If you were given the opportunity to disappear and start your life again, would you take it?
Paris 1933. Four people’s lives are dramatically torn apart by a single terrifying event. Two days before Christmas the express train to Strasbourg crashes into a local train in the winter darkness outside Paris. On board is Gilles Malroux, a man with a shady past and a strong reason to avoid the police. In the mayhem of the crash he is badly injured but to avoid capture by the police he swaps identity papers with one of the other victims of the impact. Gilles tries to flee in the dark but finds himself taken to the house of a woman he doesn’t know but who calls him Davide. She nurses him. But is the bitter medicine in the spoon she puts to his lips healing him or harming him?
Camille Malroux is Gilles’ sister. She works for the French Civil Service and is trying to climb the ladder of respectability after a childhood in poverty. When she is informed by police that her brother is seriously injured in hospital, she rushes to his bedside, only to discover it is not Gilles. It is a heavily bandaged stranger. He is unconscious and has her brother’s identity papers in his locker. Only by digging to discover the true identity of the bandaged man in the hospital bed can she hope to trace Gilles.
But Gilles is sinking into further danger. He is drugged. A priest and a doctor hover over him, as if waiting for him to die, and constantly the woman who calls him Davide is at his side. What is it she wants from him?
The Crash is thrilling historical fiction about identity, revenge and survival.
The Crash by Kate Furnivall is a thrilling historical mystery set around Christmas 1933 in Paris, and follows the events after a horrific train crash in which Camille fears her brother has died. What ensues is a thrilling investigation to uncover what exactly her brother, Gilles, was involved in, taking many unexpected twists and turns along the way (no spoilers here).
It is thoroughly atmospheric, the chill seeping into my bones.
It’s always nice to get a little ‘reader quote’ box over on the ‘Zon:)
I’m delighted to welcome Nicolette Croft and her new book, The Curse of Maiden Scars from the Maiden Mother Crone Series, to the blog with an audio clip.
Audio Clip: Chapter 16
Here’s the Blurb
A Yorkshire orphan struggling for opportunity against 18th-century odds reluctantly transforms into a Venetian courtesan during the Empire’s last days.
Sixteen-year-old Renna Covert toils away in the shadows of a Yorkshire workhouse, her days filled with the mundane task of shelling cotton and the dangerous duty of scouting for punters. One fateful night, she crosses paths with two sailors and finds herself thrust into the heart of a chilling encounter at the local asylum.
These harrowing experiences catalyze Renna’s journey, promising newfound opportunities and revealing long-buried family secrets. Yet, at every turn, powerful forces conspire to thwart her quest for truth, forcing her to abandon her scullery work and embark on a daring escape to Venice alongside her steadfast companions.
In the labyrinthine alleys of Venice, Renna’s fate takes yet another twist. She is ensnared by a cunning Madam who trains her as a Venetian courtesan. But beneath the veneer of luxury lies a world fraught with danger, where Renna must rely on her witts and resilience to navigate the treacherous waters of deceit and betrayal.
Set against the backdrop of Venice’s tumultuous Napoleonic invasion of 1797, this is a tale of a girl’s struggle for survival. It is a story of resilience, defiance in the face of adversity, and, ultimately, one young woman’s determination to reclaim her identity.
THE CURSE OF MAIDEN SCARS is a coming-of-age, women’s fiction novel with gothic flair set in the tradition of Victoria Mas’ THE MADWOMAN’S BALL, and Sarah Dunant’s IN THE COMPANY OF THE COURTESAN, with the sensuality of LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER.
Nicolette Croft can’t remember a time when she was not creating imaginary worlds inspired by her Hungarian and American ancestors. As a neuro-divergent learner, however, putting those stories to paper proved more challenging than imagining them. Because her determination would not allow her to settle, she pursued an English B.A. to improve her writing.
Young motherhood also brought unexpected challenges, which motivated her to pursue graduate work in twice-exceptional learners and education. She would later add an M.A. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in neurodivergent people, trauma, and grief. Nicolette uses her natural gift of storytelling as an exploratory method for her clients.
