G.B. Ralph's Blog, page 5

Behind the scenes: author interview at the library

As an author, I have plenty of time to consider and edit my words before they’re ever made public. My typical day is so far from getting interviewed in person (in the middle of a busy library!) and being expected to give coherent responses on the spot. But when the Palmerston North City Library asked if I’d be open to appearing in an upcoming video of theirs, I couldn’t say no, could I?

We discussed the library as a space for everyone; the wonderful librarians; the events, talks...

Book launch: Against the Grain by Bing Turkby

You may say it’s only fair, but I call it revenge!

Fellow cosy mystery author Bing Turkby did a wonderful job helping me launch my latest book – Death in Douglas Glade – and now he’s roped me into doing the same for him in return.

I would say I’m outraged, but I am actually delighted to get him back. I’ll be asking him plenty of curly questions about Against the Grain (Guitar Store Mysteries #3) and I’d love to have you there to back me up!

Bruce McKenzie Booksellers will also be joini...

Mysterious Murders short story competition (open now!)

I’m helping judge a short story competition and we’re now open for entries! The theme is “Murder mystery with a fun twist” which is 100% my jam. So, if you have an idea and a pen, we’d love to read your story!

The Mysterious Murders short story competition was created to honour the late Anja Boersma, who had a deep love of writing, by helping to nurture that same passion in others. The competition was co-founded by Jeroen (Anja’s husband) and Angela C. Nurse (my friend, fellow mystery aut...

Staff Picks for Pride Month

My local librarians understood the assignment, once again!

My gay romantic comedies are surrounded by a wonderfully diverse range of fiction and non-fiction titles on the book display wall for Pride Month at the Palmerston North City Library. Check it out:

Looking for something to cosy up with this Pride Month?

Well, do I have a list for you! Check out yesterday’s post for a great big bunch of LGBTQ+ cozy mystery authors and books to read this Pride Month (or any month!):

LGBTQ+...

LGBTQ+ cozy mystery authors and books to read this Pride Month (or any month!)

If you’re looking for something queer and cozy this Pride Month – or any time of the year, let’s be honest! – then CozyMystery.com have us covered…

Queer Cozy Authors

Investigate their new “Queer Cozy Authors” page currently featuring over 30 openly LGBTQ+ authors writing cozy mysteries – including G. B. Ralph (i.e. me!):

Queer Cozy Authors page on CozyMystery.com

Be sure to check out this incredible list – you’re bound to spot some of your favourites and hopefully discover some n...

Book display wall: crime edition

Check out the book display wall at my local library! I spotted it a couple of weeks ago, but in all the excitement of being surrounded by such a wonderfully disreputable bunch of criminals, I completely forgot to share:

You’ll notice titles by D. V. Bishop, Charity Norman, Vanda Symon, Bing Turkby, and many more excellent books to add to your reading list!

The book of mine making an appearance on the display is Poison at Penshaw Hall. This is the second of my Milverton Mysteries featu...

Behind the scenes at the library: the book returns slot

Have you seen behind the scenes at your local library? I’ve always wondered what happens back there at Palmerston North City Library when I return books and, thanks to author and librarian Bing Turkby, now I know!

You can watch the video below on TikTok or Instagram (they’re both the same, so pick your preferred platform):

@gbralph

Have you seen behind the scenes at your local library? I’ve always wondered what happens back there when I return books and now I know #BookTok #BehindThe...

Japanese translation of The Sand Witch’s Sandwich

Konnichiwa to my first translated work! I’ve just received my stunning print copies in the post, along with some gorgeous bookmarks and a lovely note from the translator on this adorable postcard.

You can see me discussing the new release on TikTok or Instagram (the videos are both the same), or read on below…

@gbralph

My short story, The Sand Witch’s Sandwich, has been translated and published in Japanese My first ever translated work! #Fantasy #ShortStory #BookTok

♬ original s...

My weekend at the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2025

I had a wonderful time at the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2025 – a fabulous and fascinating weekend away with friends!

I’ve pulled together some of my notes and photos from the weekend…

Saturday 10 May 2025

Our first day involved an early start and driving over the hill. We had a quick pitstop for coffee and cheese scones in Greytown, then split up for our various morning sessions around Featherston.

My first session was ‘Going Coastal’ with Damien Wilkins, Mandy Hage...

Mystery in the Palmerston North City Library 2025 (audio recording)

It was fantastic having Manawatu People’s Radio at Mysterious Manawatū on Friday at Palmerston North City Library!

Thanks to Hugh for his excellent work with the sound system and recording, now anyone who didn’t make it on the night can listen back to The Bookshop Detectives, Riley Chance, Tina Shaw, and myself discussing our various literary misdeeds:

Listen to the Mysterious Manawatū 2025 recording (01:05:46) Off The Page writers series

The Off The Page writers series is a pa...