M.K. Turner's Blog: M K Turner, page 13

Bargains, Box Sets & Itchy Fingers

Hello & welcome to all new subscribers,

It’s been another busy few weeks, mostly technical stuff, which is tough for me as many of you know, but everything seems to be going according to plan – touch wood, fingers crossed – except of course the writing. I’ve been lucky if I can get a paragraph written without interruptions. I’m planning to switch the internet off for a few days to force me to concentrate, but before I do, here’s news of a couple of bargains for you.

Do you like John Meredith? Does he irritate you? Do you want to know what made him the man he is? Good, then you’ll be pleased to know that The Making of Meredith will be at the reduced price of 0.99 from 12th May – 19th May 2017. Simply click here to grab it at this bargain price, or of course it’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Here are extracts from several reader reviews:

When I finished this book, I literally said out loud, “wow.” It was that good. While I have enjoyed every book in the Meredith and Hodge series, I think this one was the best so far, in that it allows us to understand just how Meredith ended up being Meredith. I have always found him to be complex and interesting, now, even more so. With a keener understanding of who he really is, I eagerly anticipate the next book in the Meredith and Hodge series.

I have enjoyed all of the Meredith and Hodge series thus far, so it is nice to get to see what has made Meredith the arrogant bastard that is Meredith. As always well written and thought provoking. Looking forward to more.

As a huge fan of this author and particularly the Meredith and Hodge stories I was intrigued to read this back story of Meredith’s earlier life. The book completely lived up to my high expectations and cleverly revealed the development of his character and personality, linking seamlessly into the Meredith and Hodge series. This is a skilfully written book, working equally as an introduction to this talented author or as a window into Meredith’s past for those who are already fans.

I hope you like it too, don’t forget to let me know.

In other news: I’ve finally pulled the first box set together for readers, which offers a massive saving. My clever designer, Antony, has produced a fabulous box cover. I love it. What do you think?

If you’ve already read, Misplaced Loyalty, Ill Conceived and The Wrong Shoes, I’d be eternally grateful if you would pop over to Amazon and leave a review when you have a moment. If you’ve yet to read them, now’s the time to grab a bargain. Take a peep here. This set will also be free on Kindle Unlimited.

 

Finally, while out walking the dogs, I had an idea for a new stand alone novel, working title, A Witness for Wendy. It’s about a girl killed thirty years ago, and how her killer is finally brought to justice in an unusual fashion. I’m itching to get to work on it. There’s a lot to be said for chasing three dogs around!

Until next time, here’s a fuzzy woodland shot of those that helped provide the inspiration.

Keep an eye out for my next newsletter which will bring news from twenty other authors!

Happy reading,

There’s a lot going on!

It’s been far too long since I last updated you, but in my defence, there’s been a lot going on. I won’t bore you with all the detail, not all of it has been exciting – but one of the most wonderful things to happen was being told I’m going to be a grandmother – or in our family, Nan. The new addition to our family is due at the end of May, and I can’t wait. I am more excited over this than when I discovered I was pregnant myself. My son and his partner are busy, not simply making a nest, but almost knocking one down and rebuilding it. They’ve been living surrounded by boxes, dust and builders, but the end is almost in sight, and it will all be ready for the new arrival. Happy Days!

In other news: I’ve been Beta reading for other authors and was totally captivated by this one: Ice Cold Alice by C P Wilson. As soon as it’s available I’ll share the link and my review. You can have a sneak preview here.  I have also finished two novels. Yes, two!  Both have been bubbling away in the background for some time and finally, both have been finished.

The first, The Cuban Conundrum, is due back from the final proof read this weekend, and will be available for pre-order at a reduced price prior to the launch in mid-April.

Here’s the blurb:  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. A maxim that five couples, from Canada and the UK, should have taken to heart before accepting the invitation for a free return holiday to Cuba, from cousins –  Alberto and Miguel Mistro.

