Amazing bloggers make all the difference

TWO FABULOUS BLOGGERS closed down the Deadly Friendship blog tour yesterday (Sunday 30 July) exactly one week after the third book in my DI Hamilton series was published by Bloodhound Books.

But, it wasn't just two outstanding bloggers I had on the tour - no, I was very lucky to have seventeen in total. Today, I felt like I needed to take a step back from working, reading and entertaining my little boy to say a massive thank you to each and every one of them.

It's sad times when you read various social media threads or other blog posts downplaying and being downright rude about the work bloggers do for us authors. For the sheer love of books, they spend their free time reading our work - many times in advance and up against a tight schedule - and then, if they've enjoyed it, they'll spread the word to other bloggers and readers; far and wide beyond your expectations. They schedule blog posts, tweet and retweet, post and share on Facebook and some even take to Instagram to shout about a book they've read.

In the past, I've also discovered that even if a blogger didn't particular like my book, or parts of it, they are constructive and compassionate with their feedback. They appreciate the time and sweat (and sometimes tears) that can go into writing a book and I've never come across a blogger who wasn't honest - even if it wasn't exactly what you wanted to hear.

But, I'm here to celebrate and thank some very special people who, over the last week, have shared and shouted about Deadly Friendship, left reviews and encouraged readers to buy my book, and series. So, a huge thanks to Little Miss No Sleep, The Crime Warp, Best Crime Books and More, Jessicamap Reviews, eBook Nerd Reviews, By The Letter Book Reviews, Sean's Book Reviews, My Chestnut Reading Tree, Between the Pages Book Club, Booksormer, The Haphazardous Hippo, Bibliophile Book Club, Novelgossip, Crime Book Junkie (who offered up a double whammy of a review), Damppebbles and Bits About Books. I must also send an extra thanks to Chelle's Book Reviews who couldn't be on the blog tour, but kicked everything off with a fab cover reveal for Deadly Friendship. You guys rock.

And lastly, there's no way I could hit publish on this post without thanking a very special member of the Bloodhound Books team, Publicist Sarah Hardy, who makes all this happen. From sending the ARCs, to sharing posts and creating stunning posters and imagery. Thank you for making the blog tour for Deadly Friendship happen and run so smoothly.

Latest DI Hamilton book to be published this week

I must apologise for the radio silence of late on this blog - it's been quite a hectic few months. My son is preparing to leave part-time nursery and enter the world of full time education in September, we had a very spontaneous week away in the sun and my third book has been signed off and ready for publication. I'm very excited.

Deadly Friendship is the third book in the DI Hamilton series but, as with the other two, can easily be read as a standalone. I'm delighted to tell you it will be published this Sunday ... yes, THIS Sunday, by Bloodhound Books.

Already listed on Goodreads, and a pre-order on Amazon coming in the next few days, here's a little taster of what the book's about:

Who can you really trust?

Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is dragged into a gruesome murder investigation, while on annual leave at Lake Windermere. A handwritten note, with a woman's name, is found inside the corpse. 

When a direct link to London is identified, Hamilton must race against the clock to make the connection before the body count rises.

Meanwhile, four friends with strained relationships, are reunited. What past event do they want to keep buried and is there something linking them to the murders?

Then, when a person from Hamilton's past returns, he must ask himself: how well do we really know our friends? 

London's murder investigations team returns in this third novel from the bestselling author of In The Shadows and No Safe Home.

Advanced readers have said they've been "gobsmacked," "guessing right up until the end," and "literally had no idea what was going to happen."

In The Shadows is free - but only for today

What better way to enjoy a bank holiday than with a free book? Even if you're not a UK resident, you can still take advantage of the offer and grab a copy of In The Shadows for free, but only today, Monday 1 May 2017.

In The Shadows, the first book in the DI Hamilton series, asks: How far would you go to uncover the truth? Would you venture into the shadows to unmask a killer?
Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is tasked with apprehending a brutal murderer stalking the streets of London - and leaving not a shred of DNA evidence. As the suspect list mounts, his frustration and pressure from his superiors intensify.
Grace Murphy, who is dealing with the recent loss of her beloved grandfather, falls deeper into despair when her friends’ bodies are discovered. Fearing she may be the killer’s next target, she begins to question if her horrifying nightmares are the key to unravelling the murderer’s identity.

