‘NEVER NEVER’ by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

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The powerhouse couple of Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher was always going to be an event and my, my, what a book this is. The first in a trilogy about a teenager couple who’s memory vanishes. It’s hard to place the genre initially, but the ride is there in the characterisation and whip-smart dialogue. It made me laugh, smile and kept my guessing all of the way.

A good starter to what I reckon is going to be a belter of a trilogy. Loved it.

Charlie Wynwood and Silas Nash have been best friends since they could walk. They’ve been in love since the age of fourteen. But as of this morning… they are complete strangers. Their first kiss, their first fight, the moment they fell in love… every memory has vanished.

Now Charlie and Silas must work together to uncover the truth about what happened to them and why. But the more they learn about the couple they used to be… the more they question why they were ever together to begin with.

Forgetting is terrifying, but remembering may be worse.

The Number One Sunday Times bestselling author of It Ends with Us joins forces with the New York Times bestselling author of The Wives for a gripping, twisty, romantic mystery unlike any other.

 

Never Never

By Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

About the author:

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and international bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. She is the founder of The Bookworm Box, a non-profit book subscription service and bookstore in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

 

Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nine novels. Born a sun hater, she currently makes her home in Seattle, Washington, with her children, husband, and psychotic husky. She loves connecting with her readers on Instagram.

 

May has burst in on the CCA, not just blossom but the odd storm or two, and still work on the centre goes on

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May is already proving a busy month as the team canter towards the finishing line, or so everyone hopes.

The Friday Morning Coffee Ladies decided that they would like a hamper raffle every week and everyone contributed a £1 towards the purchase of food for the hamper. ‘Whatever the ladies want, the team endeavours  to provide,‘ said Marion.

Fabulous donation of toiletries arrived for the seafarers from Sandra Noble, and hampers and food from Kath Haq, which thrilled the team enormously.

Workmen have been working on the swing doors,with the springs being removed to enable to doors to operate freely, enabling easy access.

A very enjoyable meeting was held with Ryan Wilson, social value officer from Equans at which the team discussed the possibility of future drop-ins at the centre and the various training on offer for the community. Watch this space.

Training in cooking is well under way and the slow cookers are lined up ready for the delicious nutritious recipes. Cultural Creatives were at the centre on Wednesday and Thursday, and exhibited their embroidery skills.

The team’s trusty mate Brian Mason from Car Styling along with his side kick Wayne, delivered and erected our new bespoke signage. Off with the old and on with the new. A bit of colour and much more inviting. ‘Thank you, lads, another wonderful job.’

John from Cosmic Blinds has just fitted the blinds in the two toilets, so all done now, and looking very  good. Marion approves:  ‘It’s these final touches that do the trick.‘

An external tap has been fitted, and Red Shoes Bob  reckons it will be handy for washing his car.

As always the Friday Coffee morning resulted in a good old chin wag, and the pashminas were a wonderful surprise for the Bingo players.


David Snowdon, re-elected councillor and CCA’s Dianne’s lovely hubby, visited the Friday coffee morning and Edith Bradley the Queen for the day, wasted no time in congratulating him, echoing the the team’s sentiments.

‘Well deserved Councillor Snowdon, you are a great bloke who really cares.’ says Marion. Who adds,
‘We hope everyone has an amazing weekend whatever you are doing.
A very auspicious day today “God save the King”’

Very much seconded by Margaret Graham editor of  Frost Magazine.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Books and a competition, what more can one ask of Joffe Books?

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Goodness, how interesting that Joffe Books Book of the Week is written by Adam Lyndon, author and a serving police officer. BURNT OUT SECRETS is a gripping crime thriller which is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99*

Just days after a charred body is discovered — his secrets burnt with him — a young woman turns up terrified and running for her life.  Detective Barnes and Superintendent Kane are convinced the two incidents are linked. But uncovering the truth may expose their own dark secrets. Secrets they will go to any lengths to keep buried firmly in the past . . .

