From enthralling historical mysteries and gripping wartime adventures to your next great listen on audiobook, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
September’s Fiction Releases
The Governor’s Man by Jacquie Rogers is the first book in the Quintus Valerius Roman Mysteries, set at the time of the Roman Empire. When silver from the Emperor’s mines goes missing, Imperial Investigator Quintus Valerius is sent to Britannia. There, he uncovers a conspiracy of fraud and rebellion — but could his own life be in danger…?
Murder in Chains by C. P. Giuliani is the ninth book in the Tom Walsingham Mystery series: set during the Elizabethan era. When an old foe is suspected of leaking state secrets from inside the Fleet Prison, Tom Walsingham is sent to investigate. He soon discovers that any number of inmates could be responsible. As he gets himself into increasingly dangerous situations, can Tom find the mole before it’s too late…?
The Squandered Crown by David Field is the second novel in The Wars of the Roses Saga. Rebellion threatens the Plantagenet court in this medieval historical adventure.
Shadows by Douglas Scott is a gripping espionage thriller set during the Second World War. Ex-newspaper reporter John Abernathy is in a desperate race against time to expose a deadly Nazi plot.
Duty’s Call by William H Keith Jr is the eighth book in the SEALS: The Warrior Breed series: action-packed military adventures. The U.S. Navy’s elite commando demolition unit are given a secret mission behind enemy lines.
Calm Amid the Rage by David Clensy is the fifth book in the Romulus Hutchinson Naval Adventures. The war in Europe is coming to an end, but can Rom escape the brutal POW camp? Will he survive the Pacific campaign? And can brother Remmie find happiness with Adanna at last…?
Evocatus by Neil Denby is the seventh book in the Quintus Roman Thrillers series: historical military adventures set in Ancient Rome. A new task sees Centurion Julius Quintus Quirinius and his men offered the chance to return home. But will they all reach the gates of Rome in triumph?
The Conqueror’s Dilemma by Elizabeth Bailey is a compelling historical love story set in Georgian London. A gauche young woman yearns for a man who’s out of reach — but is there more to the Conqueror than meets the eye?
September’s Audio Releases
Lose yourself in a great audiobook this month!
617 Squadron: The Dambusters at War by Squadron Leader Tom Bennett DFM provides unique insight into the reminiscences of the men who flew in this crack Royal Air Force squadron during the last three years of World War Two.
The Road to Station X by Sarah Baring is the engrossing memoir of one woman’s journey from carefree debutante to working alongside some of Britain’s greatest minds at Bletchley Park at the height of the Second World War Two.
Anne Boleyn by Marie Louise Bruce charts the rise and fall of this remarkable young woman through the course of her short life, from her early days at Hever Castle, to the luxurious courts of France and England, to her terrifying last days in the Tower of London.
The Mighty Ocean by David Clensy is the third book in the Romulus Hutchinson Naval Adventure series: action-packed adventures set during the Second World War. As their ships cut through the Arctic waters, will twin brothers Romulus and Remus Hutchinson survive the gauntlet of U-Boats, icebergs and icy seas?
The Clamorous Dead by David Field is the fourth historical thriller in the Bailiff Mountsorrel Tudor Mystery Series, set during the reign of Elizabeth I. As rumours of witchcraft infiltrate the county of Nottinghamshire, Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel is sent to arrest a local woman. But can he protect the innocent from a bloodthirsty witch-hunter…?
September’s Non-Fiction Releases
The Poor Bloody Infantry: 1939-1945 by Charles Whiting draws on numerous original sources and personal correspondence to reveal the true experiences of frontline soldiers. Having himself served in Belgium, Holland and Germany, Whiting captures the brutal reality of men pushed to the very limits of human endurance and often beyond, confronting constant danger and the ever-present threat of death.
The Merchant Navy at War by Captain Frank H. Shaw draws upon his experience of a lifetime at sea to reveal the brutal reality of wartime merchant service. He recounts extraordinary true stories of endurance, courage and sacrifice — ordinary seamen facing overwhelming danger simply to deliver vital cargo.
Hurricane at War by Chaz Bowyer provides a vivid, cockpit-level portrait of one of the Second World War’s most overlooked yet decisive aircraft — the Hawker Hurricane. Bowyer traces the Hurricane’s story from its pre-war development to its combat service over France and Britain, and across Russia, Malta, Sicily, Greece and even Burma.
The Princes of Wales by renowned broadcaster and journalist Wynford Vaughan-Thomas tells the dramatic story of the Princes of Wales — heirs to the throne whose lives shaped the destiny of a nation. Rich in drama, intrigue, scandal and political conflict, this is the extraordinary history of the men who held the title across six turbulent centuries.
Daring Military Operations of World War Two by C. E. Lucas Phillips brings to life three extraordinary operations carried out against overwhelming odds. From the dramatic destruction of the Normandie Dock at St Nazaire, to the audacious canoe raid on occupied Bordeaux, and the brutal jungle warfare of Burma, these are remarkable true stories of men who risked everything in some of the Second World War’s most daring missions.
The Battle of the Atlantic Collection by Sir Peter Gretton, one of the Royal Navy’s most distinguished convoy commanders, tells the story of the desperate struggle to keep Britain’s lifeline across the Atlantic open. From the bridge of an escort vessel battling wolf packs in the North Atlantic to the wider strategic campaign that ultimately defeated Germany’s U-boats, Gretton combines first-hand experience with masterful historical analysis.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Vibrant Voices. Sensational Stories. Beautiful Books.
From naval adventures and military thrillers to the biography of an aviation legend, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
August’s Fiction Releases
Silver’s Phoney War by Carlo Gibbs is the first book in the Oscar Silver WWII Naval Adventures series. With Britain’s war effort gathering pace, young Oscar Silver has received his conscription orders. But while Oscar tries his best to get to grips with life in the Navy, the enemy is lurking just around the corner…
In Harm’s Way by William H Keith is the seventh book in the SEALS: The Warrior Breed series: action-packed military adventures following the U.S. Navy’s elite commando demolition unit. The unit are tested as never before — on a daring rescue in a desert land that’s ready to explode…
Expanding Crisis by Eric Helm is the third book in the Global War Military Thriller series. The global threat is heating up in this alternative-history military adventure set in the late twentieth century.
Indomitable by Jonathan Eyers is the second book in the Newt Beresford Naval Adventures series: Age of Sail historical adventures set in the 18th century. Will British naval officer Newt Beresford manage to prove his worth in the most decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War?
