It’s Friday and the News is Good

Outside, the weather is gloomy, there’s a cold snap on the way, with heavy snow forecast, and I’ve a dentist appointment looming on Monday, but I’m not letting any of that get to me.

Late yesterday, just for a couple of hours, Murder at the Murder Mystery Weekend became a top ten title. By this morning it had slipped back to number 12, but there was better news on the UK Kindle British Detectives chart:

All five STAC Mysteries were in there. From MMW at number 12 to The I-Spy Murders at number 81. And I have you wonderful readers to thank for their popularity.

I’ve seen the cover artwork for My Deadly Valentine, which is the next in the series, due out in about four weeks. It’s slightly darker than the usual STACs, and that’s all I’m saying for the moment. More news on the cover image in a few days.

The STAC Mysteries are not the only books I write. I also turn out much grittier works. One such is The Handshaker, which is due for release next Friday. My advance copy arrived yesterday evening. And here you can see it propped up against the computer on which I turn out all my work.

A dark tale of serial abduction, rape and murder, when I self-published it, The Handshaker proved remarkably popular with women, which considering its content, surprised me. I’ll be detailing more of this next week, but the launch will be celebrated on Facebook and you’re welcome to come along.

And talking of launches, I’m not the only author in the Crooked Cat stable. Today sees the launch of Shaman’s Drum the first Crooked Cat novel by Ailsa Abraham. Described as a fantasy adventure, there’s a party on Facebook to help launch the book. Pop along there and ask for an invite. Everyone is welcome, and it’s a Crooked Cat title, so you know it will be well-written and presented.

Finally, we have a title for the seventh STAC Mystery. It’s not written yet, and e don’t know how many killings there will be in it, but at least we know what it’s called. Due at Easter, keep your eyes open for The Chocolate Egg Murder(s).

In the meantime, have a great weekend.