M K Turner

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Good Afternoon,

I hope you’ve had a fabulous weekend. It’s finally stopped raining in Bristol, although the weatherman assures me it’s only a brief respite, so here I sit, sun shining in, letting you know what’s happening.

For those of you yet to read it, Witness for Wendy is free until the 17th October. Should you wish to grab a copy, simply click here or on the cover.

Ill Conceived has passed the quality test at Audible and is currently being processed. I should be available within the next week or so. If you haven’t listened to the sample you can do so here. I will be provided with a batch of free promo codes, so if you would like to have a listen to the full book, please shout.  I also have a few codes for Misplaced Loyalty if anyone would like one.

I’ve read some great books, and my reviews are up to date, are yours? You can see what I’ve been reading here.

Hopefully I have finally sorted out the duplicate newsletter issue. However if you do receive a newsletter from both MailChimp and WordPress please let me know so I can stop it happening.

Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you can choose a free book (see below). I’ve had a few follows that I don’t recognise, if you have followed me, but not heard from me, please drop me a line.

Finally, Not If You Paid Me, had a spurt and is now crawling along again, but I promise to do better!

That’s it, I’ll leave you to whatever is filling your Sunday,

Happy reading,

Follow me on BookBub and you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. ( boxed sets excluded)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

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It’s all go here!

by Filed Under: Authors Ramblings, Giveaways, Information on books 6 Comments

Hello from sunny Bristol,

We seem to be having a late burst of summer here, I hope the weather is nice where you are.

Now the greetings are out of the way, a quick up date for you, it’s all go here I should have steam coming out of my ears. First, I have a confession, and no – you won’t like it. In an effort to get more momentum into the latest Meredith & Hodge – Not If You Paid Me – I’ve read it through (again), and ignoring typos etc., I know what was wrong . . . I didn’t like it! The basic premise was okay, but the whole thing needed a shakeup, a different character, and a slight change of direction.  I’ve made the amendments, and I am now off and running again. I added a further 5k words to it over the weekend. With a fair wind I should have it done in a couple of months.

The audio version of Ill Conceived is almost complete, and I’ve now completed the interview with narrator Lee Beddow. The photo below is of Lee in the studio where it all happens. He’s a very busy man. No boring nine – five for him!

Everyone has favourite characters in the Meredith & Hodge series – those they love, or sometimes love to hate.  To date my favourite characters have been Meredith (of course), Nancy Bailey from The Wrong Shoes, and Peggy Greene who first appears in Tin Soldiers, and pops in and out to annoy Meredith throughout the rest of the series. However, listening to the production of Ill Conceived, Lee has given me another to add to my list. The villain, Michael Brent. Lee really has brought him to life for me. Have a listen to the following clips and let me know what you think.

In this clip, Brent is ‘convincing’ Derek Christie to work for him.

Here, his long-suffering wife, Liz, believes her days are numbered.

 

Amazon have provided another batch of FREE promo codes for Misplaced Loyalty in both the US and UK. If you would like a free listen please let me know and I’ll get a code off to you. Producing the audio books has been an eye opener in many ways. For instance I’m now led to understand that you may have to sign up for audible to download the book even with the free promo code, but please be aware you can cancel membership at any time and still keep the books you have chosen. I’ve also discovered you can actually amend the speed at which you listen to the book- who knew? Not I.  If you want to know more about Audible, click the icon on the right.  I’ll let you know when I have codes for Ill Conceived. Now it’s over to Lee.

Interview with Lee Beddow

Q: Being a musician and teacher, how did you come find yourself narrating novels?

A: I’ve always done little bits of voice over work including everything from radio ads to telephone systems, even competitions on the phone. Narrating books seemed a logical step and I’d always read to both my children when they were young, particularly enjoying characterising different people with different voices.

Q: You have a very busy life, teaching one day, narrating the next, and then on to a music session. Do you enjoy the variation, or would you prefer to have things fall into blocks of work?

