Katharine Johnson's Blog, page 10
May 15, 2019
The Suspects is out!
[image error]
The Suspects is now a published book!
Thanks to everyone who came to the Online Launch Party and made it such fun. We talked about house share experiences, Bristol and the Eighties.
Some of the things people suggested would most put them off sharing a house with someone would be bad temper, smoking, poor hygiene; playing music on repeat, passive aggressive behaviour such as leaving notes around the house and pointedly not clearing up something because it isn’t their mess. What are your house share pet hates?
I’m thrilled to have 38 reviews on Goodreads already and some of these are also working their way through to Amazon which is fantastic.
Just a reminder to anyone in/around Berkshire who would like a paperback (useful present idea for someone?) I’m going to be signing books in WH Smith, Windsor this Saturday May 18th 1-5pm so please drop in – I’d love to see you!
May 9, 2019
Countdown to publication…1 day!
[image error]
This time tomorrow The Suspects will be published. Will it be landing on your phone?
Today’s the last day of the blog tour organised by Rachel’s Random Resources which has been fantastic and I really appreciate all the posts and photos on so many fabulous book blogs. Sending your book out to people you don’t know is always a bit scary but it’s had some lovely reviews, some of which you can see on Goodreads
I’m thrilled that people have found The Suspects “addictive”, “compelling”, “twisty”, “intriguing”, “a real sleep-stealer”, and have said that they were kept guessing over whodunnit.
Was it young fogie Stuart, the self-appointed leader whose behaviour is becoming more and more paranoid? Ice-queen Imogen who was conveniently absent when the body’s found? Free-spirit Zak who thinks on his feet? Dreamer Xanthe who has no family, never has any money for bills but spends recklessly on luxury items? Or is conscientious Emily an unreliable narrator?
You’ll have to read the book to find out!
I never know quite how to categorise my stories but most reviewers have described this as a psychological thriller because’s about paranoia, guilt and fear of the enemy within. One reviewer described it as “an intense mind game.”
I’ve been describing it as a “quirky psychological thriller” because it’s not a thriller in the sense of an action-packed, blood-and-guts story about a detective hunting down a serial killer so I wouldn’t want to disappoint people buying it with those expectations. There are no car chases, no shoot-outs, no autopsies and there is some humour – but it’s also quite a tense read as the suspects try and cover their tracks and also question if they’re safe with each other.
If you read it I’d love to know which genre you think describes it best.
You can read a sample using the Look Inside feature on Amazon or buy the book here
Or, if you’re a Facebook user, you can find out more tomorrow at the The Suspects Online Launch Party
These fabulous authors will be popping in to share some Eighties nostalgia, discuss house share rules and talk about their books: Catherine Fearns, Kate Braithwaite, Miriam Drori, Jo Fenton and Alice Castle.
See you there!
May 7, 2019
Countdown to publication…3 days!
[image error]
It’s three days until Publication Day for The Suspects.
Where did that time go? After all the writing, re-drafting, beta reads, edits, cover design, more edits, sending out review copies – suddenly it’s about to hit the shelves.
If you follow me on social media or subscribe to my newsletter you’ll probably be sick of hearing about this book (sorry!) but if you don’t you might be wondering what it’s about so here’s the blurb:
Shallow Grave meets The Secret History in this quirky psychological thriller
Bristol, 1988. Five young graduates on the threshold of their careers buy a house together in order to get a foot on the property ladder before prices rocket out of their reach. But it soon becomes the house share from hell.
After their New Year’s Eve party, they discover a body – and it’s clear they’ll be the first suspects. As each of them has a good reason from their past not to trust the police, they come up with a solution – one which forces them into a life of secrets and lies. But can they trust each other?
I chose a house share because I love domestic noir stories but wanted a different setting from the usual marital home. I liked the idea of throwing a group of virtual strangers together and seeing how they dealt with a situation. And it’s quite a situation!
My characters have very little in common except that they’re all new to the town and have started on the same journalism training scheme. The cracks in their relationship start to appear soon after they move in but the New Year’s Eve party changes everything. The decision they make binds them to each other but mutual suspicion escalates. Will they stick together or save themselves?
If you’re on Facebook you can find out more about the book, ask me questions, share house share-from-hell stories and meet the characters at my Online Launch Party. Some amazing authors will also be dropping in and there will be prizes! Click this link and select Going to make sure you get a reminder about the Event on Friday 1300-2000 (UK time).