Click here to head off to Amazon and take advantage of today's freebie. I do hope you enjoy it!

An unwanted break from writing

So, today – Tuesday 18^th April – marks the end of the Easter holidays and my son returns to pre-school. Although I’ve just written the date, I have no real clue what day it is, why I’m sitting at my laptop and who the characters in my work in progress are.

You see, I think I’m a very lucky person to be able to work from home. It means a can choose the hours that suit me and I can work around my son’s part-time school rota. However, the downside to that is, I’ve found I’ve just had two weeks off work… two weeks I didn’t actually want off, and I’m feeling extremely guilty.

Before my son finished nursery, I had just hit the half-way mark with my work in progress. My protagonist, DI Hamilton, was talking to me and telling me where he wanted the story to go and another influential character was coming up against some deadly threats. I was in a good place with the story. I’m usually quite good at getting the work/life balance right and if I can’t work during the day, I’ll write at night after my son has gone to bed. However, it seems the Easter holidays have run away with me; busy all day with various activities and outings and visiting family/friends. So, even by the evenings, I was shattered to the point where I’ve felt no brain power for creativity. Having less time to write, I thought it can’t all be bad because it’ll mean I’ll get loads of reading done, which can sometimes be just as useful. Sadly no, I managed to finish only one book, and the other one I started last week, I’ve only reached 30%.

On a positive note, I did spend one whole day writing. I managed to get just under 5,000 words written in those few hours. Now, none of it has been edited, so I’m hoping it reads as well as I think I’ve written it. Plus, I’ve made notes galore – in notebooks, as well as on my phone – that I can comb through now I’m back to “normal” and make the necessary changes that have come to mind mid-mini golf or feeding at the farm. There is also another positivity that’s come from the Easter holidays – the break freed my mind and actually gave me some space from my work in progress. It meant I had the chance to think of other story ideas I’ve been wanting to focus on, and I now have the foundations for my first standalone book, which I’ll concentrate on next year. It’s been something I’ve wanted to start for a while, but only had the smallest niggle of an idea – well, I now have the premise of the story and the protagonist is clear in my mind.

The school holidays can be a difficult time to get the
right work/life balance

So, while I still feel guilty for not getting my usual 1,000-1,500 words a day written throughout the Easter holidays, perhaps I need to think more long term. The unwanted break I’ve just had from writing might well have been exactly what I needed to grow the idea of a
future book.  

I'll keep you all updated!

Tara talks books at the library

As it's World Book Day, I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to share with you that I have been invited to Botwell Green Library this month.

The library, in Hayes, regularly holds an afternoon tea event with authors and I'm honoured to have been booked in for Tuesday 28th March, 1-2pm. Although Hayes is not local to where I live, it is local to where I attended Brunel University. So, I'm really excited to be travelling back there and meeting up with fellow book lovers.

This is the first time I'll be involved in an author chat, and I'll admit, I'm rather nervous about the prospect. However, I'm trying to keep in my mind that those who attend, are there because they're interested in crime fiction, reading in general, or even me. And, if no one turns up, then it'll be an experience - and I promise to report back to you all.

If you're near Hayes, and it sounds like something you'd fancy, please feel free to come along. I'll also have a few paperback copies of No Safe Home to sell and sign. Huge thanks to Bloodhound Books for making this event possible. Fingers crossed for me.

Dark Minds climbs the charts for charity

I am delighted to share that this week, Dark Minds: a charity collection of short stories from some of your favourite authors, entered Amazon's Top 100 chart in four countries.

The book, which is available in eBook, paperback and audiobook formats, was published by Bloodhound Books in December 2016. All the profits from the sale of this book is donated to Hospice UK and Sophie's Appeal.

Dark Minds is a collection of 40 crime and thriller short stories by authors including Steven Dunne, L.J Ross, Lisa Hall, Betsy Reavley, M.A Comley and myself. We came together to produce an anthology that will lure, tantalise and shock its readers.

My short story, Never Tell A Lie, was a great way to try something new. I stepped away from Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton and entered the mind of villain. Below is the first 500 words of the story to whet your appetite. At the time of posting this blog, Dark Minds kindle edition is on special offer for just 99p/99c - yes, that's right, less than £1 for 40 short stories. If you'd like to find out more, click here to visit Amazon.