A: Having a variety of work keeps things interesting. I love narrating & doing the voiceover work, teaching can be really rewarding and music production is where I started my recording career, as I started my own studio at 18!

Q: Do you yourself listen to audio books or are you a reading man?

A: Actually, I love audio books, especially for long car journeys. Those and a good podcast too – depends on the length of journey as to which I listen to. That said, I LOVE reading and often have a couple of books on the go at the same time – usually one on Kindle and one in the traditional format.

Q: When choosing a book, what’s your preferred genre?

A: I like reading a mixture of genres. I like detective books, such as Ian Rankin’s Rebus and Michael Connelly’s Bosch. I’ll then mix it up with some biographies or real-life stories and maybe something humorous too.

Q: If you had to choose, which novels would be in your top three?

A: Top 3 novels? Gosh that’s tough!! My all-time favourite book is definitely “To Kill A Mocking Bird”, which I’ve read countless times since I was about 15. It was a school exam text and I remember thinking it wouldn’t be for me but then couldn’t put it down.  On a completely different vein, I’ve also read a slightly obscure Beatles novel called “Paperback Writer” by Mark Shipper many, many times. It’s a funny book giving a fictionalised account of The Beatles’ story, right up to them reforming the band in 1980 and doing a concert supported by The Sex Pistols and Peter Frampton – hilarious!!!

Q: You’ve narrated books from a wide selection of genres, Crime, Children’s stories, Sci-Fi, do you have a favourite?

A: Each different type of audio book brings its own rewards so there’s no favourite genre really. That said, I do love doing different types of voices, whether it’s a serious bad guy or strange alien.

Q: With the Meredith & Hodge novels, did you guess ‘whodunnit’ before the reveal, and if so, did that effect the way you portrayed the character?

A: So far, I’ve never guessed whodunit in the M&H series, although I have to admit to reading ahead to find out the conclusion in the latest one before I narrated it, but that was more because I wanted to know, rather than influence how I delivered it.

Q: Because I’ve had the character’s voices in my head for so long, it took me a while with some of them to recognise your ‘version’ of them,  but as we come to the end of the second novel I can pick who’s speaking without the narrator letting me know, and by far my favourite is Michael Brent, the villain in Ill Conceived. Where did your inspiration for Brent come from?

A: Would you believe it if I said Brent was originally a giant white tiger?! I have done a children’s book where a little girl’s best friend is a white tiger and I wanted to give him a low, slow and thoughtful voice. With a few tweaks, I realised a similar delivery would fit Michael Brent and I really looked forward to doing his lines in Ill Conceived.

Q: Who’s your favourite character in the Meredith & Hodge novels so far. (I’m conscious you’ve yet to come across Peggy Greene – but that’s a conversation for another day.

A: My favourite character in the M&H series is easily Loopy Linda! The lines she has instantly put her voice in my head and she’s definitely someone I see inside my head as a narrate her.

Q: Has any particular character given you any trouble?

A: I don’t think characters give me trouble so much as making sure I’m consistent with delivery. For example, I can do a reasonable Irish accent but then trying to do the accent whilst delivering the written lines becomes a lot for tricky. Adding more accents and variations of voice is something I look at constantly – If I hear an interesting voice anywhere, I find myself shaping my face and imagining how I’d do that voice. I often ‘see’ character’s faces in my head as I’m reading them in order to maintain them as much as possible.

Q: If readers are interested in hearing more of your work, where can they find this?

A: People can hear me in all sorts of places – I might turn up in a training film or on a TV / Radio ad at any time! In terms of audiobooks, the most recent include Patrick G. Cox’s “Harry Heron – Into The Unknown”, where 3 18th century sailors are transported from a sailing ship accidentally to the 23rd century onto a space ship, so a real mix of historical and sci-fi genres. Also available very soon is “The Bag” by D.J. Cattrell, a teenage fiction novel set between Earth & a mystical land inhabited by dwarves and other odd creatures as well as a very horrible and powerful witch. Both available on Amazon / Audible.