CLICK HERE TO GET BURNT OUT SECRETS BY ADAM LYNDON FOR JUST £0.99 | $0.99.

*This special launch price is available for a limited time only. Please check this price offer is live and available in your location before purchasing.

     

 

Detective Maddie Ives Books 5-7  —  £0.99 | $0.99

A GREAT VALUE BOX SET OF BESTSELLING CRIME FICTION.

Get THREE page turning crime thrillers in ONE excellent-value box set.   Fans of Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter, Angela Marsons and Mark Billingham will be hooked by Gallagher’s enthralling books packed full of explosive twists and turns.

Femmes Fatale by Dorothy Cannell – my favourite sort of crime – a cosy  MURDER MYSTERY £0.99 | $0.99

New mum Ellie Haskell is determined to revive her love life by joining a new local ladies’ group in Chitterton Fells. But before long, things start to go fatally wrong.
First an electrocution in the bathtub, and then a death in the boudoir. One death could be an accident, but two is decidedly suspicious.

Wow – The Complete Welsh Valley Sagas by Carole Llewellyn in one box set – great news.  £0.99 | $0.99

Discover heartrending stories of love, loyalty and kindness set in the beautiful Welsh valleys in the early 1900s. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Rosie Goodwin, Dilly Court, Tania Crosse, Anna Jacobs and Rosie Clarke

NOW, from LUME BOOKS an addictive psychological thriller   

TOXIC PEOPLE BY S.D. MONAGHAN £0.99 | $0.99

Jenny finds her husband Shane unconscious behind the wheel of his car, a woman is sprawled across the bonnet, and a second masked figure slips silently into the shadows . . .    Shane and Jenny have been keeping toxic secrets from one another. Secrets that will unravel their so-called perfect life

NEWS OF A FABULOUS GIVEAWAY…

                       

Joffe tell us they are absolutely thrilled to be hosting an international giveaway in celebration of Joffe Books acquisition of Lume Books.

One lucky winner will receive: SIX paperback books. An Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. A Joffe Books tote bag

TO ENTER:
Reply to this email with your favourite Joffe OR Lume book of the year.
The competition closes at 10.00 a.m. GMT on Thursday 18 May.
️Winner will be announced Monday 22 May.

Terms and Conditions:
*This competition is available WORLDWIDE  *The winner will be contacted via private message  *Entrants must be aged 18 or over.  *The winner has five working days to claim their prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be selected and contacted.

To see more new books and other information from Joffe Books, click here

Was the Coronation Concert at St. Mary’s Church, Thirsk a success? Yep – it was a glorious soaring triumph

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‘Shall we go?’ Dick and I pondered, as our day on 30th April was already jam packed. Yes, we decided, it could be good, but we were not altogether convinced having sat through what seems like an enormous number of interminable school, and assorted concerts (don’t tell our kids we said this). Off we toddled hearing the bellringers as we approached. ‘Well, if the concert’s as good we will enjoy.’ We had thought we’d get there pretty much on the dot of 3.30 as surely there would be plenty of pew space?

Oh, ye of little faith for ahead of us a long queue of people steadily disappeared inside St Mary’s Church. Outside were some of the orchestra in their best bibs and tuckers. Were they having a last cigarette, or a final natter? Inside the church was packed, everywhere was a hubbub of anticipation. Eventually  we found a pew alongside a pillar in the North Aisle. Thankfully there were TV screens for those who didn’t have a view of the choir, orchestra, and organ (so well organised).

A brief introduction by The Revd Derek Simpson, before the concert took off at a canter with Zadok the Priest, the British anthem composed by George Frideric Handel for the coronation of King George II in 1727, which drew us all into the heart of the Coronation, and the concert. Zadok the Priest was performed by the Strings Attached Orchestra including, for the occasion, Matthew Atherton – organ, Richard Sowden – trumpet and Evelyn Wilson  – Timpani, not forgetting the Thirsk Coronation Choir.