The Curse of Maiden Scars is also an outgrowth of her personal journey and marks her first publication as a novelist, having previously published short fiction. When not at her counseling practice or researching historical facts for her latest story, Nicolette shares treasured time with family, friends, and her husband. Whether writing, cooking, traveling, or learning, the act of creation is always at the center of her colorful life.
Novels, ideas and the writing routine by Alice May
I’ve learned in the ten years that I have been writing, that there are many different stages involved in writing a novel. Each stage is different and, as a result, the routine changes accordingly. Writing my new novel, The Mid-life Trials of Annabeth Hope, involved the following stages.
Collecting my tools.
The initial phase of writing a book involves gathering ideas. Getting the right ingredients together, much as one might when baking a cake. A theme or a concept might strike me as interesting, and I’ll keep a mental note of interesting comments and character traits that I hear or see around me. At this point, I know that I will use these elements somewhere, but I’m not sure how, why or where.
Doing my research
Then comes the research stage. It is important to get this right. Making sure you use accurate information for those parts of your story that chime with reality is essential as this helps to build a bond of trust between writer and reader. Once you have the confidence of your reader, they will follow you wherever your story takes you as long as you remain within the boundaries of the reality you have set from the beginning.
Working the plot
Step three is plotting the story, making sure to hit the right story beats and include the tropes that readers expect, look forward to and find satisfying, whilst trying to add my own angle to them and avoid clichés. I used to write by the seat of my pants, but have learned over the years that an element of plotting saves time and the agony of running into a roadblock and having to start back at the beginning of a manuscript to rewrite the whole thing.
I often start to plot a story based around a particular character and situation. More often than not, though, another character pushes into the narrative and the story becomes more about them. It’s an experimental stage of trying different combinations out to see what has the capacity to sustain a plotline through to the end in a satisfying way. I can’t explain how I know something will work, I just recognise it when I see it.
Then comes the writing phase.
What precisely triggers the actual writing phase of a novel for me, I couldn’t say. I just know that it is time. All of the above ingredients for the story, the research and the plotting will have marinated sufficiently that I can dive in and write. This phase involves regular computer time; several hours a day if possible. I find early in the morning works best for me as I often wake up with the next part of the book already written in my head. I avoid looking at my phone or checking my emails until I have that new chunk of text wrangled onto the page, because social media and other outside influences will cause the words to disappear.
Of course, once the first draft is complete, then the delights of editing begin…
Life often gets in the way, which throws any form of routine I try to establish into chaos. The important thing to remember as a writer is to make sure that you are kind to yourself. We need to be mindful of deadlines looming, but we need to practice effective self-care. Working non-stop is counter-productive. Taking breaks and taking care of yourself are the keys to everything.
To all the writers out there, I wish you good luck.
Love
Alice
Here’s the blurb
Feisty country girl Annabeth Hope has sworn off men since her ex abandoned her. Juggling three resentful step-teens, a hyperactive toddler, a small holding, and a herd of rescued llamas, she has her hands full.
With the roof about to collapse on her crumbling New Forest home, she is desperate to find a way to hold her patchwork family together. The last thing she needs is an attractive distraction moving in next door.
Burnt-out, inner-city doctor Rick Mahon has left London and his medical career behind in a moment of professional crises. A malpractice lawsuit is on the horizon, and the cancel culture are snapping at his heels. His plan to stay under the radar is thrown off course when he meets his new neighbour and sparks start to fly.
Annabeth couldn’t be more different, but maybe they hold the key to each other’s happiness.
‘What more could we want from in life? Family, friends, llamas and hope… An excellent read.’ Jenny Kane, author of the best-selling Mill Grange Series.
A former GP surgery manager, school librarian and art teacher,Alice May is mum to four not-so-small children. She is married to the most patient man on the planet, and they live in the New Forest. Alice started writing in 2016 and she enjoyed playing with words so much that now she can’t stop. Alice writes as Alice May, Alice G May and A G May.
Lottie should be on top of the world – her boutique has just opened in the quaint little village of Lily Vale and her designs are already delighting the locals. But just nine months ago, she was fired from her dream job and forced to move in with her dad, all because of one big mistake and a betrayal from someone she thought was her friend.
