lies the Pearl, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #NormanConquest #MedievalHistory #AngloSaxonHistory #EarlyMedieval #StMargaret #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Francesca Capaldi and her new book, Celebrations at the Beach Hotel to the blog. Francesca is introducing us to the characters #blogtour #histfic #saga
I’m delighted to welcome Lady Harriet (Harriet Taggart) and Dr. Peter Stephenson and their book, The Witch of Godstow Abbey, to the blog #TheWitchOfGodstowAbbey #HistoricalMystery #MurderMystery #theladyandthedoc #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Brodie Curtis and his book, Showboat Soubrette, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #AmericanHistoricalFiction #HistoricalAdventure #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Heidi Eljarbo and her new book, Whispers in the Snow,to the blog #HistoricalMystery #RomanticMystery #HistoricalRomance #SweetRomance #BlogTour #NewRelease #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome The Silent Resistance by Anna Normann to the blog, with a fascinating extract #BlogTour #NewReleaseBook #WW2
I’m delighted to welcome Clare Flynn and Under a Southern Sky to the blog #NewReleaseBook #BookCompetition #HistoricalFictionBook
I’m welcoming Susan D Levitte to the blog with an excerpt from her new book, The Secrets in the Woods, 1871Fire #PeshtigoFire #WIHistory #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Cosy Crime Reviews

I’m so excited to be sharing my review for The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner #blogtour #cozycrime #bookreview
I’m delighted to share my review for Murder in Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter, the first book in a new historical mystery series #historicalmystery #cosycrime #highlyrecommended
I’m sharing my review for The Little Black Book Killer by Fiona Walker, the third book in her The Village Detectives series #bookreview #cosycrime #newrelease
I’m reviewing A Very Merry Murder by Kate Wells, a fabulous contemporary mystery set in the Malvern Hills #mystery #newrelease #blogtour #bookreview
I’m delighted to welcome a returning Helen Golden to the blog with her new book, An Heir is Misplaced. #bookreview #cosymystery #blogtour #avidreader
Today I’m reviewing Kelly Oliver’s fabulous new Golden-Age crime mystery, The Case of the Body on the Orient Express #newrelease #cosycrime #blogtour
I’m sharing my review for the delightful, The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead cosy-mystery by Antony Johnston
I’m delighted to be sharing my review for Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery by Florence Wetzel #blogtour
Today, I’m reviewing Susie Dent’s fabulous new mystery, Guilty By Definition #newrelease #mystery
I’m delighted to welcome to the blog a returning Helen Hollick and her new mystery, A Meadow Murder #CosyMystery #CozyMystery #Devon #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m reviewing the new book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Italian Mysteries, Murder in Portofino by TA Williams
I’m delighted to be sharing my review for Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley #blogtour #newrelease #comedy
I’m delighted to welcome a returning Helen Golden to the blog with her new book, Murder Most Wilde. #bookreview #cosymystery #blogtour #avidreader
2025 – A Reading Year in Review
The inspiration for The Barrage Body, book 4 in The Erdington Mysteries (and why this isn’t quite the book I thought it would be) #histfic #mystery
I’m sharing my review for Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young #cosycrime #newrelease #blogtour #DeathAtTheVillageChristimasFair
I’m delighted to share my review for Murder at Mill Ponds House by Michelle Salter #historicalmystery #cosycrime #highlyrecommended
The Sundered Kingdom
I’m delighted to share my review for Mrs Hudson and the Spirits’ Curse by Martin Davies, an intriguing Holmes-esque mystery #bookreview #mystery #HistoricalFiction
Today, I’m so excited to share my review for Flaming Murder by Simon Whaley (I loved this book) #cosycrime #humour #bookreview #blogtour
I’m delighted to be reviewing The Locked Room by Holly Hepburn #histfic #cosycrime #1930s #bookreview #BakerStreet
I’m sharing my review for A Body in the Banjo by Elaine Spires, a historical mystery set in Dagenham #blogtour #bookreview
Today, I’m excited to share my review for Murder on the Cricket Green, the fourth book in Catherine Coles delightful 1940s cozy crime series #blogtour #MarthaMillerMystery
I’m reviewing the new book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Italian Mysteries, Murder at the Duomo by TA Williams #BookReview #BlogTour #CosyCrime #ContemporaryCrime
Recent posts
Introducing Ice and Fire, my historical romantasy series