Trevor Wilson was the conductor, and urged the orchestra and  the  choir into a soaring evocation of the majesty and history of the Coronation. Voices, along with the music, soared to sublime heights, and I, as always when music is quite perfect, cried. Tissues out, please. It set the tone for the first half of the concert, with the Suite from Abdelaza by Purcell, followed by Meditation for String Orchestra and Organ by Rowley.

A high point was the Choir singing Oh Lord, grant the King a long life, composed by our own Matthew S Atherton, organist supreme. When it ended Dick whispered, ‘To think we dithered.’ Indeed.

Incidentally the Thirsk Coronation Choir was established specifically for the concert by  Matthew Atheron, who drew in over 70 singers from North Yorkshire choirs. Matthew rehearsed about 30 people every week (from a piano) for ten weeks, culminating in two full choir rehearsals just before the concert, so is it any wonder the roof seemed perilously close to taking off from time to time.  Many members of the choir shared with Frost Magazine that they not only loved every minute of the rehearsals but made new friends along the way. Well, that’s what’s called community, is it not. But on with the programme…

The Orchestra and Organ then played the Concerto for Organ and Orchestra in F manor Op4. No5 by Handel which took us into the interval  and there it was – laid out before us in the North Aisle: Thirsk and surroundings coming together as a community, not just to play, sing and listen but to chat, greet, and guzzle the cakes that the ladies of the community  were now serving. Yes, I repeat,  a community.

The second half comprised, Parry’s – I Was Glad, for Orchestra, Choir and Organ, followed by Handel’s Water Music Suite No1, then Warlock’s Capriol Suite performed by the Orchestra, until we tilted into Walton’s  Crown Imperial March for Orchestra and organ.

Soggy tissues put in one pocket, dry ones taken from another. And  I wasn’t alone. Then… oh then… Vaughan Williams’ The Old Hundreth with three verses for the audience. Oh Lord, off we went with the words writ large on the TV screen, which also exhorted us to watch the conductor!! We obeyed, too right we did.

Finally, the Orchestra, Choir, Organ and Audience stood to sing The National Anthem. I am absolutely sure the roof took off, landing safely just as the standing ovation rang out. Such a high calibre concert, such a stunning community occasion. What could be better? Nothing, nothing at all. How proud we were, and are, of them all.

www.thirskparishes.org

Thanks to Conductor: Trevor Wilson. Leader: Julie Bates:  Organist: Matthew Atherton. Thirsk Coronation Choir. Special thanks to Alec Peach – lighting and sound engineer, and the St Mary’s Bellringers.

Information of forthcoming Summer Concerts and Events at St. Mary’s

Sunday 14th May 15.00: Chamber choir concert with the 200 Singers.

Sundat 9th July15.00 Service of song and creative arts in thanksgiving for Creation.

Sunday 6th August 15.00  A concert by Ripon Resound@ Summer is Icomin’ In!

Sunday 10th September 15.00 Thirsk Royal British Legion Band present: A Festival of Brass.

Frost Magazine has managed to grab the outstanding organist, Matthew Atherton, for a Spotlight piece. Not only is Matthew a wonderful organist, but clearly a great choir leader because… But no… look out for more in a couple of weeks time.

 

 

 

 

WRITERS ON THE ROAD: ALISON MORTON

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A small child, curls bobbing on a head she’s forgotten to cover with the sunhat her mother insists on, crouched down on a Roman mosaic floor in north-east Spain. Mesmerised by the purity of the pattern, and the tiny marble squares, she almost didn’t hear her father calling her to the next one.

Jumping up, she eagerly ran to him, babbling questions like many eleven-year-olds do: who were the people who lived here, what were they called, what did they do, where did they come from, where have they gone?

The father, a numismatist and senior ‘Roman nut’, told her about the Greek town founded 575 BC which became Roman Emporiæ in 218 BC, where traders sailed in and out with their cargoes of olive oil, wine, textiles, glass and metals; where people lived in higgledy-piggledy houses, traded from little shops; where the Roman army based its operations; where money was minted. And the people came from every corner of the Roman Empire to live and work. Boys went to schools and girls learnt to be good wives and mothers.

