a.coates1@btinternet.com – Page 5

Dave Sivers

Today my guest is Dave Sivers, co-founder of BeaconLit and author of the popular crime series featuring the Aylesbury Vale detectives, DI Lizzie Archer and DS Dan Baines. Dave’s latest novel In Ink introducing DI Nathan Quarrel is just published.

Hi Dave what better way to celebrate In Ink’s launch than in my virtual cocktail lounge. What can I get you at the bar?

Hi Anne, and thanks for having me. I think I’ll start with a mojito, please.

So where did we first meet in real life?

D: It was at BeaconLit, the book festival in Ivinghoe, Bucks that I co-founded. 2014, our second festival, and the first full-day event after a half-day pilot the year before.

As long ago as that? I remember it was Lesley Lodge who invited me. First impressions?

D: Well, we’d known each other on social media for a couple of years by then. I can’t now remember who found who first online, or whether it was Twitter or Facebook, but you’d come across as a friendly, bouncy person who’s interested in what people have to say, and that was the person I met in real life. Apart from that, maybe I noticed you weren’t particularly tall.

Obviously not an attribute we have in common but we do have some similar interests?

D: Well, we’re both interested in books, writing, and crime fiction in particular, and I’d say we both like and care about people. We like a glass of wine, too!

Very true and in the past we’ve enjoyed a glass or two at many a book launch. Sadly those have all been cancelled for the time being so tell me about In Ink.

D: In Ink, which has just come out, introduces DI Nathan Quarrel and is set in West Hertfordshire, in particular Hemel Hempstead and Tring. It’s a serial killer chiller and, after five Archer and Baines books, it’s been great fun creating and getting to know a whole new cast of characters and research a new area. I do know West Herts – I lived there for 15 years – but I enjoyed delving into some of the details to give my setting a bit of added depth.

Thinking about festivals, what would be your dream panel – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

D: I’m going to moderate a panel on biographies, whether my panelists have actually written one or not – it’s my dream, so we’ll say they have. So I’m choosing Nelson Mandela, William Shakespeare, Bruce Springsteen, Elizabeth I and Marilyn Monroe. It doesn’t matter that all except the Boss are dead, right?

That’s an amazing panel. In the meantime what are you working on?

D: In between finalising and promoting In Ink, I’m working on the sixth in my Archer and Baines crime series, set in Buckinghamshire’s Aylesbury Vale. I’m hoping to release it in the first half of 2021. Hate crime is one of the themes. I’m still wrestling with a title.

What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?

D: Two things. The first is seeing my dad again. I last saw him at the beginning of March and, although we speak on the phone regularly, we miss actually seeing each other. The second is really trivial, but I’ve reached a point where I’d (almost) kill to go out for a cappuccino and a cinnamon bun in Costa. Although one positive to come out of all this is I’ve got more into baking and have found I can knock up a pretty mean cinnamon bun myself!

Is there anything lockdown has made you think about or want to do?

D: I guess it’s made me think about the duality of human nature quite a lot. Lockdown has brought out some great good in people – neighbours looking out for each other, more friendliness and consideration when you encounter other people, and the wonderful, hard working people in the NHS, in supermarkets and other essential shops, the posties and other delivery people, all of whom have kept things going and done it with a smile. But then you see the stockpiling and groups of people not social distancing. I try not to judge them without knowing the facts, but even then you get the odd fool who really thinks the rules don’t apply to them, and you read some awful stories.

D: I guess any crisis can bring out the worst in people as well as the best. I was struck the other week by a little story of a family who put a teddy bear display in their front garden to cheer up their neighbours. They regularly changed the scene. Then someone stole the lot. But you know what? Neighbours rallied round and contributed cuddlies to new display. The best and worst of humanity in microcosm.

D: The other thing I’ve really become aware of, living in a fairly rural area, is how much traffic and aircraft noise really obliterates the sounds of nature. We’ve been for walks when all you can hear is birdsong and the buzz of insects, but the silence is already becoming eroded now. It will be interesting to see what the so-called New Normal looks like when we settle into it.

Dave thank you so much for joining me. I look forward to raising a glass in real life in the not too distant future.

Thanks for inviting me to the Cocktail Lounge, Anne – it’s been great to chat. Another mojito for the road, perhaps?

You can find out more about Dave’s books on his website as well as follow him on Twitter: @davesivers and Facebook: davesiversauthor1

Gina Kirkham

Today it’s an enormous pleasure to welcome my fellow Urbane author, the irrepressible Gina Kirkham, creator of Mavis Upton who appears in Handcuffs, Truncheon & A Polyester Thong, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Blues, Twos & Baby Shoes.

How lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge, Gina. What can I get you at the bar?

G: Hi Anne, lovely to see you too, I’ve been excitedly waiting for us to have a catch up for ages. I’d love a Gin & Tonic please with lots of ice… (the ice is only to dilute the gin so I don’t fall over on the way out!)

I’ll join you in a G&T as we mull over where we first met in real life.