Die for the Queen by Douglas Scott is a wartime naval thriller full of military action and adventure. As the world’s biggest ship begins her maiden voyage, it should be a famous day for Britain, but the occasion is marred by a smokescreen of secrecy, bluff and counterbluff. Out of a background of peacetime intrigues, conflicting loyalties and star-crossed romance, a story of compelling power emerges — which surges to a nail-biting climax as the Queen Elizabeth slips from the Clyde and heads to the open sea…
The Sons of Carthage by Alistair Tosh is the first book in the Lion and the Eagle Roman Thrillers series: military adventures set in Ancient Rome. Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca leads his formidable army across the treacherous Alps, intent on striking at the heart of Rome itself. But as the armies of Carthage and Rome clash for control of Iberia, only one can emerge victorious…
Legacy of Steel by C.F. Dunn is the fourth book in The Tarnished Crown series: Wars of the Roses historical fiction set in Medieval Europe. Isobel Langton’s husband, Robert, has returned from North Africa, but he is not the man who left almost a year before. His exploits at sea defeating Barbary pirates are hailed as a great victory, but they have left him unpredictable and withdrawn. While Isobel struggles to preserve her marriage, King Edward fights for his reputation. Will Isobel lose her husband forever? And can she find a way to prove her family’s loyalty to the Crown…?
The Count’s Charade by Elizabeth Bailey is a heart-pounding love story set in Georgian England. Grace Dovercourt never thought she’d ever fall in love. But her settled life is turned upside down when she discovers a fugitive hiding in one of her outbuildings — and at death’s door. Will she risk all to keep him alive? And can she trust him with her heart?
August’s Fiction Backlist Releases
We are pleased to announce that two new action-packed submarine adventures by Gilbert Hackforth-Jones are out now!
Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Charles Compton is recalled to take command of H.M. Submarine N27. Compton is thrown straight into the deep end and must use every ounce of his ingenuity and energy to survive.
HMS Steadfast is patrolling for enemy raiders. The weather worsens. It becomes impossible to distinguish friend from foe, but destroying an enemy vessel could change the course of the war…
August’s Audio Releases
Lose yourself in a great audiobook this month!
The battle-hardened Legion of the Damned return in this Roman military adventure in Forests of Death by Jeff Jones.
Discover an engrossing biography of one of the greatest rulers of the medieval period in The Emperor Charlemagne by E. R. Chamberlin.
Thief turned espionage agent Gwynnie Wightham is tasked with hunting down a spy in the Tudor court in Death at the Tower by Adele Jordan.
Don’t miss the moving World War Two memoir that uncovers a forgotten naval catastrophe in Arctic Rescue by Ronald Healiss.
August’s Non-Fiction Releases
Target Eisenhower by Charles Whiting sheds new light on the hidden story of military and political assassination during World War Two. Whiting exposes this clandestine conflict, revealing the operations, agents, and motives behind both Allied and Axis assassination attempts which, had they succeeded, could have changed the direction of the entire war.
Odysseys and Oddities: Maritime Memoirs of a Seafaring Captain by Frank H. Shaw recounts his extraordinary career in the Merchant Navy and his service as a captain during the First World War. With warmth and humour, he recalls the curious characters he sailed with, the hardships and pleasures of life afloat, and the remarkable adventures he experienced both at sea and ashore.
Mosquito at War by renowned aviation historian Chaz Bowyer charts the story of the RAF’s most versatile aircraft in World War Two, from conception through every theatre in which it served, from Britain to Burma, revealing why this much-loved aeroplane proved uniquely suited to such a wide range of wartime roles.
Wales: A History by Wynford Vaughan-Thomas is the perfect read for anyone interested in the development of the Welsh nation, from the arrival of the Celts, the Saxon invasions and the Norman Conquest, through the age of the Princes, the forced union with England and the rule of English monarchs, to the rise of Methodism, the Industrial Revolution and the devastation of the two world wars. This is an essential introduction to a remarkable nation’s story.
John ‘Cat’s-Eyes’ Cunningham: The Aviation Legend by John Golley tells the extraordinary life of one of Britain’s greatest aviators. Golley’s biography follows John Cunningham’s remarkable career from pre-war training to wartime combat, and into the high-risk world of post-war test flying. It is the portrait of a pioneering aviator at the forefront of aviation’s most dramatic advances.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Vibrant Voices. Sensational Stories. Beautiful Books.
From wartime action in the skies to a brand new Age of Sail adventure, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
July’s Fiction Releases
Come Fly With Me by Natalie Kleinman is a feelgood contemporary romance about family ties, second chances and unexpected love. Will Olivia find the courage to embrace her newfound family and the future she never planned?
The Stealth Hunters by D. R. Bailey is the third book in the Cooper’s Renegades Aviation Thrillers, set during the Second World War and featuring a squadron of American and British fighter pilots. Cooper Donahue and his Renegades are sent on a top-secret mission — one that could change the outcome of the war.
The Eagle and the Serpent by Daniel Colter is the first book in The Legionary of Rome Military Thrillers series: historical adventures set in Ancient Rome. When Roman citizen Lucius Virius Sura is conscripted into the legions to help quell the Illyrian revolt, he finds himself thrown into the cauldron of war. With no experience and little training, he must learn to fight — or die.
Absolute Honour by C. C. Humphreys is the second book in the Jack Absolute Military Adventure series: a swashbuckling historical saga set in the 18th century. Jack Absolute is returning to England. On the voyage home, he helps in the defeat of a privateer, gaining a new friend, a large share of the prize money, and a nasty dose of cholera. Jack convalesces in Bath, where he falls in love with his friend’s beautiful cousin. But things are not as they seem, and when tragedy strikes, Jack escapes with his life but loses something more important to him: his honour.
First Voyage by Anthony Palmiotti is the first book in the Patrick Welch Naval Thriller series: page-turning nautical adventures set at the outbreak of the Second World War. Patrick Welch, a young American seaman, manages to find a job as third mate aboard an old tramp freighter, the Arrow. He works hard to win the respect of the rough and ready crew, but the reality of the Nazi Germany that awaits them in Hamburg is worse than any of them could have imagined…
The Veiled Bride by Elizabeth Bailey is a compelling Georgian romance with a dramatic secret at its heart. An orphan without means, Rosina Charlton answers an unusual advertisement. But what kind of man advertises for a wife in the local newspaper? Desperate to find refuge, Rosina has few choices in life — but a shock awaits her at the altar…
The Burning of the Ships by Douglas Scott is an action-packed thriller set during the Second World War. When merchant seaman John Rennie is betrayed whilst attempting to escape a French prison camp, he determines to find out who the traitor is. But could he also hold the key to unmasking a Nazi spy?
The Privateer by Dan Donato is the first book in the Gideon Locke Naval Adventures: action-packed maritime adventures set in the 18th century. When Gideon Locke is recruited aboard a privateer, he hopes his luck is about to change for the better. But Gideon soon realises the captain is hiding a dark secret, and his fortunes looks to be once more on a downward spiral. Can Gideon rebuild his reputation? Or will his first foray into privateering be his last…?