Never Tell a Lie by Tara Lyons

It was during the winter of 2015 I became a real man.

The frost welcomed me every morning and I hid behind a large oak tree in Roundwood Park. The grass crunched under my feet as I hopped from side to side, waiting from 5am.  Fiona wouldn’t jog by for another hour, but I never wanted to miss her. The black, tight leggings showcased her beautifully long legs and toned arse. I wanted to rip the jumper from her chest, fully expose the bouncing cleavage it masked. I’d waited so long. My tense body was like a mountain of frustration until she ran by. I’d grow hard as I yearned to touch her. She was my release and I needed to see her every day. Except on a Sunday; Fiona didn’t run on Sundays and I went to church.

I had met Fiona a month earlier at the coffee shop, and instantly wanted her. Her hair shone like the sun and her blue eyes enticed me, pulling me in like the waves of the ocean. I served her a large latte to-go every day for a week before I summoned the courage to ask her out. She swiftly held up her hand and pointed to the gleaming diamond.

‘I’m married, sweetie. Thanks for the compliment.’ She laughed and left the café.

I’d never been turned down before. My teeth clenched together in anger. I was used to getting what I wanted – as a handsome man with a great sense of humour, it was what I expected. Her rejection was like a punch to the gut. But, the more I thought about her, the more I wanted her. She was playing hard to get and that was new. That was exciting.

For another week I watched Fiona’s every move. I followed her on Monday morning, after she’d collected her usual beverage; disappointment hit me when she didn’t notice I wasn’t serving. She seemed to breeze through life with such dignity. My respect for her grew; Fiona was the type of woman I could see myself starting a family with. I had waited so long to find the right woman – the kind of woman my father had spoken about when I was a boy.

The week turned into a month and soon I knew everything there was to know about Fiona. Her daily exercise routine, where she lived and worked, which shops she frequented and the journey she took home. She was so busy with her daily tasks, or always with her nose stuck in a book while travelling, she barely took notice of anyone around her. Never once did she notice me watching her.

Her home was nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac. A semi-detached cottage with a quaint thatched roof that had become so difficult to find in London. It was another way she was showing me her uniqueness and style. Its location was an ideal spot – far enough away from the noise and city yobs that you weren’t involved in its tourism and fast-living, but still close enough to actually work there if you so desired. It was important to earn a good wage, and I knew Fiona did. It was also perfect for my evening viewing. I was protected by the foliage; trees everywhere hid me from sight. Sadly, for Fiona, this was her undoing...

To read the rest of this short story, and many more, click here to visit Amazon and grab your copy.

No Safe Home - book two in The DI Hamilton series is published this month

I'm delighted to reveal the cover for the second book in The DI Hamilton series, No Safe Home. The book will be published by Bloodhound Books on 31st January 2017. 

Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is haunted when the suspicious death of a teenage girl triggers suppressed memories. With a stalker targeting vulnerable women in Central London, and his team rapidly diminishing, Hamilton must conquer his emotions before another family is destroyed.

In a sleepy town in Hertfordshire, Katy has worked hard to rebuild her life after leaving behind everything she knew. But when her past catches up with her, and her young son’s life is threatened, Katy must admit her true identity if she has any hope of surviving.

A home should be a safe place, shouldn’t it? But sometimes it is hard to know who you can trust…
London’s murder investigations team returns in the second novel from the bestselling author of In the Shadows.

Bloodhound Books laps up another author

I'm delighted to share Bloodhound Books has signed me for a two book deal. I am in the process of writing book two in the DI Hamilton series, which will be published Spring 2017.

Founded in late 2014, Bloodhound Books is an independent publisher that was born from a love of great fiction. Bloodhound's best-selling titles include five Amazon top 100 best-sellers - K.A Richardson's I've Been Watching You, Eileen Wharton's Blanket of Blood, Liz Mistry's Unquiet Souls and Betsy Reavley's The Optician's Wife.
I am really excited to have joined such a formidable team and look forward to working with all the team.
Be sure to sign up to the publishing house's mailing list to stay up-to-date with new titles, great offers and you'll get a free eBook of your choice. Just click here to visit their website. 