Because there is a catch: the hosts need the guests to bring back the flea market purchases from their last trip and help them decipher the clues on the items to break a six-hundred-year-old conundrum. But it’s a race against time as the couples battle with shadowy gun toting figures, personality clashes, disappearing guests, injuries and their own personal demons. But they have no choice but to unlock the secrets of the Mistro family, and solve the Cuban Conundrum, if they are to survive.

The second, Mistaken Beliefs, the next in the Meredith & Hodge series. I have almost literally 

just typed The End, so lots of editing etc. is necessary before publication. However, I do need some help. Firstly, I need Beta readers, so if you’d like to help on that score please contact me. I’ve not even started to think about the blurb yet, but Ben Jacobs has been accused of murder, and as the cover suggests, he did have the knife in his hand. That brings me nicely to, secondly, the cover. I’ve whittled it down to these two; it’s simply a colour choice this time, so please let me know which you prefer. Peach or Green.

I’m working on a couple of new projects now – slowly – very slowly – and have updated the WIP page here. You will note from WIP that I’m after a name for Meredith’s younger brother, any suggestions will be gratefully received.

I don’t ask for much, only Beta readers, votes on covers, and names for characters.  Look forward to hearing from you.

I must dash, editing, proof reading, writing, dog walking, housework…………

Happy reading,

Mistaken Beliefs & What makes me smile

While walking the dogs the other morning, I realised, as they disappeared into the woods chasing yet another

squirrel, that I was smiling. It was before seven in the morning, there was no one else around, and I was smiling. I was happy to see them bouncing around playing with each other, and racing each other to the latest tree providing refuge for the poor old squirrels. When I thought about it, I realised that I usually smile when I’m walking the dogs, and that the day before it had been pointed out that I was frowning while I was writing. Although, my husband had in the past pointed out that I was smiling as I typed. Perhaps not true all the time, but even when struggling with a plot-line, I may not have been smiling, but writing didn’t make me frown. But it had been recently.

Progress on the latest Meredith & Hodge has been slow to say the least.  I had the basis of the story from one I wrote many years ago, and with a little tweak I had one of my main characters with Ben Jacobs, (who is a favourite character of mine). I had updated it, tweaked it, and woven in Meredith & Hodge, but still something wasn’t working. It was two chapters forward and one back, as I struggled find that key element that keeps my fingers on the key board. In the end I gave up and started work on other projects. They are coming along, but, yet again, something is missing, and I type with a frown.

Then, yesterday, for no particular reason, I checked the reviews on my back-list, and I was delighted to see that  

in America I had received three great reviews on Misplaced Loyalty – as with children, I’m not sure authors are supposed to have favourites, but if I had to choose, Misplaced Loyalty would be it. The one that gave me Meredith & Hodge, and the one that caused me the most grief and embarrassment – but I digress. One of those reviews made me realise that one way or another, I needed to get back to Meredith & Hodge. In my writing life I was missing them. So, I re-opened the Ben Jacobs story to see if it was possible to salvage something, and while my husband shouted at the football on the television, I re-read what I had. Making notes in red, adding scenes, and deleting huge sections. I drafted out a couple of chapters that were needed, and worked out a few plot issues, and from nowhere the title jumped out at me. Mistaken Beliefs. I liked it. I Googled it, and found that it had not been used for any other novels, and its meaning within law fitted the story perfectly. I was smiling again, and my fingers were flying over the keyboard.

But then I went to bed. I tossed and turned as I thought about bringing it all together. It wasn’t exciting enough, there was no real twist, it was simply a ‘we all know ‘whodunit’, and it’s only a matter of time before Meredith works that out’. Not good enough. I was probably frowning as I fell asleep.

This morning I walked the dogs as usual, their minds full of squirrels, mine full of Meredith & Hodge, and the twist I needed arrived out of the blue. So, I’m back at it. The latest Meredith & Hodge, probably to be called, Mistaken Beliefs, is underway, and I smile as I type.

