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Writing Disability

Readers of my Poppy Denby books may have noticed that in each of my books there are always some characters with disabilities. There are of course the regular characters who appear throughout the series: the fabulous Aunt Dot who is in a wheelchair and the tough-as-nails editor Rollo Rolandson with dwarfism. However, in each book there are also additional characters with some form of disability.

I have been speaking to disability awareness charity Through The Roof about the reasons I include disabled characters and why I think more novelists don’t do so.

You can read the interview here.

News

Poppy Denby meets Dr Noir

Last night I had the privilege of having a consultation with the incomparable Dr Noir (the founder of Newcastle Noir) talking about my Poppy Denby books, and in particular, The Art Fiasco, set at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. The conversation ranged from my great grandfather’s murder, the importance of women’s voices in my books, to where to find loos on 1920s cruise ships. And all over a lovely glass of champers! Here’s a direct link to the video with Dr Noir ..

News

The Art Fiasco ready to pre-order – Poppy Denby 5!

Poppy Denby, the 1920’s most flapulous reporter sleuth, has a new adventure coming out in October. And here, ladies and gentlemen, is the cover! The Art Fiasco is available to pre-order now. If you haven’t read the first four books in the series (available in paperback, ebook and audiobook) then there’s still time to catch up. Click here to put in our order.

The Art Fiasco_COVERsmall

The Art Fiasco_back cover

News

Poppy Denby in surround sound!

Today is a very exciting day for me, it’s the launch of the Poppy Denby audio books! Hurrah! If you are looking for something to wile away a long journey on holiday or lounging by a pool, then why not download one now? (They are also available in audio and MP3 cds). Narrated by the fabulous Helen Keeley and published by Lamplight Audiobooks,

I am thrilled to hear Poppy and her friends brought to life. I hope you will be too. Please note, the first three books, The Jazz Files, The Kill Fee and The Death Beat are available now. The Cairo Brief will be released next month. Download your books here.


News

Delicious chills & un-sensible shoes

A delicious review of The Cairo Brief from the CWA’s delightful Dea Parkin, writing for Promoting Crime Fiction

“Atmosphere is as important as the slick plot and engaging story in this novel and it added hugely to my enjoyment. The misty gardens at Winterton Hall, the British Museum and surrounding streets in snow, all underpinned by that first spooky scene in the newly discovered tomb provoke delicious chills and put the reader very firmly in Poppy’s un-sensible shoes. A delight from start to a rewarding finish.”
– Dea Parkin, Secretary of the Crime Writers’ Association.

Read the full review here.

If you have read The Cairo Brief, please consider voting for it for the People’s Book Prize where it has been shortlisted for the best winter read of 2018/19. You can vote here.