The little girl listened carefully to every word, sifting the information. Her hand in his, she turned as they left, looked back at the mosaics and asked her father:.

“What would it be like if Roman women were in charge, instead of the men?”
Clever man, my father replied:
“What do you think it would be like?”

I thought about it for nearly five decades, then poured it all into my first book.

Since that first Roman road trip in Spain, I’ve clambered over bridges, explored former bathhouses, barracks and forts and wondered at theatres and amphitheatres in different parts of France, Germany, Britain, Italy, even former Yugoslavia. And I’ve walked on Roman roads connecting these sites and settlements across Europe.

The via Domitia running along the coast from Spain to Italy provided a fast and sure link between the key province of Hispania and the imperial centre in Rome. Built in 118 BC, it’s still with us, wheel ruts included, over 2,000 years later. At Ambrussum in southern France, it formed a junction with the route northwards up the Rhone Valley into central Gaul. I stood on those slabs, where those three roads met, closed my eyes and ‘saw’ thousands of people, carts, mules, legionaries and the odd imperial courier, many of them shouting at me to get out of their way. The Romans were busy people, much like us today.

When writing my latest story set in AD 370 – itself a Roman ‘road trip’– I discovered how common it was for current routes to bear the names given to them two thousand years ago. The strada stalale 3 entering Rome from the north is still called the Via Flaminia; from the northwest, the Via Cassia (strada regionale 2) enters Rome heading for the Milvian Bridge as it did in Augustus’s day.  And you can still walk (or in some parts) even ride in your car along the via Appia.

The persistence of these road names seems romantic, but the Romans were hard-headed military engineers. For them, it was a question of reaching B from A in the fastest, most efficient and logical way. Small wonder than very many countries in Europe built their road networks following the same routes.

Travel on the ground is exciting, eye-opening and educational, but seeing and touching the roads, floors and walls and looking at their glassware, pottery, household equipment and thus imagining the people who walked, lived, and worked in those places takes us on a very different journey – the one into time.

 

If you’d like to learn more about my alternative Roman novels, Roman life and a journey through time, please come and visit me at alison-morton.com.

 

 

 

Is Your Dad ‘the one’? Then Let Dolce And Gabbana Tell Him So – by Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Struggling for ideas to make your Dad feel a bit special this Father’s Day? Well can I suggest Dolce and Gabbana’s classic ‘the one’ Eau de Toilette which just happens to be on special offer at the moment from Perfume Direct? At £46.99 for 50ml, or just £35.99 for 30 ml this is around a 30% off their normal price and I can tell you, if you haven’t already tried it, it’s rather good. Personally I just think the fragrance is gorgeous, but the great thing with buying from Perfume Direct is the expert details they provide on all their perfumes and aftershaves – making sure you get something you really like. So let’s see what their experts say about ‘the one’.

Well it has a warm and spicy fragrance with top notes of coriander, basil and grapefruit, middle notes of ginger, orange blossom and cardamom, and base notes of amber, cedar and tobacco. Just what your Dad likes perhaps?

But ‘Notes?’ I hear your puzzled mutter. Well briefly, Top Notes are the first fragrances you notice and tend to evaporate quickly; they’re followed by the Middle or Heart Notes – the main body of the perfume which lasts longer and is usually well-rounded. And finally the Base Notes – the longest-lasting fragrance which you remember most. But do check out the Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances. It’s really fascinating and particularly useful if you have no idea what to choose.

The Fragrance Wheel explains all the perfume categories – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – just choose the scent you like then search Perfume Direct by that category. The Strength Guide also explains how long each perfume will last – from eight hours for an Eau de Parfum to two hours for a lighter Eau Fraiche.