July Book Reviews: Crime, crime and more crime

I was very excited about visiting Harrogate for the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (see recent blog post for more info on that) this month and wanted to read a few authors that would be attending the event - hence the crime theme this month...

Sleepyhead by Mark Billingham 

I struggled with choosing a rating for this book... Let me explain: It's my first Mark Billingham book and I did enjoy it. I thought the idea was realistic and quite scary. However, the style was a bit confusing for me - I wasn't always sure who's point of view we were following. Also, I was a bit disappointed with the reveal of Thorne's memory that had haunted him for 15 years! I just expected more from it. I'd recommend this, and read the next in the series to see if I could get along with the style.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Sleepyhead on Amazon.

Mortal Justice: a justice series novella by M.A Comley

Eek! A #JusticeJourney fix was just what I needed. If you've read my reviews on Goodreads/Amazon you will know I am a huge Justice series fan, so loved to see a little novella pop up from Mel Comley.

Yes, it's a short story but it doesn't hold back and packs a punch, just as you would expect from the author. If you haven't started the justice series yet, this is ideally read between the first (which is free!) and second books.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Mortal Justice on Amazon.

Snatched from Home by Graham Smith

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt very raw - especially thanks to a few particular characters - but very real; there was emotion in there too. I can completely understand why DI Harry Evans has been dubbed by some as the inspector you love to hate.

Graham Smith has another book due out soon and, after reading Snatched From Home, I'm looking forward to it.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Snatched from Home on Amazon.

The Optician's Wife by Betsy Reavley

It's another 5 star read of 2016 for me! This book really held my interest and I was invested with the main character, Deborah. I enjoyed the way it was written and thought some of the characters were evil personified.

Definitely one to add to your 'to be read' list this year.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Optician's Wife on Amazon.

My first time... at Harrogate

As I write this, a week has passed since the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, but it feels more like a month. It was my first experience of Harrogate, and any kind of book festival, and I’ve had a major comedown from the amazing event. I booked up late, only securing a B&B in April (most people attending had booked the previous year as soon as the dates were announced), and now I’m so glad that my ‘fear of missing out’ bug kicked me up the butt just in time.

As a very new author, I was feeling quite daunted as the day to travel to Yorkshire approached. However, I pulled on my big girl pants and had a good talking to myself – this was a great opportunity to meet other authors, bloggers, publishers, publicists and people I’d spoken to online for over a year. If I’m honest, I think I embraced the experience more as a reader than an author, because once I was there my nerves took over on more than one occasion. But I don’t think it altered my experience at all. The festival is overflowing with new and established authors, crime fiction fans, bloggers etc. – all happy to chat about their writing journey, love of books and everything else in between. And I’ll admit, I had a huge fangirl moment when Martina Cole high-fived me over our shared love of Ireland and Clonakilty black pudding.

I think the truth of it is, at Harrogate it doesn’t matter what you do or your reason for being there because your passion for crime fiction means you’ll always find someone to talk too – trust me, the bar is always heaving and the conversation is always flowing. So, if you’re worried about going alone, please don’t! The whole weekend had a very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, with people happy to pose for photos, sign books and share a bottle of wine!

After booking my B&B it was clear I couldn’t afford to attend all the events on offer, so I carefully chose a few I didn’t want to miss. Despite the heat of the room (and I’m not complaining about the awesome weather we had), they were very interesting, well-structured conversations, with a chance for audience participation at the end. There’s nothing like hearing a successful author share their lows and highs to get the creative juices pumping – and yes, I have been at the laptop with an array of ideas since coming home. I came away from Harrogate feeling very inspired – and not just about crime fiction! Thanks to a very passionate blogger, I’m excited about quite a few things (but if I told you now, I’d have to kill you… but watch this space). I hope by time next year’s festival comes around – and yes, I have booked my room already – I’ll feel more confident as a writer, not just a reader.

There’s an author North versus South football match to enjoy, a chalked outline of a dead body on the

ground, a huge WHSmith tent – that not only sells books but holds book signings too, deck chairs and a beer tent, the word ‘read’ in enormous cardboard letters that make you feel like you’re being welcomed to the book equivalent of Glastonbury and much, much more.

