Summer has arrived in style, with a beautiful sunny bank holiday weekend and good weather all through half-term. This is the official definition of a miracle.
And this sends my thoughts to barbeques, garden parties, picnics and drinks evenings with friends. And these send my thoughts to canapés, cheese boards and cheese and pickle sandwiches. And these send my thoughts to Microplane.
For those who don’t know, Microplane was inspired by a Canadian housewife in the 90s, who, fed up with her traditional grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools, and Microplane – the original manufacturer of photo-etched cutting tools – was created. After over fifty years of experience, their durable, photo-etched and razor-sharp stainless-steel blades are simply the best – effortlessly cutting through hard and soft foods, without tearing or shredding.
Microplane’s latest creation is the amazing Professional Cheese Slicer. The super sharp blade and clever non-stick pattern means every cheese slice is pristine – no crumbling or sticking here. But it’s also really handy for thin slices of cucumber, courgettes and even carrots. It’s neat and easy to use, and so attractive it complements any cheese board, meaning people can do their own slicing – I love it.
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
S.A. Cosby Image: Courtesy of Sam Sauter Photography
Created in 1955, the world-famous CWA Daggers are the oldest awards in the genre and have been synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century. This year’s shortlists showcase the range and depth of the genre, from historical fiction, to thrillers and classic whodunnits. Importantly, as well as championing established authors of the genre, it also provides a platform for debut and emerging talent. Nadine Matheson, Chair of the CWA, said: “This year’s shortlist is a fantastic reflection of the extraordinary breadth and diversity of crime fiction today, and a celebration of authors from debuts to established names, whose creative talents ensure that the genre continues to grow from strength to strength.”
The coveted KAA Gold Dagger, sponsored by Kevin Anderson & Associates, is awarded for the best crime novel of the year. Shortlisted novels are S.A Cosby with King of Ashes, Abigail Dean’s The Death of Us, Holly Jackson with Not Quite Dead Yet, Vaseem Khan’s The Girl in Cell A, Ariel Lawhon with The Frozen and Lara Shepherd-Robinson’s The Art of a Lie – a novel that also makes the Historical Dagger shortlist.
S.A. Cosbyis the only author to be shortlisted for an unprecedented three Dagger awards. As well as Gold, the American author of “Southern noir” is also in contention for the Short Story Dagger and the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, which honours the best thriller of the year.
Also shortlisted for the Steel Dagger is the standalone thriller by BookTok sensation Noelle W Ihli,Such Quiet Girls inspired by the real-life 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping. She’s up against the global bestselling author Karin Slaughter for We Are All Guilty Here,Tariq Ashkanani’s The Midnight King,Robert Crais with The Big Empty,Mark Ezra’s A Sting in her Taleand Liam McIlvanney’s The Good Father.
Joining Laura Shepherd-Robinson, authors Nina Allan, Rob McInroy, Donna Moore, Alan Parks and Sally Smith make the Historical Dagger shortlist. The historical novels span 18th century London to 1920s Glasgow, from stories inspired by gritty true crimes to a cosy Christmas mystery.
The Twisted Dagger for psychological suspense shortlist features Sarah Pinborough, the author behind the New York Times bestselling breakout novel (and hit Netflix show) Behind Her Eyes with a haunting Gothic novel,We Live Here Now. She’s up against Kia Abdullah, Nicci Cloke, Fiona Cummins, Carole Hailey and Sam Lloyd.
The Whodunnit Dagger for books with an intellectual challenge at the heart of a good mystery, sees Alexandra Benedict, Victoria Goldman, Anna Fitzgerald Healy, Robert Holtom, Mel Pennant and CJ Wray in the running.
