A scream shattered the tranquil air, echoing off the ice-covered lake, and Daniel’s heart froze. He knew that voice all too well.
After a pleasant afternoon of ice skating on the frozen waters of West Lake, local librarian Kathleen Brissedon stumbles across a gruesome sight in the nearby gazebo. It only takes a moment for her beau, assistant coroner Doctor Daniel O’Halleran, to determine that the victim was murdered.
To protect Kathleen from the ghastly sight of the man’s slashed throat, Daniel insists she return home while he examines the body further. Though the immediate cause of death appears obvious, he fears the subsequent autopsy will uncover more questions than answers, and it’s clear that he has his work cut out for him if he’s going to find the person responsible.
Kathleen has no intention of remaining demurely at home, not when there’s a murder to solve. Slipping back to the scene, she conducts her own investigation. Though her discoveries prove interesting, Daniel is too concerned about her safety to stifle his annoyance, especially after the killer makes a second attempt closer to home. But as the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place and Daniel starts closing in on the truth, the killer sets their sights on him.
With the danger increasing, Kathleen intent on assisting in the investigation, and his family descending on Patchogue to spend the Christmas holidays, Daniel has his hands full.
Will he and Kathleen be able to put their heads together and discover who is behind the attacks, or will the killer continue to plague the tranquil South Shore village unhindered?
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Meet the author
I. M. Foster is the pen name author Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series, set on Edwardian Long Island. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews and has so far published two series in that genre: the Thunder on the Moor series, a time-travel romance set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Borders, and the Cross of Ciaran series, which follows the adventures of a fifth century Celt who finds himself in love with a twentieth-century archaeologist.
Inez is a historian and librarian, who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys doing the research almost as much as she does the actual writing of the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. Inez is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, the Historical Novel Society, and Sisters in Crime.
A scientist nobody liked has been murdered on the Arctic ice . .
Meet the Blanchard twins: Rose is practical, sharp, and protective. Specialty: manta rays. Finn is too sweet and kind for his own good. Specialty: sharks.
Rose and Finn are looking for sharks on the sea bed. When they return to the Dauphin they make a terrible discovery: their colleague has been murdered on the ice –with a harpoon that should never have been there. Everyone else on the luxury cruise ship – the wealthy passengers, the researchers hard at work, the tight-knit crew and their strangely calm Captain – were all aboard at the time, so they are all under suspicion. Rose and Finn were the only two at sea, and they’re miles from anywhere, so it’s up to them to investigate.
On scientific problems, they are a brilliant team – but can the Blanchard twins solve a murder?
Death on Ice has such a good premise, and indeed, the book is very enjoyable, but it does take a little while to get going. For those unsure about it, I would recommend ploughing on through the first 25% until we get to the crux of the matter.
This isn’t really a story about a crime-fighting duo, or if it is, it’s not the twins who are our crime fighters, but rather the two police characters who are flown to the ship and asked to disentangle the complex murder while also trying to solve the crime that has them in the Arctic Circle in the first place.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style, but it took a little bit of getting used to it. This is ‘a busy book’ as in, every word counts. That might sound strange, but often, especially with cosy mysteries, there are some elements that are story-filler and not story-related. This, to me, felt a little bit like The West Wing of old and other TV shows that are conversation and plot-heavy, i.e. you actually have to pay attention throughout the whole episode, and you need to do this with Death on Ice. It’s not a bad thing once you realise it.
And it is a cleverly spun tale, and by the end of it, I was entirely enthralled with our four main characters and some of the others besides (our lovely sleepy shark). I certainly did not guess the resolution.
Bestselling author Nicola Cornick’s brand-new heart-breaking historical tale of unforgettable courage, hidden secrets and lasting love, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory and Christina Courtenay.