G: That was at The Phoenix Arts Club in London for the Urbane Authors Christmas Shindig in 2016, although we had struck up a lovely friendship via social media beforehand. I was so excited I skipped down Charing Cross Road like a child, much to my hubby’s eternal embarrassment. I had only ever been to London once before which was a “closed” visit to Downing Street, so I didn’t get to see London in her full colours that time. We booked a hotel in Leicester Square for this trip, so it was all bright lights, neon signs and theatres. I squealed every time I saw someone I thought was famous.

That was a great party and I’d had my launch for Dancers in the Wind there so it had happy memories. First impressions?

G: Gosh, after forgetting my glasses and mistaking a total stranger at the bar for Simon Michael, forcing myself on him for a good old fashioned northern hug which sent the poor guy scurrying for the exit to escape my clutches. I finally found you sitting in the corner with Pete Adams. I remember your huge, friendly smile the most and then Pete’s trademark hat. Within minutes of chatting, I felt as though I had known you all my life. You are such a warm, funny and very welcoming person and I loved your knowledge and enthusiasm for writing. I suppose being so new to the book writing world I was a bit of a stalker, I so desperately wanted to learn anything I could from you. Because I’d only just signed my first book contract and it hadn’t been published yet, I didn’t consider myself an author at all, so I was completely in awe of being in the company of a real one!

I trust you’ve learned to accept your author status now with three Mavis Upton books published! I am in awe of all the talks you give! Points in common?

G: Our mutual love of our respective grandchildren, books and writing, a good old fashioned womanly camaraderie and our wicked sense of humour… and the fact we can get on the phone for a “quick chat” and still be gabbing away 40 minutes later!

So far we’ve never met up at a festival so I’d love to know what your dream panel would be (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

G: I’m a huge Harry Potter fan, so I’d have to say my dream would be a Q&A with J.K Rowling, I could listen to her for hours. Funnily enough it’s been the magic of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts books and films that have got me through some of the not so good days on lockdown. It’s pure escapism, oh what I wouldn’t do to be young again and a pupil at Hogwarts! I’ve watched the films so many times my hubby now knows the scripts word for word and delights in pre-empting every scene. I’m currently listening to and enjoying the readings that are being broadcast on Wizarding World Harry Potter At Home as a serial. I’ve also had several trips to the Harry Potter Studio tours, so we could discuss that and what her input had been to the spin-offs from the books.

G: I’ll never forget my first visit to the studios when the tour guide asked if anyone had a birthday and would they like to open the doors to the Great Hall. The doors are a truly breathtaking sight for any HP fan, so I rushed to the front waving like an idiot whilst squealing “Me, me…” only to see I was surrounded by hordes of kids and a clearly amused tour guide who kindly informed me that his offer was for children only. I pouted and tried to explain that I wasn’t 59 for another week so did that not count but it fell on deaf ears and a lot of laughter.

Only you Gina! So what are you working on now?

G: I’m having a little break from the Constable Mavis Upton series. I didn’t want her to become boring and predictable for readers, so I thought now was a good time to try something a little different.

Murder at the Winterbottom WI (A Prunella Pearce Mystery) is my new work in progress inspired by the lovely ladies I have met at my talks for The Women’s Institute groups around the country. It’s still humour but with a twist and for the first time in my writing career, I’m having to think of several ways to murder someone. It’s not as easy as I first thought, crime writers definitely have my undying admiration. My poor hubby who is my research assistant has been shoved face first into a lemon drizzle cake to measure how long it takes to suffocate and has hung from a coat peg under the stairs to see if it would hold the weight of a body. I’m having so much fun writing it. I won’t spoil the plot but the tagline of “What wouldn’t YOU do to be the next President…” might give a hint. It is different to Mavis and her escapades but I’m becoming very fond of my new protagonist, Prunella. She is a survivor, sassy, funny, a little bit mischievous and a Librarian with a deep love of books to boot – so what’s not to love.

So what have you been reading lately?

G: Human Remains by Elizabeth Haynes. I met Elizabeth and Lisa Cutts when we did a panel together at the Rochester Lit Festival last September. We had such a giggle doing it, they are both fabulously talented, very funny and friendly ladies. Elizabeth had the audience howling with laughter over her character Colin, so I just had to get the book. I have also bought Lisa’s books too. They’re fantastic, definite 5* reading and of course waiting in the wings as my next read is the latest Hannah Weybridge book, Perditions Child written by a lovely lady I just happen to have the pleasure of knowing!

Thank you, hope you enjoy it. And we have to embrace the lockdown question – what are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?

G: Seeing my grandchildren, definitely. Olivia 10, Annie 7 and baby Arthur have been on FaceTime and WhatsApp most days but it’s the cuddles, holding their little hands and our days out that I miss so much, it’s as you said in our last message to each other, it’s an actual physical ache. I’m a real hands-on Nan as I’ve always looked after them a few days a week whilst my daughter is at work, so it’s been a huge wrench not seeing them or having them stay over. I feel so sad when I go into their bedroom and see their empty beds, their toys and books but no children and no laughter. Our first outing after lockdown will be a trip to our favourite place, Chester Zoo with a picnic and a visit to the Bat House, which is my favourite… although Olivia is not so enthusiastic as every time we go in there a bat poops on her head sending her into an apoplectic fit as she wails “Why is it always me Nanny?” I usually can’t answer her because I’m laughing too much!

Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?

G: It has really made me appreciate what is truly important in life. I’ve quietly sat thinking about all the things I thought I wanted to have or do and quickly realised there were no possessions or places that could mean more to me than my family and friends. I have thought a lot about nature and the impact we have on our environment and the speed at which we live our lives and my own mortality. I’m considered high risk due to medication I take which has a massive impact on my immune system, so it was quite scary to realise that something unseen could so easily take my life.

G: I think I will come out of lockdown a calmer, more appreciative person… who is at least two stone plumper with a very heavy penchant for Parma Violet Gin!

Gina it’s been such a pleasure catching up with you and I look forward to that spa day we keep promising ourselves.

G: Thank you so much for the invite Anne, d’you fancy a bag of crisps before we call it a day? 😊

All Gina’s books are available from Hive with free delivery.

Liz Mistry

Today my guest is Liz Mistry author of gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford. Her latest, Broken Silence, was published last month by HQ Digital.

Hi Liz how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. What can I get you at the bar?

Liz: Hi Anne. Lovely to be here and what an abundance of choice – should I go for a Virgin Mojito (hell no, we’re in lockdown, I need a real drink), Sex on The Beach (not at my age), Pornstar Martini (Don’t think so.)? Looks like I’ll have to settle for one fitting with writing crime fiction … I’ll have a Corpse Reviver, if I may, Anne.

Well I’m glad that’s settled and love your choice! So where did we first meet in real life?

L: We met at CrimeFest in Bristol last year and I don’t know if it was apparent, but for me, it was a real struggle to be there because my mental health had taken a real downward dip. You were such a friendly face in a crowd of people I didn’t know and I was so pleased when we struck up a conversation. It really helped me through the rest of the day.

How strange. I had no idea how you were feeling but I had just been blanked by another author when I approached her and was delighted – and so relieved – when that you were happy to chat. A fortuitous meeting for us both. Thinking of festivals and book events which we’re all missing what would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

L: Oh gosh, that’s such a big ask – but here goes, before I change my mind and come up with a completely different set of people. I have a real fascination with serial killers and their psyche – what makes them tick, their warped motivations and so forth, so I’d love to host a panel with Chris Carter who not only is a psychologist, but he writes some of the best serial killer books out there.

L: Still on the serial killer theme, I’d love to also include Ross Greenwood. He is soooo good at writing the killer’s voice and being an ex-prison warden gives him such a unique insight into the criminal mind.

L: Finally, I’d love to have Anthony Hopkins on this panel. I’d quiz him about how it felt to play Hannibal and how he got into character. I’d also love to know if playing such a devious and mind-controlling character had any long term affect on him.

Wow that’s some panel and one I’d love to be in the audience for. In the meantime what are you currently working on?

L: My most recent book, Broken Silence, the second in the DS Nikki Parekh series was released in late April and is about modern day slavery. Thankfully it’s been really well received, despite flying the nest in such uncertain times. At the minute, I’m just about to send off my third DS Nikki Parekh novel to my publisher (HQ Digital). Funnily enough, it features a serial killer … who’d have thought? It’s got a cracking title, but I can’t tell you what it is yet.

L: My next project is going to be a novella in my DI Gus McGuire series. I’ve never written a novella before, but I created a character called Jo Jo, in my last Gus book, Unseen Evil, and Jo Jo sort of got under my skin. He’s a sixteen year old forced into web-camming sex acts on the dark web to make ends meet in order to keep himself, his terminally ill mum and his sister together as a family. This novella will take us deeper into Jo Jo’s past .

L: After that, I’ll be working on Gus, book 7, which will see some “blasts from the past” re-emerge. I’ve also got a couple of ideas for book 4 in my Nikki Parekh series, which will be very dark and very current and relevant – so busy times ahead.

I feel exhausted just reading about all these projects, Liz. So apart from book launches, what are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?

L: Lockdown has been hard for everyone and like most people, I think being able to see family members face to face and give them huge hugs will be the best thing ever. My daughter and youngest son are both living away from home and although we have FaceTime and a family Messenger group, it’s hard not being able to see them. My oldest son, who lives with us, had all the symptoms of the virus in March, but seems to have recovered well. We shoved him in the attic till he’d recovered … Well, when I say that, what I mean is, we restricted him to the attic bedroom which has an en suite and, taking all precautions from masks to Hazmat suits, we nursed him through it.

I’m glad to hear it. Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?

L: I think the combination of Lockdown and the VE anniversary has made me focus on the goodness in people. Captain Tom is such an inspiration and thinking about VE has put things into perspective – yes, things are bad, but I think as a country, we’re learning from the experiences of those who went through the war.

L: In terms of what I want to do … I think, being in enforced lockdown, has made me realise that I don’t want to go jetting off to sunnier climes or explore other countries. Instead, I want to explore all the places in the UK that I’ve always said I wanted to, but have never found time for.