The global reach of the genre is showcased in the Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger. International authors include two German writers – Karsten Dusse with his bestselling dark comedy series,Murder Mindfully and Leonie Swann with her mystery novel, Big Bad Wool, the anticipated follow-up to her breakout hit, Three Bags Fullthat follows a flock of sheep as they try to solve a murder. The shortlist also sees Norway’s Jørn Lier Horst, the Croatian writer and journalist Jurica Pavicic, Finland’s Antti Tuomainen, and Strange Pictures – a novel from the Japanese YouTuber and writer, Uketsu. Their translators are also recognised in the award, which is sponsored in honour of Dolores Jakubowski.
The ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction includes The Spy in the Archive by Gordon Corera and Shaun Walker’s The Illegals, profiling Russia’s most audacious spies, reflecting the enduring fascination with espionage and true crime, alongside Shadow of The Bridge by Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee,John Curran’s The Murder Game, Caroline Fraser’s Murderland, and Susannah Stapleton with That Dark Spring.
The Short Story Dagger features S.A. Cosby, alongside the acclaimed Scottish author Denise Mina and the bestselling Abir Mukherjee. The Daggers are one of the few high-profile awards celebrating short-form storytelling.
The Dagger in the Library, voted for by librarians, recognises authors whose bodies of work have resonated with readers over time. On this year’s shortlist are Paula Hawkins, best known for her huge hit, Girl on the Train alongside JD Kirk, Clare Mackintosh, Freida McFadden, Abir Mukherjee and Tim Sullivan.
The CWA Daggers are also known for providing a platform for emerging talent, with the much-anticipated ILP John Creasey First Novel Dagger and the Emerging Author Dagger competition, sponsored by Fiction Feedback; over two dozen past winners and shortlisted debut authors have signed publishing deals to date.
The Best Crime and Mystery Publisher category recognises the publishers behind the genre’s success, with leading imprints including Faber & Faber, Pan Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster shortlisted against Bitter Lemon Press, No Exit Press and Viper.
The CWA Diamond Dagger, sponsored by Karen Baugh Menuhin, is awarded to an author whose crime-writing career has been marked by sustained excellence, is announced in early spring and in 2026 was awarded to Mark Billingham.
The Wedding Shroud: A heartbreaking tale of love and destiny in Ancient Rome (A Tale of Ancient Rome Book 1) bybestselling authorElisabeth Storrs“All the drama and sensuality expected of an historical romance, plus a sensitivity to the realities of life in a very different time and world …” – Ursula K. Le Guin
Ii found this an unputdownable novel with the research supporting but never overwhelming the story: n 406 BC, to seal a tenuous truce, the young Roman Caecilia is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the sinful Etruscans. But, despite her best intentions, she is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion. Find it @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FP2847X6/ and obtain it while it is FREE. Yep, dp Digital Publishers have done it again – FREE
The Girl Who Never Left is a gripping historical novel of secrets, family saga and slow-burn romance by Alison Stuart which includes two love stories and a past that won’t lie quietly as it weaves amongst grief, love and an old diary (we all know what secrets old diaries hold). A tense but touching unputdownable novel.
England, 1923.. After losing her husband in the Great War, Helen Morrow moves with her young daughter to the family estate where he grew up. The house is filled with memories she was never part of and people she barely knows. There she meets the mother-in-law she has never met and her husband’s reclusive cousin Paul, a man still living in the shadow of the war… Great stuff. Buy it now for £0.99 instead of £4.99 @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GZTZVRFP/
The Golden Dice: A heartbreaking tale of love and destiny in Ancient Rome (A Tale of Ancient Rome Book 2) by Elisabeth Storrs .Book 2.Yep, that’s right, here we have the dramatic sequel in the A Tale of Ancient Rome. And it’s just as good as Book 1! “An enthralling tale of political intrigue, romance, and corruption.” – M. Louisa Locke, author of Maids of Misfortune During a bitter siege between Rome and the Etruscan city of Veii, three women follow different paths to survive. Caecilia, Roman born but Etruscan wed, forsakes Rome to return to her husband, Vel Mastarna, exposing herself to the enmity of his people while knowing the Romans will give her a traitor’s death if Veii falls. Semni, a reckless Etruscan servant in the House of Mastarna, embroils herself in schemes that threaten Caecilia’s son and Semni’s own chance for love. Nip to https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRG2X7P4/ and buy it for the special price of £0.99 instead of £1.99.