I have only just skimmed the surface about my time at Harrogate because I think if I launched into it fully you’d be scrolling down your screen for quite some time. But I’ll end on this – if you love crime fiction, be it because you’re a writer, a reader, a publisher, a blogger, a publicist or anything in between, then treat yourself to Harrogate 2017. The enjoyable atmosphere is contagious and I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. I met some wonderful people, was asked to signed a copy of my paperback (that was an “OMG, is this real?” moment for me) and had the opportunity

to talk to authors about their writing experiences and get some valuable tips and advice. I didn’t buy a rover pass for the day/weekend, but many people did, some dined with authors and publicists while others soaked up the sun… Harrogate is what you make it, but it’s definitely a book festival not to be missed.

Oh, FYI… this year, I stayed at the Baytree House, which is about 20 minutes from The Old Swan Hotel (the hub of the festival). It’s a beautiful B&B, reasonably priced with a fab breakfast and lovely staff.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Harrogate, please just give me a shout, I’m more than happy to have a chat about my first time...

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Taralyons236@hotmail.com

June Book Reviews: Forensics and ghostbusters

It seems I'm setting a standard of two books a month. While I'd love to read more - because there are some fabulous books out there at the moment - I'm happy that between parenting and writing I'm reading at all! So, without further ado, here are my two very different reads for June...

With Deadly Intent by K.A Richardson 

Well it's very clear that this writer knows her stuff - it was like reading an episode of Silent Witness (which was great, because I love that programme). There was murder, mystery, forensic insight and a whole lot more. I enjoyed this book and there's already a second in the series - I've Been Watching You - so I'll have to get my skates on if I want to keep up - it's just hit the top 20 UK Amazon charts (correct at time of writing this).


You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy With Deadly Intent on Amazon.

Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency by Kitty French

Wow! A very different five star read for me. This book is totally out of my comfort zone - and don't be put of by "girls' ghostbusting agency" because it's a bloody brilliant read.

It was the cover that caught my attention, but the awesome writing and characters that kept me reading. It's fun, silly, outrageous and quite emotional - even gets a crime in there, so how could I not give it all the stars.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Melody Bittersweet on Amazon.

May Book Reviews: Murders and tears...

Wow - another very different month for me in terms of what I decided to pick up. There were murders, stalkers, love and  - yes I'll be honest - tears! It's been a rollercoaster reading month, I love it... and I want to tell you all about it, so here's my book round-up for May:

The Missing by C.L Taylor 

This is my first read by C.L Taylor and I really enjoyed it. I tend to try and stay away from books written about children missing or abducted or tortured; as a parent it's something I'm not a huge fan of reading about. But I gave this one a shot - 1) the boy is much older than my son so I felt I wouldn't compare them and 2) Cally accepted my choice of cafe name when she asked for suggestions on her Facebook author page. It's a twisty and intriguing novel and I will now read more from C.L Taylor.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Missing on Amazon.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Well, as I'm sure you will have guessed this is another book not really in my usual reading genre. But with the film coming out - and me just knowing I'd go and see it with my girlfriends - I had to read the book before that. I sobbed! Yes, there were tears and emotions of epic portions and it was extremely unexpected. I'd heard about the story and about all the women reaching for the tissues but in no way did I think that would include me. I was wrong! Read the book and then watch the film (which I luckily did at a preview screening) - they're both fabulous.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Me Before You on Amazon.

An evening with Jojo Moyes - Me Before You

A lovely goody bag from Marie Claire
awaited us all in the cinema - and of course
a paperback of Me Before You was included

I'm not one for doing things on my own. I do like a natter, some company to share a joke or toast the evening with. But, when my friend called me to say she had just one ticket - and was giving it to me - I couldn't say no. This ticket was for an event in London on Thursday 12th May at Charlotte Street Hotel. Organised by Marie Claire UK, I was given a ticket to a Q&A session with author Jojo Moyes and a preview screening of Me Before You.

Yes, I'd have to go alone but this was an event I couldn't turn down.

As you've probably guessed from my blog, and my own books, Me Before You isn't my usual genre. But, after countless recommendations and an impending film release I knew I just had to read it (I tend not to watch films without reading the book first... with the exception of The Hunger Games). Now, don't get me wrong I am not anti romance or chick lit and every now and then I will read a book outside of my favourite genre - a reading palette cleaner I like to call it.