Thank you for taking the time to join me today, Liz and I hope we meet up again somewhere in the UK soon especially if you visit London!

You can find out more about Liz and her books on her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Julie Newman

My guest today is another author from the Urbane stable. Julie Newman has written three novels: Beware the Cuckoo, The Kindness of Strangers and Cast No Shadow all published by Urbane Publications.

Welcome Julie, good to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. What can I offer you?

J: Hi Anne thanks for inviting me. I’m rather partial to a cocktail and my favourite is a Negroni, so I‘ll have one of those please.

We seem to have known each other for a while. Do you remember where we first meet?

J: I remember it well. Our paths first crossed at the launch for Dancers in the Wind; your first Hannah Weybridge novel. I had just signed my contract with Urbane and Matthew invited me along to the launch. I think we hit it off straightaway. Despite being busy as it was your launch you took time to chat to me and put me at my ease. By the time I left we had exchanged contact details and agreed to meet up at some point.

J: Subsequently we have got together on several occasions and soon realised we had much in common. Not only do we share a publisher but we share Essex connections and both have a love of theatre and of course the written word. Although our writing styles are different we both enjoy writing strong female protagonists. And we both enjoy a glass of something from time to time too…

J: I’m looking forward to Hannah’s next outing, having enjoyed her first four adventures. How is that coming along?

Slowly but I am happy to be back in the 1990s away from lockdown. How about you? Are you able to concentrate on writing at the moment?

J: Yes, I am. My current WIP is very different to my previous books, however the main character is again female and she has a lot to say. This story also requires more research than my previous works. I have no deadline or date for the next book but my hope is that it will be ready for publication sometime next year. Although obviously the current climate makes it harder to plan things.

What are you looking forward to when lockdown is lifted?

J: I think when the lockdown is lifted, apart from hugging my kids and seeing family and friends, I am most looking forward to being able to make and have plans once more. I find it rather depressing looking at my empty diary pages or worse the days I’ve had to put a line through as the entry that was listed is no longer happening.

One thing lockdown has made you think about/want to do?

J: If there is one thing it’s made me think about it is how quickly life can change and therefore I should embrace it more. As I said earlier I don’t like an empty diary but I often used to worry about having too much to do. I would find excuses not to do things/go to places that I was invited to. I’m definitely going to be saying yes more often.

J: How about you Anne, what are you looking forward to?

Seeing friends and socialising. Hugging and more hugging. So many book events I was looking forward to have been cancelled so it will be great when we can plan for these as well.

J: I am also missing literary events, not just taking part but attending as an audience member too. It will be good when book events can resume once more and I hope that you and I can take part in an event together.

What would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panellists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

J: I’d love to be part of a panel that would include Joanne Harris, Ali Smith and Jill Dawson. All very different writers but firm favourites of mine. I’d particularly like to chat to Jill Dawson about Patricia Highsmith; another writer I love who is also a favourite of Jill’s.

A fabulous choice of authors, Julie and thank you so much for joining me today.

Barbara Nadel

My guest today is award-winning crime writer Barbara Nadel.

Lovely to see you again, Barbara. What can I get you to drink?

B: Hi Anne. Thanks very much. I’ll have a raki with ice and water please. Lovely Turkish anise spirit. Mmm.

Although I don’t actually drink any more, because this is “virtual” I will let my hair down.

Do you recall where we first met? All I remember is being in awe of you.

B: You know I really can’t remember. I know I’ve known you for a long time and that the last time we met up was at Morecambe & Vice last year. It’s always so great to meet up, just wish that I had more time for lovely crime festivals and CWA events. I think you’re lovely, by the way. You do so much whilst writing your fab books. I’m such a slouch when it comes to publicising my stuff and doing events. Not that I don’t try, but I’m not terribly confident with on-line stuff and often my family commitments mean I can’t get out and about as much as I would like. That you were in awe of me is really flattering but quite bizarre!

Well we never know how we appear to others, do we? One point we have in common is Essex where I went to school.

B: Yes, I do live in Essex at the moment, although I have lived all over the place. I was born and brought up in East London and that is the place I most identify with. Like you I’m a family person and have a grown up son as well as lovely four-year-old grandson. Animals are a big part of my life, especially cats, I love the tiger picture on your website. I so often bond with people over cats – big or small.

I took that photo at London Zoo with my daughter and granddaughter so it feels special. Taking them out will be a treat post lockdown. What are you looking forward to?

B: Being with my family and friends again. I miss my son and grandson SO much and just would so love to cuddle them now. There’s also my mum as well as all my mates who I just long to talk to in person. I’m not alone in lockdown though as I do have my husband and my two cats and my axolotl, Hattie, for company. Something I want to do when the lockdown is over is learn to dance the Tango. What, I hear you cry, is someone with two left feet doing that for? Well, Tango is massive in Istanbul (or was before lockdown) and so I am thinking of exploring this phenomenon via the medium of crime fiction. I don’t think I’ll have Ikmen dancing, he wouldn’t, but I think that someone, as yet unknown, may have attended a milonga (Tango dance event) with ill intent.Another thing I’m looking forward to is when we are allowed to travel again. Can’t wait to get back to my beloved Istanbul as well as making a start on my exploration of Albania. I’m setting a new crime fiction book, possibly the start of a series in Albania during the 1930s. A very interesting time in that country when, although seemingly allied to the fascist regime in Italy, Albanians were actively helping those escaping from Italy and Nazi Germany. Albert Einstein was able to leave Europe to go to America because the King of Albania, Zog, gave him an Albanian passport. Won’t be starting this book until 2021, but I’ve already got a title which is The Apothecary’s Shoes.