1715: With the country on the brink of rebellion, Dorothy Forster’s life at Bamburgh Hall is ruled by the men in her life – her feckless brothers stirring up trouble at court, her elderly father with his dangerous secrets and the man she loves who the world seems determined to keep her apart from. As tensions grow, Dorothy finds herself caught between the warring factions, danger everywhere. Then Dorothy discovers her family are the keepers of the legendary Rose, the talisman both sides believe will guarantee them victory in this deadly conflict. Now Dorothy will have to risk everything to keep the Rose safe; the fate of the country and the men she loves rests in her hands.
Present Day: Hannah Armstrong has returned home to Bamburgh Hall for work but when she discovers that her stepmother Diana has been keeping worrying secrets, her focus shifts to getting to the truth. Their family home once belonged to heroic Dorothy Forster, whose portrait graces the walls and whose spirit lingers in her home, but soon Hannah learns that there was much more to this formidable woman. Because Dorothy left behind a mysterious legacy and it’s not long before Hannah realises it’s one people are willing to kill for. Now Hannah is in a race against time to unravel the secrets of the past before danger arrives at their door.
Two women divided by time but bound by a centuries’ old mystery. Bestseller Nicola Cornick is back with a brand-new thrilling adventure, a heartbreaking love story and the unforgettable story of how the courage of one woman can save a family and even save a nation.
The Secrets of the Rose is a dual-timeline novel set in the present day and 1715, and much more importantly, it’s located about 10 minutes from where I live. Just like when someone writes a historical novel featuring one of ‘my’ historical characters, I felt a little uneasy about it all. Thankfully, I needn’t have worried, and that allowed me to enjoy the story and local scenery very much.
Dorothy Forster is a local legend to the area and someone I’ve heard quite a bit about. It was lovely to put some ‘flesh’ on those stories and see her come to life as a real person. While the story has some slightly mystical qualities, it was still very enjoyable.
As always, I prefer the historical timelines to the modern-day ones, but Hannah was an engaging character with a lot going on in her life. I appreciated the parallels between the two main characters. The conclusions for both of our characters are thrilling and swept me along with them.
A delightful, easy read, I devoured in a couple of sittings.
(If you want to see some photos of Bamburgh then check out my blog post here).
Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works as a consultant for TV and radio, and is a trustee of the Wantage Literary Festival and the Friends of Lydiard Park.
144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.
For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.
As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.
Raven is a fun, violent, action-packed epic set in Germania in the second century AD.
Alaric is very far from being any hero. Yes, he might be prepared to stand apart from the might of the Roman Empire, but he doesn’t care who he tramples on along the way. Sometimes, he’s almost likeable, but a lot of the time, he’s just a single man, making slightly dodgy decisions, often based on his rage and fury and trying to live with the consequences. Alaric is proud of his reputation, but of course, it means he has far more enemies than allies, as becomes clear as the plotline develops. Alaric also suffers in that he believes the accolades he receives and even revels in them, even though, as the reader discovers, much of it is down to blind luck and not any great skill.
Unlike many Roman-era books, Raven contains very little ‘Roman.’ Rather, the story is that of an outsider looking in and understanding how the Roman Empire works—perhaps better than the Romans did! It’s also filled with betrayal and violence.
It’s great to read a book that merges the Roman world and that of tribal Germania and have it told from the viewpoint of those tribes. I look forward to reading more about the rogue, Alaric.
Meet the author
Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical thrillers. His brand new series for Boldwood, ‘Enemies of Rome’, will focus on the boundaries at the edge of the Roman Empire. The first book Raven, will be published in February 2025.
I’m delighted to welcome Nitin Nanji and his book, Lalji’s Nairobi, to the blog with an excerpt.
Excerpt 1
The next morning brought an early visitor to their door in the shape of the village Sarpanch, Thakorbhai. The Sarpanch was the elected head of the village and led the Panchayat. His role was to officiate over disputes, collect fines and enforce the law with the help of the police.
