M.K. Turner's Blog: M K Turner, page 6

The weather outside is . . .

Good Morning,

Christmas Eve finds Bristol grey, dismal and damp – there will be no picturesque Christmas for us, not even a touch of frost – but that’s outside. Inside, I’m hoping lights are twinkling, fires are roaring, last minute presents are being wrapped, and someone has started on the sprouts. 

I’m fully recovered from the effects of the virus, and fingers crossed won’t go back to smoking! I’m also very lucky to be going to my son’s home for Christmas as my daughter-in-law is an excellent cook and hostess, all my family will be there, and we get the excitement of Christmas with the Grandchildren. All is well in our world. I think everyone in the UK is going to squeeze all the enjoyment they can out of the next few days, as I fear another lockdown is looming.

This is just a quick note, to thank you for your encouragement, support and kind words over the last year. Thank You!  I hope that whatever you’re doing, whoever you are with, you have a peaceful, happy Christmas, and a healthy, peaceful New Year.

So, until the 2022, stay safe, and happy reading,

New release news. . .

Good Morning, from crisp and sunny Bristol,

Not that I’m complaining, but someone has forgotten to tell November it’s supposed to rain all the time.

The first draft of Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness has come back from editor, the wonderful Sharon. The amendments she’s requested have been made, and once she’s cast her eye over them, it will be off to the lovely Jill for proofreading. (Happy Anniversary, Jill)  Although it’s different, and unlikely to be repeated, I enjoyed both writing and then rereading the interaction between the characters. I hope you do too! For those of you yet to pre-order, please click HERE.

AUDIO NEWS

I’m also delighted to advise that A Measure of Guilt has been through Audible’s quality checks and is now available.  I’ve sent codes off to those who always have them and leave a review, if anyone else wants a code to download a FREE copy, please shout.

Here’s a little snippet for you.

https://mkturnerbooks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AMOG-MKT-ZZZ-RETAIL-SAMPLE-ONLY_01.mp3

Still have free codes on most of the audios should anyone want them.

That’s it for now, writing is back on hold while I do a little of the stuff that always gets shoved to one side. Not sure how long that will hold my attention though, especially with my brain still working out plotlines.

Happy reading

Follow me on BookBub and you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. ( boxed sets excluded)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

Promises are made to be broken . . . right?

Good afternoon, from a grey bleak Bristol.

Although it’s grey and bleak outside, and some of the trees in my garden have but an odd leaf clinging on, I can’t believe how many plants are still in bloom. We have a few Dahlias, a profusion of Fuchsia, Lobelia, Hydrangea,  a few Roses, and even some Snapdragons still in bloom. It’s mid-November! I can only assume it’s down to global warming – perhaps the powers that be should hold a conference 

Weather and freaky flowers out of the way, a quick update. Due to other commitments, the lovely Nikki Loy has decided to hang up her microphone. She would have honoured her promise to record all three of the Bearing Witness books, however this week I listened to an audition by another talented narrator, Perdita Lawton. She was wonderful, and moving forward she will be bringing the Bearing Women to life. The script for Terms of Affection (my favourite Bearing Witness story), is already winging its way to her. In other audio news, the final edits on the last few chapters of A Measure of Guilt have been sent to Lee, and with a fair wind and all fingers crossed should be live within a month.

While I’ve been twiddling my thumbs, I’ve looked at the pricing of all my books, and they have all been reduced to the lowest price that Amazon will allow if they are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.  The only books that will remain at full price are new releases. All will be put on pre-order at a lower price which will increase once they  go live. The only exception, is Meredith & Hodge Boxed Set 1- 9 which is still only £4.99 as its selling well, and almost in the top 100 British Detective category on Amazon paid books, UK. But this does mean that if you want Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness at the lower price you will have to order it prior to December 15th.

And so to broken promises . . .  I promised myself a break from writing until after Christmas, it turns out that’s pretty impossible, and I’ve started work on the next Meredith & Hodge AND Bearing Witness. I won’t be writing flat out as I did with the last one, but at least I have something on the go to keep me out of trouble.

That’s it for now. If the sun shines where you are – enjoy. If now, wrap up warm and venture out to enjoy those colours.

Happy reading,

You’ll never believe it!

Good Morning,

It’s a  bright and crisp morning here in Bristol. The dog walks are becoming more colourful by the day as autumn takes hold, and I’m smiling. Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness is done! It will be off to the editor this morning!

I would confess that I didn’t think I would make it, as right at the last moment I realised ‘whodunit’ wasn’t who I thought it was. (No change there.) But, panic over, it all worked out in the end. Although, I’m not sure that Trump and Linda’s wedding will go off without a hitch, but that’s an aside, you’ll have to read it to find out why. But I do promise that the ending is not quite as shocking as A Measure of Guilt.  At the moment I’m leaving the publication date as 15th December 2021, and you may pre-order your copy HERE.

