PJ SKINNER | Mystery, Crime and Adventure Author

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Meet Stella (she didn’t want the spaceship either)

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Hi there from Ireland,

I’m settling in to my new life in the small Irish town of Cahir, pronounced Care. No jokes about Cahir Homes please. 🤣 I have lived alone for twenty-six years so I thought I would find it hard living with my parents again. Absolutely not! We are having a blast.

I am a little frustrated with the slowness of everything here. I still don’t have a bank card so I can’t buy stuff for my upstairs office. That sort of thing. However, the glacial pace is still progress. We’ll get there.

Book News

A second book. Same month. I know.

Murder on the Galaxy Belle — the first in my Albatross Adventure space opera series — is out now, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. I had intended on writing a cosy mystery series based on a starship, but I am not in control of my characters and the plot has thickened. Now we are travelling the galaxy searching for a lost sister and some serious secrets with a slow-burn romance simmering in the background. It’s so exciting!

Here’s the premise: Stella Maris inherits a battered cargo ship she doesn’t want, crewed by people she didn’t hire, who are absolutely not leaving until they get paid. One delivery run to the luxury spa-liner Galaxy Belle should fix everything. Pay the crew. Walk away.

Then a passenger turns up dead in her cabin — and Stella’s charming, infuriating pilot becomes the prime suspect.

Yes, it’s set in space. But here’s what early readers are saying:

“Although set in space, this didn’t feel too ‘alien’ and I quickly settled into this new world.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I just couldn’t put down as I was hooked on the story — superbly written, brilliantly plotted and extremely well thought out.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was completely flummoxed right to the end — every time I thought I was putting the clues together, something else would happen to throw me off.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I just know that it’s going to be another one that has me hooked from start to finish and taking each of these characters into my heart over time.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love a found-family ensemble, snappy banter, and a puzzle that keeps you guessing — this one’s for you. Think cruise ship mystery, but with better stars.

GET MURDER ON THE GALAXY BELLE

And if you haven’t met DS Bill Grant yet — Dead Line, the first Portsmouth Bill mystery, is also out now.

GET DEAD LINE

More from Ireland soon.

PJ

I’ve been a little busy…

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I owe you an explanation. It’s been almost two months since I’ve been in touch, and I didn’t want to sneak back into your inbox without telling you why.

The short version: I’ve been writing two books at the same time — which I don’t recommend — while packing my entire flat into storage to move to Ireland to hang out with my parents who need a little extra help. Something had to give, and unfortunately it was you. The longer version involves a lot of stress and a fair few ice cream cones on the promenade, and the dawning realisation that I may have underestimated how long it takes to box up 65 years of books, global souvenirs, and cheap paintings from remote markets.

In case you missed it — Dead Line is out now.

While all of this was happening, I quietly released the first book in my Portsmouth Bill series. Bill is a DS having a very bad day — a missing teenager, a county lines case he’s not sure he’s sharp enough to crack, and the discovery that his daughter knew the victim. It’s a proper British police procedural, darker in tone than Seacastle, but built on the same bones: character, place, and a mystery that won’t behave.

Here’s what readers are saying:

“I couldn’t wait to dive in and meet a whole new set of characters that I just knew I’d take into my heart again.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Hooked me right from the very start of page one and I found it impossible to put down.”

“I actually work with his department in real life and know so many jaded cops just like him.” — a reviewer who works in the field

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A great new series to get immersed in — I’m now all agog as to where the story goes next.”

If you’re a fan of Ann Cleeves or Peter Robinson, I think Bill will feel like home.

GET DEAD LINE

Coming 30th July — Murder on the Galaxy Belle

I also have a second book coming out this month — something a little different, and genuinely fun to write. More on that very soon, but if you want a sneak peek: An unwanted inheritance, a slow-burn romance, a murder on a luxury space liner, and a crew of misfits who were never supposed to become family

I finally escaped the sea of cardboard and am typing this in my parent’s sitting room in their house on the bank of a river in a small town in Ireland. So I have lost my sea view, but gained a weir.