Bouncer’s Buzz Bomb by Tony Rea is the fifth book in the Gus Beaumont Aviation Thrillers, military adventures set during the Second World War. Recovering in an RAF convalescent hospital in South Devon, pilot Gus ‘Bouncer’ Beaumont is caught up in a deadly attack by German FW 190 tip and run bombers. Vowing vengeance, Gus asks to be posted to a Typhoon squadron, as these are the only fighters that can catch the German fighter-bombers. But with D-Day on the horizon, can Gus survive another epic battle…?
Caged Eagle by Richard Rohmer is a classic thriller covering the end of the Second World War and the turn of the century. Fighter pilot Garth Peters is training with the Royal Canadian Airforce when he falls in love on a night out. But when the woman of his dreams marries a rival pilot and member of his squadron, Peters vows to take his revenge.
July’s Audio Releases
Lose yourself in a great audiobook this month!
The Bad Popes by E. R. Chamberlin is a dramatic account of some of the most notorious figures of medieval and Renaissance history who ruled from the Eternal City.
In Danger’s Hour by David Clensy is the second book in the Romulus Hutchinson Naval Adventure series: historical adventures following twin brothers fighting with the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy during World War Two.
Don’t miss one of the finest SOE memoirs to come out of the Second World War in Albanian Assignment by David Smiley.
County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel fights to clear his colleague’s name in Tudor mystery The Slaughtered Widow by David Field.
July’s Non-Fiction Releases
The March on London by Charles Whiting uncovers one of the last great secrets of the Second World War — a clandestine German plan to spark a mass prisoner-of-war uprising. This thoroughly researched account — based on interviews and writings from German POWs and British guards — uncovers the true story behind this remarkably bold plan: who was involved, what was intended, why it was ultimately abandoned, and the brutal repercussions that followed. This little-known episode of the Second World War makes for a gripping read.
Epic Naval Fights of World War Two by Captain Frank H. Shaw is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about some of the most important but often forgotten battles of the Second World War. From the Arctic to the South Atlantic, Shaw provides a fresh perspective on World War Two at sea and shows just how close the Allies came to losing the war in its early years. From the sinking of HMS Rawalpindi by the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau just two months into the war, to the Battle of the River Plate on the other side of the world, Shaw takes us on a journey across the world’s oceans, exploring how the Allies overcame the aggressive Kriegsmarine and gained control of the seas.
The Big Drop by John Golley tells the dramatic, bloody story of how the 9th Parachute Battalion fought to capture and neutralise the Merville Battery. The destruction of this formidable coastal stronghold became one of the most daring and crucial missions of D-Day. Drawing on original wartime documents and first-hand accounts from British and French survivors, Golley vividly reconstructs one of the most daring and decisive raids of the Second World War.
Anzio by war correspondent Wynford Vaughan-Thomas brings one of the Second World War’s most dramatic campaigns to life. Drawing on first-hand experience, interviews with senior commanders, and extensive documentary sources, Vaughan-Thomas captures the brutal reality of life on the front line, while also revealing the tensions and misjudgements within the Allied High Command that contributed to the heavy loss of life. This is the definitive story of Anzio — from bold ambition to bitter struggle, and ultimately to hard-won victory.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Vibrant Voices. Sensational Stories. Beautiful Books.
From thrilling wartime adventures and historical romances to a twisty detective case, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
June’s Fiction Releases
Sherlock Holmes and the Aeronauts by Linda Stratmann is the eleventh instalment in the Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series. The death of a young mathematician appears to be accidental, but young Holmes suspects a cleverly planned murder may have taken place.
The Royal Hammer by David Field is the first historical novel in the Wars of the Roses Saga. As royal power changes, so too do the fortunes of those who serve it.
The Hunters and the Wrath by Patrick Larsimont is the seventh book in the Jox McNabb Aviation Thrillers. Fighter pilot Jox McNabb is tasked with fighting off the German counterattacks against the fragile Normandy beachheads. But Hitler has deployed new vengeance weapons, unleashing his wrath on Britain. Can Jox help stop Germany’s retaliation? Or will his new wing collapse against the might of the Luftwaffe?
The Ladies of Mount Street by Dorothy Mack is a spellbinding romance set in Regency London. Can Laura find the courage to take a chance on love?
Queen of Diamonds by Rozsa Gaston is the third book in the Anne Boleyn Chronicles. Can a young Anne Boleyn learn to navigate the rivalry, gossip and intrigue of the French royal court?
A Deadly Prank by Coirle Mooney is the first book in the Thomas Middleton Mysteries, set in Elizabethan England. When a member of Tom’s household is murdered, the aspiring playwright’s mother becomes the chief suspect. Can Tom find the real killer and clear his mother’s name?
Murder at Cirey by Cheryl Sawyer is the first instalment in the Victor Constant Investigations. When a young man is shot dead on an estate in the picturesque Champagne region of France, military policeman Victor Constant is determined to find out why. But can he bring the killer to justice without jeopardising his career, and his life?
Friday Dreaming by Elizabeth Bailey is a heart-warming historical romance set in Georgian England. Can a bookish young woman make her lifelong dream come true?
The Tudor Vanishing by Adele Jordan is the fifth book in the Shadow Cutpurses Tudor Thrillers, set during the reign of King Henry VIII. When a man goes missing, thief-turned-espionage-agent Gwynnie Wightham soon finds herself embroiled in a much deeper conspiracy.
Sisters of Sorrow by Aola Vandergriff is a chilling Gothic mystery set in 1970s America. When Shannon Shelby’s twin sister disappears after travelling to claim their joint inheritance — a house called Sorrow — Shannon follows her. But what follows is a nightmare she could never have imagined.
June’s Audio Releases
Lose yourself in a great audiobook this month!
Find out how two hundred and fifty men made it back across the Rhine to Allied lines with the aid of the Dutch Resistance in The Grey Goose of Arnhem by Leo Heaps.
Don’t miss the staggering history of the 46th Canadian Infantry Battalion’s journey through the First World War in The Suicide Battalion by J. L. McWilliams and R. James Steel.
Discover the incredible account of one prisoner-of-war’s struggle to survive five years of Nazi imprisonment in The Long Road Home by Adrian Vincent.
The Secret Sirens take to the skies in this military wartime adventure in The Fire Maidens by D. R. Bailey.
Tom Walsingham is once again embroiled in murder and double-dealings in Elizabethan England in A Treasonous Path by C.P. Giuliani.
June’s Non-Fiction Releases
Hemingway Goes to War: Travels with a Gun, 1944-45 by Charles Whiting is a meticulously researched account of Ernest Hemingway’s journey through war-torn Europe, offering an alternative view of Hemingway’s life as a World War Two correspondent. How truthful were his accounts? How close to the action was he? And did he ever really know what life was like for the average American GI?
The Day of the Typhoon by John Golley is a vividly authentic account of rocket Typhoon operations during Operation Overlord. Drawing on his own experience with 245 Squadron, Golley provides a pilot’s-eye view of what it was like to fly this often-overlooked aircraft in the heat of battle.
