Summer Solstice already!

It's hard to believe that half the year has already shot past. Here in Devon the weather is hot and dry, a sure sign that I'm busy writing Christmas books! One, the next Miss Underhay is very Christmassy with crackling log fires, carols, mince pies and murder. The other book will be the 4th in the Secret Detective Agency series and is set in the grey and dark days of January 1942 with Jane and Arthur facing new perils. Murder in Paris, book 21 in the Miss underhay series is just going through edits and I'm looking forward to you all reading it. Likewise, Murder most British, Jane and Arthur's third adventure. This time in war torn London.

The Christmas Miss Underhay book is being set around here, one of my favourite places and just a couple of miles from my house. This of course is a picture in sunnier times. But in winter with the mist swirling and no one around except a murderer...

Summer catch up!

Summer seems to be flying by at a rate of knots! I was ill for two weeks with a severe respiraory infection which knocked me off my stride. Now I'm busy catching myself back up as I write the next Miss Underhay - working title - Murder in Central Park, and the second in my new series. The secret detective agency book 2 - snappy title huh? The new series will start next year so I'm editing, writing, polishing and all kinds of crazy right now! I'm also going to Theakston Crime Festival this year in Harrogate, Yorkshire. I'm going on Thursday and returning Sunday. I'm meeting my youngest daughter and her partner there for dinner on Friday too! Attending something this big is a challenge for me. I'm fine if I'm going with a purpose to something - like being on a panel or moderating but when it's a new experience just going as an attendee it brings a lot of challenges for me. The first is physical, I can't stand for any period and my walking and balance isn't great so queueing and not knowing if there will be seats is scary. I also struggle to hear properly in crowds. The second is because of my dyscalculia the website to navigate what is on where and when is tricky. It's like being given a complicated jigsaw without the picture on the lid. Everything seems to be in different places and clashes with gaps and I can't find information. I'm so grateful to those author friends who have offered me help and patiently explained things to me. I'm sure once I get there it will be clearer and Mr Nell is coming with me so at least I have help to save me from getting lost and having a nervous breakdown. My nail artist, Keelie, has painted brilliant crime themed nails for me so hopefully that might break the ice when I'm talking to people. Several of my fabulous readers have also said they are hoping to meet me there as are lovely Saskia and Francesca from my agency. So if you see me wombling about looking lost or confused please come and say hello! I'd love to meet you.