Q: Finally, when the recording equipment has been switched off, and the school books put away, how do you relax?

A: How do I relax? Well, I love my music, playing, writing and listening. I play a number of instruments but guitar is what I’m most likely to pick up – I used to have over 30 guitars but have slimmed it down to probably around 17 or 18 now. I’m a self-confessed Beatles anorak and in fact I have a Master degree in The Beatles and Popular Music, which I studied for in Liverpool (naturally!). I love spending time with my family and walking the dog, but the end of a good day is always with the company of my wife & either a glass of red or a large whisky – cheers!

_ _ _

That’s it for now. I’m off to sit in the sun for an hour with my kindle. Don’t forget to follow me on BookBub and claim your free ebook (see below)

Happy reading,

 Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

by Filed Under: Authors Ramblings, Giveaways, Information on books 6 Comments

Nothing to see here . . . but . . .

by Filed Under: Authors Ramblings, Book reviews, Giveaways, Information on books 6 Comments

Hello one and all,

I hope you are having a wonderful summer. It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update as to what’s going in my world. The lack of communication is mainly due to my lack of productivity on the writing front. I seem to have had little time dedicate to writing, and when I do get a few hours here and there something happens to distract me. Not If You Paid Me, the next Meredith & Hodge story, is certainly moving along, but powered by snail rather than rocket. Hopefully this will all change soon, as the distractions settle into a pattern. . .

That said, I have been working, it’s not all been sitting around gazing into space. I’m excited to tell you that Misplaced Loyalty will soon be released as an audio book. I’ve been working with narrator, Lee Beddow, over the past few months on the production. This is the first audio version of one of my stories. Listening and suggesting edits to the recordings is a time-consuming occupation, albeit an enjoyable one.

Once Misplaced Loyalty Audio is released, the mighty Amazon will be providing me with a number of codes, which will enable listeners to download a free copy of the audio book. They do this with a view to obtaining early reviews to help other customers decide whether or not it’s for them. So, if you do listen to audio books, and would be prepared to leave an honest review, here’s your chance to get a copy.

As the purpose of the codes is to gather reviews, good – and hopefully not too bad – if you are happy to leave a review once you’ve listened to it, and wish to enter a draw to win one of twenty free downloads, then simply email me the link to any review you have written for one of my novels. It doesn’t matter when the review was written, or whether it was a glowing five star review because you loved it, or a one star review because you didn’t.

I understand that the audio book of Misplaced Loyalty should be live with in the next few weeks, and therefore I will be drawing the 20 winners, at random, a few days after release, so get your entries in now.

Whilst on the subject of reviews, mine are all up to date, you can see what I’ve been reading HERE.

I have also read a couple which I simply didn’t like, one, which will remain nameless, I simply couldn’t finish, although written by an author I usually enjoy. This is a first for me, although of course, other readers raved about it. But as we know, everyone’s taste is different, and what one reader simply hates, is another’s favourite read. These two very different reviews for Witness for Wendy demonstrate just that.

* * * * * This is NOT a Meredith & Hodge – “I thought I had developed a feel for Marcia Turner’s writing style
 and choice of topics through reading her Meredith and Hodge series. Silly me. Witness for Wendy is a real surprise. Just as it slips into a sort of modern day cozy mystery it flips into on-the-edge-of-your seat terror. No confusion about characters this time – I either loved or despised individual characters, I thought I had pegged the truly evil one only to be surprised at the end. . . . In Witness for Wendy the author has used sexual violence (without it becoming the focal point of the mystery) to create a truly terrifying predator. Five stars for that alone. I continue to be fascinated with MK’s imaginative mysteries.”

*  Had to Stop Reading – “Too much violence, deviant sex and foul language. Storyline jumped around so much couldn’t keep in straight. All in all just not a very good book.”

Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder!

I hope you’re reading something you enjoy at the moment, until the next time . . .

Happy reading,

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Bearing Witness – Would you?

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Hello from sunny Bristol.