Although I have an idea for the next one, as you’ll find out at the end, I have promised myself a break and won’t be starting it until after Christmas . . . I don’t think. Let’s see how being a lady without a laptop stuck to her fingers works out. That said it’s not all been writing. I’ve been very fortunate to have ‘met’, and been a Beta reader for, former DI Steve Keogh, on Murder Investigation Team – How Scotland Yard Really Catches Killers. This is a factual book on how Scotland Yard MIT solve murders. It’s full of interesting ‘Do you know?’ facts, and myth busters. Some of the case studies used are both interesting and heartbreaking in equal measure. I was thoroughly drawn in, and have poached a few details to include in future books. I enjoyed this despite the fact that Steve assures me that the worst injury Meredith is like to experience as a DCI is an infected papercut, and DCI’s rarely bang desks! I highly recommend this to all you crime fans. Click HERE to grab your copy.

In other news I have permanently reduced the ebook price of both Misplaced Loyalty #1 Meredith & Hodge Series, and Witness for Wendy #1 Bearing Witness Series, to 0.99. If you’ve yet to read either of these click on the links and grab yourself a bargain.

For those who had early codes for the audio of An Unexpected Gift – I am now assuming it’s safe to redeem them. Audible said ten days for the update, and although they’ve not confirmed that it’s done, we’re  way over that now. If however, you do have issues, please shout. Still have FREE codes on most of the audio versions, if you would like one, take a peep HERE and let me know.

That’s if for now, think I’d better plan some housework now the writing’s done!

Happy reading,

Follow me on BookBub and you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. ( boxed sets excluded)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

Oops it’s happened again!

Good Morning,

A quick email as we’ve had a blip with An Unexpected Gift.  When it was uploaded to Audible, an error occurred and the unedited version of Chapter 33 was uploaded. I’ve now corrected this, but it might take up to ten days for audible to approve the new file and send out updates to those of you who have already downloaded it. If you would like just Chapter 33 rather than wait, please shout and I will email it over to you. If you would like the new version, drop me a line and I’ll send you a new code once the new version goes live.  If you haven’t yet requested a copy or not used your existing code, please wait until I confirm that all is well.  Sincere apologies for this blip, although as most of you know it’s just one in many techy hiccups at this end. The ebook is still 0.99 until 27th, so click HERE if you haven’t yet read it.

In other news, Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness is still going strong. I’m really enjoying writing it, I know ‘whodunit’ and how that will be revealed, so it’s just a case of getting it out of my head and onto the laptop! As mentioned last time, it is available to pre-order for 15th December 2021, although I might bring that date forward. Click HERE to pre-order.

Finally, I’ve been doing a little BETA reading myself of a non fiction book: Murder Investigation Team – How Scotland Yard Really Catches Killers, for a recently retired, DI, Steve Keough. Steve was part of a Scotland Yard Murder Investigation Team. It’s a factual book about the how’s and why’s, and is written in a conversational fashion that makes it an interesting and enjoyable read. It’s due to be released in the next few weeks, and will be of interest to those of you who enjoy True Crime. I’ll keep you posted.

That’s it for now, busy weekend ahead so I’d better get on with the writing.

Happy reading

 

It’s all go here!

Good Morning one and all,

I hope the sun shines where you are, unfortunately our dry spell has gone and we have grey skies and drizzle here in Bristol. It’s been a busy couple of weeks, and the new mash-up of your two favourite series is going well. Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness is about three quarters of the way done. If it carries on flowing as it has been, it should be done by the end of the month, but, to be on the safe side I’ve set the pre-order date to 15th December 2021. Click HERE to pre-order your Christmas treat. I have really enjoyed writing this and bringing the different personalities together, but it takes some doing, and at the moment it will definitely be a one off.

In other news, the audio version of An Unexpected Gift is now available on audio. Nikki Loy has done another fabulous job, and I’m sure you’ll love it. If you would like a free code in exchange for an honest review, please shout and I’ll get one off to you. If you don’t do audio and haven’t yet read An Unexpected Gift it is reduced to 0.99 for one week only from the 20th October, if you’d like to grab a bargain.

                   That’s it for today, I’d better get back to that story. Have a great week,

Happy reading,

It’s not the one I thought

Good morning one and all.

I hope the sun shines where you are, after a weekend of rain it’s lovely, if a little nippy, here in Bristol.

Icy Globe

As you know the fabulous Lindsay designed some wonderful covers for Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness. I managed to narrow it down to four and then put it to the vote. I did this on the basis that if one really does judge a book by its cover, I’d use the one voted the most popular. The winner was the Icy Globe. My personal favourite was the Street with Candles, but that came third, the Desolate Tree beating it to second slot. To maximise the number of people who saw the covers, I asked here, on Facebook, and in a group Lindsay is involved with on Facebook – Manchester Terrier Lovers Worldwide. I had a great response from them, and once the winner was known, I put those who voted for the Icy Globe into a draw.

