Category Archives: mysteries

What makes a great author?

I’ve been finding out more about that wonderful Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.  Having just read her biography, I have discovered some interesting facts about her.  Here are some of them: her ideas for plots, characters and settings came in a random way – she filled numerous notebooks, but there was no order or organisationContinue reading “What makes a great author?”

Dreaming of Italy!

If you are waiting for Janie Juke’s next adventure ‘The Invisible Case’, I can confirm that progress is good!  The first draft is complete and plans are in place for publication some time in June…watch this space… Meanwhile, I can share with you that I have tapped into my Italian roots for Janie’s newest mystery. Continue reading “Dreaming of Italy!”

Agatha Christie’s secrets

I’m continuing to follow the trail of Agatha Christie!  (while channelling Janie Juke, of course!) I have come across a fascinating book, entitled: Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks.  The author, John Curran, had the great fortune to have ‘unfettered access’ to all of Agatha Christie’s papers, as well as the hospitality of her grandson, Mathew Pritchard. Continue reading “Agatha Christie’s secrets”

On the trail of Agatha Christie

In the Janie Juke mystery series, my protagonist, Janie, refers to her passion for Agatha Christie novels.  In particular, Janie loves the stories featuring Hercule Poirot and has learned many of her investigative skills from him.  As she tackles the mysteries occurring in Tamarisk Bay, she draws on many of Poirot’s techniques to follow theContinue reading “On the trail of Agatha Christie”

Feeling inspired

So much has happened over the last few weeks, all of which has helped to inspire my writing. First off I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Denmark with my two writing buddies!  Spending hours talking and thinking about books is my idea of heaven, plus we got to see a beautifulContinue reading “Feeling inspired”

Spending time with friends

I first met Janie Juke in February 2017.  I was walking my Scottie dog, Hamish, along a Spanish beach and she came into my head.  But back then I didn’t know her name, I didn’t know that she would be a mobile librarian and I hadn’t met any of her family and friends. Since thenContinue reading “Spending time with friends”

Nanowrimo – one year on

One year ago I accepted an invitation.  I didn’t know then that it would be an acceptance that  would change my life.  Perhaps that sounds a little dramatic?  Nevertheless, when I look back over the last twelve months and catalogue the differences, it feels like a fair assertion. The invitation came from Authorlab colleague, ChrisContinue reading “Nanowrimo – one year on”

Introducing Janie Juke

Janie Juke has a famous ally – Hercule Poirot, no less.  Janie has been intrigued by Agatha Christie since she was a little girl and now she works in a mobile library she has the perfect opportunity to read the latest crime thrillers. The Tapestry Bag sees Janie take on the first of her challenges asContinue reading “Introducing Janie Juke”