PJ SKINNER | Mystery, Crime and Adventure Author

Mystery, Adventure and Intrigue from PJ Skinner

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🎬 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

10 of the Best British Christmas Cosy Mysteries to Curl Up With This Winter

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There’s something deeply comforting about a Christmas cosy mystery. A quirky cast dealing with piles of tinsel and family rumblings set in a village (or seaside town) dusted with snow — and, of course, a murder or two interrupting the festive cheer.

British cosy crime does Christmas particularly well, with the festive season adding an extra layer of tension as old grudges resurface, families are forced together, and secrets rustle among the wrapping paper.

If you’re looking for festive crime fiction with charm, wit, and a distinctly British flavour, here are ten Christmas cosy mysteries well worth making room for on your winter reading pile.

1. Purrfect Crime – PJ Skinner

Christmas in Seacastle should be a quiet affair — but when a murder intrudes on the festive season, vintage shop owner Tanya Bowe finds herself trapped between goodwill and wrongdoing. With seaside winter storms, tangled relationships, and a distinctly malevolent rescue cat, this is a Christmas cosy with found family, banter, and just enough bite to keep things interesting.

Purrfect Crime

2. A Body at the Christmas Fair – Helen Cox

A traditional village Christmas fair provides the perfect backdrop for rivalries, resentments, and a carefully timed murder. Helen Cox excels at blending festive charm with sharp observation, making this a satisfying seasonal read for classic cosy fans.

3. A Cornish Christmas Murder – Fiona Leitch

Set against Cornwall’s dramatic winter coast, this festive mystery offers all the pleasures of the genre: close-knit communities, long memories, and secrets that refuse to stay hidden. Ideal for readers who enjoy a strong sense of place alongside their Christmas crime.

4. Murder in the Manger – Debbie Young

A Christmas-set mystery with a more traditional investigative feel, this novel balances festive detail with a thoughtful, character-driven plot. Perfect for readers who prefer restraint and subtlety over theatrics. This story is very light, and well-written, with quirky characters. Plenty of small details which make up real life.

5. Murder Under the Mistletoe – Richard Coles

Readers find this Christmas novella enjoyable and entertaining, with a lighthearted mystery. They appreciate the interesting characters, humour, and cosy atmosphere, highlighting the amusing social commentary on Christmas gatherings.

6. A Corpse for Christmas – Emily Queen

A 1920s Murder mystery set in London. A well-crafted mystery, with well-drawn characters and plenty of family dynamics.

7. The Christmas Market Murder – Peter Boland

The new Christmas market seems the perfect tonic: fairy lights in the pines, the scent of cinnamon on the air, and mugs of steaming mulled wine. Until a body turns up…..

8. Gavels, Tinsel and Murder – Victoria Tait

Lots of intrigue, a murder, a scam and forgery – so much to get your head around – definitely a page turner. It takes place in the lead up to Christmas and is set in the Cotswolds

9. Happy Bloody Christmas – Jo Middleton

A unique plot and well-crafted writing, a light-hearted romp that’s easy to read. The book features wonderful characters and relatable family dynamics, mixing humor with murder to a new level.

10. The Mystery of Mistletoe Hall – Benedict Brown

Thoroughly entertaining, with a quirky plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The story features an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters, while maintaining a humorous tone throughout.

I hope you will enjoy some of these great cosies for Christmas.

Sending you wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

PJ

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!