The Suspects Online Launch Party
But if you can’t wait until then you can preorder the ebook or buy the paperback here
I also wanted to let you know about two events that are coming up. If you’re interested in writing and live in or around London you might like to know about the Author School event which is great value for money and you could snap up a copy of The Suspects.
I’m really excited to be taking part in a panel conversation with Phoebe Morgan, author of The Doll House and The Girl Next Door; and Helen Matthews author of Leaving the Village and Lies Behind the Ruin.
Tickets are only £8 which includes the cost of a paperback of your choice.
http://www.theauthorschool.com/an-afternoon-with-the-author-school
Also, I’m going to be signing books in WH Smith in Windsor on 18th May so if you’re local I’d love it if you stopped by!
May 5, 2019
Book review: The Girl Puzzle by Kate Braithwaite
Today is Publication Day for The Girl Puzzle, a story about the real historical figure Nellie Bly, an investigative journalist, adventurer and champion of women’s rights, whose birthday is also today.
[image error]
I knew very little about Nellie Bly, whose real name was Elizabeth Cochrane, before reading the book but it inspired me to find out more about her. She was fascinating in lots of ways including undertaking a record-breaking round-the-world trip in the style of Jules Verne’s Phileas Fogg in 72 days.
The Girl Puzzle, however, is based on the true story of Elizabeth’s spell in a women’s lunatic asylum, which she tricked her way into so that she could report on conditions inside.
The blurb
Her published story is well known. But did she tell the whole truth about her ten days in the madhouse? Down to her last dime and offered the chance of a job of a lifetime at The New York World, twenty three year-old Elizabeth Cochrane agrees to get herself admitted to Blackwell’s Island Lunatic Asylum and report on conditions from the inside. But what happened to her poor friend Tilly Maynard? Was there more to her high praise of Dr Frank Ingram than everyone knew?
Thirty years later, Elizabeth, known as Nellie Bly, is no a longer celebrated trailblazer and the toast of Newspaper Row. Instead, she lives in a suite in the Hotel McAlpin, writes a column for The New York Journal and runs an informal adoption agency for the city’s orphans.
Beatrice Alexander is her secretary, fascinated by Miss bly and her causes and crusades. Asked to type a manuscript revisiting her employer’s experience in the asylum in 1887, Beatrice believes she’s been given the key to understanding one of the most innovative and daring figures of the age.
My review
This an extraordinary book about a remarkable woman. It’s written in two viewpoints – the younger Elizabeth and her secretary Beatrice thirty years later. I found both of them convincing and engaging. Elizabeth’s determined attitude and spirited responses feel just right for the person she was, and I enjoyed learning about the older Miss Bly through Beatrice’s observations much in the way we learn about Sherlock Homes through Watson. The dual timeline was admirably handled and the story is thought-provoking as well as beautifully written.
I’d highly recommend this to readers interested in women’s history or indeed anyone looking for a great story with a strong female lead.
How to buy
About the author
[image error]Kate Braithwaite grew up in Edinburgh but now lives in the Brandwine valley in Pennsylvania. Her daughter doesn’t think Kate should describe herself as a history nerd but that’s exactly what she is. Always on the hunt for lesser known stories from the past, Kate’s books have strong female characters, rich settings and dark secrets.
Find out more about Nellie Bly and Kate’s other books on her website
Connect with Kate Braithwaite on Twitter @KMBraithwaite and @TheGirlPuzzle1
May 2, 2019
Book review: The Last Weekend by Blake Morrison
[image error]
I caught some of the three-part televised version of this psychological thriller years ago but had forgotten the name of it and had always wondered how it ended so I was so pleased to come across this book.
The story’s set over a stifling bank holiday weekend in a house in East Anglia, reuniting four friends, three of whom were together at university twenty years ago. It’s told by Ian who you learn at the beginning has been less successful than his friend Ollie, a barrister, who’s now married to Daisy, the girl they both loved as students and they have a son. Ian’s a primary school teacher whose marriage is under pressure because his wife Em wants children and they’re unable to have them, and because Ian has a tribunal coming up at work which could end his career.
Ollie and Daisy’s invitation to spend a weekend in the country seems half-hearted as it turns out they’ve double-booked, inviting one of Daisy’s designer friends Milo and they seem embarrassed to introduce Ian and Em to their more stylish set.
Over the weekend Ollie and Ian resurrect a bet made twenty years earlier and a strong theme of male rivalry emerges as you start to question Ian’s version of events. In the claustrophobic atmosphere of the house during a blindingly hot summer, the tension creeps up and then soars as one revelation after another spills out, leading to a devastating ending.