I won't be embarrassed, I cried.

Not many books have made me shed a tear (My Sister's Keeper and Charlie & Pearl are the only others) but this book made me sob. I loved the language, the description, the relationships and the characters. I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone who hasn't read/watched it yet, but I remember reading the last 100 pages thinking, this could go either way. I really couldn't be 100% sure on where Jojo Moyes was going to take the characters - and the reader.

So when I was given this ticket by an amazingly kind friend, I couldn't wait to ask Jojo Moyes that question - and others about the characters and her writing style. It was fantastic listening to her talk about the book and her involvement with the filmmaking, and I felt very honoured to be there. Even more so when on the day I received a very late email in the afternoon offering me one more ticket - so I didn't have to do it alone after all. My friend and fellow author Georgie Logan came with me - and thank God she did because not only is she great company, but she was also prepared... she had a packet of tissues in her bag.

Me and Georgie enjoyed
a drinks reception before
the Q&A and preview

I think reading the book and watching the film in a short space of time meant that I was still raw with emotion and caught up in the deep relationships of the characters, And so, I couldn't help but cry - again. Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin - who play Louisa Clark and Will Traynor - were the most perfect pair to be cast for these roles. I loved them.

Read the book and then watch the film.

And, in the words of Will Traynor: "Push yourself. Don't settle. Just live well. Just LIVE."

April Book Reviews: Thrillers and contemporary

Delighted! This month I read three books and a short story. Is it obvious that The Caller was whipped into shape and ready to be sent to our editor...

A very different month for me - not only did I get a contemporary novel in there at the end, but I also read a couple of very different and refreshing, thrillers. So, here's my book round-up for April:

In Her Wake by Amanda Jenning 

This was a difficult one for me - I loved the story, but just wasn't used to this kind of pace for a psychological thriller. However, the more I think about it, the more I realise how clever it is. It kept me reading, it kept me interested about what was going to happen next and rooting for the protagonist, Bella. In Her Wake has also made me want to pack up my London flat and move to Cornwall... or at least by the coast. I would definitely recommend this book.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy In Her Wake on Amazon.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt by Linda Prather

Another different kind of thriller - this time, the legal kind. I can't recommend this enough and gave it a big 5 star review. The chapters are quick and snappy and the main character, Jenna James is easy to love. She is also not a detective, so that was another nice change. It moves quickly, with lots happening and stories entwining. Read this!

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Beyond a Reasonable Doubt on Amazon.

Escape by KA Richardson

A very short story indeed, but it is a great teaser for KA Richardson's first full novel, With Deadly Intent. This book is on my TBR list and I'm hoping to get to it very soon. Thanks to Escape, I really want to know more about Cass.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy Escape on Amazon.

183 Times a Year by Eva Jordan

And here it is - my first non thriller/crime book of the year! I will admit to you, I was worried to start with. It didn't feel fast enough and nothing particularly was happening. But when you've only read about crimes and murders and the like for the last three months, you have to slow down. I'm so pleased that I continued with this contemporary novel - a story of families and ordinary struggles. It definitely picks up and I was soon very invested with the characters. A cracking debut.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy 183 Times a Year on Amazon.

World Book Night

During the last year, my life has changed dramatically thanks to the people I've met and the books I've read. So when I had the opportunity to be part of World Book Night as a distributor, I was delighted.

Yes, I know it was almost a month ago now, but hear me out.

The Reading Agency's World Book Night took place on 23rd April this year. Their drive was to reach out to people in the UK who do not normally read for pleasure - and therefore 187,500 copies of 15 specially printed books - including titles from Ann Cleeves, Amanda Prowse and Sarah Hilary, to name a few - were distributed by reading enthusiasts. That included me.

Sometime last year, I filled out an online registration form as to why I wanted to be involved, how I would distribute the books and choose the title I would like to receive. I didn't actually think I'd get chosen, but I did. I was given 16 copies of Ann Cleeves' short story, Too Good To Be True. It wasn't the book I had requested, but I was pleased, because what better way to ease a non-reader in than with a short story.