The Royal Air Force: 1939-1945 by Chaz Bowyer is a comprehensive examination of every aspect of the RAF during World War Two, from organisation to operations. Bowyer, a renowned aviation historian, draws upon meticulous research to provide a compelling overview of how the RAF was instrumental in securing Allied victory.
The Cry is War, War, War by Michael W. Taylor draws upon the personal correspondence of two young lieutenants from the 34th North Carolina Regiment in the Pender–Scales Brigade of the Light Division to present a vivid, human view of the American Civil War.
The Last Wilderness by Nicholas Luard is a remarkable chronicle of the writer’s two-thousand-mile expedition across the Kalahari Desert, searching for the elusive black leopard and for answers to why humankind should love and respect the wilderness. This book is a true homage to the Kalahari tempered by Luard’s profound sadness at the loss of unique wildlife and habitat.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Vibrant Voices. Sensational Stories. Beautiful Books.
From historical sagas and legal thrillers to a pilgrim’s journey across France and Spain, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
May’s Fiction Releases
The Crowned Viper by Amy Licence is the sixth book in the Marwood Family Tudor Saga Series, set at Henry VIII’s court. When her uncle dies, newly-married Thomasin travels to London to settle his estate, and once more finds herself at the centre of court intrigue.
Shadows at the Manor by Cara Clayton is the third book in the Tapestry Tales Medieval Sagas. After a spate of robberies occur on the roads around the manor, seventeen-year-old Grace Amundeville d’Albert is determined to work out who is behind them. But could the culprit be close to home?
The Hunt for Boudica by Jeff Jones is the fourth instalment in the Legion of The Damned Roman Thrillers. Centurion Marcus Corvo and his Legion of The Damned are given a choice: face execution or accept another suicide mission — hunt down and capture Queen Boudica.
House of the Dancing Dead by Aola Vandergriff is an atmospheric Gothic mystery set in New Mexico. Abandoned by her partner and grieving the death of her mother, Christie Lynne agrees when her boss offers a year’s paid vacation in the mountains. But regrets are swift to follow when she arrives at the remote Harper abode, whose strange inhabitants sleep all day and dance all night. And when a horrifying discovery is made, everything around her is thrown into question.
The French Vendetta by Simon Michael is the eleventh novel in the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers. When a rare gap opens in barrister Charles Holborne’s court diary, he and Sally seize the chance for their long-postponed honeymoon. But deep in the heart of rural Gascony Charles discovers a community still fighting the Second World War, where old crimes refuse to stay buried.
The Restless Wave by David Clancy is the fourth book in the Romulus Hutchinson Naval Adventures, set during the Second World War. While Romulus sees action in the Mediterranean for the Allied landings at Sicily and Salerno, as well as helping to lift the siege of Malta as part of Operation Pedestal, his twin brother Remus is once again unlucky enough to experience the wrong end of a torpedo strike.
The Scattering Murders by Keith Moray is the eighth crime thriller in the Inspector Torquil McKinnon Mystery Series, set on a remote Scottish island. When a well-liked farmer is found dead, Detective Inspector McKinnon soon finds himself with more than one mystery to solve.
An Angel’s Touch by Elizabeth Bailey is a touching Georgian romance featuring a spirited and passionate heroine. Can a young woman’s love bring a grieving recluse back into the world?
May’s Audio Releases
Lose yourself in a great audiobook this month!
Professor, friend, Soviet spy; who was the real Hugh Hambleton? Find out in Hugh Hambleton, Spy by Leo Heaps.
Two brothers are keen to start their naval careers. But could it all be over before they’ve barely begun? Find out in For Those in Peril by David Clensy.
Don’t miss this unique account of the Battle of the Atlantic from the perspective of a British destroyer captain in U-Boat Killer by Donald Macintyre.
Discover the unforgettable history of French intelligence agents and courageous British pilots who risked everything in the fight against Hitler in A House for Spies: SIS Operations into Occupied France from a Sussex Farmhouse by Edward Wake-Walker.
May’s Non-Fiction Releases
Hurricanes over Murmansk by John Golley tells the remarkable story of the RAF’s daring defence of the Soviet Union against the brutal Nazi onslaught of 1941. Drawing on first-hand accounts from RAF pilots as well as senior Soviet officials, Golley has crafted a thoroughly researched, vividly told account of bravery, sacrifice, and wartime ingenuity.
The Battle for European Skies by Chaz Bowyer is a comprehensive account of the savage aerial war fought over Europe during the Second World War. This book stands as a poignant tribute to the bravery and dedication of the men on both sides who took to the skies time and again, uncertain of their fate, in the service of their country.
To Drive the Enemy from Southern Soil by Michael W. Taylor draws upon the personal correspondence of Confederate Colonel Francis Marion Parker to recount the history of the brave men of the 30th Regiment North Carolina Troops, from its inception in September 1861 to its final surrender at Appomattox in 1865. The result is a deeply personal record of the daily life and cares of a Civil War soldier.
The Field of the Star is a searingly honest account of author Nicholas Luard’s pilgrimage along the Camino de Compostela, undertaken after the devastating illness and death of his eldest daughter.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Vibrant Voices. Sensational Stories. Beautiful Books.
From action-packed naval thrillers and gripping stories of military heroism to captivating travel memoirs, there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
April’s Fiction Releases
Tenacious by Jonathan Eyers is the first book in the Newt Beresford Naval Adventures series: Age of Sail historical adventures set in the 18th century. When Newt Beresford joins the frigate HMS Tenacious, he soon finds himself increasingly isolated on a ship full of whispered secrets, coded names, mysterious symbols and threatening messages.
A Miracle of Deliverance: A Dunkirk Short Story Anthology is a collection of linked short stories that commemorate the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. From a British soldier reflecting on the chaos of war, to a naval lieutenant doing his best to save the army from complete disaster, each of these stories reveals the heroic actions and deeply moving stories of the men and women who took part in this remarkable evacuation.
The Blooding of Jack Absolute by C. C. Humphreys is the first book in the Jack Absolute Military Adventure series: page-turning historical thrillers set in the 18th century. Can young Jack endure bloody battles in a wild landscape?
The Cold Light of Day by Stephen Taylor is the second book in the Augustus Swift Investigations series: chilling historical mysteries set in 18th-century London. Can Augustus Swift track down the ‘Beast of London’ before there are any more deaths?
Border Winds by Eric Helm is the second book in the Global War Military Thriller series. The world war has reached America’s backyard in this alternative-history military adventure set in the 20th century.
A Trace of Memory by Elizabeth Bailey is a quirky historical romance set in Georgian England with an intriguing twist. How can Elaine trust her heart if she can’t remember who she is?
Speculator by Neil Denby is the sixth book in the Quintus Roman Thrillers series. Centurion Julius Quintus Quirinius and his comrades are pushed to their limits in this action-packed military adventure set in Ancient Rome.
