The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco is the story of a 14th century abbey where wealthy Franciscans have been accused of heresy. Brother William, who displays Sherlock-Holmes like deductive powers, investigates an apparent suicide and uncovers a seething nest of old grudges, sin and a library located in a maze protected by traps. As the body count rises, William must get to the bottom of the deaths before it’s too late to save the abbey. Very atmospheric and clever but full of philosophical and religious debates in between the intriguing investigations which slows the plot.
The Murder At World’s End by Ross Montgomery is a sparkling murder mystery set in Cornwall 1910 as a Viscount prepares for a supposed apocalypse. All his guests and servants are made to lock themselves in at his isolated mansion overnight. The next morning, his body is found shot in his own locked room. And so begins an investigation by the newest servant and a foul-mouthed octogenarian with a temper but razor sharp mind. Great fun, full of twists and red herrings and pacey.
Beast Mode by JJ Arcanjo is the start of a new series about street-wise kids who can turn themselves into animals but have no idea how they got these super powers. Desperately searching for answers they encounter the Night Terror, hunters with volt whips and end up helping a billionaire’s daughter run away from home, before finally meeting on of their aunts who helps them remember. But not all is as it seems... Great action and camaraderie between the characters. Perfect set-up for more adventures.
Meet Max, who lost his parents to a tragic accident several years ago and now lives with his cruel uncle and aunt in a city on the Moon. His 12th birthday kicks off with one big surprise after another and soon he’s fighting for his life and his rightful inheritance. Moonlight Robbery, a dramatic adventure loosely based on Oliver Twist, involves jet-pack races, heists and the hunt for a glittering prize.
The launch date, 17th September, is creeping up on me. I’ve finalised my lunar quiz, a blog tour is in hand and I’ve been busy organising a few school visits but have availability if there are any school teachers/librarians reading this. DM me here. Pre-orders are available here.
My fifth pantomime script (written jointly with Fiona) is called Top Bun, a pantomime full of passion, pastries and a sprinkle of magic featuring an incompetent baker, an inebriated fairy, a greedy baron and two young love birds. We sent it off for external review this month and were delighted with the feedback. “This script is clearly written for a stage production by people who have experience… the attention to detail is incredible… Original scripts are hard to get right, but this one is very, very right, and it was fun to read.” You can find out more about our scripts and how to licence them for your own use here.
I’m also trying to plot out the second part of my humorous fantasy featuring a pint-sized secret agent who just happens to be a Wyvern Rider and bodyguard to a very pink Princess. And I’m trying to adapt my teen adventure story, Kessler, into a thriller for adults. It’s about a Scottish teenager obsessed with the sky falling on his head and a tech billionaire’s satellite company. Plenty to keep me busy over the next month or two!
Tennis, padel and golf have continued with matches and practice coming at a fast pace. Our tennis team has started to pick-up some decent results in the summer league and I’m progressing to the latter stages of the tennis and padel Foxhills club championships. I’m running twice a week and doing a track session with a coach once a week, which I’m enjoying a lot. Some improvement in my times but no massive breakthrough yet.
Can’t fail to mention the World Cup in passing, which had some amazing matches, stadiums, performances as well as all the maddening elements of political interference, dubious decisions and a disappointing final. Well played to England who, aside from a panicked last twenty minutes in the semi-final, delivered some terrific results and some enduring memories.
I treated myself to a new board game this month. It’s called MARVEL: Skirmish! In New York. It’s a lane-battling, card-driven game where you take the side of heroes or villains with asymmetric packs and a cool little board where you can slug it out. Fast-paced – a game will last roughly thirty minutes – and seems to be evenly matched judging from the few times I have played it solo. Nice.
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