Miriam – The Rebellious Lady | A Captivating Austen-Inspired Family Scandal Romance (The Ladies of Pemberley Book 3)Discover a captivating Regency romance set in the beloved world of Pride and Prejudice, where fierce independence clashes with irresistible passion … and one headstrong heart must risk everything before it dares to surrender. This isthe enchanting continuation of The Ladies of Pemberley series.
Miriam Malliot has never known England. Raised beneath the vast skies of Africa, she has grown into a fiercely independent young woman, more at ease rescuing strays than conforming to polite society. But when her father dies suddenly, she is sent across the seas to live with her aunt, Elizabeth Darcy, at Pemberley, a world as unfamiliar as it is refined. Expected to be quiet and unremarkable like her mother, Miriam arrives instead as a whirlwind: spirited, outspoken, and entirely unwilling to be shaped by society. While her presence unsettles her new family, she soon finds an ally in her perceptive cousin Bennetta. Yet it is the unexpected reappearance of the sailor, First Officer Nicholas Sullivan that proves most troubling… Oh crikey – here we go: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H2D9667W/ @ the pre-order price of £2.99 instead of £4.99 More titles in this series Cassandra – A Scandal in Pemberley A captivating Pride and Prejudice inspired Regency Romance (ISBN: 9781918343236) Catherine – The Redemption of a Gentleman An enchanting Jane Austen Inspired Historical Regency Romance (ISBN: 9781918343359)
The East End Murders | A gripping historical crime novel set in Jack the Ripper’s Victorian London (A Constance Piper Mystery Book 3) by Tessa Harris Format: Kindle Edition Book 3 of 3: A Constance Piper Mystery
As a killer stalks the East End and a deadly plot tightens its grip on London, Constance Piper must uncover the truth before the next strike brings the city to its knees … London, July 1889. Eight months after the brutal murder of Mary Jane Kelly, Whitechapel is beginning to breathe again. Doors are left ajar. Streets fill after dusk. Hope, fragile but real, has returned. Then Alice Mackenzie is found butchered in the shadows, her throat cut with chilling precision. Panic ignites. The whispers spread like fire: Jack the Ripper has returned. Flower seller Constance Piper knew both victims – and she refuses to believe the truth is as simple as a killer returned from the past. My sort of book. I love a good historical crime, and this is good. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GXNQT3C6/ @ £3.99
A luxury steam train. – oh the joy – I do wish I had been on it. I speak as a steam train spotter. We have a small gang and rush to the station when we get news of one roaring through. Most trains slow, whistle and give us an extra puff of steam – heaven. In this gorgeous kindle novel there is a carriage full of crime writers. And a murder staged to perfection. Meet Lilly Tweed – former Agony Aunt, purveyor of fine teas, and accidental sleuth.
When Lilly and Archie board the luxurious Lakes Express for their first official date, it promises to be an unforgettable journey. The elegant 1930s steam train is carrying a lively group of crime writers to a literary conference, and Archie can’t resist the chance to mingle with the masters of mystery.
But the romantic trip soon goes off the rails: on the return journey, the train screeches to an unscheduled halt in the middle of nowhere. Night has fallen, the countryside lies in darkness – and a body has been discovered… Gulp.
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned …” Marco Venetti has heard the words thousands of times before. But this is a cry for help, not absolution – and soon Marco finds himself racing against time to foil a conspiracy aimed at the heart of the Vatican … It is an ordinary day in Marco Venetti’s quiet coastal parish – but the woman who’s come to confess is not ordinary. Marco has always been drawn to beautiful Elena, and she brings news that will shatter his peace. Elena’s sister and daughter have been kidnapped, to force her to bring a gang of ruthless men into the country – if she doesn’t, her family will be brutally killed. But if she obeys, many more innocents will die … Should she, in her desperation, turn to Marco?