During a fitting appointment, Lottie meets groom-to-be Kit Brooks. Her first impression? Arrogant, rude, and a downright snob. However, as they work together to create the perfect bridesmaid’s dress for his little sister, Lottie begins to view Kit in a whole new light.
Suddenly, she’s battling to keep her heart under control – after all, Kit is getting married. But nothing could prepare her for the identity of his bride…
Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes in Lily Vale Village is the eighth story in the Lily Vale Village book series, a charming set of novellas revolving around the lives of the ordinary people who reside in the beautiful countryside community. It can be read as a standalone story, or as part of the series.
Imogen Payne lives in the British countryside with three stuck-up cats, one mad dog and a very well-trained husband. There she writes the romantic, dramatic and always uplifting Lily Vale Village and Sunny Shore Bay series.
When she’s not writing, she’s cooking up a storm in the kitchen, taking long walks through the nearby woods or snuggling up on the couch with a good book.
Miss Green, the actress Lizzie Dixie has been murdered.” I stared at the young inspector. “But it’s impossible. She drowned. Years ago.”
London, 1883. Fleet Street’s pioneering lady reporter Penny Green is stunned when a long-dead actress is found murdered in Highgate Cemetery. Lizzie Dixie supposedly drowned in the River Thames years ago, so how did she end up shot to death on a foggy October night? Penny’s personal connection to the victim draws her into the case, as does the charm of Scotland Yard inspector James Blakely. But her return to work sparks the attentions of someone with evil intent.
Why did Lizzie fake her own death? Who knew she was still alive? With each revelation, the killer draws nearer. Can Penny unmask the culprit before she becomes the next victim? Or will the bright lights of Victorian London be forever dimmed by a killer lurking in the shadows?
An enthralling and atmospheric historical mystery that will have you reading deep into the night. Limelight is the first instalment in the bestselling Penny Green Victorian Mystery series.
My Review
Limelight is the first book in the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries. It is a fabulously atmospheric and evocative novel that brings a grimy, smog-covered 1880s London to life.
Our main character is Penny, a currently jobless reporter who lost her job thanks to an unhappy member of the constabulary who called on the ‘gentleman’s club’ mentality of the era to have her dismissed, even though she only reported the truth. However, just as all seems quite desperate, Penny learns of the murder of a friend and is called upon to help the police. In return, she manages to regain her job. She is to help report on the police investigation and assist the police.
This sets up a good narrative. Penny is connected to the characters under investigation but hasn’t been for the last five years, so there is always an opportunity for her not to know things about them. And there is a great deal she doesn’t know.
While all this is happening, the tapestry of events in London is playing out, from visiting the circus to bombs on the underground to the opening of the new Natural History Museum. It teems with everyday life in London, from the reporters’ favourite pubs to the gentlemen’s favoured places to meet their courtesans, from cabs to omnibuses, from the hospital to the suitably dark and menacing cemetery. It is indeed an evocative novel of the era.
The mystery itself is intriguing – and what could be more Victorian than a woman already believed dead being found deceased?
Here’s an extract from Chapter 4 of It Never Rains
Detective Sergeant Sunita Roy has just arrived at a footballer’s mansion near Worcester after it was raided by burglars. The player’s stepson and bodyguard are missing.
As she parked her white Peugeot 208 next to the BMW and climbed out, an amiable uniformed constable approached.
‘All right, Sarge?’ asked PC Derek Underhill. ‘You’ve missed a bit of excitement.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘They’ve just taken the housekeeper away in an ambulance.’
‘I saw an ambulance travelling down the lane.’
‘That was her,’ he said. ‘They’re taking her to Queensbridge General.’
‘What happened?’
‘The poor woman was in the house on her own when she spotted three men in ski-masks. One of them threatened her with a gun and tied her up.’
Sunita was concerned. ‘Is she all right?’
‘I think so. They just roughed her up a bit.’
Sunita shook her head. ‘Must have been a hell of an ordeal for her.’
‘Yes, poor soul,’ said Underhill. ’They’ve taken her away for a check-up. Her husband’s here, but he didn’t see anything. He was out at the time, walking the dog.’