Agatha & Dog

The prize for the winning dog is a cameo role in the book. Despite coming from a dog loving family, I’d not heard of the Manchester Terrier before. I found this wasn’t surprising as this breed is endangered, almost disappearing at the end of WW2 – but thanks to a few dedicated souls it survived. An affectionate and loyal breed, originally used for rat catching and rabbit coursing, they are described as elegant and sleek, black of body and tan of leg. And here’s an added twist, and we all like a good twist, Agatha Christie owned several. I thought this was very apt, as it was Agatha Christie who drew me into the world of Murder Mysteries.

Ince

The winner was Ince- a two year old bitch from Tasmania, Australia. Isn’t she stunning? For those of you who read my opening teaser, Ince will be owned by Sandra Wright, the mother of the victim, so I have a little rewriting to do now.

Ince with her Poodle family

I’m about halfway through the novel, and really enjoying the interaction between the two sets of characters. Its moving along quite quickly for me, lets hope that continues.

I’m going to give it another week, and if it keeps moving at this pace, I’ll get it up for pre-order.

I’ll leave you now and get back to writing, before I go a little reminder that Witness for Wendy is still on offer at 0.99 until 9th October if you want to grab a bargain.

Happy reading

Follow me on BookBub and you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. ( boxed sets excluded)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

Do you judge a book by its cover? I need help.

Good Morning from a grey and dismal Bristol.

As the saying goes, you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, and I have to say I try not to, but do you? Witness for Wendy was published almost four years ago. (Four years! Where did they go?) I thought we had the perfect cover, until Amazon and Facebook told me it was too provocative and it was clear the subject was naked so wouldn’t let me advertise it. So I had another designed, all was well for a year, then Amazon UK told me it had suspended any ads as it was clear the subject was distressed and it might upset readers. I gave up for a while. Then I found the talented, and very patient, Lindsay, and after getting all the wonderful new covers for the Meredith & Hodge books sorted, I asked her to design me a new Witness for Wendy cover, and she did. I was going to put it to a vote, but I loved this one so much I would have ignored you! So, here is the new Wendy cover, now also available in paperback and hardback. I think it’s stunning, what do you think? To celebrate, Witness for Wendy will be on sale at only 99 from 2nd – 9th October. I’m going to advertise it – if you see an ad pop up on your social media, please do share.

In other news, I am getting on with writing the next Meredith & Hodge/Bearing Witness story, simply titled Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness. This is going to be a one off Christmas special, not sure if Meredith could cope with more, and this is where I need your help. Lindsay provided me with some great cover ideas and I’ve narrowed it down to those below. Although it’s Christmas, there has of course been a murder that needs solving. Here’s the opening to give you a feel for it – please remember no editor has seen this

Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness

Chapter One

February 2015

Jason Wright’s body was shoved into the steel drum head first. His trainers pulled off and pushed into a gap at his side to ensure the lid would close. Manhandled to the corner of the yard, the drum was hidden from view by decrepit garden furniture, old crates, and a tarpaulin.

It was supposed to be moved the next day, but the snow storm put paid to that idea, and then one thing after the other delayed its disposal. There it remained for the next three months.

Eventually cash changed hands, and two travellers with a flatbed truck took it away, believing it to be toxic waste. The final location of Jason Wright’s body unknown to all but those two men.

December 2021

Sandra Wright drummed her fingers as she listened to the answer machine message. When the beep signalled she could speak, she drew in a deep breath.

“This is a message for DI Jenkins, it’s Sandra Wright, Jason’s mother. I know you’ve done your best, but it’s been almost six years and nothing. I’m going to get some people to help find out what happened to him. They will no doubt want to speak to you, I’d be grateful if you’d help them. I see no reason why you can’t. Even if you can’t, please don’t ob—” Sandra looked at her phone as the machine hung up on her. “Bloody things. Not enough space to leave a proper message.”

She slid her phone into the pocket on the side of her handbag and checked her appearance again. Not bad considering. Taking her coat from the banister she buttoned it, pulled on her hat, and then lifted the bag that held the two files. Her train wasn’t for an hour, and it should only take them thirty minutes to get to the station, but she didn’t want to be late. Today was the day she’d do something positive. Something positive would be good after what the last six years had thrown at her. She turned to her husband.

“I’m ready, and to save time. Yes, I’ll call you when I arrive, if I have any pertinent news, and then when I get back on the train. Are you ready?”

“I have been for an hour. I still think you should have spoken to DI Jenkins first, but I know nothing will change your mind. Why you won’t let me come is beyond me.” He lifted the backpack for her and shook the car keys. “Come on then. Have you got a bottle of water for the journey?”