Perfume Direct are a UK company who have built an extensive network of suppliers to source the best price for their customers so you know you’re buying a genuine product at the best price. Well, what are you waiting for? Father’s Day, Mother’s Day or just simply ‘Indulge Yourself Day’ – there’s never a bad time to buy a good scent.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

JANE CABLE REVIEWS APRIL’S NEW RELEASES

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The Forgotten Palace by Alexandra Walsh

A dual timeline based around Arthur Evans’ archaeological digs at Knossos on Crete, this book has an incredible sense of place, time and history. The heat and the dust from the excavations rise up from the page as the Victorian characters scrape in the earth and wash dirt from shards of pot.

In 1900 Alice departs on a grand tour of Europe accompanying her aunt and young nephews. She is heartbroken and in terrible disgrace, so her kindly family have sent her away to recover. In the present day timeline Eloise leaves for Crete on the day of her husband’s funeral wearing a red dress and red shoes. It’s clear she is glad he has gone – but why?

The book is packed full of history, myth, and dreams, with italicised sections which could be either of the latter, almost making it a triple timeline. But having read Alexandra Walsh’s other books I was not expecting this to be a simple love story and it is anything but.

A final word: don’t let the cast list at the front put you off – it really isn’t needed as all the main characters are so memorable.

 

The Cruise by Caroline James

I am not a great reader of romantic comedy, but I really enjoy Caroline James’ books. Not just because the protagonists are ladies in their sixties having a fabulous time, but because everything about them and their adventures is so beautifully observed and the pathos and humour eased out.

In The Cruise three single friends (one widowed, one almost divorced and the other resolutely single) decide to head to the Caribbean for Christmas. I loved the descriptions of the islands and it was wonderful to be back in a Barbados I recognised, albeit through the pages of a book. Anne, Jane and Kath, and the supporting cast of characters are bound to make you smile, so book your cabin now.

 

A Village in the Third Reich by Julia Boyd and Angelika Patel

I don’t often review non-fiction but I loved the premise of this book; to follow the life of a single village in Germany from the end of the First World War, and all through the Second.

It did not disappoint, and I would say it is essential reading for anyone interested in the era. It brings the human stories of the inhabitants of Oberstdorf in the Bavarian Alps to the fore, while setting them firmly in their social and political context. Whether dipping in and out, or reading from cover to cover, this in an exceptional history and meticulously researched.

 

The Girl Who Escaped by Angela Petch

This book is Angela Petch at her best, with a purely historical narrative set in her beloved Italy during the Second World War. It’s a gripping tale that explores the plight of the Jewish community as fascism tightened its hold on the country, and the efforts of the Italian resistance to return their nation to the tolerant society it once had been.

The Girl Who Escaped follows the stories of not only Italian Jew Devora, but her schoolfriends Luigi, a clandestine partisan, and Rico who may or may not be a collaborator. Their stories unfold and entwine, with Devora always centre stage as the world she has known crumbles around her when fascism begins to bite.

It’s an incredibly well researched book, so rich in detail that it absolutely transported me to Urbino during the Second World War, to circumstances that were at times so painful it was hard to read on. But, heart in mouth, I persevered, because I just had to know what happened. And that is the mark of a truly great storyteller.

Joffe Books have a cornucopia of books and news for this May Bank Holiday. Where to start?

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Book of the Week seems a good place to kick off:  a brand-new, utterly gripping crime mystery by Catherine Moloney — CRIME IN THE HIGH STREET is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99:     Welcome to The Copse. A sleepy little cul-de-sac where nothing ever happens, until . . . Sheila Crave, the widow at number 12, is found dead in her armchair.Then a second victim is found and Detective Markham and his team realize they have a serial killer on their hands…

CLICK HERE TO GET CRIME IN THE HIGH STREET BY CATHERINE MOLONEY FOR JUST £0.99 | $0.99.