I love the sound of that new series. So at an event what would be your idea of a dream panel?

B: Oh I’d love to be part of a discussion about the nature of magic and reality and where those two realms meet – if they do. Magic, both on stage and as an esoteric concept has obsessed me for almost my whole life. You’ll find it threaded through all my books. As for participants well, I think that ideally some of them might be dead, but let’s not be small-minded about this! Firstly I’d have to have prominent 19th century Hungarian Professor Josef Vaneck, court magician to Sultan Abdul Medjid. People still puzzle over how he did his signature trick. Lovely Derren Brown would be a must as well as Maxine Sanders from the world of Wicca and ritual magic. Cleopatra knew a thing or two, so we’d have her as well as my crime fiction mates Quentin Bates, Ewa Sherman and Dr Noir. They all know a lot about Icelandic elves. For a little eye candy we’d have to have Dracula and finally, Miriam Margolyes, to tell us all we’re talking nonsense.

Wow that’s some panel and I’d love to be in the audience. So what’s next bookwise?

B: At the moment I’m dividing my time between writing my next Ikmen book – a double murder this time – and producing detailed synopses for the person who has been chosen to write scripts for an Ikmen TV series. Still not certain of course, but I am keeping everything crossed as I would love to see the old git on the screen.

The next book of mine to be published, by Headline on 12 May, is called Blood Business, number 22 in the Cetin Ikmen series. To whet your appetite it begins with a spooky exhumation in Istanbul’s largest graveyard. As usual it’s full of the energy of Istanbul and its people and will, I hope, encourage as many folk as possible to go there when they can. If lockdown is teaching me anything it’s that I miss my friends and family so much it almost hurts. When we all get out of this I’m going to run around visiting all my people and places regardless of cost.

However, I have been poor during the course of much of my life and so psychologically this will not be easy. Money has always been a problem and so I’ve got into the habit, over the years, of holding back from things I want for fear life will fall apart and I won’t be able to pay the gas bill. I was one of those kids who went to a school above my pay grade and so I got used to being the one who didn’t go on the trips abroad. Then it sort of came to define me. But no more my friends! From now on there’s not going to be any more freaking out about money and I will bloody well see who and what I want! Which means a lot of crime fiction festivals next year!

Let me hear an “Amen” to that!

Been lovely having a good chin-wag Anne and look forward to seeing you soon. I must say, the raki was intense!

Barbara I’m sure people reading this will now know why I’m in awe of you! It was a joy to have you in my virtual lounge and I’m really looking forward to a big hug next time we meet.

Jon Richter

Today my guest is the genre-hopping author Jon Richter whose work spans crime novels, fantasy, science fiction, horror stories and cyber-punk. I really enjoyed his last crime novel, Never Rest.

Hi Jon how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. The previous three times we met you were not drinking as you were training for the London Marathon. However what can I get you at the bar?

J: Haha well I’m unclear as to whether you’re paying or not, but if you are I’ll have a double gin and tonic, with one of those posh new-fangled gins please. In fact make that a triple.

Sounds about right. If I remember correctly the first time we met in real life was a boozy occasion?

J: Oh yes! We first met at a Bloodhound Books event where I was very nervously dishing out some (rubbish) promotional badges I’d had made, while you were very slickly distributing copies of your ace crime thrillers, including to me!

I still have my badge! First impressions?

J: Dead nice, dead friendly, an absolute pleasure to talk to, and you clearly knew what you were doing at such an event so I latched onto you like a determined leech.

Strange isn’t it? I thought you were amazingly confident! Not sure about the repetition of “dead” in your reply given the type of books you write. Apart from living in the same area, do we have any other points in common?

J: We both write crime thrillers and also dabble in other genres, although to my knowledge you haven’t yet ventured into cyberpunk… but I would absolutely love to read it if you did. I think we also both like a drink and a good laugh, as showcased at the recent charity quiz event I ran, where your team were very gracious about all the super-nerdy video game questions. That was only back in March, would you believe – it seems like a lifetime ago after the lockdown has since kicked in.

Indeed. What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?

J: It’s really interesting to reflect on all the things I thought I’d miss, but actually don’t really mind. For social events, it turns out that Zoom parties/quizzes are a pretty good replacement – you still feel like you’ve seen all your friends and family, had a few drinks and a laugh, and you don’t have to faff around travelling home. For live sport, you can just watch old repeats of matches where you know your team won, thereby avoiding the usual stress and heartache. And for days outdoors, I now have a great excuse not to bother, and can instead enjoy staying at home reading, writing and playing video games!