The writing is so very clever. You’re told one thing but at the same time shown another. I absolutely loved it. It isn’t fast-paced or action-packed but the brilliantly-captured characters and perfectly handled misdirection kept me glued to the pages. If you missed it on television starring the brilliant Sean Evans (Endeavour) and Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks) or even if you didn’t I’d highly recommend the book.
April 28, 2019
Blog tour – Lies Behind the Ruin by Helen Matthews
[image error]
Today is my stop on the blog tour for Lies Behind The Ruin by Helen Matthews – a brand new, contemporary suspense novel set in France. Here’s my review – and remember to read on for the chance to win a paperback copy!
[image error]
About the book
Emma Willshire has overcome plenty of obstacles in her life, from student bride to single mum of a son, Owen, but she has found happiness with her second husband, Paul and another child, Mollie. Emma’s dark days seem far behind her until a fatal accident happens at Paul’s work and he is held responsible.
On holiday in France, Paul’s behaviour turns erratic. On impulse, he buys a cheap, dilapidated property and, to Emma’s dismay, persuades her they can renovate it into a holiday home.
Back in England, their problems spiral out of control. Escape to a new life in France seems the only solution but with heart-breaking loss for Emma. As the couple strive to renovate their ruin and open a small business, shadows from the past threaten their happiness and safety. Because, how can you build a new life on toxic foundations?
My review
I love books about old houses in idyllic locations filled with secrets so this was sure to appeal! Many of us dream about finding a tumbledown property in France to restore and I really enjoyed experiencing this with the characters but it’s also a reminder that we should be careful what we wish for. The tense domestic noir drama behind the lovely facade of a French holiday home really sets this book apart.
Les Quatre Vents is far from your dream French holiday home – more like a cow shed. It’s a long, low building (a longere) in crumbling stone, partly reclaimed by nature with a sagging roof, ivy-clad walls, a rotting front door and earth floor. So why is Paul so keen to buy it? Or is the truth that he wants to escape from trouble back home? Meanwhile, Emma faces pressure from her ex husband Zak who has no intention of letting Emma take their son Owen abroad. And the work accident turns out to be not the only complication in Paul’s life – which means someone’s out for revenge.
I loved the revelations and the brooding tension as the threat to the family’s happiness and safety grows. I tore through it to get to the end and find out what would happen – especially to one nasty individual. And what an ending!
This is such a brilliant read – I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good drama as well as a beautiful setting. You won’t regret it!
Win a copy
There are 2 x signed copies of Lies Behind The Ruins (Europe Only). Click to enter the Rafflecopter draw:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494218/?
*Terms and Conditions –European entries welcome. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.
How to buy
Title: Lies Behind the Ruin
Author: Helen Matthews
Publisher: Hashtag Press
Number of print pages: 347
Lies Behind the Ruin is available from good book shops including Waterstones and WH Smith, and online from
https://www.helenmatthewswriter.com/shop
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lies-Behind-Ruin-Helen-Matthews/dp/1999300610
US – https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Behind-Ruin-Helen-Matthews-ebook/dp/B07Q5ZGZHP
[image error]
About the author
Helen Matthews’ debut novel After Leaving the Village, published in 2017, won first prize for the opening pages of a novel at Winchester Writers’ Festival. Born in Cardiff, she read English at the University of Liverpool and holds an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University. Helen’s short stories and flash fiction have won prizes and been published in Reflex Fiction, Ad Hoc, Artificium, Scribble and Love Sunday. Her freelance journalism has been published in the Guardian and broadcast on BBC radio. She is an ambassador for Unseen, a charity that campaigns to end human trafficking and modern slavery.
Connect with Helen on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenMK7Writer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenMK7
Don’t forget to visit other stops on the tour:
[image error]
April 26, 2019
Me and my writing
[image error]
I’ve just got back from a couple of weeks in Tuscany where I wrote my two Villa Leonida books, The Silence and The Secret. Although the village of Santa Zita is fictional I’ve spent a lot of time in Tuscany which gave me inspiration for the setting.
One of the things I love about this region is that it’s so varied – as well as the gentle rolling hills and swathes of sunflowers found on postcards, there are soaring mountains, narrow gorges, deep green rivers and coastal towns. Each area also has its own traditions.
Lucca, one of my favourite towns, looks particularly lovely at this time of year as it’s filled with flowers for the festival of Santa Zita (18th April – 5th May). Zita, the town’s patron saint, represents flowers and baking – which I see as the perfect excuse to fill your garden with colour and eat some delicious cakes!