April’s Fiction Backlist Releases
We are pleased to announce that Flotilla Attack and Operation Chariot by Charles Whiting writing as Duncan Harding are now available from Amazon. Don’t miss these page-turning historical naval adventures set during the Second World War.
April’s Audio Releases
Lose yourself in a great audiobook this month!
Can an enterprising thief unmask a murderer? Find out in Murder at Greenwich Palace by Adele Jordan.
Discover a thrilling police procedural with an unexpected twist in Lying and Dying by Graham Brack.
The war is intensifying for the Secret Sirens in The Night Angels by D. R. Bailey.
A young centurion is sent on a suicide mission in Fortress of Steel by Jeff Jones.
April’s Non-Fiction Releases
Bomber Barons by Chaz Bowyer is a powerful and compelling history of Bomber Command and the extraordinary men who risked everything in the skies over Nazi Germany.
Pommie Migrant by Sydney Hart is a vivid and entertaining memoir of a “Ten Pound Pom” who left post-war Britain to begin a new life in Australia, capturing both the highs and lows of the migrant experience.
Andalucia by Nicholas Luard offers a vivid portrait of the region’s landscapes, traditions, and tumultuous past — a must-read for everyone who loves travel, history, and Spain.
British Liberation Army: 1944–1945 by Charles Whiting is a gripping account of the British Infantry’s final push to liberate Europe from Nazi control in the last year of the Second World War, 1944–1945.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Vibrant Voices. Sensational Stories. Beautiful Books.
From Georgian romance and Tudor espionage to compelling tales of wartime bravery — there’s something exciting here for everyone. Scroll down to discover this month’s titles from your favourite Sapere authors.
February’s Fiction Releases
The Queen’s Maid by Rozsa Gaston is the second book in the Anne Boleyn Chronicles: historical novels set in sixteenth-century Europe. In this instalment, Anne arrives at the Palace of Tournelles, only to learn that not everyone is pleased about the union between the ageing French king and his young English queen.
A Fragile Mask by Elizabeth Bailey is a touching historical love story set in Georgian England with a courageous heroine at its heart.
Death at Home by C. P. Giuliani is the eighth book in the Tom Walsingham Mystery series: page-turning espionage adventures set during the Elizabethan era. When his older brother dies suddenly, Tom Walsingham finds himself a suspect in a murder investigation.
The Mighty Ocean by David Clensy is the third book in the Romulus Hutchinson Naval Adventure series: action-packed adventures set during the Second World War. As the twins’ ships cut through the Arctic seas, will the brothers survive the gauntlet of U-Boats, icebergs and icy seas?
The King’s Stolen Jewels by Adele Jordan is the fourth book in the Shadow Cutpurses Tudor Thrillers, set during the reign of King Henry VIII. When her mother returns to Whitehall Palace during the Christmas festivities, thief-turned-espionage-agent Gwynnie Wightham must decide whether to help her once more or renounce the Shadow Cutpurses for good.
February’s Non-Fiction Releases
They Died to Make Men Free by William M. Anderson tells the gripping story of the 19th Michigan Infantry Regiment, fighting for the Union in the American Civil War. Drawing on more than 800 preserved letters and diaries, it is essential reading for everyone interested in the American Civil War, military history, and the enduring sacrifice of ordinary soldiers.
Britain and the Arabs by John Glubb is a comprehensive history of British–Arab relations over fifty years, spanning two world wars and the struggle for independence — and offering vital insight into the roots of today’s Middle East conflicts.
Hitler’s Werewolves by Charles Whiting is the terrifying true story of how a secret guerrilla force were recruited and trained by SS General Gutenberger to terrorize and murder not only the Allies but fellow Germans who might collaborate with the enemy.
Sea Power in the Pacific by Donald Macintyre charts the fierce struggle for supremacy over the world’s greatest ocean — the Pacific — from the sixteenth century to the Korean War.
Happy Reading! Team Sapere
Following the success of her many historical and mystery romances, including the Lady Fan Mystery Series and The Governess Trilogy, we are delighted to announce that we will be republishing eight backlist titles by Elizabeth Bailey.
In Elizabeth’s words:
“As a child, I found and read with relish Georgette Heyer’s historical romances. For several years, my parents gave me the latest Heyer as one of my presents at Christmas, thereby ensuring I would bury myself in the book until I finished it. It was inevitable, perhaps, that when I came to write myself, I chose to try my luck with historical romance. It took time, but I was successful at last.
“Of the eight books that Sapere is taking on, almost all feature a hero or heroine disadvantaged in some way. It is an ever-fascinating thing to me how the human spirit manages to overcome all manner of life’s apparent cruelties. Yet these are not necessarily dark tales, although they have their moments. It is the pleasure of writing romance that one’s task is to lead the protagonists through the scary woods and out into the light of happiness.
“I could not have hoped for a better home for these stories than Sapere Books. I’ve worked with them since the publishing house was formed and the editors are both meticulous and sympathetic to the author’s intentions. They are friendly, helpful and supportive. Moreover, Sapere covers are superb! I’m delighted to entrust my books to Sapere’s hands.”
The forthcoming titles are:
A Trace of Memory
A Lady In Name
Friday Dreaming
The Count’s Charade
An Angel’s Touch
The Veiled Bride
The Conqueror’s Dilemma
A Fragile Mask
Find out more about Elizabeth here.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose absorbing historical mystery, The Killing Cave, is published today!
The Killing Cave is the eleventh book in the Lady Fan Mystery series: traditional British detective novels set in eighteenth-century England.
1799, England
A family holiday to the seaside takes a dramatic turn when Lady Ottilia Fanshawe’s young son Luke accidentally stumbles on a body in a cave.
Lady Fan and her husband Francis quickly rush to the scene and find the corpse bound and blindfolded with a bullet hole in his head.
It appears the man was executed, and with smugglers well-known to operate in the area, the local sergeant suggests it was a quarrel amongst the reprobates.
But Ottilia is not so sure. The crime scene seemed staged, and the dead man too well dressed to be a common criminal.
There is nothing else for it. The Fanshawes must extend their stay on the Norfolk coast to allow Lady Fan to take the lead.
But with her health compromised, four young children to care for and a grumbling mother-in-law in tow, can Lady Fan summon up enough strength to unravel this mystery? Or will this be the case that finally forces her into retirement?
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose page-turning Gothic mystery, Nell, is out now!
Nell is the second book in the Governess Trilogy: heart-warming Regency romance novels with strong female leads.
1795, England
Nell Faraday has grown up at the Paddington Charitable Seminary for Indigent Young Ladies and now, like her two best friends Prudence and Kitty, she is ready to take up a position as a governess.
A star pupil, Nell prides herself on her common-sense and practicality. But when she arrives at Castle Jarrow, the imposing abode is enough to test even the steadiest of nerves, and the brooding man in charge of it is enough to test the firmest of hearts…
Lord Jarrow is a widower with a young daughter, Hetty, who Nell is to be in charge of, but it is soon clear that Nell’s job will not be an easy one.
