PJ SKINNER | Mystery, Crime and Adventure Author

Mystery, Adventure and Intrigue from PJ Skinner

Update

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!).

The Final Curtain Call for Seacastle (+ A New Cosmic Mystery Series Awaits!)

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Hey there, mystery lovers!

I’m writing to you from my desk, where I’m currently knee-deep in what might be the hardest book I’ve ever written: Final Script, the last instalment of the Seacastle Mystery series.

Yes, you read that right. The last one.

I won’t lie—saying goodbye to these characters feels like sending children off to university. They’ve been with me (and you!) for so long that it’s bittersweet to write that final page. But I’m determined to give them the send-off they deserve: a real banger of a mystery that ties everything together and leaves you satisfied.

But here’s the exciting part:

 I’m not disappearing into the sunset. My next series is taking us somewhere completely unexpected – space!

Now, before you panic and think I’ve lost my cosy mystery mind, let me reassure you: this new series will have everything you love about Seacastle. Found family? Check. Witty banter? Absolutely. Twisty mysteries that keep you guessing? You bet. And yes, there will be a delicious will-they-won’t-they romance that’ll have you yelling at the characters to just kiss already.

Think of it as Seacastle… but with stars. You’re going to love it. I promise. And you’ll be the first to have a peep at the cover for book 1. So watch this space (geddit?)

Speaking of Good Reads…

I have begun reading the Vera series. It is nothing like the television version, which threw me at first. I have just started book three, and I hope to be convinced by it. It’s not bad writing; I just miss the scenes at the station and the ensemble cast in the tv show.

This is such a great reminder that books and their adaptations are different beasts! Sometimes the page gives us intimate character moments that the screen can’t quite capture, and sometimes the screen adds ensemble magic that books handle differently. If you’ve experienced this with a beloved adaptation, I’d love to hear about it—just hit reply!

Mark Your Calendars!

🎉 Poison Politics releases on December 31st – what better way to ring in the New Year than with a fresh mystery?

Can’t wait that long? The paperback is available right now on my website. Treat yourself to that new book smell before everyone else!

A Holiday Favour (That Costs Nothing)

I know many of you have read different series of mine over the years, and I’m so grateful for your loyalty. Here’s the thing: being an author is tougher than ever right now. The algorithms are fickle; the market is crowded, and visibility is… well, let’s just say it’s challenging.

If you’ve enjoyed my books, here are two things that help me more than you can imagine:

  1. Gift them to other readers in your life. Know someone who loves a good mystery? Pass along a recommendation (or an actual book!).

2.   Leave reviews. Even a sentence or two makes a massive difference in helping new readers discover my work.

You all are my greatest champions, and I appreciate you more than words can express.

That’s all from me this week! I’m heading back to Seacastle to make sure Final Script is everything it needs to be.

Stay cosy, keep reading, and I’ll see you in your inbox soon.

Happy sleuthing!

PJ

P.S. – Have you ever wished a beloved series would go on forever, or are you team “end it while it’s good”? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Writing Poison Politics (Plus: Cricket vs. Writing & BIG Audiobook News!)

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Hey there, mystery lover!

I’m writing to you from my desk where I’m ‘this close’ to finishing the first draft of 🧪 Poison Politics 🧪and let me tell you, Ghita’s having quite the time navigating the murky waters of local government.

An image of poison politics, book 10 in the seacastle mystery series. In seacastl politics is murder...

🚔The Corruption Files🚔

One of the most fascinating things about writing fiction? Reality can often be a lot stranger. It turns out that my local area leaves Seacastle in the dust when it comes to dodgy practices! (Who knew research would be happening right in my own backyard?) Poor Ghita is up to her neck in corruption and nepotism and is definitely *not* enjoying her foray into local politics. Can we rescue her campaign? You can preorder Poison Politics here. Stay tuned for updates…

📚What I’m Reading📚

I was lucky enough to meet the wonderful Elly Griffiths at the Shoreham Wordfest this month! I bought a copy of her new book *Frozen People* and also got a lovely autograph from her. I’ve read her Dr Ruth Galloway series, which I loved, so I have high hopes for this book, which I started recently.

📺What I’m Watching (When I Should Be Writing)📺

For those of you who know what a massive sports fan I am, it won’t surprise you to know I’ve been watching the Women’s ODI World Cricket Cup. It is hard to finish a book when wickets keep falling… 🏏

🎧EXCITING AUDIOBOOK NEWS!🎧

I have *finally* chosen the narrator for the first six Seacastle Mysteries books. They will be published by Tantor and I am very excited to be able to offer audiobooks to my readers. I know a lot of you have been looking forward to this. I can’t wait to get them out for you!

🆘I Need Your Help!🆘

As I’m coming to the end of the Seacastle series, I’ve been exploring two new series ideas:

  • A police procedural set in York
  • ‘Seacastle in Space’ sleuths on a cargo ship

Do you have a preference for either idea? I’d *love* to know—just hit reply and let me know which one sounds more intriguing to you!

Thanks for being such wonderful readers. Your support means everything!

Happy reading (and sleuthing),

PJ

P.S. Seriously, York police procedural or space mysteries? I’m genuinely curious what you think!