PJ SKINNER | Mystery, Crime and Adventure Author

Mystery, Adventure and Intrigue from PJ Skinner

#seacastlemysteries

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

by 10 Comments

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!

Seacastle Mysteries New Book Announcement

by 3 Comments

Hi there,

*Drumroll please* 🥁 🎉

BIG NEWS: “Malign Fortune” is out today! The latest book in the Seacastle Mysteries has officially hit the shelves. If you’ve been longing to read the next Seacastle book, your wait is over. Grab your copy, and a brew, and settle in for a twisty tale of dodgy dealings in the psychic world. Are you a believer?

📚 What I’m Reading

I’ve been diving into the classics lately with Isaac Asimov’s “Caves of Steel” from his Robot series. It follows a human detective reluctantly paired with a robot partner to solve a murder—quite a unique twist on the detective duo trope! I’m finding it far more engaging than the Foundation Series. I hadn’t realised Asimov had written a mystery, so it’s fascinating to read his take on the genre.

🔍 Research Rabbit Holes

Exciting news about the next Seacastle Mystery! I’ve begun research for “Poison Politics,” and let me tell you—English county councils are absolutely TEEMING with potential for fictional corruption and intrigue. Who knew local government could be such a perfect backdrop for murder? Ghita, our favourite baker and fiery friend, is up to her armpits in this one. And is true love finally in the air for her? I’m really going to enjoy writing this one. You can pre-order it here.

📺 What I’m Watching

When I’m not plotting fictional murders, I’m watching loads of sport, especially the US Open and the Women’s Rugby World Cup! The latter competition has been absolutely thrilling. I’m heading to Brighton next week to watch England take on Australia live—expect me to return with a hoarse voice and possibly some new character inspiration. Are you a sports fan like me? I often find my bookish friends are not enthusiastic.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars!

Keep an eye out for September’s newsletter where I’ll share news of a special offer for Seacastle box sets. Until our next mystery, PJ

P.S. If you’ve already picked up “Malign Fortune,” I’d be eternally grateful for a review. As we all know, reviews are a mystery author’s best friend. You don’t have to write much. ‘I loved it’ would be sufficient (if you did).

Lethal Secret is here!

by Leave a Comment

Get your copy of Lethal Secret and enjoy a cosy mystery with spy thriller vibes set in Budapest. Tanya and Harry are on the trail of a missing friend and have bitten off far more than they can chew. Be the first to read this gripping cosy mystery.

Toxic Vows is out today!

by Leave a Comment

Hello Folks,

Great news! Toxic Vows is out today. I’m so excited. Launch day is always a mix of feelings, but mostly I can’t wait to hear what you think of the latest in the Seacastle Mystery series. The ARC readers have been thrilled with it. Here are some quotes from their reviews:

‘A great plot, smooth writing, wit, lovely description, and the wonderful characters keep you turning pages. The best yet in this great series.’

‘The mystery was twisted (in the best way), hilarious, and entertaining. Despite the huge clue in plain sight, I did not see the whodunnit/whydunnit coming.’

‘Another brilliant mystery in the series. I absolutely loved it!’

‘Yet another great book in the Seacastle Mysteries series that, like any good murder mystery, kept me guessing right to the end and I really enjoyed it!’

‘Please, please grab the whole series – you’ll race through the stories and love them all!’

I’m thrilled with the response and I hope you will rush out and buy a copy yourself. Please leave me a review. Indie authors rely on reviews for traction. ‘I liked it’ is long enough, although it would be nice if you could say more than that. 🙂

The next book, Mortal Vintage, is out on pre-order for the end of May if you want to get ahead of the crowd.

I’m off to Spain to a conference at the weekend. No rest for the wicked.

Best wishes
PJ