Thakorbhai was a large man with short legs and a bull neck. He sported a moustache that was long and curled upwards at the ends, like two cobras poised to strike. When he sat on a chair, he folded his legs under him and they disappeared under his enormous belly. The children of the village were thrown into fits of giggles at this sight as he looked like an overgrown hen sprawled over her eggs. For that reason, he was also known unkindly as ‘Murgiben’ (mother hen).
He invited himself into the yard and sat down on Parshottam’s charpoy. He had come about the story going around that Parshottam’s son was to head out to Africa. He knew Parshottam had been making inquiries about the next meeting of the Panchayat and thought the two matters may well be connected.
“You are right, I was hoping to have the matter considered at the Panchayat,” said Parshottam before calling out for Lalji to join them. Rambai appeared with a tumbler of salted buttermilk for the Sarpanch and joined in the chorus calling for Lalji.
“What does the boy say?” inquired Thakorbhai.
“He hasn’t made up his mind. See, I was thinking with the lack of prospects here after the famines and with the tax situation….”
“You leave the tax situation to me, Parshottam,” bellowed Thakorbhai. “We need to know if the boy is willing to go and take his chances!”
At that instance, both Lalji and Naran appeared. They paid their respects to the Sarpanch by bowing to him and gesturing to touch his feet hidden under his belly.
“So, what’s your decision young man?” he inquired of Lalji. “Are you ready to cross the big ocean and arrive at the opposite shore to start a new life, away from your family?”
Lalji seated himself down in a squatting position and looked straight at the Sarpanch. Without hesitation announced, “Yes, I willl be taking the vaan and see what destiny has in store for me. It is my role as the eldest son.”
“Shabhash (well said), my boy! That’s the right answer.” The cobras parted to reveal pink gums.
“The son of Dhiraj will be accompanying him, so as he is not alone,” interjected Parshottam.
Thakorbhai waved the idea away as being of no consequence. He told Parshottam his son was in a different league from many and he was supportive of the idea. He mentioned others had considered it before but no son of the village had made the journey.
“The reasons are many but the fact is no one has had the strength of character to take the step. If I was twenty years younger, I would have given the same answer as Lalji here,” he said.
Turning to Lalji he asked, “Would you lead a group of three others from here to go with you?”
Lalji was taken aback by the question, having never considered himself as taking on such responsibility. He didn’t feel unable to lead, but he wanted to know whom the Sarpanch had in his mind.
“It would be you as their leader with Nizar the hardware merchant’s son, and Ramji the eldest son of Karsan the builder. Then there’s that idle son of Dhiraj your father has been talking about.”
“But I hardly know them. Will they follow my wishes?” inquired Lalji.
“Leave that to me. I have spoken to Karsan and Noormohammed about that and they have both pledged their sons will do as you say. They have been waiting for such an opportunity for a long time to get their sons to Africa. They are good boys and want to succeed for their families. They need sound advice and guidance from someone who is mature and responsible. None of them are capable of it on their own. They all need to be led by someone sensible and smart.”
“But I am eighteen and I think they are older,” responded Lalji. The words seem to stop the Sarpanch in his tracks momentarily. He retorted dismissively, “Arre! When I was your age, I ran both the shop and farmed the land. And I did the accounts for my elder brothers. Ability trumps age!”
Having gulped the buttermilk in one long action with his head tossed back. Then he got up briskly to leave, adding, “I hear you have an Arab sea master in mind, Parshottam. For my part, I will speak to my contacts in Porbander to find out who they should contact in Africa. I suggest you start putting together enough food and grains for the journey for him.” The two cobras were drowned in buttermilk.
Book Trailer
Here’s the blurb
British Gujarat, 1905.
Despairing of the social injustices and crippling taxes under the British Raj, Lalji, 19, flees to British East Africa hoping to build a better life using his natural business skills and acumen. But he soon finds unexpected dangers in his new home- turbulent politics and war with German East Africa- as well as some surprising opportunities. A combination of luck, coincidence, and his flair for commerce lead to early success.