Now, I know what some of you must be thinking: why the hell am I distributing books that I haven't written? Or perhaps, because I'm an indie author, should I be promoting this? And honestly, I got involved with World Book Night because I'm a reader myself first and foremost. It was my passion for books that put me on the path to writing my own! So the idea of reaching out to people who do not usually read for pleasure was something I really wanted to be a part of.

For me, it was actually a good ice-breaker. The recipients of the books I gifted would ask me why was I doing this, or what was I reading etc. And it meant I could promote my own books and writing journey to them freely, without feeling like I was forcing it on them. Not only was I encouraging them to read with a free book, but I was able to have a free-flowing, non-computer type chat with them.

My nan and her free book

I started small this year. I gave the books to friends, relatives and neighbours - some of them didn't own a paperback/hardback book. Two of those people included my nan (pictured) and her dear old neighbour. They were delighted to have been given a gift, a real book in their hands to hold and - for my nan's neighbour - a bit of company and conversation. A friend of mine was delighted to have the book in her bag as she was stuck in a hospital waiting for hours and devoured it. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed reading, she told me after. Next year, if I get accepted again, I'd like to go bigger with distributing the books - perhaps even hand out some personal promotional material too. I'll put my thinking cap on.

So, I wasn't delivering copies of my own books this World Book Night, but isn't just encouraging people to read in general a great stepping stone? I hope so.

March book reviews: The Reaper and The Prodigal

It's becoming a habit of mine to start these posts with something along the lines of, 'I've been so busy' or 'I haven't read much this month.' I know it's because I'm used to reading at least four or five books a month and lately that figure has dropped to two or three. But, I've decided I'll stop apologising for that because I'm still reading - regardless of my hectic personal life and writing/editing my own books - and that's what's important.

It's great that I'm reading some fab books too! When you don't have a lot of time to read, it makes it worthwhile that the ones you do can, keep you interested. So, here are my March reads:

The Reaper by Steven Dunne 

A series that has been recommended to me over and over again. And with book six being published in May, I thought it was time to see what all the fuss was about. I'm glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed The Reaper - and at one point I really did want to hide behind my cushion! It's a very clever read and I loved the mention of locations I know. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Reaper on Amazon.

The Prodigal (Valley Park series #1) by Nicky Black

This felt like quite a refreshing change to the crime genre. The Prodigal is gritty but there's also a story of love mixed in there two. It's very character driven and I enjoyed getting to know more about each character and what made them tick. Look forward to 'Heads' the second book from Nicky Black coming soon.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Prodigal on Amazon.

Keeping you in the loop - The Caller and Authors Electric

I'm quickly ducking in during the wee small hours to say hello while I have a very quick break from editing. Sorry I haven't posted anything in the last month, but I've been full on busy, and getting very excited, with my current work in process.

A NEW BOOK, I HEAR YOU CRY:

Well, yes the rumours are true! Myself and Mel Comley are putting the finishing touches to our first book in a new crime series - The Caller. It's available to pre-order on Amazon now for just 99p/99c - click the link below to find out more, and of course order if it takes your fancy - and it will be published on June 16th. I will be updating my website in the next few weeks to give you more of a taster about The Organised Crime Series.

Click here to order The Caller


WHAT ELSE IS NEW?

I'm also thrilled to announce that I've joined a team of indie authors on their blogger website - Authors Electric. The group is made up of 29 authors who come together on the site to explore the exciting world of eBooks, gossip, laugh and share tips on writing and independent publishing. I've already posted my first blog - and will continue to do so on the 18th of each month. Thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome and planted the seed for some interesting projects in the near future. Do drop by and say hello!

Click here to check out Authors Electric

World Book Day: The book Vs the comic

My little Captain Leo on World Book Day 2016

For many years, on this day, my Facebook timeline would be filled with cute children dressed in an array of costumes. I'd make the usual "ah" sound and hit the like button, maybe even write a little comment. Then I'd move on. However, this year I'm involved: my son has reached school-age and is, as I type, taking part in his first World Book Day.

I was only told last week that the children would be invited to dress up, so didn't have much time to let the creative juices flow. But fear not, the supermarkets were filled with costumes to take care of that problem. Or were they?