I do miss going out for meals though – I’m a terrible chef so I love treating myself to some much better food that someone else has prepared. Thankfully my girlfriend is a really really cook good, and actually enjoys it, so I’m very lucky to be quarantined with her (also because she’s lovely).

I’ve also very recently started a new job, actually during the lockdown, and I never thought I’d say this, but I think I miss going into the office. It’s strange to be working as part of a virtual team without the opportunity to meet new colleagues face-to-face or to get to know them properly in the pub… although on the plus side, I can now wear shorts to work, so it isn’t all bad!

Back to events – what would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

J: This is such a good question! I think if I was going to appear on a panel of writers I’d like one of my all-time idols to be there, along with a writer who I really like and respect, but who I’ve already met (to put me at ease so I didn’t become too starstruck and waffly). Then finally I’d add someone who I’m convinced would be an entertainingly terrifying maniac. So that’s the sadly-missed Iain Banks, the equally-sadly-missed Harlan Ellison, and your good self Anne – I’ll let you decide which one is which!

Well as I’m not dead yet… What are you working on now?

J: It’s actually a really big year for me! My first cyberpunk thriller, Auxiliary: London 2039 has just been published by the awesome TCK Publishing (an American publisher, resulting in many battles about correct spellings!) and I’m just putting the finishing touches to another dark and sinister crime novel, Rabbit Hole, for the ace people at Bloodhound Books, due for release in June. I’ve got a couple of new writing projects on the go, with the genre-hopping showing no sign of abating: one is a dark fantasy novel, and the other is a science fiction “sidequel” to the cyberpunk book… and there are always more short horror stories in the pipeline of course!

Is there one thing lockdown has made you think about/want to do?

J: It has definitely reinforced my belief that you should always say “yes” to things. I always try to say yes whenever I’m lucky enough to be invited to events, parties, posh cocktail lounges like this one, or even just for a few pints at the pub after work, because I think I’m really unbelievably lucky to have friends in my life who want to spend any of their time with me… and because you never know when that might change. The unthinkable circumstances that have descended upon us so mind-meltingly quickly in the last few months have reminded us all just how fleeting and precious those relationships are.

So, when all this is over, the first round is on me!

I’ll hold you to that, Jon, and thank you for joining me in The Cocktail Lounge and good luck with your launches.

To find out more about Jon’s books visit www.jon-richter.com

Today my guest is the genre-hopping author Jon Richter whose work spans crime novels, fantasy, science fiction, horror stories and cyber-punk. I really enjoyed his last crime novel, Never Rest.

Hi Jon how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. The previous three times we met you were not drinking as you were training for the London Marathon. However what can I get you at the bar?

J: Haha well I’m unclear as to whether you’re paying or not, but if you are I’ll have a double gin and tonic, with one of those posh new-fangled gins please. In fact make that a triple.

Sounds about right. If I remember correctly the first time we met in real life was a boozy occasion?

I still have my badge! First impressions?

J: Dead nice, dead friendly, an absolute pleasure to talk to, and you clearly knew what you were doing at such an event so I latched onto you like a determined leech.

Indeed. What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?

Back to events – what would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

Well as I’m not dead yet… What are you working on now?

J: It’s actually a really big year for me! My first cyberpunk thriller, Auxiliary: London 2039 has just been published by the awesome TCK Publishing (an American publisher, resulting in many battles about correct spellings!) and I’m just putting the finishing touches to another dark and sinister crime novel, Rabbit Hole, for the ace people at Bloodhound Books, due for release in June. I’ve got a couple of new writing projects on the go, with the genre-hopping showing no sign of abating: one is a dark fantasy novel, and the other is a science fiction “sidequel” to the cyberpunk book… and there are always more short horror stories in the pipeline of course!

Is there one thing lockdown has made you think about/want to do?

So, when all this is over, the first round is on me!

I’ll hold you to that, Jon, and thank you for joining me in The Cocktail Lounge and good luck with your launches.

To find out more about Jon’s books visit www.jon-richter.com

James Silvester

Although authors love having time in isolation to write, lockdown means we can’t enjoy those events and festivals where we can meet up, exchange ideas and just socialise. So I’ve invited some of my author friends to join me for a virtual drink and chat.

It’s a special pleasure to welcome James Silvester to my virtual Cocktail Lounge as he was indirectly responsible for an introduction to Urbane Publications when I reviewed his first thriller The Prague Ultimatum (Prague thrillers)“>The Prague Ultimatum, and the Lucie Musilova Thrillers: Sealed With A Death – A Lucie Musilova thriller“>Sealed with a Death (2019).

Hi James how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge. I’m onto a winner here as I don’t have to pay for the drinks. What can I get you at the bar?

James: Hello there! It’s a pleasure to be here with you, Anne. Typically, I’d go for a large rum, but as this is a special occasion, I’ll have a mojito, please.

This could be one of those “Oh yes I remember it well” conversations. So where did we first meet in real life?

J: Well, we’d be exchanging pleasantries on the Twitterverse for a while before we met. I think the first time we properly talked would have been at the splendid CrimeFest in Bristol, back in 2016, although I’ve a feeling we met briefly at an Urbane bash a few months earlier.