         
A Bespoke Murder by Jean G. Goodhind   £0.99/$0.99    

BRAND-NEW COZY MURDER MYSTERY FROM A BESTSELLER.    There’s something decidedly sinister about the winner of Bath’s best window display . . . is it the hangman’s noose or the dead body?  Honey Driver and her detective fiancé Steve must crack the case of Nigel Tern’s murder — but not before investigating a puzzling family engagement

The David Callen Thrillers Box Set by James Mitchell   £0.99 | $0.99 

GET FIVE ABSOLUTELY GRIPPING CRIME THRILLERS IN ONE GREAT-VALUE BOX SET.    Featuring professional hitman David Callan, as portrayed by actor Edward Woodward in the immensely popular television series (1967-72).  Perfect for fans of Len Deighton, John le Carre, Ian Fleming and my hero, Frederick Forsyth, who actually offered to come to talk at a charity talk I arranged.

Choclit OUT NOW  The Little Museum of Hope by Sally Jenkins   £2.99 | $3.99

AN UPLIFTING FEEL-GOOD ROMANCE.   Inspired by the Museum of Broken Relationships, newly divorced Vanessa opens her shop to the broken-hearted, offering a cup of tea and a listening ear.  But can the teashop help Vanessa to heal her own heart and offer a second chance at love?  A lovely book. Read it, I beg you.

Simon McCleave is a million-selling crime novelist who lives in North Wales with his wife and two children.  Originally born in South London, when Simon left University he worked in television and film development. He was a Script Editor at the BBC, a producer at Channel 4 before working as a Story Analyst in Los Angeles. He worked on films such as The Full Monty and television series such as the BBC Crime Drama Between The Lines.

Simon then became a script writer for television and film. He wrote on series such as Silent Witness, Murder In Suburbia, Teachers, Attachments, The Bill, Eastenders and many more.  His first book, The Snowdonia Killings, was released in January 2020 and soon became an Amazon Bestseller, reaching No 1 in the UK Chart and selling over 400,000 copies. His thirteen subsequent novels in the DI Ruth Hunter Snowdonia Series have all ranked in the Amazon Top 10, with many hitting the top of the digital charts. He has sold 1.5 million books to date. His highly successful London based DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case books, set in the late 1990s, was snapped up for an audiobook series by market leader WF Howes.

The Dark Tide, Simon’s first book in an Anglesey based crime series for publishing giant Harper Collins (Avon), was a major hit in 2022. Reaching Amazon’s UK top ten, it became the highest selling Waterstone’s Book of the Month ever. In Too Deep, the second book on the series was released in January 2023 to critical acclaim.   The Snowdonia-based DI Ruth Hunter books are now set to be filmed as a major new television series, with shooting to begin in North Wales in 2023.

The first two instalments in Simon’s bestselling DI Ruth Hunter series are completely FREE this weekend and books 3 and 4 are on sale  here: CLICK HERE TO GET THE FIRST 4 BOOKS IN THIS BESTSELLING SERIES FOR JUST £2.98

So let’s find out more about Simon:

How would you describe your main protagonist, Ruth Hunter?

DI Ruth Hunter is an intuitive, sensitive police officer who cares deeply about getting justice for the victims and their families in the cases that she works on. In contrast, Ruth’s private life has been at times chaotic and tragic over the course of the series. I like the contrast of Ruth’s professionalism at work and her more flawed traits outside of work.

Your debut novel, The Snowdonia Killings, was published in January 2020 and now you’re about to release the 15th instalment in the DI Ruth Hunter series; how do you write so fast?

I spent many years writing television and film scripts. Working on series such as The Bill and Silent Witness involves a lot of speedy writing and re-writing, sometimes having to turn new drafts of scripts around overnight for filming the next day. I think I’ve taken that ability to write quickly into my novel writing.

What do readers like most about your books?

The main comments I get from readers is that they like the central characters of Ruth and Nick in my Snowdonia series. They are both flawed but very likeable people and readers want to find out what is going on in their lives. I also know that readers are drawn to the series because of the landscape of Snowdonia, which has become a character in itself.

Which writers would you say influence and inspire you the most?

Although I like UK writers such as Ian Rankin, Peter James and Lynda La Plante, my main inspiration has come from US crime writers such as James Ellroy, George Pelecanos and Michael Connelly. I’m also hugely influenced by television writers on series such as The Wire and Line of Duty.