Sunita found the chief inspector talking to Dr Ling beside the main doorway to the house. A police photographer was taking pictures of a pool of blood on the block-paved forecourt. Three forensic staff in white coats were examining the entrance area. A fourth was inspecting possible tyremarks left among leaves, still damp following that morning’s light rain. Rubber anti-contamination plates had been placed at certain points along the ground so that detectives and forensic staff could walk around without the risk of damaging potential evidence. The scene was bathed in the white glow of arc lights.
Sunita stepped across carefully to join her boss.
‘Ah, Sergeant,’ said Roscoe sternly, ‘I’m glad you’re here. I don’t know how much you know but around four o’clock a gang of burglars appear to have disabled the alarm, cut the landline and disconnected the CCTV. Then they got in through the first-floor bathroom window on the other side of the house using a ladder and stole valuables and designer goods.’
‘Do we have any idea how many were in the gang?’ asked Sunita.
‘Not at the moment,’ he said. ‘The housekeeper, Mrs Willis, believes there were three, but there may have been more.’
‘What happened to Mrs Willis, sir?’
‘She was tied up and threatened with a gun.’
‘You’ve managed to speak to her, sir?’
‘Yes, I just grabbed a few words. She’s still in a state, of course. Underhill and another constable from Queensbridge were the first here and called an ambulance. She’s not badly hurt – just bruised wrists. It’s more the shock than anything else. Anyway, about ten minutes later she heard a bit of conversation, a car engine and soon after that two gunshots. Bear in mind she was strapped to a chair with her hands and feet tied and her mouth gagged.’
Sunita frowned. ‘Terrible, sir.’
‘After that, she heard what sounded like two cars driving away. Roughly twenty minutes later, our officers from Queensbridge arrived and untied her. The husband came back half an hour later.’
‘Where’s the husband now?’ she asked.
‘In their staff quarters just behind us. Police were alerted by a firm called Top Rank Protection in Wiltshire. One of their operatives, a guy called Danny Jukes, has been hired by the family as a bodyguard. He called the company’s boss, Ken Woodman, at around ten minutes past four. He’d been given charge of the footballer’s sixteen-year-old stepson, Marcel, for the afternoon. Jukes told his boss they’d arrived at the house to find a guy with a balaclava loading gear into a Range Rover.’
‘Have we got the registration?’ Sunita asked.
‘Yes, but you know what these people are like,’ said Roscoe. ‘Chances are they were false plates and may have been replaced by now in any case. Anyway, Danny Jukes’ last words to Ken were, “Can you call the cops and alert the family? I’m going in.” And since then he and the boy have vanished off the face of the earth.’
Sunita shook her head and stared across at the blood stains on the ground and at the hedge beyond.
‘We know two shots were fired by someone,’ her boss continued. ‘As you can see, there are traces of blood on the forecourt here but we don’t know what the outcome of that was – although someone was obviously harmed.’
Sunita cast her eyes towards the hedge and trees on the far side of the forecourt.
‘What about the family, sir?’ she asked.
‘Jean-Jacques and his wife Camille are on their way back from watching the team play in Newcastle and should be here in a few hours,’ he said. ‘We obviously need to speak to them. In the meantime, I suggest you have a chat with the gardener, David Willis, and see if he can add anything to what we know.’
He handed her a scrap of paper with a phone number scribbled on it.
‘Maybe you could also have a word with Woodman. Here’s his number. Whatever you do, don’t go into the house right now. The forensic team are up to their eyes.’
‘Sir, do we have any idea at all what might have happened to Danny Jukes and Marcel?’ she said.
The chief inspector shook his head. ‘No. But it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they’ve both fallen victim to foul play.’
Here’s the blurb
It never rains but it pours . . . When a ruthless gang burgles the home of a Premier League football player, DCI Gavin Roscoe and DS Sunita Roy suddenly have a murder and a kidnap on their hands. The footballer’s stepson, Marcel, is taken from the palatial property whilst it is being ransacked, and his bodyguard is shot, stone cold dead. To help them with their task, DI Parkes from the National Crime Agency’s Kidnap Unit joins the investigation but he has very different ideas about how the operation should be run. While rain lashes the surrounding countryside, tempers rise, as do the flood waters. Can the police track down this dangerous gang, unmask its malevolent ringleader, and reunite the boy with his family before it’s too late? IT NEVER RAINS is the sixth book in the detectives Roy and Roscoe crime fiction series by Tony Bassett.