This is the review that gave me the push I needed, so thank you, ZB! This proves without a doubt, if indeed proof were needed, that reviews are invaluable to the author:

Biggest shock of my year:

I grew up in the country and also had a voracious appetite for reading. So I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. I freely admit that ‘who done it’s’ have always been my least favorite read. Having said all that, this book destroyed my sleep patterns. I couldn’t put it down and anytime there was a minute, and I mean that literally I read while cooking dinner lol, I had this book in my hands. Fantastic depth of characters. Even the characters who weren’t in the lead of hero and heroine were meaty,3-D, making it more difficult to figure out who done it. Nice plot twists and humor and romance too. So trust a non who done it reader when she says this is an amazing read!

https://www.amazon.com/review/R9RYUKAQILLEP/?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B009EC3MQO

I’ve dotted this post with some of what makes me smile. I’m not a great photographer (an understatement) but I hope you like them. Another walk is due now, I’ll be smiling, and straight back at it when we get home!

Happy reading,

Feeding Authors #5

It’s done. Here are the final four reviews, I am now up to date! I have repeated one that I reviewed here a while back, but as I noticed that A Kind of Loving was currently on sale for kindle at 99p, and as it’s one of my all time favourites, I thought I should encourage you to read it.

Darkness & Decadence – The Grumblings of a Gargoyle  Lynn Gerrard 5*****

I feel very guilty that it has taken me so long to  write this review, and I have no idea how I overlooked it. I don’t usually read poetry, other than the odd poem that crosses my path – certainly not books of, but having had several exchanges with the very witty Lynn Gerrard on both Facebook and Twitter, and enjoyed the poetry she posted on her blog and social media, I bought it. I’m so glad I did, although as the title suggests the poems are dark in nature, they are also moving, on occasion laugh out loud, and in some cases a sad reflection on the society in which we live. I should also confess that ‘Going Home’ reduced me to tears. Even if poetry is not your normal read, I highly recommend you make an exception with this. You won’t regret it.

I Let You Go – Clare Mackintosh 4****

I was recommended this book by my sister who thought I would enjoy it. She was right! You are immediately drawn into the story, wanting to know how Jenna will cope with what has happened to her, then when you are least expecting it – BANG – a twist you never saw coming. However, from then on in, although you have to keep reading, the plot becomes a little predictable, although not too much so. I wanted another twist which I didn’t get, and I found the police characters to be uninteresting, and would have liked DI Stevens to have had more of an emotional input into his home life. That said, still a good read

A Kind of Loving – Stan Barstow 5*****

I first read this when I was thirteen, having convinced an older pupil to borrow it from the school library for me. Its spine had a blue sticker which meant only pupils over the age of sixteen could borrow it – although these days it would be considered tame.  Despite knowing what was coming, when I re-read it I still urged Vic Brown, the main character to take a different course, and I felt the same as I did all those years ago when he settled for a kind of loving, rather than finding the love of his life, the special person, his soul mate who he knew was out there somewhere. Set in Yorkshire in the late fifties/early sixties, it’s difficult to imagine, that despite the mess Vic finds himself in, life was so simple and clear cut. There were rules and you followed them, if you didn’t there was a code of conduct and you stuck to it – even if that means a hurried wedding with no fanfare. It’s difficult to explain why this tale is so compelling but it is, and if you haven’t read it, give it a go, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

 

Cut Short – Leigh Russell 3***

For me, this book started with a lot more promise than it eventually delivered. I didn’t not enjoy it, but it was one I was able to dip in and out of when I had a moment rather than keeping me turning the pages and that’s always a disappointment.

 

 

I hope you find something that takes your fancy, I think I need to get some writing done now…although I did find so many books on my kindle I’d forgotten I had purchased, I might make a to be read list first!