Dark secrets lurk within the walls of the castle, secrets that could threaten the safety of its inhabitants.
Will Nell’s steadfastness keep her from fleeing? Can she earn the trust of Lord Jarrow?
And can she help free the castle from its curse…?
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose captivating Regency adventure, Prudence, is published today!
Prudence is the first book in the Governess Trilogy: heart-warming Regency romance novels with strong female lead characters.
1795, England
Miss Prudence Hursley, orphaned from a young age, has grown up at the Paddington Charitable Seminary for Indigent Young Ladies. Primed for service, she is now ready to take up a position as a governess.
Full of trepidation as she takes the stagecoach to meet her employer at Rookham Hall, Prudence is sad to be leaving Nell and Kitty – her childhood friends who have replaced the family she lost and become like sisters to her.
Prudence has been given a temporary position by Mr Julius Rookham to teach – or tame – his two young wards, who have so far had an unconventional upbringing.
But when Prudence meets Julius she finds his changeable moods disconcerting. And it will take more than a little patience to turn the two unruly girls into refined young women, ready to enter society.
With her future hanging in the balance, can Prudence make herself invaluable enough to secure a permanent position?
And can Nell and Kitty advise her on how to handle the mysterious Mr Rookham…?
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose page-turning Georgian mystery, The Hanging Cheat, is published today!
The Hanging Cheat is the tenth book in the Lady Fan Mystery series: historical murder mysteries with a courageous woman sleuth embarking on traditional British, private investigations in eighteenth-century England.
1796, England
Heavily pregnant Lady Ottilia Fanshawe should not really be travelling. But when her sister-in-law dies, she goes with her husband Francis to comfort her brother and her two nephews.
And of course it’s not long before the services of her alter-ego, Lady Fan, are required.
While playing in the woodlands, the two boys come across a gruesome discovery. A dead man is hanging from a tree.
The corpse is quickly identified as the local justice, Hector Penkevil, a man universally disliked for his meanness.
And it’s soon clear that his death was not suicide, but murder.
With Penkevil so disliked in the community, how can Lady Fan narrow down the suspects? Will she find the killer?
And can she solve the mystery before she is forced to bed with her pregnancy…?
We are thrilled to be celebrating five years in business this month and we are incredibly grateful to all the writers, agents and literary estate holders who have helped us bring to market such a vibrant and diverse list of books.
Since launching Sapere Books in March 2018, our list has grown to include over six-hundred books by over one hundred authors. We have sold over 3 million books to date with 500 million pages read through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program.
In 2019, we employed our first full-time staff member, Natalie Linh Bolderston, who now holds the title of Assistant Editor, and in 2020, Matilda Richards and Helen Jennings both also joined our editorial team. They have all been essential to our ongoing success and we are over the moon that they are continuing the journey with us as we celebrate our first big milestone.
In 2020, we launched our non-fiction list, which includes classic works by authors such as E R Chamberlin, Sir Peter Gretton and John Bowle. And we are now pleased to announce that we are also hiring another staff member to help look after our burgeoning military history and military fiction list.
Since launching, we have focussed primarily on fiction, particularly historical fiction and crime fiction, and in 2021 we created our first historical writing contest, asking for entrants to submit a series outline loosely based on briefs we set. The response was so strong that as well as signing up five prize-winners we also signed ten more authors from the shortlisted entries.
We have always been keen to foster a community among our authors. In 2020, to combat some of the isolation due to the pandemic, we started running weekly Zooms for our authors to join and chat about their writing. These have become a valuable part of our ethos and we want to continue to make our authors feel welcomed, valued and part of the Sapere Books family.
We are also proud to announce that we have been certified Carbon Neutral since 2021 and we have created our own Sapere Books forest, planting a tree for every author that we work with.
We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships within the writing community and to publishing more brilliant genre fiction to capture the imagination of readers. Thank you again to everyone who has supported us and we hope you continue to love our books!
Amy, Richard and Caoimhe
Testimonials from four of the authors who launched with us in 2018:
David Field, author of the Medieval Saga series, the Tudor Saga series and many more
By one of life’s happy coincidences, I came across Amy Durant just when the publisher that had commissioned my first historical novel series decided to close down. Five years later I’ve published over twenty historical novels with Sapere, with ten more waiting to go.
When you become a member of the Sapere family, you’re all set for a rewarding writing career. If the quality’s right, you know that your latest ‘baby’ will be assured of a good home. They provide great editing, superb covers, expert marketing, regular royalty payments and guaranteed replies to your emails. Sapere authors have indeed been smiled upon by the patron saint of aspiring writers.
Keith Moray, author of the Inspector Torquil McKinnon series
Being published by Sapere Books has been a revelation for me as a writer. From the very first moment that Isabel Atherton, my agent at Creative Authors, arranged a chat with Amy Durant it has been a fabulous experience. Over the past five years, I have seen my backlist of fiction published along with five new novels, and I have three more under contract. Every aspect of book production from editing, cover design, publicity and marketing has been handled with flair and efficiency. On top of that, communication could not be easier or quicker, and Sapere Books have created a friendly atmosphere among all of the authors that makes me feel pleased to be part of the Sapere Books family. I could not be happier than I have been with Sapere Books, who are in my opinion without parallel in the publishing industry.
Linda Stratmann, author of The Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and the Mina Scarletti Mysteries
Becoming a Sapere Books author is like joining a warm and welcoming family, dedicated to providing the best for authors and readers. An experienced and hardworking team offers a soundly professional service, always on hand for support and advice. The last five years has seen Sapere grow and flourish, but never losing that personal touch.
Elizabeth Bailey, author of the Lady Fan Mystery series
Working with Sapere has been the most enjoyable and rewarding publishing experience in all my thirty-odd years as an author. That my career is flourishing is testament to the care and attention given to every book. Authors are encouraged to interact and support each other, which makes me feel part of a family, parented by the nurturing and talented Sapere team. Long may they reign! Oh, and we all love our covers!
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose fabulous historical mystery, The Vengeance Trail, is out now! The Vengeance Trail is the ninth book in the Lady Fan Mystery series.
1796, England
When Lady Ottilia Fanshawe finds herself launched into a river and fighting for her life, she becomes convinced someone pulled her under the water.
And when a dead body washes up on the riverbank, her theory becomes a certainty.
Lady Fan recognises the dead woman as someone connected to one of her past cases.
Had the woman been spying on her? Was she Lady Fan’s attacker? If so, why was she killed?
Lady Fan is desperate to unravel the mystery but her dedicated husband, Francis, is determined to keep her out of harm’s way.
She is devastated when cracks appear in her marriage, but she knows she cannot give up her sleuthing if she is to protect herself and her family.