More details and first reactions coming in the next email.

Thank you for your patience, and for still being here.

PJ

Two new books. Two very different worlds

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Hi there!

Last month, I promised you news of two new series. Then I went quiet. That’s because I was actually writing them. The good new is that they’re both coming out this summer, and I think you’re going to enjoy at least one of them. Possibly both. 😅

Murder on the Galaxy Belle

Cosmic Casefiles, Book 1

Available 31st July — Preorder here

If you’re missing Tanya, meet Stella Maris. She’s inherited a rust-bucket cargo spaceship, a hostile crew, and — almost immediately — a murder she didn’t ask to solve. Same sharp instincts, different galaxy. Cosmic Casefiles has the ensemble warmth of Seacastle with added space adventure and a roguish pilot you probably shouldn’t trust.

And if you’re feeling adventurous after that…

Dead Line

Portsmouth Bill Series, Book 1

Available 31 July — Preorder here

DS Bill Grant gets handed a missing teenager case on a morning when everyone else called in sick. It should be routine. It isn’t. When the boy turns up dead and the trail leads into Portsmouth’s county lines network, Bill — who has been coasting for years — finds himself dangerously out of his depth. Then he discovers his daughter knew the victim.

Character-driven British crime fiction for readers of Ann Cleeves and Peter Robinson.

From my desk

In July, I’m moving to Ireland to live with my parents, who will be 91 and almost 89. It feels like the right thing to do as they need a helping hand around the house. I suspect some of you will understand exactly what I mean. I’ll still be writing – possibly more than ever, since my parents’ idea of a big night out is going to bed at eight and watching the news on a loop until midnight.

If police procedurals aren’t your thing, ignore Bill entirely. No hard feelings, although I can’t speak for Bill. If cozy mysteries in space sound wrong to you, Stella will understand.

If you’re the kind of reader who’ll try both – will you be my BFF?

PJ

P.S. Hit reply — are you Team Stella or Team Bill? I want to know.

🎬 The Final Curtain Falls: Seacastle Mysteries Concludes (Tissues Required!)

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Hello, dear reader!

I’m writing to you today with a heart that’s both full and a little bittersweet…

📚 Final Script is Out NOW!

The last book in the Seacastle Mysteries series is officially available on Amazon! After years of sleuthing alongside our beloved characters through the charming (and occasionally murderous) streets of Seacastle, we’ve reached the final chapter.

Fair warning: You might want to keep a box of tissues nearby. I may have cried while writing it. Twice. Okay, three times.

Grab Your Copy on Amazon

A Love Letter to YOU 💌

I need to pause here and say something from the heart: Thank you.

Thank you for following this series. Thank you for your emails, your reviews, your messages about which suspect you thought was guilty. Thank you for making space in your reading life for my stories.

Every single one of you has made this journey not just possible, but absolutely magical. I am so deeply grateful to each and every one of you.

You’re not just readers—you’re the reason these books exist. And I hope you know how much that means to me.

What’s Next?

While I’m saying goodbye to Seacastle, I’m not saying goodbye to the crime and mystery genre! I’m already plotting my next series (Actually two new series, I couldn’t chose). I will be sending out a newsletter with news of them shortly. There are a couple of taster chapters at the back of Final Script…

I’ll be sharing more details soon, but for now, I’m taking a moment to celebrate this milestone with you—and maybe enjoy a cup of tea without worrying about my word count. 😊

Until next time, happy sleuthing!

PJ

P.S. — Have you read Final Script yet? I’d love to hear what you think! Hit reply and let me know your thoughts (no spoilers in public, though—let’s keep the mystery alive for everyone else!).

Free Cozy Mystery Book Blast

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Hello Mystery Lover!

I hope this January finds you curled up with a good book and a warm cup of something delicious. I’m popping into your inbox with some exciting updates, a few book recommendations, and a fantastic freebie alert!