Thriller Book Reviews

I’m reviewing Collateral Damage by Sam Cogley #thriller #bookreview #blogtour #CollateralDamage
I’m sharing my review for The Atlantis Covenant by Rob Jones #actionandadventure #blogtour #bookreview
I’m sharing my review for Wolf Six by Alex Shaw #blogtour #thriller #newrelease
Today I’m reviewing the new James Ryker novel, The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease
I’m sharing a fab post from crime novelist Ian Mcfadyen about his writing routine to celebrate the release of Blood Matters #blogtour
I’m reviewing the new Myron Bolitar book by Harlan Coben, Think Twice. It’s a goodie:) #bookreview
Check out my review for The Green Viper by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease
- Today I’m reviewing Rogue Hero by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease
- Check out my review for Angel of Death by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease
Today, I’m reviewing #CrucialBlack by Colin Garrow, a highly- entertaining Scottish thriller set in Inverness
I’m sharing my review for Lost Solace by Karl Drinkwater, a fabulous sci-fi thriller #blogtour #audiobook
Today, I’m reviewing Zero Kill by MK Hill #thriller #ZeroKill #NewRelease
Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing The Last True Templar by Boyd + Beth Morrison #blogtour #histfic #thriller
I’m sharing my review for Dangerous Descent by Evie Jacobs #blogtour #bookreview #steamy #adventure

Non-Fiction History Book Reviews

Happy (UK) Release Day to The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book #newrelease #non-fiction
I’m reviewing a new non-fiction title: Edmund, Eadred and Eadwig, 939-959, New Interpretations ed. M.E. Blanchard and C. Riedel
Book Review – Ælfred’s Britain – Max Adams – Highly Recommended
Book Review – Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England by Annie Whitehead – non-fiction
Book Review – Warrior: A Life of War in Anglo-Saxon England by Edoardo Albert and Paul Gething – historical non-fiction/fiction
I’m delighted to welcome Judith Arnopp and her non-fiction title, How To Dress Like A Tudor to the blog #HistoricalCostume #TudorFashion #Tudors #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub
Book Review – Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown by J F Andrews – historical non-fiction
Book Review – Catherine of Braganza by Sarah-Beth Watkins (history)
Book Review – Four Princes by John Julius Norwich (non-fiction)
Book Review – Catherine of Braganza by Sarah-Beth Watkins (history)
Book Review – The Life of Emma, Lady Hamilton by J. T. Herbert Baily (history)
Book Review – The Tragic Daughters of Charles 1: Mary, Elizabeth and Henrietta Anne by Sarah-Beth Watkins – Historical Non-Fiction