Happy reading,

 

Feeding Authors #4

And I’m back at it. More Feeding for the Authors, and I’m particularly keen to do this as the first reviews are in for The Making of Meredith and they are great, which makes it all worth while. You can check out the Meredith reviews in the US here, and in the UK here. They seem to have the measure of Meredith!

Now on with my own reviews:

In the Devil’s Own Words – Elizabeth Wixley 5****

Not my usual read at all, I rarely read fantasy adventure novels, but as Liz Wixley, is a Bristol author, I thought I’d make an exception, and I’m glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this dark tale, and loved the premise of the book written by the devil, a sort of counter Arc of the Covenant. I immediately empathised with Isobel, and was drawn along with her on this adventure. I found the expected monsters, evil doers and hero’s, which I usually avoid, but this is written in a way that hooked me in and kept me turning pages. An apocalyptic journey that I’d recommend.

The Actress – Elizabeth Sims 4****

A good entertaining read. What begins as an interesting assignment for down on her luck actress, Rita, soon becomes a mystery for her to solve, as she takes on the coaching of Eileen, a mother accused of murder. I wasn’t convinced on the portrayal of how Rita’s son was rescued, but other than that an enjoyable read.

 

Imperfect Strangers David M Staniforth 5*****

A good old fashioned thriller that keeps you turning the pages. Sally is a nice normal girl, kind and generous in her actions to the odd man at work Keith. Keith is a poor victim of an abusive mother, and you know immediately Sally throws him an innocent smile, he is going to harm her, despite his best intentions. Well written with great sympathy for poor old Keith. I won’t tell you if he does harm her, have a read and find out.

 

That’s it for today, I hope one of them takes your fancy. I’m off to walk the dogs, and then I’ll get on with some writing. Unlike last night, when this happened instead. 

 

Happy Reading

I Want to be a Tree & Feeding Authors #3

My mum passed away on the 6th of September 2014.  I went to the cemetery with a pot plant to stand in amongst the flowers from other family members, and we had a silent chat and put the world to rights, as you do, and then I wandered back to the car reading the headstones that I passed. There were some truly magnificent grave stones, and many simple ones. A few were bedecked in fresh flowers, but many more had dead twigs sticking out of pots, remnants of flowers left months, maybe even years, before, and an over whelming number were  broken and falling apart. Some, so much so, that the various components were stacked one on top of the other, and what had been a wonderful tribute to someone’s loved ones, was now a pile of stone and marble, with onlookers unable to read the epitaph. Most of these had probably been there a hundred years or more, their occupants long since forgotten by current generations, and I found that sad. When they had been erected it was with the thought that it would provide a lasting memorial for those who had passed away, if only to strangers with no connection to the deceased,but  simply a passing interest as they walked by.

So I made a decision. I’m going to make sure that should those who survive me feel that a place of remembrance is needed, they plant a tree somewhere nice rather than have a piece of stone engraved, or maybe even place a bench in a park. You never know, if I ever get the time, I may even organise it myself. My ashes could even be used as fertilizer – does that work? That way, should they  want to visit on anniversaries, at least they will be somewhere I would like to be, and when I’m long forgotten my tree will still provide a perch for birds, a playgound for squirrels, and  of course somewhere for a needy dog to cock his leg. Oh, yes, and humans could shelter from the sun or rain if necessary.

The more I thought about it, the more my plan expanded. Rather than bring cut flowers on those anniversaries they could plant a few bulbs that would flower year after year, or perhaps plant a shrub somewhere nearby that would surprise walkers when it burst into flower in an unexpected location. I myself came across a cherry tree in the woods where I walk our dogs, and it makes me smile each spring when it bursts into blossom amongst the pine, and oak, and birch trees. So, there you have it, in my next life I would like to be a tree…….or a bench…….