“I have. If you came, you’d tell them you thought they were wasting their time, same as you told me. But thank you for understanding. I liked Bristol before all this. I wonder how I’ll feel today?”

“Much the same I’m guessing. It’s chilly out, will you be warm enough?”

“In this hat, I’ll probably be stripping off after half an hour.”

Pecking her on the cheek, Patrick Wright held open the car door. “Your carriage awaits.”

A little over two hours later, Sandra stepped down onto the platform at Temple Meads station. After the warmth of the train, the wind was bitter and she pulled her hat down over her ears. Outside she found the queue for the distinctive Bristol blue taxis was short, and in a few minutes the driver was navigating Broadmead, and heading for the offices of Meredith & Hodge…….

Holly & Berry

Icy Globe

Street with candles

Desolate Tree

I really am going to listen to what the readers say, even though there is one here that I wouldn’t choose. Which one of these would grab your attention and make you want to buy it? Simply drop your answers in the comment section or email me by replying to this newsletter.

 

 

That’s it for now, I look forward to seeing how you judge a book by it’s cover. Don’t forget Witness for Wendy isn’t on sale until tomorrow.

Happy reading,

Follow me on BookBub and you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. ( boxed sets excluded)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

 

Compliments & Complaints

Hello one and all, welcome new subscribers,

A Measure of Guilt is live! Hurrah – and my inbox is hot! Both with complaints about the ending – how fast do you lot read? And, I’m chuffed to say, compliments because you enjoyed it. Phew, and thank you, it really does mean a lot to me. Now I’m going to be cheeky again, and ask you to be kind enough to leave a review once you’ve finished if you did enjoy it.

Here’s a few snippets what you’ve had to say:

“This one, I can honestly say, brought a tear to my eye more than once and has a shock ending, be prepared!”

“…suffice to say, that I have loved, re-read and devoured this series, and if, like me, you love them, rest assured you will not be disappointed.”

“ I love the characters in this series of books. There was a shocker at the end which is always great. As soon as I finish a book in this series, I start looking forward to the next one. Once you start, you will want to read them all”

Many thanks to all those who took part in the last competition. As promised, the draw took place on publication day, my granddaughter Edie did the draw and Nanny forgot to take a photograph! Drum roll . . . .and the winners, in no particular order, and drawn at random are:

Phillipa Domitruk – Angela Heron – Randi Robertson. Congratulations!

They have all received their vouchers and their signed paperback copies are on the way.

Talking of photographs, if you have purchased a copy of A Measure of Guilt is there any chance of a photograph? If you bought the ebook version, simply go to the cover. If you’re shy you don’t need to have your face in the photograph, just a thumbs up, or next to your favourite tipple on the arm of your chair will do. I will be using them on the website etc. As a thank you for doing this, I will do another little draw at the end of the month. Winner will be drawn at random, and the prize a paperback copy of  the M K Turner book of your choice. Go on, you know you want that thumb to be famous If it’s easier, simply tag me or post it to my page on Facebook  or tag me on Instagram – I’m new to the latter, so please feel free to join me and show me how it’s done!

Coming soon – the audio version narrated by the lovely Lee Beddow. Free codes to you lovely lot who have reviewed on previous titles.

That’s if from me for a couple of weeks – promise. I’ve got Meredith & Hodge Bear Witness to write.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Happy reading

A Measure of Guilt . . . final countdown

Good Morning from a very sunny Bristol,

Just a quick note, I won’t keep you from the sunshine.  The final countdown has begun. A Measure of Guilt goes live tomorrow. The paperback is already available (that’s a first), and the hardback is on it’s way. The talented Lee Beddow is off and running with the audio version. I have to say it’s lovely to hear Meredith again. I realised the other day that it was nine years ago on the 20th September, that Misplaced Loyalty was published. Meredith & Hodge have certainly had a few ups and downs since then!

Fifteen hours left until the competition closes, so if you want to enter, please email me asap: mkturnerbooks@gmail.com  If you missed the email about the competition the details are below.

I’ll be back in a few days with news of Meredith & Hodge Bearing Witness.  But for now, thank you for your continued support and encouragement, I hope you enjoy A Measure of Guilt.

Happy Reading

Competition rules:

Prizes: There are three $10.00 Amazon vouchers up for grabs AND a copy of the paperback version (signed for those in the UK).

All entries will be placed into a draw, and the winners will be the first three names chosen at random. The draw will take place on 9th September 2021, the day of publication.  The last entry will be accepted at midnight on the 8th September.

To enter, all you need to do is send me confirmation of your pre-order and answer these simple questions?:

What is the name of Meredith’s daughter?

What is the nickname Meredith has given Frankie Callaghan?

*****

Follow me on BookBub and you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. ( boxed sets excluded)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.