There is a nuclear weapon in the hands of the Vatican City’s deadliest enemy. And time is running out to stop the attack … Marco Venetti, the only man the Pope trusts, is on the hunt for a traitor. He is willing to do anything to protect the church, and the man at its heart. Even if it means getting blood on his hands … But when Marco finds him, the traitor reveals terrifying new information: the name of a Russian mafioso with a grudge against the Vatican and possession of a nuclear bomb. If Marco doesn’t work with him, the consequences will be deadly. To prevent it, Marco must enter a deadly game of cat-and-mouse …
Reviewed by Milly Adams, author of The Waterway Girls trilogy
When I think of Tracklements I find myself smiling quietly, as my taste buds recall those amazing jars of honest to goodness natural flavours, be it jams or sauces or condiments. This Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food, by hand in small batches, using proper, pure ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses. Hungry for the perfect flavour, Tracklements resurrect long-forgotten traditional recipes and sometimes add a modern twist too. You never know what you’re going to get with all their innovative ideas, but you do know it will be great.
So with Father’s Day rapidly approaching, their Father’s Day Favourites are an absolute must (I may sneak one for myself too). I love the attractive presentation box and I admit to having felt a shiver of excitement as I opened it and saw the jars of Chilli Jam, Strong Horseradish cream, Spitfire Chilli Mustard and Strong English Mustard, and, nestling in the middle, a bottle of Rocket Hot Sauce. My mouth started watering like one of Pavlov’s pooches.
But let’s linger over each and every one – because they’re all rather special:
Fresh Chilli Jam (210g) – a real Tracklements staple – made with red peppers, cider vinegar, onions and red chillies, the sweetness and heat are simply heaven
Strong Horseradish Cream (140g) – made with 49% horseradish root, and 11% cream, no wonder the flavour is so strong and true
Strong English Mustard (140g) – this award-winning original Victorian recipe is hot (the clue is in the name) – your dad will love it.
Spitfire Chilli Mustard (140g) – and this is the novel twist – traditional fiery mustard combined with a chilli surprise – keep a drink handy to quench the fire.
Rocket Hot Sauce (150ml) –this one comes with a warning – just seven ingredients, two of which are scotch bonnet and birds eye chillis – need I say more? Other than it gives an amazing zing to barbeques, fajitas or pretty much anything.
So that’s your Father’s Day present sorted – Tracklements NEW Father’s Day FavouritesRRP £18.50 (£21 with gift box), available from www.tracklements.co.uk.
You’re welcome.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
Whitby Lit Fest marks a new exciting chapter as it’s been granted charitable status. The festival, which launched last year, was created to celebrate Whitby’s literary heritage, as well as connect readers to contemporary writers and inspire readers and visitors alike. Just announced as headline guest for 2026 is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed novelists of his generation, John Boyne.
Author of 15 novels, Boyne is best known for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which was a New York Times No. 1 bestseller and adapted for film, theatre, opera and ballet, selling more than 11 million copies worldwide. Among his many international bestsellers are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky, and All the Broken Places. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Observer, The Times Literary Supplement, The Irish Times, and in dozens of international newspapers and magazines.
He’ll be talking about his new book, The Weight of Angels, an “astonishing” reimagining of the life of Oscar Wilde.
Also announced for 2026 are crime authors Elly Griffiths and Sarah Hilary, the Channel 4 style guru, Nicky Hambleton-Jones of 10-Years Younger fame, historian Alistair Moffat with his book, The North Sea, and the debut novelist Helen Bain with her acclaimed book The Daffodil Days, which was a 2026 Harper’s Bazaar book pick.