Then, just as he is at his most vulnerable, a new threat emerges from where he least expects: from within his own family.
Can Lalji beat overwhelming odds to fulfill his hopes and ambitions?
A story about survival, faith, ability, humanity, and a deep desire to succeed.
The ebook will be free to download on Kindle from February 4th – 8th
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited
Meet the Author
Historical novelist of Indian parentage, born and raised in Kenya, educated in England, writing about India and East Africa under the British Empire.
Nitin has come to writing his debut novel after retiring as a doctor. Born in Kenya before its independence he came to England at the age of fifteen. His parentage is Indian, his grandfather having moved during the British Raj from Gujarat in India to Colonial East Africa as an economic migrant.
‘Lalji’s Nairobi’ is set in the early part of the last century, inspired by the stories of Indian migrants who settled in East Africa. A ‘rags to riches’ story of the experiences of Lalji as a determined young businessman who grapples with the challenges of living in the new colony.
Within the backdrop of a racist administration, Nitin immerses the reader into the times and norms of colonial society and shows how Lalji achieves rapid success despite difficult odds, leading a team of four compatriots from his village.
The novel is well-researched and retains the undertones of the era. Nitin’s intimate knowledge of the three cultures of the colony (British, Indian, and African) succeeds in making this an enjoyable and authentic read.
‘Lalji’s Nairobi’ is now an award-winning novel that recently won acclaim from the prestigious New Generation Indie Book Awards as a ‘Finalist’. It also earned Five Stars and the ‘Highly Recommended’ award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company, which has recently also awarded the book with a silver medal in the Blixen Africa Category.
Sebastian Locke’s quiet life is shattered when a cryptic clue to his parents’ deaths drags him into a conspiracy poised to wreck the global economy.
Unaware of the explosive secret he holds, Sebastian Locke—a brilliant yet tormented undergraduate of The London School of Economics—finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy that threatens to shatter the global economy. When he uncovers ties between his parents’ mysterious deaths and a shadowy plot involving cryptocurrency, he is plunged into a deadly race against time.
From the elite corridors of London to the sun-soaked shores of Miami, Sebastian encounters ruthless power players and underground groups, all vying for a digital fortune buried within the Swiss Alps. But one figure lurks in the shadows, more dangerous and determined than the rest, willing to stop at nothing to seize control.
With trust in scarce supply and time running out, Sebastian must crack the code to prevent catastrophe. In this high-stakes international financial thriller, will he uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will he meet the same tragic end as his parents?
Dolos is indeed a thrilling tale of cryptocurrency that quickly sweeps the reader along and never really lets us go.
Our main character is blessed with the ability to remember everything, and while this makes him a bit of a ‘cold fish’, beneath it all lies an intriguing individual. His life changes very abruptly as he starts to unravel the secrets of his parents’ lives.
Dolos is a fabulous tale that switches between the past and current events. Thanks to the author’s skills in explaining everything, I feel as though I ‘almost’ understand cryptocurrency now.
This feels like a cross between a treasure hunt (like National Treasure) and an action-adventure movie. It’s engrossing reading, and once I got into the story, I didn’t want to put it down.
A thrilling tale, very current, and readers, I’m sure, will devour it, as I did.
Meet the author
I didn’t start as a storyteller.
For over a decade I navigated the world of high finance in London, immersed in balance sheets, projections, and market trends.
Yet, during a particular research project I stumbled on a powerful realisation: the ideas I had always regarded as fictions of the future are becoming very real.
We are living in that time right now.
I felt compelled to write where others won’t dare to go, using modern-day truths to paint a thrilling, if sometimes chilling, portrait of our rapidly evolving world.
When I wrote Dolos, I sought to answer two questions:
1. How could someone create a cryptocurrency worth over a trillion dollars while remaining invisible to governments, media, and federal agencies?