Fantasy Book Reviews

2024 – A Reading Year in Review
Book Review – Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Highly recommended ) fantasy
Book Review – Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence – fantasy – 5/5 stars
Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence – Book Review – released today in the UK 4th April 2019
Book Review – The Girl and The Mountain by Mark Lawrence – fantasy
The Girl and the Moon by Mark Lawrence #BookReview #Fantasy
Book Review – The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence – fantasy
One Word Kill – Book Review – Mark Lawrence
Book Review – Limited Wish by Mark Lawrence – fantasy – highly recommended
Happy Release day to The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence #fantasy #highlyrecommended
Happy Release Day to Steve Jones and his debut, Call Time. #fantasy #newrelease
Book Review – The Seven by Peter Newman – fantasy – recommended
Book Review – The Malice by Peter Newman – fantasy
Book Review – The Ruthless by Peter Newman – fantasy – highly recommended
Book Review – Peter Newman – The Deathless – Fantasy
Book Review – A Time of Blood by John Gwynne – Fantasy – Highly Recommended
Book Review: A Mighty Dawn by Theodore Brun (historical fantasy)
I’m delighted to be reviewing A Savage Moon by Theodore Brun #historicalfantasy #NewRelease
Book Review – Priest of Lies by Peter McLean – fantasy
Book Review – Darien-by C F Iggulden – fantasy
Book Review – Brother’s Ruin by Emma Newman (YA Historical Fantasy)
Book Review – Skullsworn by Brian Staveley (fantasy)
Book Review – The Black Hawks by David Wragg – fantasy
Book Review – The Sword Saint by C.F Iggulden – The Empire of Salt Book III – fantasy

Romance Reads

I’m welcoming The Soprano’s Daring Duke by Susanne Dunlap to the blog #blogtour #RegencyRomance #bookreview
I’m excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for The Matchmaker’s Mare by Hywela Lyn #coverreveal #blogtour #romance
It’s my turn on the blog tour for Love & Laughter (and other disasters) – A midlife romcom by Elora Canne #blogtour #bookreview #romance #novella
I’m delighted to welcome Julia Ibbotson and her book, The Rune Stone, to the blog #medieval #TimeTravel #Romance #Mystery #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m excited to spotlight Escape to the French Riviera by Helga Jensen #newrelease #romance
I’m excited to share Stephanie Wood’s covers for her The Greek Retreat Trilogy #blogtour #coverreveal #romance
I’m welcoming A Christmas Surprise in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen to the blog #blogtour #Christmas #Romance
I’m reviewing Starting Over at Starlight Cottage by Debbie Viggiano #blogtour #romance
I’m delighted to welcome Marcia Clayton and her new book, A Woman Scorned, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #FamilySaga #Victorian #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Sara Powter and her new book, Madeline’s Boy, to the blog #ChristianHistoricalRomance #HistoricalFiction #ConvictBirthstainCollection #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m welcoming Soulla Christodoulou and her new novel, The Magic of Miramare to the blog #blogtour #romance

Seasonal Reads

I’m sharing my review for To Win Her Hand by Melissa Addey #regencyromance #blogtour #bookreview #festiveread
I’m reviewing A Very Merry Murder by Kate Wells, a fabulous contemporary mystery set in the Malvern Hills #mystery #newrelease #blogtour #bookreview
2024 – A Reading Year in Review
I’m sharing an excerpt from Susan Buchanan’s A Little Christmas Spirit #romance #blogtour #newrelease
Happy publication day to Carla Luna and her festive read, Santa Maybe. #blogtour #romance
I’m sharing my review for the thoroughly atmospheric, The Crash by Kate Furnivall #newrelease #histfic
I’m welcoming MK McClintock’s festive short story collection, A Home for Christmas, to the blog ChristmasRomance #HistoricalWesternRomance #ChristmasSpecial #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
It’s time to celebrate A Cranberry for Christmas by Charlie Dean #bookbirthday #blogtour
Check out my review for a Christmas contemporary mystery, A Christmas Murder by Mary Grand #bookreview #mystery
I’m delighted to share my review for A Corpse in Christmas Close by Michelle Salter #historicalmystery #cosycrime #highlyrecommended
I’m delighted to welcome Heidi Eljarbo and her Christmas romance, Twelfth Cake House, to the blog #heartwarmingchristmas #historicalfiction #holidayromance #goldenyearromance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Heidi Eljarbo and her new book The Warmth of Snow to the blog ChristmasRomance #SweetRomance #RegencyRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
I’m delighted to welcome Dead in Tune by Stephanie Dagg to the blog, a fun cosy Christmas crime set in France #blog tour
Today, Meredith Allard is talking about her new festive book, Christmas at Hembry Castle

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