Only a few days to go, and Terms of Affection will be published. Hurrah! This is always the most nerve-racking time for me. Will the advanced reader team like it? Did I get the pace and the reveal right? Were there enough clues? …..and  many other doubts and concerns. Well, it’s too late now, I’ve hit that button.

Most of the critique is back in, tweaks and amendments made, so now it’s up to you. Here’s what a few of them said:

“Loved reading the book, the ups and downs, really got emotional at the funeral.  Only a truly good book will hit you in the feelings.”

“Thoroughly enjoyed Terms of Affection kept me entertained all the way through, had me near to tears too.”

“Thought I’d worked out who-dun-it fairly early on, so was hoping I wasn’t going to be disappointed in the book, and I wasn’t.  It had all the usual unexpectedness that I have come to love and expect from your novels……”

Terms of Affection goes live on the 17th May and can be purchased here.

If you’ve yet to read any of the Bearing Witness and would like to get started with the series, to celebrate I have some FREE and BARGAIN promotions coming up, so now’s your chance to jump in.

Witness for Wendy will be FREE from the 15th – 19th May.

An Unexpected Gift will be 0.99 from 15th May – 22nd May.

Alternatively, you might want to pick up the new boxed set and get all three together – Bearing Witness  1 – 3 is now available.

As always all are free to read with Kindle Unlimited, to check them out simply click on the cover.

BEFORE YOU GO: Yet again I seem to have a technical blip with the newsletter and some people appear to receive it twice. If you do receive this twice, firstly, apologies, and secondly, would you be kind enough to drop me a line as we have an idea what the issue is, but I need more feedback before I start hitting the delete button.

I think that’s it for now,

Happy reading,

Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

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Eavesdropping? Not if you paid me

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Hello,

Thought I’d pop by to let you know how I found the title for my latest work in progress.

I mentioned in my last update that I had an idea for both the next Meredith & Hodge and Bearing Witness stories, and I was unsure which to start work on. The story for Meredith & Hodge had a stronger pull and I’m off and writing it. Some of the plot is still a bit hazy, but I know it will all fall into place, as it always does, once the characters take charge.

I had no ideas what the title of this one would be, only what started the serial killer off on his course, and why he later decided to taunt Meredith with his crimes. This wasn’t an issue that concerned me, as my titles mainly come from the dialogue, or occasionally objects within the story. Most of my novels have been started with no idea what they would be called.

Today, standing in the queue at the supermarket, I overheard the end of a conversation between the two young women in front of me.

Yellow Jumper: “I don’t believe that. What a cheek!”

Walking Boots: “I know. I just looked at him, you know, shocked. Then he laughed, and I got so mad.”

Yellow Jumper: “I’m not surprised. What did you do?”

Walking Boots: “Raised my eyebrows, and said, ‘Not if you paid me, love. Not if you paid me’ and I walked away.”

They then dissolved into giggles. Of course I wanted to know what He’d said that shocked her but wasn’t going to ask. But I was smiling too, not because I understood the reason for their amusement, but because I probably had the title for the next Meredith & Hodge. Not If You Paid Me. It fits, and I think the picture on the left might provide the basis for the cover – what do you think? Is this a good image for a serial killer who leaves a coin in the victims mouth?

In other news, Terms of Affection, Bearing Witness #3, is back from the editor, Sharon. Tweaks and additions have been made, and now the proof reader is working her magic while the ARC team put it through its paces. Four people have read the full manuscript so far, and they approve. (Hurrah …and phew) I hope you like it too. It will be live on Amazon from the 17th May and can be pre-ordered here.

Now I must dash, I have a few reviews I must get written, I’ll share those with you next time. (Are your reviews up to date?)

Happy reading

Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

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Terms of Affection

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Hello,

A very quick note to confirm that Terms of Affection, (Bearing Witness #3) is done, dusted, and off to the editor. It will be published on 17th May 2019 and is available for Pre-Order HERE.
Here’s the blurb to whet your appetite:
A teenager in love disappears for no reason. Decades later a betrayal is uncovered that could wreck the lives of everyone he loved.

