Don’t you hate it when . . .

you’re sent a letter that hasn’t been properly stamped? The Post Office hold whatever-it-is to ransom, and you sit there wondering if it’s worth paying the fee demanded or not. Suppose it’s a piece of advertising? Suppose it’s something wrongly addressed? You take a deep breath and attempt to pay through some site which decides you’re an imbecile who shouldn’t be allowed on a completer, ever. Yes, I tried three times. I huffed and I puffed . . . and finally promised to allow myself a chocolate biscuit if I managed the task which, finally, I did. Was it worth it? Now I have to wait and see.

PS. Yes! The Post office finally delivered the envelope which had an out-of-date stamp on it, and it was the contract for the translation rights for Brazil for the first two Ellie Quicke books! So yes, it was worth the ransom.

Another book out!

The trade paperback of FALSE WITNESS is now published. This is the second in the series about a young accountant inheriting a rundown estate and stately home, with all the problems that this entails. Was it Machiavelli who advised his boss to kill not only his biggest enemy but all his children as well? Well, we don’t do that nowadays, do we? Or do we? History has multiple examples of defeated families rearing their children on stories of the injustices suffered by their parents. In this way they train the next generation to continue the fight. Well, it’s not as bad as that in FALSE WITNESS, but it is still true that ancient wrongs can still affect the future. ISBN 978 1448316328.

I’ve also got the publication date for the next book in the series, which is called FALSE GOLD. The hard back will be out on May . . . and of course I’m working on another story now. You remember I was moaning that I had too much plot ion this one? Oh dear, oh dear. I’m still tussling with the problem, but the path to the end will become clear soon . . . I hope.

My snowdrops made a poor show this year but I’m pleased to say that my tiny blue Irises are coming into flower. Now they really do herald spring. What’s more, my neighbour – a dedicated gardener – is planning to sow her tomato seeds this week. I am impressed, particularly as she usually gives me some plants to bring on in my greenhouse, hurray! There’s something about home grown tomatoes that makes me smile. They taste so different from bought ones, or those in tins.

Another short story!

This from the archives, is called NEW LIVES FOR OLD. Find it here.

A blessing on all who can be cheerful on misty, murky, miserable days when the sun declines to shine.

Veronica Heley