2. Is this person powerful enough to crash the global financial system, unravel modern civilisation, and set humanity back to the 18th century?
I found my answers. They were quite unsettling.
***
Off the page, L H Fox escapes into quieter pursuits, though he’s never far from his next revelation about the forces shaping our world.
Since Amber started the Bad Girls’ Detective Agency, she’s been feeling the pressure. So – when she and her best friends win a trip to a new luxury castle retreat on a remote island – she hopes it will be a chance to relax in style.
The girls are all excited to experience world-famous chef Valerie la Fontaine’s tasting menu.
But none of them expect there to be another dish being served that weekend: revenge. And when Valerie is found dead inside a locked room in a tower, the Bad Girls know this is a case that only they can solve…
Hilarious and gripping mystery – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, The Traitors, and How to Kill Men and Get Away With It.
Murder on the Menu is the third book in the Bad Girls Detective Agency series, and I’ve also read the previous two. (Check out the reviews for How Not to Murder Your Ex and Murder on the Dancefloor)
This time, our trio are off to an island retreat to sample some delicious food. However, the weather is appalling, and no sooner have they arrived than they discover they’re trapped on the island. Things only get worse when a murder takes place.
This third outing with the Bad Girls Detective Agency took a little while to get going, but then it was quite a swift read. The mystery revealed itself well, and the lack of mobile technology to help our detectives added a good dynamic to the tale as it eas time to get back to some more basic detecting.
A solid read for the trio from the Bad Girls Detective Agency. What will they get up to next?
Meet the author
Katie Marsh wrote five bestselling, uplifting women’s fiction novels before turning to cosy crime for Boldwood. Previously published by Hodder, the first in her new crime series How Not To Murder Your Ex, following the fortunes of the Bad Girls Detective Agency, will be published in December 2023.
I’m delighted to welcome Mercedes Rochelle to the blog with an excerpt from The Accursed King.
MURDER OF THE DUKE OF ORLÉANS
It was St. Clement’s day, 23 November. Isabeau of Bavaria, the Queen of France was ill and in mourning for her twelfth child, who died at birth ten days before. Louis hoped to cheer her up by arranging a supper at her Hôtel Barbette in the Rue du Temple. A merry party gathered, with all the most fashionable cavaliers and dames, who diverted the queen with pleasantries and songs of love. Despite herself, Isabeau smiled and engaged in a little wordplay, trying to forget her unhappiness for a few hours.
Around nine o’clock, a messenger was admitted. Louis recognized him; his name was Courteheuse, one of the king’s valets. He bowed to the queen and then turned to the duke who was sitting beside her.
“Monsieur le Duc d’Orléans, I come from his Majesty. He requests your presence at once at St. Pol to discuss most urgent business.”
“Ah, Madame la Reine, I must go.” Kissing the queen’s hand, Louis rose immediately.
Outside the room, two of his squires waited for him. “The king commands,” the duke said, reaching for his black furred cloak. “We must go quickly.” Not pausing for an answer, Louis made his way outside and waited while his squires brought up one horse for the both of them and his own palfrey. He looked up, noticing the sky was overcast. It was very dark and the streets were already deserted.
“There you are. Good. Let us go.” He mounted and started off at a fast walk, his squires behind him. Three valets carrying torches followed, but they were on foot and had trouble keeping up. The buildings were shuttered for the night and only an occasional sliver of light from barred windows lit the street. Louis didn’t mind. As they rode down the Rue Vielle du Temple, he was fiddling with his gloves and humming to himself.
They came to a place where the road widened around a well in the centre. Without warning eight muffled men sprung out from the shadows and ran at him. Thinking they were thieves, Louis shouted, “I am the Duke of Orléans!”
“That’s who we are looking for,” yelled one of them, and struck with an axe, severing Louis’s bridle hand. The duke shrieked, and another man slammed an axe into the back of his head. They pulled Louis from his horse and a third axe cleft his skull to the teeth, spilling his brains over the frozen paving stones.