I knew it! The Urbane party was later in the year at The Phoenix Arts Club. CrimeFest was the first time we met with other Urbane crime writers. First impressions?

J: That you were great company! CrimeFest was my first event, and I was extraordinarily nervous, and felt like a fraud even being there, in the company of writers I seriously respected (and still do). You put me at ease straight away, and helped me relax into company, which, I was initially quite intimidated by.

Really? I was nervous too – CrimeFest was my first as well and my début, Dancers in the Wind, hadn’t even been published then so if anyone felt a fraud it was me. So apart from nervousness, any other similarities?

J: Obviously, we’re both extremely talented and stunningly attractive people. I struggle to say what we have in common, but I think the ease with which we get on speaks for itself. I’m conceited enough to think we have some similarities in our writing, but that’s probably for others to decide.

And we both love the word “perdition,” of course. I had a fabulous time at your London launch for Sealed with a Death, will there be another book soon?

J: No dates at the moment, but I’m writing a new thriller, right now. It’s still in the early stages, but will be another Euro Thriller, in the same style as my other stuff, and will have a focus on EU Citizens in the UK. I think that’s a theme I’ll always return to, in my work. I can tease the title, though: Generation Death.

Well, that’s hooked me. So apart from a book launch, what are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?

J: Time alone. I’m in a house full of people who I adore, but I’m someone who thrives on periods of solitude. I’ve always been comfortable in my own company, and not having anywhere to go, without someone else being there is a struggle, I must admit. It’s funny, I was chatting to a friend, the other day, who lives alone, and who can’t wait to be in company when this is all over. It just goes to show how this is affecting everybody.

Is there one thing lockdown has made you think about or want to do?

J: Frankly, mortality. I was quite ill for a time last year, and I’ll admit to being worried about what’s going on at the moment. It’s made me realise I need to take better care of myself, for the sake of the people who depend on me.

I’ll drink to that. Back to book events – what would be your dream panel?

J: Argh!!!! That’s a tough one. I’d absolutely love to share a stage with Bernard Cornwell, Stella Rimington and Hugh Fraser. Bernard is one of the reasons I started writing – he has a brilliant way of writing exciting, impeccably researched thrillers with a basis in history, which is what I originally aspired to. Stella Rimington is a solid spy thriller writer, and, let’s face it, her background in the field is second to none. And Hugh? Well, let’s just say that I’m delighted that someone I grew up admiring, is now a trusted and valued colleague, who I can ring up for honest advice at any time. His “Rina Walker” series is an absolute joy to read. And, of course, I hope you’d be up there with me, too.

You’re such a charmer, James. I’d love to be the moderator on that panel. But as a friend said to me recently when our drinks had run out during a FaceTime chat, the tide is out and our time is up. Thank you so much for being the first to join me in The Cocktail Lounge and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Perdition’s Child

The fourth in the Hannah Weybridge series takes the freelance journalist, now under contract to The News, into new territories and more danger.

Dulwich library is the scene of a suspicious death, followed swiftly by another in Manchester, the victims linked by nothing other than their Australian nationality. Police dismiss the idea of a serial killer, but Hannah isn’t convinced.

Drawn into an investigation in which more Australian men are killed as they try to trace their British families, her research reveals past horrors and present sadness, and loss linked to children who went missing after the Second World War. Have those children returned now?

Once again Hannah finds herself embroiled in a deadly mystery, a mystery complicated by the murder of Harry Peters; the brother of Lucy, one of the residents of Cardboard City she had become friendly with. It soon becomes clear Lucy is protecting secrets of her own.

What is Lucy’s link to the murders and can Hannah discover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Perditions Child is available from Amazon in paperback and ebook, the latter is free in Kindle Unlimited.

Home Thoughts from Morecambe & Vice Crime Festival

I was a late addition to the festival line-up and was delighted to be invited to moderate the panel of authors who write crime fiction for children and YA. It was a new departure for me as I normally talk about my own Hannah Weybridge crime thriller series but it was good to link the work I do on my parenting website to my passion for crime and books.

I arrived on Friday and booked for the “extra” event – the Polari Salon organised by the inimitable Paul Burston. Paul, Lesley Thomson, Derek Farrell and Lilja Sigurörardóttir read from their work. It was obvious from the start that we were in for a treat when Tom Fisher introduced the show and brought such a sense of fun and theatre to the occasion that I knew we would be in good hands for the following two days. It was brilliant way to launch the festival.

Having experienced a panel with an unprepared moderator, I was determined to give the authors on Let Them Lead The Way – Sharna Jackson, Nicki Thornton and Sarah Todd Taylor – all the attention to detail they deserved. Our slot was second up on the Saturday. As this year’s theme was Bring Me Sunshine each panel was asked to recall their “sunshine moments”. It was no surprise that Sharna, Nicki and Sarah all quoted children’s amazing reactions to their books. Many attendees said how much they enjoyed our discussion, never having considered children’s crime fiction before.