A Cleeves Author Pic (c) Micha Theiner
They join authors already confirmed including Vera and Shetland author Ann Cleeves, Joanne Harris of Chocolat fame, this year’s CWA Diamond Dagger winner, the crime author Mark Billingham, and the award-winning BBC broadcaster turned psychologist, Dr Sian Williams.
Mark Billingham – photo credit Steve Best
Lois Kirlan, Chair of Whitby Lit Fest, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce another flurry of fabulous names joining the 2026 line-up, and the full programme, including our outreach and community events, will be published soon this summer.”
The inaugural event last year attracted over 50 authors. Its patron is the Whitby resident and former Radio 4 producer and author, Kate Fenton. Honorary patron is the acclaimed playwright, Sir Alan Aykbourn. Last year’s event established the festival as a highlight of Yorkshire’s cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond. It showcased local authors and poets, and hosted writing workshops and a school writing competition in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.
Headline authors from last year’s event also sang its praises, with Lee Child declaring it a ‘triumph’ and Rob Rinder calling it a ‘joy’ and full of ‘heart’: “A real celebration of words and ideas by the sea.” The actor Miriam Margolyes also said it was, “utterly wonderful…one of the best weekends ever. Joyous. Uplifting. Beautiful.”
Gaining charitable status will allow the festival to expand its objective to be of public benefit and advance the education and appreciation of literature, in and around Whitby.
Mark Williamson, Trustee of Whitby Lit Fest, said: “Having charity status helps us build in sustainability into the festival, and allows us to expand its existing work around accessibility, education, and community outreach. We passionately believe that people living in coastal areas deserve a similar quality of culture and opportunity that audiences expect in larger, cosmopolitan towns and cities. Whitby has inspired writers who have shaped the nation’s cultural landscape, and that’s a legacy worth celebrating and nurturing.”
Organisers are calling on local businesses and organisations to get involved through sponsorship opportunities.
Mark added: “Supporting the festival, from just £50, offers a unique chance to be part of a growing cultural event that brings significant economic and cultural benefits to Whitby and the surrounding area, in the shoulder winter months.”
For more information on donating, sponsorship opportunities, or festival updates, please go to https://whitbylitfest.org.uk/
I have now reached that age, when I finally realise that I need to take more care of myself. Diet and exercise are definitely part of this equation, but what I put into my body is equally important.
So, it is hardly surprising, that I jumped at the opportunity to try out the NEW CASO Design JuiceFit Pro Slow Juicer. My wife was sceptical, and to be fair she has the evidence to support her view that I have a penchant for kitchen gadgets, that take up space and don’t get used. Picture eyebrows heading skyward at this point.
However, I was smitten as soon as I unwrapped the Pro Juicer. First impressions, it was black, sturdy and sleek and best of all it is deceptively easy to use. The fact that it looks stylish on the kitchen counter is a bonus. Cue eyebrow raising from my wife, who reluctantly agrees that it doesn’t take up too much space.
This Juicer delivers professional-quality cold-press juicing and boasts a powerful motor, strong enough to process both hard and soft ingredients reliably, while remaining exceptionally quiet for up to 20 minutes of continuous operation which also minimises heat build-up, helping preserve essential vitamins, nutrients and natural flavours. So far so good. With up to 30% higher juice yield compared to conventional juicers, it is ideal for preparing fresh juices from fruit, vegetables and herbs, ensuring less waste and fuller, more intense taste.
The extra-large 130mm feeding chute makes juicing faster and more convenient, allowing whole fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, cucumbers, celery, spinach and carrots, as well as ginger, parsley and wheatgrass, to be added without peeling or pre-cutting. The JuiceFit Pro comes with two large 1 litre containers, allowing you to separate the juice and pulp and process larger quantities in one go. Freshly pressed juice flows into one container or directly into a glass while the high-fibre pulp collects in the other, perfect for adding to muesli, soups, or salads.