Now that that’s sorted – back to ‘Feeding the Authors’ and the promised reviews:

A Funeral for an Owl – Jane Davies 5*****

I found this to be an engaging read, and had total sympathy with Jim Stevens, a history teacher trying to deal with his troubled past and his present predicament having been stabbed trying to break up a playground fight. Some great characterisation, I particularly liked Bins, Ayisha irritated, and I had total empathy with Shamayal. The story spans twenty years of Jim’s life, slipping from past to present, and I was delighted that there wasn’t a neat and tidy ending, life goes on. Recommended.

 

Rope Enough – Oliver Tidy 4****

An introduction to DI Romney and DS Marsh as they investigate several rapes and the death of one of the victims. I would have liked a few more twists, and although it had a predictable end, I did enjoy it.

 

Death Comes eCalling – Leslie O’Kane 4****

Not my normal type of mystery read, and not what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. An amusing, cosy mystery with some laugh out loud moments. An easy read with some good characters which you can imagine being transferred into an American TV family watch.

 

That’s it for today, happy reading

Feeding Authors #2

Day two of ‘Feed the Authors!’ – my catch up on reviews of the books I’ve enjoyed reading this year continues, (and on the day I’m told by a reader, via a review of Misplaced Loyalty, that she found herself fancying Meredith – which is wonderful). Here are my latest reviews, four today, and I have already posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

Starting with an oldie, and one of my favourite authors.

The Likes of Us – Stan Barstow 5*****

A collection of short stories about working class people, more often than not, struggling with their lot. Definitely thought provoking, and although you could often guess what was coming you braced yourself for the outcome, all the while willing the characters to take a different path. They rarely did! Still a wonderful read.

 

Nine Lives – Terry Tyler 4*****

Another collection of short stories that I thoroughly enjoyed, great pacing and introduction of characters. Several with twists that I never saw coming, and a couple of endings where your mind shouts ‘Nooo!’ at the page. Recommended.

 

The Street Lawyer – John Grisham 4****

I was delighted when I found this on offer as I had thought I’d read all of Grisham’s novels, and whilst I enjoyed the story of Michael Brock turning his back on the corporate world when a homeless man is killed in front of him, I found the pace in the middle of the story too slow. That said, I still enjoyed it, and as always the big guns had to pay the price for their wrong doing. If only real life worked like that!

 

The Gypsy’s Dream – Sara Alexi 5*****

I’ve now read several of the Greek Village series and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved the character of Stella, and enjoyed the building of tension in the café/bar as Stella coped with the appearance of a young English girl. Dark secrets are revealed, and as always Juliet is there on hand to give some sage advice. Recommended.

 

 

That’s it for today, I hope you find something you like.

Happy reading

Feeding Authors #1

As always, I sit down at my computer to check my emails and then write, and instead I find myself distracted by posts on social media. Today, another author had shared this ‘FEED THE AUTHORS’ image on Facebook, and I immediately felt guilty.

I check reviews on my novels every couple of days and I’m always delighted when a new review has been posted, even if it’s not glowing, as you can’t please all of the people etc. I’ve read many books that were, to me, simply ok – and a few that I hated. We all have different tastes. I felt very guilty that I hadn’t taken the time to review the many books I have read and enjoyed this year. I always click on the number of stars I feel appropriate at the end of an ebook, and then plan to do a written review next time I’m sitting with the laptop, but finalising The Making of Meredith and getting it published (and dipping in and out of Facebook and Twitter) has taken up most of my time and I simply haven’t done it.

So, here I am, I’m planning on doing at least three reviews a day until I catch up. As a result they won’t be in depth (they don’t have to be – a review is not an English assignment), but will give you my overview. I will make sure I publish them on Amazon and Goodreads, and of course share them with you. I hope you find something that takes your fancy.

 

Death & Deception – Bernie Steadman  5*****

An excellent start to the DI Hellier series. What begins as an apparent straight forward murder of a young girl, steps up a pace to reveal a much more horrific and far reaching crime, than Hellier’s team expected. I would have liked to have learned more about Hellier, so will have to buy the sequel to find out what happened in his past. Highly recommended. AND ONLY 99p at the moment – Grab a bargain quick!