How important are the Welsh locations to you?

The Welsh locations are an integral part of my series. Snowdonia is one of the most beautiful places on earth with its mountains, lakes, valleys and beaches. It also has such powerful historic significance with folk tales, myths of monsters and dragons and Arthurian legends, as well as the Roman invasion. It’s such a rich landscape to write about and adds so much to the atmosphere of the books.

The series is about to start filming for TV (congrats!). Can you tell us anything about the casting?

It is very exciting BUT I really can’t tell you about the casting until the production company give me the go-ahead. Sorry. We do have a very well-known actress attached to play Ruth Hunter and she’s going to be brilliant. The scripts are being written so fingers crossed that it will be shooting in North Wales very soon.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

I guess it’s little things like seeing my books displayed in the window of Waterstones in Cardiff when The Dark Tide was their Book of The Month. Or when I walked into Tesco in Wrexham and saw In Too Deep on the shelves in there. Generally, I feel very lucky to make a living from doing something that I love, and that’s enough for me.

How can our readers reach you?

Readers can join my VIP email club, get a FREE crime thriller novella featuring DI Ruth Hunter by going to www.simonmccleave.com, as well as updates, new releases and competitions. I’m happy to receive any emails on contact@simonmccleave.com. I love to hear from readers, even if it’s just to say hi, and I reply personally to all my emails.

Now more exciting NEWS:  The wonderful and much missed Gretta Mulrooney longlisted for a Dagger

Joffe are madly truly deeply delighted to announce that their beloved bestselling author, the late Gretta Mulrooney, has been longlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger award with the gripping historical murder mystery Death at the Dolphin.

The shortlist will be announced at a reception at CrimeFest in Bristol on Friday 12 May and winners on Thursday 6 July.

Frost Magazine wishes the best of luck to all the talented authors nominated.

Joffe Books Prize for Crime Writers of Colours 2022 winner announced:

Sam Genever has won the second Joffe Books Prize for Crime Writers of Colour with the ‘thoroughly gripping’ first instalment in a brand-new psychological thriller series.  The annual competition aims to champion authors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, who are particularly underrepresented in crime fiction publishing, and is open to debut, previously published or self-published writers.

Ten writers were longlisted, judged by award-winning author of My Sister, the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite, literary agent Ella Diamond Kahn, Joffe editorial director Emma Grundy Haigh and press founder Jasper Joffe. Genever’s book, which has the working title Savage Terrority, is set in Johannesburg and follows detective Segert Berger as he tries to find a woman and her son who have gone missing. But all is not as it seems . . .

Emma Grundy Haigh, editorial director at Joffe Books, says: ‘I’m delighted that Sam has joined Joffe Books as our second prize winner! From the moment I picked up Sam Genever’s South Africa-set thriller I couldn’t put it down. The opening scene took my breath away. The cat-and-mouse between Augustine — desperate, on the run and not afraid to pack a knife if it means protecting her son — and detective Segert Berger is so tantalising. And then there’s ruthless, vicious Teddy . . . The novel tackles some of the most deep-seated issues that remain pervasive in South African society with depth and nuance.’

Notes from the judges: ‘Such an intriguing work, raw and lyrical in one. The opening scene is powerfully dramatic. The excellent setting and tense atmosphere combine with an ambitious plot to create a novel with massive potential.’

From Sam Genever: ‘I never thought I would win — never in a million years, I was really happy to be shortlisted and told my friends and family that’s good news to get to this stage, but not to get too excited about winning, please! It’s great to be recognised for my craft and it’s great to introduce myself as an author. I stopped writing for a while when I was in the corporate world, but I always felt writing is my calling and I’m glad I’ve made my way back home to it.’

CLICK HERE TO READ SAM’S Q&A WITH THE BOOKSELLER

Launch prices are available for a limited time only.   Do remember, there are many more new books available from Joffe Books for this May Bank holiday.