Little Mallow series

patsy

Orcadian orchids and other purple wild flowers

There are several forms of orchid which grow on Orkney. The most common, and in flower right now, are the brilliant magenta/purple Northern Marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella), and the Heath Spotted Orchid, which can look very similar except for the spots on its leaves, but may also come in paler shades – all vaguely purple.

There lots of other wildflowers in shades of pinky purple too, including sea thrift, clover, thistles of course, campion, meadow cranesbill, Jacob’s ladder.

Brace yourself for a seamless transition…

Mallows are another type of purple coloured wild flower. They grow abundantly where I live when I’m not in the van – between Portsmouth and Southampton on the south coast of England. They helped inspire the name of the village where my cosy crime series is set, and feature on the covers.

The first book in my cosy mystery series, Disguised Murder and Community Spirit in Little Mallow is currently on offer for 99p / 99c.

Here’s what some reviewers have said about it –

‘A fun read, with lots of clues and red herrings’ 5 stars

‘a darn good mystery to solve. It kept me guessing till the end’ 5 stars

‘a great read in the cozy crime genre. The characters are well developed, the pace is just perfect and Crystal’s (the main character) voice is strong throughout’ 5 stars

patsy

Helping with enquiries

A few days ago I got up early, had a few cups of tea and wrote out a list of things I needed to know for book 3 in my Little Mallow cosy mystery series. Then a writer friend kindly drove me, and another of her friends, to Portsmouth where I had a coffee (I know! But we were in a coffee shop so it seemed the thing to do) as we were early for the crime festival in the university.

We had a very interesting and enjoyable day, listening to a variety of informative and entertaining lectures, persuading police officers to help us with our research enquiries, looking at displays – and yes, drinking tea.
At one of the forensic stands I accepted the offer of a souvenir keyring. That is one of my fingerprints (not the typing one). 

Once back home I needed three cups of tea to see me through typing up all my notes! I have to do that fairly quickly as I can only read my handwriting whilst I can still remember what it’s supposed to say.

Now I’m all set to get back to writing the book.

patsy

Victory!

I’ll be on Radio Victory this morning – Bob Bruce’s Morning Call programme which runs from 10 to 12. I’ll be talking about my Little Mallow cosy mystery series and no doubt a whole lot of other stuff!
Here’s the link, in case you missed it and would like to listen. (Please excuse the excess of cake.)

patsy

Getting ready

This morning I’m drinking tea and studying book one in my cosy mystery series. The tea part is standard for me (there are two cups, because I always make two and if Gary isn’t awake yet, I drink both).

I’m looking at my book, because I have a radio interview about it later this morning, and hope to sound as though I know what I’m talking about! That’s harder than it sounds as I’ve not long finished editing book two, and as it’s the same location and many characters recur, it would be easy to get them mixed up.

After the interview, I’ll be home for a much needed cup of tea and breakfast, and will get back to work on book three.

patsy

Free reads and cover reveal

Next year I’ll be releasing the first book in my cosy mystery series – Disguised Murder And Community Spirit In Little Mallow. Today, I’m revealing the cover!

As part of the marketing plan I’m trying to build up my newsletter mailing list. To help do that I’m taking part in a joint promotion with other authors of mystery, thriller and suspense books. Around 70 of us are offering a free book (some samples. some full novels) to those who join our lists. If you’re interested in reading that genre, take a look here and pick up some freebies. You can take part whether or not you’re on my mailing list and can sign up for as many, or few, as you wish – and of course you can unsubscribe from any of them at any time.

patsy

Something new

I’ve created a short ebook, The Inside Scoop And Stories From Little Mallow, as a kind of introduction to my cosy mystery series (which I’ll be launching next year). This book isn’t for sale, but you can get a free copy by using the form below to sign up for my newsletter. If you’re on my mailing list already, you’ll have received an email with the download link yesterday.