Henry Cooksey was seventeen when he disappeared. No trace of him was ever found, apart from his treasured scarf, abandoned at a bus stop.
When the Bearing women investigate his disappearance, they uncover not only betrayal and deceit, but a secret hidden for almost four decades, which could shatter the lives of the loved ones Henry left behind.
Terms of Affection is the captivating third book in the Bearing Witness series, a collection of exciting suspense novels. If you like surprising twists, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and a touch of the unusual, then you’ll love this fast-paced mystery.

That’s it, except . . . I have story lines for both Meredith & Hodge and the Bearing Witness ladies whizzing around in my head at the moment, which do you think I should work on next?

Happy Reading,

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Sad News & Good News

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Good Afternoon,

I hope all is well in your world. Here in Bristol things have been frantic. As always, so much to do, so little time. Although I’m happy to say, if we ignore the state the world has found itself in, I have nothing to complain about, and I’m grateful for that.

I heard some sad news this week. Susan Haughton, one of Meredith & Hodge’s first readers, died unexpectedly. She hadn’t been ill, in fact she had only just returned from a dream holiday in Alaska. Susan was only sixty-two, and she was one of the nicest people I have never met. Genuinely one of life’s nice people. She cared passionately about animal welfare. Her dog, Mia, was a rescued German Shepherd. In February it was Love your pet day, Susan commented. “Seriously? This is “Love Your Pet Day”? If that isn’t every day, then you should not have a pet.” While in Alaska she and her husband were going to the Mushers Banquet, and she told us, “We will get to meet the Mushers. Shhhh, would prefer to meet the dogs, but this is second best!”

I laughed regularly at some of the things she posted on Facebook. We shared a similar sense of humour and taste in music. We exchanged numerous emails over the years, and Susan was one of the first to put her hands up to Beta read for me. I will miss her input on the trials and tribulations of Meredith & Hodge, and having a giggle with her on Facebook. It just goes to show, that you don’t need to meet someone for them to make an impression in your life. My sincere condolences to Susan’s family, I know they will be devastated. RIP Susan.

And, now the good news . . . The winners are ….

Thank you, if you completed the recent survey on audio books. The draw for the three $10.00 Amazon cards has been made, and the winners are . . . Actually, first, I’ll share some of the results.

57% of the respondents listen to audio books, but only 27% are members of Amazon’s Audible. Of those that are members, 45% buy extra credits to purchase additional books. Only 20% leave reviews. 41% of those who do listen have stopped because they didn’t like the narrator. Of the 43 who never listen to audio books, over 82% would consider it. But only two people, a tiny percentage, would pay over 7.99 for a book.

This is all very useful information for me, so once again, if you took the time and trouble to complete the questionnaire, thank you. Your contribution is much appreciated. However, as I’m finding out, there is an awful lot invested in producing an audio book, not least time, so please, if the author and narrator have entertained you, leave a review when you have a moment. It really does help and is very much appreciated. Which brings us to the winners, the following three readers were selected at random by my hubby, and in no particular order, the winners are:  Angela Herron, Jan Meredith and Diana (Evs2Hui)

Congratulations! You should receive an email later today with your eVoucher.

In other news, Terms of Affection is nearly done, yes, I know I’ve said that before, but this time I think I mean it 😉, the audio version of Misplaced Loyalty is also progressing nicely, and I’m hoping to find a way of providing a link where you can listen to a snippet. Another thing on the to do list!

Finally, huge thanks to those of you who have written to me, and or reviewed Family Matters, I’m grateful and chuffed that you enjoyed it.

That’s it for now,

Happy reading,

 Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a free ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

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Are You Listening?

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Good Morning,

It’s a beautiful spring day here in Bristol,  the sun has been shining for almost a week – with no rain….