🎁 Freebie Alert: Cozy Mystery Ebook Blast! – TODAY ONLY

Speaking of freebies… if you’re looking to stock up your TBR pile without spending a penny, there’s a Cozy Mystery Free Ebook Blast happening right now! Download your favorites and snuggle up on the couch with some page-turning mysteries.

And if you haven’t read Deadly Return yet (book 1 of the Seacastle Mysteries), it’s on the list! This is the perfect chance to start the series or share it with a friend who loves a good cozy mystery. Please share the promo with anyone who might like to load up on cozies.

Grab Your Free Cozies Here!

📚 WIP Update: The End of an Era

I can hardly believe I’m typing these words, but yesterday I finished writing the last book in the Seacastle Mystery series! Final Script is complete, and I’ll be sending it out to my wonderful beta readers very soon.

Some of you have told me you’re sad to see the series end (and trust me, saying goodbye to these characters has been bittersweet for me too), but I promise you—you will NOT be disappointed with what I have planned next. I’m cooking up something special, and I’m hoping to put the first book of my new series up for preorder soon. If you’ve enjoyed the journey through Seacastle, I hope you’ll trust me enough to take this next adventure together. Your support means the world to me! 💙

📖 What I’m Reading

I’ve been diving into the DI Vera Stanhope novels by Ann Cleeves. Full confession: the first one almost put me off, but she absolutely hit her stride in book three, and now I’m hooked! I’ll definitely be reading on.

What about you? What are you reading this month? Hit reply and let me know—I love hearing your recommendations!

That’s all from me this time! Stay cozy, keep those pages turning, and I’ll be back in your inbox soon with more updates.

Happy reading! 🔍☕

PJ

P.S. Seriously, tell me what you’re reading! I need to add to my ever-growing TBR pile. 📚

Poison Politics and the Seacastle Mystery Series Finale

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Happy New Year, Mystery Lovers!

I hope this email finds you cozy with a good book and a warm drink! As we step into 2026, I’m wishing all of you a Very Happy New Year—one that brings joy, adventure, and plenty of page-turning mysteries. Here’s hoping it’s better than 2025 for all of us!

Poison Politics is now available in eBook and on Kindle Unlimited!

Poison Politics is out now in ebook and paperback, and you can also read it on Kindle Unlimited!

If you enjoy it (and I really hope you do), I would absolutely love some reviews to help spread the word. Reviews are like gold for authors—they help new readers discover the books and make a huge difference. Thank you so much in advance.

Grab your copy here!

📚 The Final Chapter: Writing Final Script

I have some bittersweet news to share: I’ve started writing Final Script, which will be the last book in the Seacastle Mystery series.

I know, I know—it’s hard to say goodbye! But every story deserves a proper ending, and I promise to give our beloved characters the send-off they deserve.

I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has followed along and read all the books. The popularity of this series has meant more to me than words can express. Your support, reviews, and messages have kept me writing through late nights and early mornings. I am extremely grateful for this incredible community we’ve built together.

But don’t worry—this isn’t goodbye to mysteries! I’ll be starting a brand-new series shortly, also in the mystery genre. This time, we’re heading to a completely new setting with fresh characters and puzzles to solve. I hope you’ll find it as exciting as I do!

🎧 Seacastle Goes Audio!

Audiobook fans, this one’s for you! Deadly Return, the first book in the Seacastle series, will be available in audiobook format at the beginning of March, with the next five books in the series following closely behind.

Whether you’re a longtime fan wanting to revisit the series or a new reader who prefers listening, I’d love to know what you think. Please let me know if you enjoy them!

What’s Next?

As I work on wrapping up the Seacastle series and planning the new one, I’d love to hear from you. What do you hope to see in a new mystery series? Any settings or types of mysteries you’re particularly drawn to? Hit reply and let me know—I always love hearing your thoughts!

Until next time, keep those pages turning!

With best wishes and luck for 2026

PJ

P.S. If you haven’t already, make sure you’re following me on Instagram, facebook and Twitter for behind-the-scenes updates and sneak peeks! My handle is @pjskinnerauthor