According to the stories, Zita was a servant girl in the 13th century who worked for a wealthy family in Lucca. She risked the wrath of her master by smuggling out leftover bread to the poor, hiding it in her apron. When a jealous servant told him what was happening he ordered her to open her apron and show him what she was hiding but when she did so the bread had miraculously turned into flowers.
During the period around her day (27th April) Piazza San Frediano and Piazza Anfiteatro are filled with flowers. Caffe Biscotteria Santa Zita in Piazza San Frediano is an ideal place to stop and soak up the atmosphere. It’s worth eating inside for its beautiful, classic interior and the cakes are amazing.
We also went to Vinci, a lovely little hilltop town, on April 15th where they were celebrating Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. The exhibition is well worth a visit but in any case it’s a lovely little town to wander around and have a drink or something to eat, and the view from the castle’s spectacular.
Cover reveal – Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello
[image error]
My To Be Read list is way out of control but I can’t resist adding this one to read when I’m in Tuscany this summer. It’s such a beautiful cover – who wouldn’t want to be standing on that balcony just now? I can feel the heat and smell the sea and the flowers…
I could tell immediately that the publisher was Canelo because they do such gorgeous cover designs.
About the book
Escape to Villa Limoncello… where dreams come true in the most unexpected ways.
Izzie Jenkins never expected to find herself living in a gorgeous oasis in Tuscany but when life gives you Villa Limoncello you say thank you and bake treats to celebrate!
Izzie and debonair chef Luca Castelotti are officially setting up shop together but when their inaugural ‘Pasta and Painting’ venture is sabotaged and one of their guests poisoned they’re forced to turn detective. Because if they can’t find the culprit, they’ll be out of business before they’ve even begun…
A gorgeous holiday read perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Jenny Oliver
You can buy it here
[image error]
About the author
Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must.
April 25, 2019
Book review – Property by Lionel Shriver
[image error]
About the book
In her first ever story collection, Lionel Shriver illuminates one of the modern age’s most enduring obsessions: property. The theme runs through the stories and is explored in different ways – ownership of houses, belongings and other people.
A woman creates a deeply personal wedding present for her best friend; a thirty-something son refuses to leave home; a middle-aged man subjugated by service to his elderly father discovers that the last place you should finally assert yourself is airport security.
My review
I heard Kilifi Creek on the radio a long time ago and it stuck with me so I was intrigued to read more of Lionel Shriver’s short stories. I really enjoyed this collection and found it entertaining and thought-provoking. I love the way the author writes. The characters are flawed but engaging and wryly observed, and the situations, however bizarre, are believable. With any collection of stories some are bound to appeal more than others – in The Standing Chandelier I loved Jillian’s bewilderment about how other people saw her and how she should react to this. In Kilifi Creek I loved the young Liana’s innocent thoughtlessness. My firm favourite was Domestic Terrorism with parents plotting ways to oust their grown-up son from the family home – but I liked them all and would definitely recommend.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Book details
Title: Property
Author: Lionel Shriver
Publisher: Harper Collins, The Borough Press
Available editions: ebook, hardcover, audio
ISBN 9780008265243
April 17, 2019
Book review: Critical Incidents by Lucie Whitehouse
Today is publication day for Critical Incidents by Lucie Whitehouse. As a big fan of this author’s writing, I was delighted to get the chance to read it.
[image error]
Suspended from the Met’s Homicide Command for refusing to follow orders, DI Robin Lyons has no choice but to return to her home town of Birmingham and live in her parents’ house, sharing a room with teenage daughter Lennie. She finds work helping her mother’s friend, a private investigator, and begins looking into the disappearance of a young woman.
But shortly after, Robin’s best friend Corinna is found dead following a house fire. Suspicion falls on Corinna’s husband but Robin is convinced he had nothing to do with it and is determined to prove it. Launching her own investigation, she discovers that there may be a link between the death of Corinna and the disappearance of the young woman.
As she investigates she starts to wonder how well we can really know the people we love – and how far any of us will go to protect our own.
While Critical Incidents is different from Lucy Whitehouse’s domestic noir stories, it’s another compelling read and a strong start to a detective series. I had to keep reading to find out how the cases would link up.
The characters are vividly drawn, multi-faceted and believable, especially Robin who is flawed, determined, principled and likeable. The story was cleverly structured with twists and turns, and kept me guessing. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good police drama.
Critical Incidents is published by Harper Collins UK, Fourth Estate
ISBN 9780008269012
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in return for my unbiased opinion.