Exciting news, Meredith & Hodge are spreading their wings, as are the Bearing Women.  They have decided it’s about time that they were also available as an audio book.  I’ve found a wonderful actress for the Bearing Witness series, and fingers crossed, also a narrator for Meredith & Hodge. We are some months away from release, but as with all things, I need to know what makes an audio book listener click that button. I’ve put together a small survey that will take less than 3 minutes of your time to complete, and there’s a chance to win one of three 10.00 Amazon voucher.

Click the image to take part, and then okay to commence the questions.  Question one contains a box for your email address should you wish to be entered for the draw to win one of three 10.00 Amazon vouchers. The draw will take place on 15th March 2019, and winners will be contacted by email, and the results published in the following newsletter.  Thank you in anticipation of you help.

 

In other news, the latest Meredith & Hodge – Family Matters, is going down well. Regular readers were delighted to meet Meredith’s half brother, and . . . No. No spoilers here, you’ll have to read it to  find out.  The cover has been chosen for the next in the Bearing Witness series, Terms of Affection, and it was …..The Scarf.  The novel itself is making steady progress, and is still on course for publication in late spring.

That’s it for now, I hope you’re reading something interesting, don’t forget to take the survey.

                           Happy reading,

Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a free ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

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It’s here . . . and this is how it begins

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Family Matters is now available!

I’m delighted to say,  book 8 in the Meredith & Hodge series, is done, dusted, and ready for a kindle near you! (Paperback to follow shortly) For those of you who didn’t get the sneak preview, you can read the first few pages below. Meredith is about to have his day ruined.

Chapter One

Alan Jenkins loosened his tie. Leaning back in his chair, he checked his watch again. Increasingly irritated, he drummed his fingers on the box in front of him. How long did it take to get rid of a bag of clothing?  As he pondered whether to make a call, he heard movement outside the door and sat upright.

“About bloody time. What took you so long?” He pointed to the chair in front of the desk. “Sit.”

Jenkins’ nephew Max Deegan shrugged as he dropped his heavy frame into the chair opposite. “It was covered in blood. I couldn’t just dump it. I had to burn it, needed to make sure it was done properly. Took ages, that was my favourite T-shirt too.”

“Well then you shouldn’t have let yourself get carried away. A slap would have done. I’ve bloody warned you about your temper.”

“Yeah, well, he pissed me off. It was my favourite—”

“Yes, you said. Because of your handiwork with that knife, you’ll have to take care of Meredith. I was hoping to drag that out.” Sliding the box across the desk, Jenkins shook his head. “I’d not finished with him, but I’ve got another load coming in and the house needs sorting.” Rubbing his brow in an attempt to disperse the headache he knew was coming, Jenkins tried not to think about it. He pointed at the box. “That’s got a silencer. Use it, I don’t want to draw any more attention.”

“Why?” Frowning, Deegan tried to remember the minimum sentence for killing a police officer, bent or otherwise.

“Why don’t I want attention? Fuck me, Max, I know you’re not the brightest spark, but please!”

“No. Why kill Meredith? I thought that was the whole point of getting him roped in.” His frown deepened. “I thought you had big plans for Meredith.” Trying to imitate Jenkins’ voice and failing miserably, he tried again. “What I’m trying to say is, killing him might be the wrong move. After all, he can hardly run to the police himself, can he? And, that’s if he finds out what happened to his mate.”

“Who knows? I’m not prepared to wait and see. As things stand he doesn’t know who we are or that we were involved, and I want to keep it that way.” Jenkins glanced at the screen of the laptop to his left. “Shame, I wanted to play with him a bit, they’re pretty girls. I wanted to see his face when he watched the tape.”

Remembering why this wouldn’t be possible, his face contorted, and he saw Deegan flinch. “And that’s your fault. You’ve denied me” He slammed his hands on the desk. “Now do as you’re told and get it done.” He nudged the box closer for good measure. “Don’t cock it up. You’re sure you’re up to this, aren’t you?” Jenkins hadn’t missed Deegan’s reluctance to take the box.

“Of course.” Deegan was anything but confident, but he didn’t want his uncle to know that. Jerking his thumb to the screen of the laptop, Deegan smirked. “You can still have fun with those two, can’t you?”

