I’ve just realised with horror that I haven’t written this diary since Christmas. The truth is time has whizzed by so fast since then. Like a creature emerging from hibernation after the winter, I’ve been getting out and about again visiting bookshops and libraries. It has been so wonderful to see people again after the terrible couple of years of restrictions.

Serpent’s Point is now finished and will be published in August. Also The Stone Chamber is now out in paperback and I was thrilled to see it ‘in the wild’ on the shelves of my local Sainsbury’s!

In January I began writing a new Wesley Peterson mystery and I’ve been working really hard on it since then. I won’t say anything about it yet as my editor hasn’t set eyes on it yet. More news about that later.

As well as writing, it’s been lovely to do events again. I presented two murder mysteries in March at Kirkby in Ashfield and Newark in Nottinghamshire. I never cease to be amazed at the hidden talents of the library staff who take the parts so brilliantly.

I also took part in Wrexham’s Carnival of Words, presenting my Murder Mystery The Case of the Late Cook, with a fantastic cast who did the script proud. It’s been so lovely to meet people again and it’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves.

One highlight of my year so far was the recent Crime Writers’ Association conference in Torquay which, thanks to Covid, had been cancelled for two years running. Inevitably, the conference had an Agatha Christie theme (as Torquay was Dame Agatha’s birthplace) and we went on a fascinating walk taking in many locations connected with her life in the town. My colleagues were so pleased to get together again and, with interesting talks, plenty of food and drink and good company, a good time was had by all. I even swam in the outdoor pool at the hotel – in April! They don’t call it the English Riviera for nothing. I’ll be returning there in September for the International Agatha Christie Festival. Watch this space!

Later this month I’ll be in Bristol for CrimeFest where I’ll be taking part in panels about historical crime fiction and writing a long running series. I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully I’ll see some of you there.