The Juicer parts are dishwasher safe and can easily be cleaned with the included cleaning brush. Among my many failings apparently, is my penchant for buying too many fruit and vegetables, which in fairness does lead to an overflowing fruit bowl, on its way to the compost bin. But no more, because now I can juice the fruit and add it to yogurt or make a healthy smoothie or just a juice drink. It has reduced waste and hopefully waistline will follow, because those juice drinks are surprisingly filling.
The JuiceFit Pro is a thing of beauty, and I confess to being hypnotised, watching the fruit pulp drop into one container and the juice in the other. I could stand and watch it for hours.
Ooops there go the eyebrows again.
NEW CASO Design JuiceFit Pro Slow Juicer RRP £199.99 available from casodesign.co.uk,
Partners in crime, The Reading Agency and the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA), are plotting to get the nation reading. Clues, crimes, and cliffhangers await this June as National Crime Reading Month (NCRM) ushers a month-long festival of reading, celebrating the UK’s obsession with crime fiction.
The month-long festival is hosted by the CWA in partnership with the national charity, The Reading Agency, with support from ambassadors, including bestselling authors Steve Cavanagh, Vaseem Khan, Robin Stevens, Victoria Selman and Penny Batchelor.
This June is set to be the biggest yet as it coincides with the Department of Education initiative, the National Year of Reading. The CWA, founded in 1953, is one of the UK’s oldest associations designed to support, promote and celebrate the genre and its authors.
Nadine Matheson, Chair of the CWA, said: “Crime fiction is the world’s most popular and best-selling genre and for good reason. From police procedurals to psychological thrillers, historical mysteries to cosy crime, Nordic noir to the Deep South, small town to vast cities, there is truly something for everyone. These are the stories that have given us unforgettable characters, such as Jack Reacher and Vera Stanhope, and brought them to our screens. National Crime Reading Month celebrates the full, expansive world of crime fiction, welcoming readers of every age, lifelong crime readers and inviting new readers to discover why this genre endures. There has never been a better time to pick up a crime novel.”
Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “Crime fiction is a powerful gateway into reading, bringing together compelling storytelling, rich characters and page-turning suspense. Its breadth and diversity mean there is something for everyone, helping more people discover the joy and benefits of reading. At The Reading Agency, we know that reading can change lives – supporting wellbeing, confidence and connection. Crime fiction has a unique ability to draw people in, and through NCRM we hope to inspire more readers across the UK to pick up a book and experience those benefits for themselves through events in libraries and communities nationwide.”
The Reading Agency’s research* shows just 53% of UK adults consider themselves to be regular readers. Almost half of adults (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, while one in three multitask while reading. The charity’s State of the Nation’s Adult Reading report found reading had a profound impact on wellbeing:
Compared to non-readers, regular readers are 86% more likely to report feeling a sense of belonging to their community, 58% more likely to report feeling generally happy, 51% more likely to report finding it easy to relax and 45% more likely to report sleeping well.
They are also 35% more likely to say they don’t feel lonely and 32% more likely say they don’t feel anxious or depressed.
An official launch event for NCRM is hosted on 30 May in York with Noir at the Bar at All Saint’s Church, hosted by the independent bookshop, Criminally Good Books, and the CWA. Nine authors including will read extracts from their books, and the event will feature author signings and a book stand.
London-bound crime fiction fans can attend a panel at Capital Crime on 20 June: ‘If You Don’t Read, You Can’t Write’. It will be chaired by author and CWA co-ordinator, Heather Fitt, with last year’s winner of the CWA’s John Creasey First Novel Dagger, Katy Massey, and authors, Luca Veste and Erin Young.
There will also be an online launch at 7pm on 7 June, hosted by the writer Emma Christie in conversation with authors from across the crime fiction genre, supported by the CWA and The Reading Agency.
Up and down the country throughout June, readers can join author Q& A sessions, book groups, and workshops in bookshops, local libraries, museums, theatres, as well as free, accessible online sessions.
