According to the weather forecasters summer’s finally over and the last month or so has been incredibly busy.
In August I visited a number of local bookshops to sign copies of my latest paperback THE HOUSE OF EYES and it was really good to have the chance to meet my readers. Then, after attending the annual Crime and Mystery Weekend at St Hilda’s College Oxford, I set off for Devon at the beginning of September.
As well as undertaking research for my next Wesley Peterson book, I presented my Murder Mystery, Murder in the Lemon Grove, at Dartmouth Library and Salcombe Library. I’ve visited Dartmouth Library many times over the years but it was my first time in Salcombe and I hadn’t expected such lovely surroundings – and such an amazing view over Salcombe estuary from the French windows and the balcony at the end of the room. Both evenings were great fun and I had the feeling that I was taking Lemon Grove ‘on tour’. The actors certainly entered into the spirit of the evening – it’s wonderful to know there’s so much talent out there! Many thanks to all the library staff and the casts of both productions – they were brilliant!
While I was in Devon I visited my fellow crime writer Michael Jecks who lives on Dartmoor. Mike interviewed me about my books for BBC Radio Devon and it was great to chat with him over coffee and catch up on the news. On the way back I called in at Dartmoor Prison to have a look at the museum there (fortunately they let me out!) I was surprised to find out it’s been downgraded to Category C (not suitable to house dangerous prisoners) because its listed building status meant that the necessary alterations to maintain its ‘high security’ status couldn’t be made. It was a fascinating visit and I’m always stunned by the beauty of the Dartmoor landscape.
My visit to Devon concluded with a book signing at The Torbay Bookshop in Paignton. It’s always a joy to visit Matthew’s lovely shop and I look forward to returning next year.
After a short time at home I set off again, this time for the North East. I spoke at Newcastle’s beautiful central library on the Wednesday and the next day I was in Gateshead taking Murder in the Lemon Grove ‘on tour’ again. Again the acting was worthy of several Oscars and great fun was had by all! Again many thanks to all involved.
I’m looking forward to speaking at Ashton-under-Lyne and St Helens Libraries over the next few weeks and I’m busy making arrangements for the launch of A HIGH MORTALITY OF DOVES on 15th November at Simply Books, an award winning independent bookshop in Bramhall, Cheshire – not far from where A HIGH MORTALITY OF DOVES in set.