 

Above Suspicion – Lynda La Plant   4****

A reasonable enough plot, and the introduction of Travis and Langdon, however unlike le Plant’s other works, I was able to dip in and out of this one when I had time, and would have like to have been more gripped. I will read the next Travis & Langdon outing as they do hold a certain promise.

 

Bricking It –Nick Spalding  4****

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and he never fails to deliver a laugh out loud moment or two. Although I didn’t find this as entertaining as Love from Both Sides, which I loved, and the plot was a little predictable, I did enjoy it, and will read more of his work.

 

At least another three tomorrow – I will not hit social media until they are done!

Happy reading,

New Release & the Celebrations Continue! Giveaways & Bargains

OOPS I did it again – my technical abilities are not improving! In an attempt to get the Amazon code I inadvertently made the book live, someone noticed and bought it and said so, which started the ball rolling! This is of course wonderful, but means rather than the planned Friday release – The Making of Meredith is live now and available to purchase – Simply click on the cover to buy your copy – I hope you enjoy it!

Time to relax? I wish! This is positively the worst part of the whole process for me. The writing is complete, the re-writes and editing over, and now I have to tell everyone about it. Shout – “Look at me, look what I did”, and I really, REALLY, don’t like it. But, on a positive note I thoroughly enjoyed discovering what made Meredith the man he became, how he coped with his problematic childhood, his friendships, betrayals, his first love, and becoming a father, and I think you will too. So, please let me know what you think of the young Meredith. Could you see glimpses of the man he became? I have to say, now he’s all grown up, I miss him.

To celebrate the release of The Making of Meredith, all of my other titles will be reduced to only 99c/99p from the 26th – 31st August. If you want to grab a bargain click the cover of the one you want to read.

 

        

In addition to the reductions on my other novels, I am also sponsoring a week long giveaway of A $50 Amazon gift card, with The Kindle Book Review, from 29th August (The prize is converted to your currency if necessary) – If you want to take part pop over to: The Kindle Book Review by Clicking here – between 29th August – 4th September – where you will find out what you need to do to enter. Good Luck!

Well that’s it for now, must dash and do some more promotion………. although I may cheat and do some writing instead, whichever I choose the dogs still need their walk – so I’m off to find my wellies. (I should probably also book myself on an IT course!!)

Happy Reading!

 

 

FREE e-book! Celebratory GIVEAWAY

It’s nearly done! The final draft of The Making of Meredith is back, being formatted for publication, and will be available on Friday 26th August!

To celebrate I am giving away one FREE M K Turner e-book to all new subscribers to my website. If you are already a subscriber and have missed this GIVEAWAY you may also choose a FREE e-book as a thank you for your continued support.

Not sure which one you want? Go the home page where you will find all my novels.

To claim your FREE e-book, all you have to do is tell me which book you would like in the comment box below, and then tick the box to sign up for the newsletter.

The cover was chosen by the readers of the  Meredith & Hodge series. It was a close run thing, and there were only two votes in it, but a winner is a winner! This is not a standard Meredith & Hodge novel, but the story of John Meredith’s life, from childhood up to the point where we meet him in Misplaced Loyalty. Here’s the back cover blurb:

The Making of Meredith

On the surface, John Meredith appears to have it all. He’s blessed with good looks and a successful police career, and he’s never short of female attention.

But is everything as it seems? What lies beneath the smooth, confident exterior? Is he a man who has simply plastered over the cracks of a dysfunctional childhood, betrayals and heartbreak? Can he allow anyone close or will they see the joins and the damaged person that he really is?

The Making of Meredith explores not only what made the man but also how his past could destroy his future.

Although not a detective novel, this is a prequel to the Meredith & Hodge series, and a must read for all Meredith & Hodge fans.

 

Happy reading,