As I peered through the selection I was amazed, and slightly disappointed, that what was on offer was characters from The Avengers, Star Wars, Minions and Frozen. Now while I completely understand children like to dress up and have fun, I can't remember reading about any of these characters in a book! They are comic and film characters first and foremost. So while there may be some books featuring them as a merchandise ploy, I feel it's a bit of a cheat... there I said it.

Parents will roll their eyes at my view and kids will call me the boring mum (poor Leo!), but it's how I feel. There are so many wonderful books to choose from, why choose a comic?

So, what did Leo dress up as? Although the picture gives it away somewhat, I'll explain anyway.

Leo's favourite character has always been Peter Rabbit, so I took it for granted he would choose that. No, of course he said he wanted to be the Hulk (who doesn't, right?). And it dawned on me; while I may be a book lover (and I hope as he grows Leo will be too), right now three year-olds want fun and colour and excitement. For them, the likes of Peter Rabbit and Oliver Twists just 'ain't cutting it.

Therefore, we reached a compromise. Leo dressed up as a pirate, and he believes it's because he likes the book Pirates Love Underpants and that swashbuckling show on CBeebies, (but I chose to ignore that). For me, Leo went to school as Captain Hook - Peter Pan's arch-enemy. Now, while I know the story has been on stage, TV and made into a film (or three!), the character is ultimately from an enchanting classic book about a boy who didn't want to grow up.

My February book reviews...

February has been a whirlwind month for me. In the Shadows was returned from my editor, proofreader and beta readers. I also set up a blog tour (more news on that coming soon), which I'm really excited about.

And between all that, I'm pleased to say I still managed to read three fab books - and started a fourth. However, as I've not finished that one, you'll just have to wait until March's round-up for the review.

So, without further ado, here are my February reads:

The Girl You Lost by Kathryn Croft 

This was the first Kathryn Croft novel for me, and my first 5 star review of 2016. I can't remember reading a book where, at some stage, I doubted every single character. It's an awesome psychological thriller that will keep you thinking, keep you guessing and keep you reading.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Girl you Lost on Amazon.




The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza 

I loved the gritty nature of the main character, DI Erika Foster and I look forward to reading more about her. She has a background story that I'm sure will be delved into much more. I felt The Girl in the Ice was a bit repetitive at times, which sometimes slowed it down for me, but the characters definitely held my attention.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to buy The Girl in the Ice on Amazon.



CXVI Desperate Measures by Angie Smith 

This was a bitter-sweet read for me. Having thoroughly enjoyed the CXVI trilogy, I knew no matter what the ending of Desperate Measures was - it was saying goodbye. The author does this impeccably and wraps everything up in her usually clever and thoughtful way.

You can read my full review on Goodreads.

Click here to pre-order CXVI Desperate Measures on Amazon.

My debut novel on pre-order

It's been a roller-coaster of a day. One of excitement and anxiety, achievement and nervousness, joy and worry. All those emotions occurring in a few short hours could be attributed to many things, but for me it was creating a pre-order for my debut novel.

In the Shadows now has a place on Amazon, waiting for you supportive readers to one-click and give an eBook a home. It's real to me now - you may well choose to pre-order my novel (and I would be eternally grateful) - and in a few short weeks will be privy to a story I have kept close to my chest for nearly a year.

My characters, words, thoughts and imagination are all being prepared to be shared with you. At least I hope they will be, and not cast into the virtual shadows, never chosen. And there, in a short paragraph you can see how my mind flickers from one train of thought to the other in an instant. What will become of In the Shadows? I'd like to think it will become a firm favourite for many of you - and in case you need a little tempting...

In the Shadows blurb:

Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is tasked with apprehending a brutal murderer stalking the streets of London—and leaving not a shred of DNA evidence. As the suspect list mounts, his frustration and pressure from his superiors intensify.

Grace Murphy, who is dealing with the recent loss of her beloved grandfather, falls deeper into despair when her friends’ bodies are discovered. Fearing she may be the killer’s next target, she begins to question if her horrifying nightmares are the key to unravelling the murderer’s identity.

How far would you go to uncover the truth? Would you venture into the shadows to unmask a killer?

To pre-order In the Shadows for 99p/99c click the link to take you straight to Amazon