The squires’ horse sidestepped, shied and bolted. The valets carrying the torches stopped when they reached the opening and two of them turned away and ran. The third dashed forward, pushing aside one of the attackers and threw himself onto the duke, not realizing he was too late. He vainly tried to protect his master but found himself in dire trouble, for by now the murderers were stabbing again and again with their daggers.
“Murder! Murder!” shrieked a witness from a window overhead.
“Shut up, you damned woman!” yelled one of the murderers. “Shut up!”
Frightened for a moment, the woman withdrew. The attackers heaved the valet aside and dragged the mangled duke over to the well, propping him up against the stones. His head lolled to one side. They picked up the still-burning torch and brought it closer to make sure he was truly dead.
At that moment, a burly man in a red hood came out of the house across the street, known as the Hôtel de l’Image de Notre Dame. He raised an axe one more time and brought it down on the duke’s head. “Give me that torch,” he growled. “Let’s go! He’s dead.”
The murderers were interrupted by a clatter at the end of the street; the squires, having gained control of their horse returned with the duke’s palfrey. They assumed he had fallen off.
The man in the red hood stepped forward. “Be gone! Or you shall share his fate.” He pointed to the dead man.
Terrified, they turned and fled, crying out, “Murder! Murder!”
Their task finished, the red-hooded man threw his torch into the Hôtel, setting it on fire. They all fled down the Rue des Blancs Manteaux, scattering caltrops on the ground to deter anyone from giving chase. At the same time, the woman started screaming “Murder” again, and the poor valet lay on the ground, crying, “My master! My Lord!” Soon his voice failed and he, too, was gone.
Here’s the blurb for The Usurper King
From Outlaw to Usurper, Henry Bolingbroke fought one rebellion after another.
First, he led his own uprising. Then he captured a forsaken king. Henry had no intention of taking the crown for himself; it was given to him by popular acclaim. Alas, it didn’t take long to realize that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it. Only three months after his coronation, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard’s disgruntled favorites. Repressive measures led to more discontent. His own supporters turned against him, demanding more than he could give. The haughty Percies precipitated the Battle of Shrewsbury which nearly cost him the throne—and his life.
To make matters worse, even after Richard II’s funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The king just wouldn’t stay down and malcontents wanted him back.
The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God’s greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry’s health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid.
Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn’t willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn’t count on Hal’s dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.
These titles are available to read on #KindleUnlimited
Meet the Author
Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called “The Plantagenet Legacy” and begins with the reign of Richard II.
She also writes a blog: www.HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended!
Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
I’m delighted to welcome E.j. McKenna and her new book, No Good Deeds, to the blog with an excerpt.
Excerpt
“You know what I want beyond all else in this world? Four walls and a roof. All my own. Don’t even need another room.” She gave an embarrassed laugh. “I know it’s simple, but I ain’t never had that. It’d be out of town, but not too far out, maybe close to a river, I dunno. I’d be a Bounty Hunter or a Trapper or somethin’, to pay any costs I have. And I’d live off the land, all quiet like.”
Blurb
Annie Schaeffer is no stranger to violence. Born of an outlaw father, she was sold to a traveling show at the age of six, now finally escaping as an adult.
On the run and wounded, she finds an unlikely ally In Nathan Healey – a member of the Needham Boys gang.
As she earns her place among the outlaws, Annie’s survival hinges on her lethal skills and growing bond with Nathan.
Nate’s moral compass shifts with his circumstances, especially when those he loves are involved. Upon meeting Annie, he finds himself drawn to a woman determined to live differently to the expectations others place upon her; to live freely and fairly. The way he has always wanted.
Annie’s quest for independence takes a dark turn as the gang begins to collapse. Betrayal runs deep, and the cost of trust is high.