Tony Bassett is a former journalist who worked on regional and national newspapers in Britain for more than 40 years. He mainly reported on crime, show business, human interest and consumer topics. Now retired, he writes crime fiction. Tony is best known for his series of novels set in the West Midlands. They feature Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Roscoe, an experienced detective and family man, and his sergeant, law graduate and resourceful problem-solver Sunita Roy. The fifth book in the series, Heir To Murder, was judged first in the Mystery and Suspense (Police Procedurals) category in the American Fiction Awards in June 2024. The novel concerns a peer of the realm’s son found axed to death after a row over loud music. Two years earlier, his older brother mysteriously disappeared while hiking in Spain. Here is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CPFNJNQJ The series is published by The Book Folks, an independent London publisher specialising in crime fiction. Other books in the series (in order) are: Murder On Oxford Lane, The Crossbow Stalker, Murder Of A Doctor and Out for Revenge. His stand-alone thriller Seat 97, about a man shot dead at a London concert hall, has also been published by The Book Folks. Two further works (the crime novel Smile Of The Stowaway and the spy novel The Lazarus Charter) were published by The Conrad Press. Tony first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he produced a junior school magazine. A few years later, his local vicar in Tunbridge Wells staged his play about the Biblical story of Naboth’s Vineyard. At Hull University, Tony was judged Time-Life Magazine student journalist of the year in 1971. Tony, who has five grown-up children, is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.
The start of an epic new historical adventure series from Richard Cullen introducing The Black Lion
As war approaches, the lion will roar…
1213AD.
King Richard the Lionheart is dead, and his brother, John Lackland, sits uneasily upon the throne of England.
Across the sea, Prince Louis, heir to the powerful King Philip Augustus of France, looks to King John’s crown with a covetous eye.
But King John must be wary of rebellion, as well as invasion, for even his own barons would see their king unseated, and the French pretender put in his place.
Thrust amid this tumult is young Estienne Wace, orphan squire to Earl William Marshal – the greatest knight to ever serve the kings of England, and one of the few men who still holds faith in King John’s rule.
Raised by Marshal as his ward, Estienne must prove himself worthy of his adopted father’s name, but acceptance may be the least of his troubles. War is looming, as usurpers emerge from every quarter, determined to steal England’s crown from its most wretched king.
Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.
Rebellion by Richard Cullen is the first in a new series featuring young Estienne, an orphan sent to be raised in the household of the fabulous William Marshal in the final troubled years of King John’s reign. (You may have noticed that I’m a huge William Marshal fan—I wasn’t expecting to find him in this book, so I was very pleased.)
Estienne quickly makes an enemy for himself in the form of one of the other squires while showing his loyalty and fierce desire to succeed. In the process, he wins the high regard of William Marshal and two of his older sons.
The story is very busy. A lot is happening as rebellion against King John builds, and there’s the threat of invasion from France, and Estienne finds himself at the heart of much of it. This leads to some good battle scenes and harsh depictions of life in a siege. I did feel a bit sorry for his poor horse and the miles he had to journey. Although I knew the period’s history, I still found it very enjoyable to follow Estienne’s role in it all. He does witness many of the major elements and, of course, gets to face off against his enemy, although he never discovers his identity.
This is a thrilling start to a new series, and I’m excited to see what happens to Estienne in the future. It is sure to appeal to fans of the genre and those interested in the events of King John’s reign. And, we can’t forget, it features the fabulous William Marshal in all his wonderful glory.
Meet the author
Richard Cullen is a writer of historical adventure and epic fantasy. His historical adventure series Chronicles of the Black Lion is set in thirteenth-century England.
A King in crisis, a Queen on trial, a Kingdom’s survival hangs in the balance.
Londonia, AD835 The deadly conspiracy against the children of Ealdorman Coenwulf is to be resolved. Those involved have been unmasked and arrested. But will justice prevail?