“Possibly. Won’t be as much fun now Meredith won’t get to see it. Go on, fuck off. I can’t look at your stupid mug a minute longer.”

Pushing back the chair, Deegan got to his feet and lifted the box. “How do I find him though?”

“We know where his mother lives, and I’m tracking his phone. Take this.” Lifting a mobile phone from the top drawer he tossed it to Deegan.

“It’s all set up. He’s nearly in Bristol. Before you set off, two things. First, drop my car off to Alex, tell him I want it spotless and to make sure there’s not a trace of blood left. If it stains I’ll need to get both the front seats recovered, and you’ll be paying. When you’ve done that, go to Bristol, and torch the car in the layby on your way. Don’t want the police picking up your prints and coming back to me.”

He waited until the door shut behind Deegan and pulled the laptop closer. Meredith’s woman was a looker, but his daughter was the one he wanted. She looked like him, seeing her fear, her agony, would give him great pleasure.

********

Hope that whetted your whistle, you can get your copy HERE.

Before I  go, a smidgen of other business: Misplaced Loyalty will remain free until 16th February. The Making of Meredith: Amazon had drastically reduced the price of the ebook for The Making of Meredith, and in the UK they have also reduced the paperback to £1.10. So, if you want to grab a bargain, pop over there. WARNING This promotion is not controlled by me, so if you are interested, please double check the price before you order, I have no idea how long this will last.

That’s it. Have a great weekend,

Happy reading!

by Filed Under: Authors Ramblings, Information on books 2 Comments

Help………..Covers and other news!

by Filed Under: Authors Ramblings 33 Comments

Hello from Bristol, where the sun is trying to put in an appearance after a miserable drizzly morning.

It’s all go here. Family Matters #8 in the Meredith & Hodge series, has been through the mill with the editor, proof-reader, and beta readers. It has been tweaked and polished and is ready to go. It will be published on 15th February 2019, and is available for pre-order HERE.  I’m delighted to say that everyone who has read it likes it. Meredith is back, and he’s on form! A few of the comments so far:

“. . .  bang on the money.  Meredith back into the old routine, just about back to health, and finally ….”

“All in all I would highly recommend to all book lovers whatever their favourite genre they should enjoy this one”

“I’ve just finished the latest Meredith & Hodge book, and wow it was a great story and I kept guessing the wrong person all the way through”

“I can honestly say another thoroughly enjoyable and gripping book right to the end”

“Liked the new characters, well described, I didn’t work it out which I normally do, so you had me on this one.”

While all the final editing was going on for Family Matters, I was also busy working away on the #3, in the Bearing Witness series, Terms of Affection.  The story seems to be telling itself. This is how it opens:

Popular, seventeen-year-old, Henry Cooksey went missing in 1977.  An athletic boy and talented ruby player, it was rumoured he would be selected for the England junior squad. Lorna Rogers, his teacher’s daughter had caught his eye, and the two were smitten with each other. If Henry wasn’t thinking about rugby, Lorna filled his thoughts.  On the evening he disappeared he was due to meet Lorna on the bus but he never arrived. When the search for him began the only trace that Henry had been on the bus stop was his scarf. Happier than he’d ever been, Henry had no reason to disappear, but despite an extensive police operation no trace of him has ever been found.

The Bearing women take on the case, and Angie discovers that a car picked Henry up from the bus stop, and within the hour he was being buried alive. The Bearing Witness team need to discover the Who, and the Why.  I need to choose a cover, and after a mini poll, it’s down to these two, which one do you prefer – Scarf or Face?

In other news, Misplaced Loyalty is free from the 12th – 16th February, so grab a copy if you’ve not yet read it, alternatively tell a friend 😊 I’ve just finished reading a cracker of a suspense novel. Check it out Here

That’s it for now, so much to do ……

Happy reading,

Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a free ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.

by Filed Under: Authors Ramblings 33 Comments

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