No Good Deeds is a gripping tale of resilience and retribution in the untamed West, where loyalty is fleeting and justice is won at the barrel of a gun. Annie Schaeffer’s story is one of fierce determination, as she battles her past and the outlaws who seek to control her fate.
E.J. McKennais a freelance writer in the UK with a great interest in American History, and a degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing from the University of Kent.
At the end of 2023, she co-created a creative writing app for people of all ages to improve their writing skills in a fun, relaxed environment.
Born and raised in the UK, but a lover of traveling, she has a fascination with all social history across different countries and cultures. One of her favourite historical periods is the Victorian era, especially with United States history.
“The juxtaposition between the established countries of Europe, and the new world of America is fascinating to me. So many people trying to survive harsh frontier life, while trying to continue the uptight decorum of Victorian society.”
A huge advocate for feminism and human equity, her writing centres around determined female protagonists in traditionally male roles, tackling the perceptions of women in history. Her strong female protagonists go out of their way to change their society’s expectations for the fairer.
I’m delighted to welcome Helen Hollick and her book, Harold The King (UK)/ I Am The Chosen King (USA/Canada), to the blog.
Blurb
First published in 2000 – Celebrating a Silver Anniversary!
The events that led to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 – told from the English point of view.
Two men. One crown.
England, 1044. Harold Godwinesson, a young, respected earl, falls in love with an ordinary but beautiful woman. In Normandy, William, the bastard son of a duke, falls in love with power.
In 1066 England falls vulnerable to the fate of these two men: one, chosen to be a king, the other, determined to take, by force, what he desires. Risking his life to defend his kingdom from foreign invasion, Harold II led his army into the great Battle of Hastings in October 1066 with all the honour and dignity that history remembers of its fallen heroes.
In this beautifully crafted tale, USA Today bestselling author Helen Hollick sets aside the propaganda of the Norman Conquest and brings to life the English version of the story of the man who was the last Anglo-Saxon king, revealing his tender love, determination and proud loyalty, all to be shattered by the desire for a crown – by one who had no right to wear it.
Praise for Helen Hollick
“Helen Hollick has it all! She tells a great story, gets her history right, and writes consistently readable books”
~ Bernard Cornwell
“A novel of enormous emotional power”
~ Elizabeth Chadwick
“Thanks to Hollick’s masterful storytelling, Harold’s nobility and heroism enthral to the point of engendering hope for a different ending…Joggles a cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill”
~ Publisher’s Weekly
“Don’t miss Helen Hollick’s colourful recreation of the events leading up to the Norman Conquest.”
~ Daily Mail
“An epic re-telling of the Norman Conquest”
~ The Lady
“If only all historical fiction could be this good”
This title is available on #KindleUnlimited, except in US & Canada
Meet the Author
First accepted for traditional publication in 1993, Helen became a USA Today Bestseller with her historical novel, The Forever Queen (titled A Hollow Crown in the UK) with the sequel, Harold the King (US: I Am The Chosen King) being novels that explore the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Her Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy is a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, and she writes a nautical adventure/supernatural series, The Sea Witch Voyages. She has also branched out into the quick read novella, ‘Cosy Mystery’ genre with her Jan Christopher Mysteries, set in the 1970s, with the first in the series, A Mirror Murder incorporating her, often hilarious, memories of working as a library assistant. The fifth in the series, A Memory Of Murder, was published in May 2024.
Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Tales and Life of A Smuggler. She is currently writing about the ghosts of North Devon, and Jamaica Gold for her Sea Witch Voyages.
Recognised by her stylish hats, Helen tries to attend book-related events as a chance to meet her readers and social-media followers, but her ‘wonky eyesight’ as she describes her condition of Glaucoma, and severe arthritis is now a little prohibitive for travel.
She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon with their dogs and cats, while on the farm there are showjumper horses, fat Exmoor ponies, an elderly Welsh pony, geese, ducks and hens. And several resident ghosts.
MJ Porter 