Who is targeting her? And why? Can Lady Fan solve the mystery before everything she holds dear comes crumbling down around her…?
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose brilliantly written historical mystery, The Unwanted Corpse, is published today! The Unwanted Corpse is the eighth book in the Lady Fan Mystery series.
1794, England
When a body is unceremoniously dumped outside her home, Lady Ottilia Fanshawe is once more drawn into a murder case.
Ottilia is recovering from the birth of her first child and her husband, Lord Francis Fanshawe, is worried that she has finally taken on more than she can handle.
But Ottilia will not be diverted. Motherhood has always been her deepest desire, but solving crimes is her passion. And she is determined to balance both.
No one in her household recognises the dead man, and yet a note was left with Lady Fan’s name on it. Clearly, someone wants her to investigate the crime, but why?
Click here to order The Unwanted Corpse
Elizabeth Bailey’s Regency-era Lady Fan Mysteries follow Ottilia, a courageous woman sleuth faced with gruesome deaths, buried scandals, witch hunts and more.
The first six books in the series are already published, and we are delighted to have signed up the seventh, THE DAGGER DANCE.
In Elizabeth’s words:
“In THE DAGGER DANCE, Lady Fan is off to rescue a Barbadian slave girl accused of murder. I’ve been wanting to bring this story to light, since Ottilia long ago guessed her steward Hemp had a secret heartache for a lost love. Bristol was at that time a major port for shipping traders doing the rounds from Africa to England and the West Indies. The research was almost as engaging as writing the book.
“With this seventh adventure, I count myself a very lucky member of the Sapere Books author family. Sapere has done wonders for Lady Fan, and it’s a joy to be with such a supportive and encouraging publisher where the author’s contribution is so much valued and validated.”
Click here to order the first Lady Fan Mystery, THE GILDED SHROUD
Click here to find out more about the Lady Fan Mysteries
Happy new year to all of our wonderful authors and readers, and thank you for your continued faith and support! 2019 saw us expand our list with some incredible titles and we can’t wait to share more with you this year.
Here’s what to expect from 2020:
We will soon launch our non-fiction list, led by Sapere co-founder Richard Simpson. Richard is on the lookout for military history titles – backlist in particular – and aims to launch the first few books on our second anniversary in March.
Our ‘call for nautical fiction’ has been successful and we will soon be releasing Irving A. Greenfield’s Depth Force series – thrilling submarine adventures set in the 90s, as well as the first in a series of Second World War naval thrillers by Justin Fox, and a trilogy of Tudor nautical adventure books by David Field.
We also have plenty of exciting new projects from our current authors, so look out for the next books in the series you already love! These include the final instalment of Alexandra Walsh’s Marquess House Trilogy; the next ghostly adventure in Linda Stratmann’s Mina Scarletti series; a new Lady Fan regency mystery from Elizabeth Bailey and a return of Charles Dickens as private investigator in J C Briggs’ Victorian series.
We also have brand new authors launching next year and plenty more fan favourites! Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with our latest releases and monthly deals.
Renowned for her wit, humour, realism and sparkling dialogue, Jane Austen is hailed as one of England’s greatest writers. To celebrate her birthday (16 December 1775), we asked three of our Regency romance authors to tell us what her work means to them and how it has influenced their own writing.
Elizabeth Bailey, author of the Brides By Chance series
When I first read Pride and Prejudice, I was already educated to a degree on the period by an addiction to the works of Georgette Heyer. It was a revelation reading a novel contemporary to the era. The style was different, uncluttered by period description, Austen assuming that knowledge in her readers not necessarily available to the 20th century eye. Yet the detailed descriptions of the lives she depicts gave me a rich understanding of the thinking and mores of the day, and her dry humour and insights into humanity’s foibles made me realise that people don’t change very much. The same emotional dilemmas beset the human heart, regardless of the time in which they may be living. The trappings may be different, the moral values tighter or looser, but essentially the human condition remains constant. An invaluable lesson for a writer.
Or find out more about the Brides By Chance series here.
Valerie Holmes, author of The Yorkshire Saga
My work was strongly influenced by Jane Austen’s novels, which are as refreshing today as they were when she wrote them. Social realism and romantic comedy blend subtly to provide moral lessons on life as she saw it: she could have coined the phrase ‘show, don’t tell’.
In 1775, Jane, a lively rector’s daughter was born into a world that restricted women by gender, social strata, the control of male relatives and wealth or a lack of it. Jane described Regency, but did not glorify fashionable finery, wealth, social meetings or snobbery — deliberate or unintentional.
Whether master or servant she wanted people to be unselfish, just and to be aware of the dangers of making quick and personal judgements.
Jane revealed the failings of would-be lovers, but also their ability to change. The resulting memorable novels have happy, hopeful endings.
Order TO LOVE, HONOUR AND OBEY here.
Or find out more about The Yorkshire Saga here.
Natalie Kleinman, author of The Reluctant Bride (forthcoming)
I couldn’t honestly tell you when Jane Austen first came into my life but, when she did, she came to stay. As with any society, there is good and there is bad, the haves and the have nots, but as a reader and a lover of romantic fiction I want to be whisked away to a time and place where I can remove myself from the mundane to a world of fashion, excitement and yes, romance, and that’s what her books do for me. Not that Miss Austen is universally kind to her cast of characters, but isn’t that what makes them seem so real? She has a talent that makes them leap from the page.
The films and TV productions that depict her work have only added to my enjoyment with their amazing sets and beautiful costumes. So on this day, her birthday, I would like to thank her for the abundance of pleasure she has given me over so many years.
Natalie’s Regency romances are forthcoming in 2020 and will feature spirited heroines, determined to succeed against the odds.
Featured image credit: Photo by Elaine Howlin on Unsplash.
On Saturday we had our semi-annual author meet-up in London, where we had a chance to catch up with our wonderful writers over drinks and nibbles, as well as finding out what their next big projects are. Here is a taster of what’s to come:
Simon Michael, Natalie Linh Bolderston and Elizabeth Bailey
Elizabeth Bailey has more dazzling Regency romances and murder mysteries in the pipeline with new Brides By Chance and Lady Fan novels coming our way.
Graham Brack has handed in the final instalment of his thrilling Josef Slonský Investigation series, and will be launching a new historical crime series next year.
We are currently working on Jane Cable’s second compelling romance novel, Winter Skies, and she is already drafting her third.
Michael Fowler’s gripping crime thriller series, the DS Hunter Kerr Investigations, is being launched this month.
Anthony Galvin is working on exciting new thrillers under the pen name of Dean Carson, which we will be publishing soon.
Anthony Galvin and Michael Fowler
Charlie Garratt is drafting book three in his intriguing historical mystery series, the Inspector James Given Investigations.
The captivating fourth instalment of Valerie Holmes’ sweeping Regency adventure series, The Yorkshire Saga, will be coming out soon.
