This week we have:
The first book in the next three-book contract is…
Murder at Martingale Manor - now available for pre-order
Isles of Scilly Sailing Adventures - Hazel Cushion
Jodi Taylor Book Recommendation: The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie💙📚
The Book of the Month is Doing Time by Jodi Taylor
There’s plenty to read this week and you can see everything new on the blog too. CLICK HERE for the blog.
The first book in the next three-book contract is…
Smallhope and Pennyroyal which will be released in August 2026
Here’s the working blurb:
‘I have always guarded against the cruelty of hope.’
So says Pennyroyal. Until the unthinkable happens.
With the dust finally settling after her near-fatal shooting, both Smallhope and Pennyroyal are looking forward to a period of rest and recuperation. A chance to plan, strategise and drink margaritas in the sun.
Yeah - like that’s ever going to happen.
Because they’ve been targeted. By someone very familiar with Pennyroyal’s personal history. And suddenly they’re vulnerable. Very vulnerable.
Is this the end for our dauntless duo?
Are you excited?
This year’s Christmas Day story, Murder at Martingale Manor is now available for pre-order - CLICK HERE - it’s just 99p or $0.99
God rest ye merry gentlefolk, it's time for the traditional St Mary's Christmas jump - this year to Martingale Manor, where a murder mystery is unfolding...
It's nearly Christmas and Leon has had a Brilliant Idea. A holiday - to enable a very reluctant Max to recover from her recently acquired injuries.
Devon, 1924 - Martingale Manor. Lovely surroundings, good food and very pleasant guests. Or, as they soon become known - the usual suspects.
They mysterious older woman.
The absent-minded clergyman.
The doctor.
The military man.
The charming young couple.
Because this is the world of Agatha Christie and before long one of them is dead. And when the police arrive, the only person without a cast-iron alibi is. . . Leon.
It was supposed to be a holiday, for heaven's sake.
Apologies for the rather brief newsletter this week, but I hope you might enjoy my experience of my recent night sail to the Isles of Scilly…
Sailing Flying Swan to the Isles of Scilly
There’s something a bit mad but magical about taking a 32ft sailing boat like Flying Swan out into the open sea in the dead of night — but that’s exactly what we did, heading from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly under a blanket of stars.
We set off just before sunset, the wind fair and the sea relatively calm. As we slipped past Pendennis Point and into deeper waters, we had some unexpected company. Dolphins — a whole pod of them — came dancing alongside Flying Swan, riding the stern wave and shimmering in the setting sun. It was surreal, almost like they were escorting us as we started our adventure.
Later, the sky really put on a show. No clouds, no light pollution — just stars, scattered thick like salt across black velvet. The Milky Way stretched from horizon to horizon, and I luxuriated in the silence, my head back as I tried to spot constellations and vowed to learn more.
We took turns on watch, eyes peeled for the lights of other vessels and the occasional fishing buoy. The Scillies are beautiful, but their waters are notoriously tricky — hidden rocks, strong currents, and shifting sands make for a sailor’s headache if you're not careful.
At dawn, the silhouette of the low-lying islands began to rise out of the sea. By 8 am, the golden light was catching the tops of the hills and painting the harbour in soft pastels. We eased into Hugh Town harbour, St Mary’s, exhausted but buzzing with that weird mix of adrenaline and peace you only get after a proper night crossing.
Safe and sound, we picked up a visitor buoy, brewed a strong pot of tea and celebrated the dolphins, the stars, and Flying Swan — our trusty boat that carried us through it all. Would I do it again? Yes, in a heartbeat.
Jodi Taylor Book Recommendation: The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie💙📚
Classic Christie! Sinister goings on. Are three old women really a coven of witches? Can they actually wish someone to death? Read the book and find out.
Have you enjoyed this book too?
The Book of the Month for May is Doing Time
Absolutely chuffed about the Smallhope and Pennyroyal announcement 😍
Am I excited? Over the moon!!! S&P are my very favorites by my very favorite author!