For a festival that has only reached its third year, Morecambe & Vice had all the panache of one that had been long established. This is attributable to the amazing skills and personalities of Ben Cooper-Muir and Tom Fisher with their team of charming and ever-cheerful volunteers. Even registering was a joy – I loved my author tag.

The range of panels – from mental health to writing as a couple and everything in between – meant that there was something for everyone and running one timeline meant not having to choose although this may change in the future if the festival gets bigger. One panel, which was pertinent to authors in particular, was the discussion about running a festival with great insights from Bob McDervitt (Bloody Scotland), Dr Jackie Collins (Newcastle Noir), Quentin Bates, (Iceland Noir) and SJ Bradley (Northern Short Story Festival) and moderated by Ben Cooper-Muir. All of them stressed the importance of paying authors to appear and not charging them for a weekend pass to obtain a place on a panel.

The atmosphere was relaxed and fun. It was great to meet so many bloggers and crime readers. Sarah Hardy who runs BooksOnTheBrightSide must be commended for the blog tour she organised for the authors in the run-up to the festival. Waterstones hosted a bookshop and there was time for authors to sign books between panels.

The festival brochure was Tom and Ben’s labour of love and they produced a work of art. Many of the participating authors found themselves in the centre spread as the subject of a crossword clue – winner to receive £100 voucher for Waterstones.

Setting the festival in the art deco Midland Hotel – think Poirot – added a sense of occasion to the proceedings although staying there was out of my price range. I left earlier than planned due to the terrible weather but wished I had stayed to the end. Morecambe & Vice is a festival to be cherished and supported. I’ll certainly be there next year, if invited.

Holiday Reading

My thoughts on some of the novels I’ve recently read.

The Summer of Impossible Things

by Rowan Colman (Ebury Press)

A beautifully written, accomplished novel that captivated me from the very first pages. Narrated by Luna who, with her sister, Pia, makes a trip to Brooklyn after their mother’s suicide to sell off the building that had been her home and workplace. There they find their mother had sent them film reels, the first of which reveals she was the victim of a violent rape and that Henry who has brought Lana up, is not her biological father. Coupled with this horrifying revelation is Lana’s discovery that she can slip from her present back to 1977 where she meets her mother pre-rape. Lana is determined to change the course of history, to save her mother even if it means wiping out her own existence. Go with the flow on this one and fall in love with the characters delivered with such beautiful prose and brilliant structure.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman (HarperCollins)

Judging by some readers’ comments, this is every much a Marmite book and fortunately I love Marmite. I bought the book as a treat for myself after Christmas and before it became a prizewinner. I love the narrative style and the quirky protagonist. Although I guessed most of the “surprises”, it didn’t detract from my appreciation as the quality of writing is superlative and the path Eleanor treads is captivating. A superbly accomplished début.

Reservoir 13

by Jon McGregor (Fourth Estate)

Another book I bought as a treat – and I knew nothing about the author or the premise of the book which, it transpired, is how the disappearance of a teenage girl on holiday in the area affects that community over a number of years. Each chapter begins with New Years Eve and the celebrations – or lack of them. Each year the inhabitants of the small village reveal a little more of their lives and how they have been changed. I found the writing spellbinding, reminiscent of Dylan Thomas.

Her Secret

by Kelly Florentia (Urbane Publications)

Although this is the sequel to No Way Back, which I haven’t read, I felt it read well as a standalone and there is plenty of backstory interwoven into the narrative to inform the reader. The protagonist, Audrey Fox, is newly married and enjoying life until she is told a secret that has enormous repercussions on her life and marriage. Lies are revealed and lives are shattered. Not my usual genre but perfect if you prefer mature (in age) heroines.

Whistle in the Wind

by Emma Healey (Viking Books)

Initially I found Emma Healey’s second novel difficult to get in to – it was a slow start for me. It deals with the disappearance then reappearance of a teenage girl on a painting holiday with her mother. Lana, aged 15, has been severely depressed and her mother, Jen, is at her wits end but determined to do or try anything to find out what happened to her daughter during the days she was missing. Lana gives up on school, her friends and sleeps with her light on. I didn’t particularly empathise with the mother whose actions and reactions irritated me at times. By far the most sympathetic character is the father. However it was the quality of the writing which kept me reading – and (no spoilers) the climax of the novel makes it all worthwhile.

Wayland’s Revenge

by Lesley Lodge (Matador)

Historical fiction isn’t my usual read and I wasn’t sure what to expect with Wayland’s Revenge. However, I needn’t have worried as after the first chapter or so I was totally engrossed. The narrative is fast moving and the characters sympathetically portrayed especially the bereaved Wayland and his traumatised son. Teaming up with his friend, Alun, a Welsh Baker, Wayland and his son set off on a quest to find his dead wife’s murderer only to end up trapped in the Siege of Colchester where their own lives are threatened.

The Kindness of Strangers

by Julie Newman (Urbane Publications)

If you look at the front cover of this book, you’ll see I rather enjoyed it! “An intricate portrayal of love and loss, redemption and revenge which will stay with you long after the final page.” This is another book for those who like characters who are mature and come from a variety of backgrounds. Be prepared for a narrative that will shock and surprise you.

Author: a.coates1@btinternet.com