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.
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
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I thoroughly enjoyed the last Seacastle book which I’ve finally had time to read and very much enjoyed participating in the mystery…… thank you. Can’t wait to read the first of new series! Take care and enjoy Ireland!
Hi There Corinne, So sorry we didn’t get time to meet up. I got a little frantic towards the end. I’m so glad you enjoyed the Seacastle Mysteries. They were a labour of love in the end. I got to Ireland on Thursday afternoon and am decompressing now. It’s going to be a big change.
Love from Pippa