Two members of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Natalie Kleinmann and Ros Rendle, have recently signed with us and will be bringing out brilliant new books next year.
A brand-new book in Simon Michael’s atmospheric historical crime series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers, is going up on pre-order this month and he has an idea in mind for the next one.
We will soon be publishing book five in Linda Stratmann’s absorbing Victorian detective series, the Mina Scarletti Mysteries, and she has started work on book six.
Deborah Swift’s powerful new wartime romance, The Occupation, will be out by the end of this year.
Thank you to all of the authors who were able to attend, and we hope to see everyone again to celebrate our second anniversary in March!
The Sapere Books team
Image credit: a big thank you to Gary Stratmann for his photographs.
Hi Elizabeth! Welcome to the Sapere Books blog!
Elizabeth Bailey is the author of THE LADY FAN MYSTERY SERIES – romantic Regency crime novels, and THE BRIDES BY CHANCE REGENCY ADVENTURE SERIES.
Can you tell us a little a bit about what first got you interested in writing?
I can’t think of a time I didn’t write. I dabbled for most of my young and adult life, but I was in my thirties when I became a member of a co-operative writing group with the idea of sending out each other’s work. I wrote several short stories and then decided to write a historical romance, a genre I had been reading from a child beginning with the novels of Georgette Heyer. That book, though it never saw the light of day, was the turning point. I loved writing it and felt I had at last found my true metier. I’ve been writing fiction ever since.
Do you have set writing times?
Mostly I write my first draft early morning in bed after I’ve had my tea. If I can get between 500 to 1500 words written, I feel I’m making progress. I try to get it all down without research, leaving notes to myself within the text where I need more data. The murder or where it happens, I will usually check out before I start, unless I add something new and have to go and find out about it before I can get on. I can’t start at all until I have names of the main characters and a general idea of what is likely to happen in the first couple of chapters. I actually don’t usually know who the murderer is when I begin. Nothing like making life interesting for yourself!
Seeing as you write historical fiction, do you find you have to do a lot of research?
These days with many years of historicals of the same period behind me I am so familiar with the time that my research is mostly for specifics. I have many books collected over the years which furnish me with the detail I need. My main focus of research is in the area of the murder and the internet is a mine of information on the subject. You can find contemporary sources relating to anatomical matters, which means I can be as accurate as possible according to knowledge of the era. However, I do turn to current material for exact descriptions of what happens, for example, when someone is bludgeoned, knifed or otherwise injured. All of which is fascinating to read about.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult?
Struggling through against the odds when life intervenes. This happens and you just have to deal with it. It’s virtually impossible in this day and age to shut yourself away in an ivory tower to get your first draft done. I wrote a short book in a week once on a holiday. Another time I forced through 5000 words a day to get a novel done. But it’s not optimum. It doesn’t allow time for the filtering process that builds the minutiae of the story and generates ideas you hadn’t thought of until some trigger sets them off. Working steadily every day seems to build a book better, but it does mean you are subject to interruptions and getting back into it after a break is the hardest thing of all.
Do you find your characters start to control their own storylines?
Yes, they become totally real, and some characters are completely independent and go off in unexpected directions. The thing is, you invest them with life and then they become real people (albeit in a sort of ghost form in your head). They start behaving according to their character and you might have no idea of who they really are until they do this. Ottilia is a case in point. She was supposed to be a retiring female, letting Francis take the lead. Not a bit of it. She marched into centre stage the minute I set her on the page and stayed there. In the book I’m currently writing, I had a peripheral character take off in much the same way and seize quite a chunk of the story from Ottilia. Experience has taught me to run with it. I have a great belief in the Inner Writer knowing a great deal more than I do about the developing story. It really is like being two people sometimes.
Do you ever feel guilty about killing off characters in your crime series?
Apart from the initial dead body, I hesitate. The first death is the spur for the story, so that’s all right. We usually don’t know that person. But it’s very hard to kill off someone who has become a character in their own right. But that’s good, I think. It transfers to my heroine, who is allowed to have an emotional reaction to such a death.
Do you find it hard to know when to end a story?
Usually the story comes to a natural conclusion. Then it’s just a matter of tying up loose ends and giving my lead characters a chance to mull and make decisions of their own. I like to keep the denouement fairly short. When the story is finished, that’s it. And there’s a maxim – always leave the reader wanting more. If you ice the cake too richly, they might be too satisfied to want another slice.
Which book by another author do you wish you had written?
Oh, that’s a tough one. For sheer quality perhaps, another long-time favourite, In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden. So subtle, engaging, insightful and just beautifully written. But then I would love to write like PG Wodehouse whose Jeeves and Bertie books I adore. I’ve had a go in a play I wrote for school when I was teaching drama, and I have a short story out in a similar style (To Catch a Thief). Or Terry Pratchett with such a discerning eye for the human condition.
Tell us something surprising about you!
When I was a teenager, I won two cups for target shooting with a 303 rifle. Now I couldn’t hit a haystack!
This is the first question for the crime writer, I’ve discovered. A tad macabre, but that’s the genre.
Hello there, victim, how would you like to die? I can strangle, bludgeon, knife or poison you, just for starters. But if that ain’t good enough, let’s be inventive. The sky’s the limit. The other day someone got mirrored to death in Midsomer Murders!
Problem is, the moment you decide how to kill someone, you’ve immediately got to find out what that’s going to do to their body. Enter medical research. That leads backwards to what your sleuth can and can’t notice and what it will tell her. She has to work out how it was done before she can figure out who dunnit.
Just to complicate matters, when you set your crime in a historical context, you’ve got to find out what your medical man would have known at that time. Which isn’t what he knows now by a long chalk. At which point, thank heavens for the internet!
I turned up the most marvellous contemporary treatise on poisons on Google books, which tells me exactly what was known or thought about it, as well as how to recognise it, for every possible poison you could think of, and some you couldn’t. This was for the third book in my Lady Fan Mystery series. You can also dig up lots of accounts of horrific 18th century murders, which is extremely helpful, thank you, generating plenty of ideas.
There’s a strange satisfaction about killing victims off, I find. Does this mean I’m a closet murderer? Let’s be charitable, and say that it’s pure imagination and the writer’s mind. After all, I may kill them, but I’m also revenging their deaths and seeing that justice is done.
The other thing I’ve found is that you can’t avoid the inevitable exposition where your sleuth says how it was done. I’ve managed to steer clear of the cliché of gathering suspects together for the purpose, though, and tried to make it a natural part of the investigation process. But as a reader I wouldn’t be satisfied if the puzzle wasn’t somehow explained.
I don’t honestly think I’m going to spend too long worrying over the how-am-I-going-to-kill-you question. Ideas for future books seem to leap out at me with images of full-blown murders ready made. And the other common denominator? When I start writing the book, I haven’t a clue who dunnit or why. The fun of the genre is surprising myself with the answer.