While the court convenes to determine the conspirator’s fate, King Wiglaf’s position is precarious. His wife, Queen Cynethryth, has been implicated in the plot and while Wiglaf must remain impartial, enemies of the Mercia still conspire to prevent the full truth from ever being known.
As Merica weeps from the betrayal of those close to the King, the greedy eyes of Lord Æthelwulf, King Ecgberht of Wessex’s son, pivot once more towards Mercia. He will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal of ending Mercia’s ruling bloodline.
Mercia once more stands poised to be invaded, but this time not by the Viking raiders they so fear.
Can Icel and his fellow warriors’ triumph as Mercia once more faces betrayal from within?
Ismail Karaman is one of the deadliest terrorists in recent history. So why is he free to float around the Persian Gulf on his luxury yacht? Ex intelligence agent James Ryker thinks he knows why, and the answer lies at the corrupt heart of the SIS. Ryker isn’t one to let the bad guys get away with murder, but Karaman has many enemies, and one in particular will make all their lives much more complicated… They call her the Angel of Death – a former agent whose last encounter with Karaman cost her everything, and left her in a Lebanese prison cell. Now she’s free, and with nothing else to lose, she’s determined to get her revenge… whatever it takes. Ryker and the Angel may have the same target, but that doesn’t mean they’re on the same side. Who will reach Karaman first? And who will still be standing when the bodies pile up?
Angel of Death is the 12th book in the James Ryker series and a very entertaining read.
I’ve only read one previous book in the series, and I found this one to be a much slicker and more engaging read with our two main characters, Ryker and Angel, alternating points of view. It’s quite a globe-trotter, although much of the action takes place in the UK, but a UK told very much through American eyes (and with US spelling)- including gas stations and quite a few handguns. That said, the narrative is good enough for these things to pass me by with only a slight chuckle as the action ramps up.
Ryker is as violent as in the previous book, but he might just have met his match in Angel of Death.
This is a really solid read, sure to appeal to fans of the genre and those looking for an action-packed thriller.
Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Rob previously studied Biochemistry at Nottingham University. He also worked for a global accounting firm for 13 years, specialising in global fraud investigations.
Welcome to Cosy Cove, where love burns brighter than any candle!
Beth Williams thought her dreams had melted away after a devastating breakup, but she finds a flicker of hope at Harbour Lights, her artisan candle shop nestled in the heart of Cosy Cove. But just when Beth thinks she’s content with her quiet life, a ruggedly handsome stranger threatens to reignite her carefully guarded heart.
Enter Jacob Lawson, a charming journalist whose assignment in the quaint seaside town quickly becomes more than just another story. As Beth introduces him to the town’s hidden gems—from the bustling summer fair to sunset walks on the beach—Jacob finds himself captivated by more than the scenery.
But as their attraction simmers, both Beth and Jacob must confront their deepest fears. Can Beth trust her heart to love again? And will Jacob choose the comfort of Cosy Cove over the call of his career?
Join Beth and Jacob on a journey of second chances, sweet moments, and the kind of love that makes every day feel like a summer holiday. Will they find the courage to embrace a future together, or will their fears extinguish the flame before it truly ignites?
Get ready to fall head over heels for Cosy Cove, where every page promises a warm hug for your heart. Perfect for fans of seaside romances, charming small towns, and love stories that sparkle brighter than the sea at sunset!
Abbey Hicks writes sweet, feel-good romance filled with dashing heroes, quirky heroines, and those heart-melting happily ever afters. Whether it’s contemporary romance or paranormal love stories, she brings her signature charm and a sprinkle of magic to every page.
Writing as Abbey MacMunn, her debut paranormal romance was shortlisted for the prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Since then, Abbey has written eleven more books, including the bestselling steamy paranormal romcom series, Love Bites: A Dating Agency for Paranormals.
When she’s not dreaming up her next romantic hero, you’ll find her on walks with her mischievous but lovable labradoodle, Brody, or binge-watching anything from romcoms to fantasy/sci-fi. If it has romance, adventure, and a dash of humour, she’s there!
MJ Porter 