I have a new short story collection out today!
Crime In Mind contains 24 short stories, and is a sister publication to Criminal Intent. If you like one, I’m sure you’ll like the other.

Here’s the blurb –

There are a huge variety of crimes, committed for many different reasons. Those which seem justified or are at least understandable. Others for which there can be no possible excuse. Some crimes are calculated and deliberate, others unplanned or even accidental. More still are planned but don’t happen. Then there’s behaviour so bad it’s against all moral laws even if not technically illegal.

There are also multiple ways for the criminal to be caught out or made to pay for what they’ve done. The police, an amateur detective or even their victim might bring them to justice. And sometimes the perpetrator gets away with it.

Criminals, victims, and agents of law and order each have a story to tell. This book contains 24 of them.

As with all my books, except the free ones, Crime In Mind is available as as ebook, paperback or through kindle unlimited. You can also order it from bookshops, or request it in your local library. (I really hope some people do that – I’m a big fan of libraries!)

I’ve had one early review on Goodreads – and it’s 5 stars! “Short stories with a hint of crime, most quite amusing & one or two quite dark. I got a few good laughs as well.”

I have another short story collection out. I actually published it right at the end of March, which means I’ve published a new book every month this year. I’m not guaranteeing to keep that up – although there will definitely be at least one more as the second in my Little Mallow cosy crime series will be out in July.

A Clean Bill Of Health is a collection of 24 short stories. As you may have deduced from the title and cover, these all have a medical theme. Here’s the blurb –

Our health is important, we all know that, even if we sometimes take it for granted. There are so many factors which can affect our health. Things we can help, and things we can’t, from infection, smoking, depression and anxiety to excess weight, accident, injury or conditions we’re born with. All can take a toll on our mental or physical wellbeing.

Lynne doesn’t seek prompt help due to embarrassment over the position of her boil, George worries the strange rash is a result of being bewitched and Emelie thinks she’s the cause of her sister’s avian obsession. Mr Thirlwall’s imagination is running away with him. Helena’s family are a pain in the abdomen. Jack is his own worst enemy. Things do get better for all of them – once their issues are diagnosed and assistance is accepted.

No matter what ails us, there are treatments, coping strategies and cures. The characters in this book explore a few and find ways to feel better, no matter what their medical situation. Whether sick or well, making things worse, helping ourselves or others, we all have stories to tell. This book contains 24 of them.

As with all my books, A Clean Bill Of Health is available to buy as a paperback or ebook, can be read via kindle unlimited, ordered from bookshops or requested in libraries.

My cosy romantic murder mystery, Acting Like A Killer, is on special offer today ay 99p / 99c (regular price £2.99 / $3.99)

Here’s the blurb –

Amelia Watson needs a dead body by tea time. Less urgent, but more important are – time for a life, the chance to solve crime, an uncomplicated romantic relationship, promotion at work, to be less hurt by her parents’ distance. And then there’s Nicole, and the attractive stranger…

Of course Amelia doesn’t get all she desires, or appreciate everything that life brings. Along the way her priorities change and she ends up with far more than she’d bargained for. Will the unexpected bonus break her heart?

And here’s what has been said about it in reviews –

An engaging tale of romance, mystery, friendship and family … Kept me guessing to the end.

E Thompson Amazon.co.uk 5 stars

A lovely read, gentle but not afraid to confront some difficult areas, all wrapped up with a goodly dose of humour.

Marguerite Amazon.co.uk 5 stars

A thoroughly enjoyable romantic mystery … keeping me hooked throughout. If you are after a bit of enjoyable escapism, this is the one to go for.

Ruth Amazon.co.uk 5 stars

As our amateur sleuth jumps from one conclusion to another, putting herself more and more at risk, it’s impossible to stop reading.

Janice Goodreads 5 stars

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this medley of mixed up lives, halting romance and mysterious brain teasing puzzles.

Peter Adams Goodreads 5 stars

A gripping read with all the right ingredients of mystery, friendship, family and romance and beautiful scenery to boot.

Bookworm Amazon 5 stars

If you are after a bit of enjoyable escapism, this is the one to go for. Well-drawn characters in a well-crafted, pacy story which does not disappoint.

Goodreads 5 stars

The mystery keeps you thinking, I had a few view theories and although one turned out to be accurate I was never quite certain.
I love the characters, they all stand out and the relationships between the characters too. They seem like real people that I’d love to read more about.

Jen Amazon 5 stars

Get your reduced price copy here.

I have a new book out! It’s a collection of 25 short stories all with a food and/or drink theme.

Here’s the blurb –

We eat and drink for more than mere survival. Food comforts and reassures, connects us with others. A mug of coffee wakes us up in the morning. A cup of tea can calm us down.

Cakes are great for celebrations, birthdays in particular. Making one specially for someone shows how much we care. The same applies to learning to make their favourite dish, or passing on your signature recipe.

The food and drink choices we make expose aspects of our personality. What we give to others, and the care we take when doing so, can be even more revealing.

Sharing food helps build, or repair, relationships. It creates and recreates traditions and brings back memories – if that’s what we want.

Whether you prefer unsweetened black coffee, or milky tea, rich sponge cake or something savoury, this collection of 25 stories provides the perfect snack.

You can get it here.

I have a new writing book out! Isn’t it pretty? And to prove it’s useful too, here’s the blurb …

All writers need ideas. We need topics and themes, prompts to get started and a little encouragement to keep going. New writers may be wondering where to begin, daunted by a blank page and want help to transform thoughts into fiction. Even the most experienced have dry periods when ideas don’t flow, or times when they appreciate a push to try something different.

Patsy Collins’ methods are proven to work. She’s employed them at workshops where she’s never failed to get her attendees, from brand new and nervous to burnt out, not just writing but producing interesting scenes, snippets and stories.

Each of the daily sets of prompts in this book have been used in some way by Patsy, to create her own work. She needs a lot of ideas as she’s completed five novels, co-written From Story Idea to Reader (an accessible guide to writing fiction) and produced nineteen collections of themed short stories, averaging two dozen per book. Hundreds and hundreds of her short stories have been published – mainly in women’s magazines. She blogs, writes articles, wins competitions and is always working on something new.

Whether you’re a new writer, or a more experienced one temporarily out of ideas, have hours to fill or just five free minutes, you’ll find something in this book to help get you writing – every day of the year.

It’s available as an ebook for £2.50 ($3.22) or a paperback for £6 ($7.74). Buy it here.