Guest Post from Malcolm Hollingdrake

Please extend a warm welcome to Malcolm Hollingdrake, who has kindly agreed to share a few  words with us. Find out more about Malcolm here on Amazon 

 

            I was born in Bradford so I was no stranger to the Yorkshire Dales, a regular, weekend picnic venue. However, it wasn’t until I arrived at Ripon College of Education to spend three years of what was said to be study, did I truly appreciate the area! Harrogate was always a favourite destination. It’s a special place, in total contrast to the industrial city of Bradford I knew in the 50s.

            After writing my first, self-published novel, ‘Engulfed’, I read that Harrogate was considered to be the ‘Happiest place to live in the UK’; that got me thinking and so DCI Cyril Bennett was born. ‘Keen as Mustard’ (Now entitled, ‘Only the Dead’) was self-published as an eBook but sat almost unnoticed on Amazon’s shelves! (I think it had fallen down the back!)

            Like all things, ideas are born in the strangest of places and the inspiration for the second book in the series came with a chance conversation whilst on holiday. I discovered that running beneath Harrogate was a disused railway tunnel – that gem of knowledge was the catalyst for my next novel, again a self-published eBook, ‘Just Above Hades’ (Now entitled, ‘Hell’s Gate’). 

            As a writer I had always hoped to win a publishing contract. Rejection letters become a way of life but you persevere in the hope that someone will see the value of your work. I’ve been incredibly lucky to be offered a book deal with Bloodhound Books for the Harrogate series. 

The third novel entitled, ‘Flesh Evidence’, is due out alongside the first two before Christmas; three books in two months! Exciting! The fourth is finished apart from the editing.

The biggest thrill for me will be to see my work in book form. To hold it and flick the pages will be an emotional moment. I see writing as comparable to climbing a mountain. I’m lucky to have someone who has always believed in me and encouraged me, I have readers who have shown their support; their reviews steady the rope and take the strain to make climbing a little easier. I feel as though I have the skill to reach the summit but often, through no fault of my own, I fall. It’s about starting that climb over and over again in the hope that one day, one day, with the team’s help, I will stand on the top and be in a position to wave the Bloodhound Banner!

bloodhoundbooks - Malcolm Hollingdrake

Book Review: Death Stalks Kettle Street - John Bowen

Some accidents are no accident...

Someone is murdering Greg Unsworth's neighbours and staging the deaths to look like accidents.
Greg knows the truth, but when he's grappling with OCD and simply closing his front door and crossing the road are a battle, how is he supposed to catch a serial killer?

From the internationally bestselling author of Where the Dead Walk, Vessel and Cold Sweats & Vignettes comes a cosy murder mystery with a difference...
Meet Greg Unsworth, afflicted with OCD, who begins to realize that a series of fatal accidents on his street are in fact a series of murders. After encountering Beth Grue at the scene of one such crime, the two bond over their shared fears and suspicions, and struggles: Beth has cerebral palsy. When the police repeatedly dismiss their concerns, they take matters into their own hands and attempt to discover the killer's identity and expose him...




First and foremost let me start by saying this was completely unputdownable! Not your traditional who-dun-it, Death Stalks Kettle Street is a character fueled murder mystery, cleverly written, shining a comedic insight into the quintessential English street.
Each little character is given just enough time to allow you to get to know them, each main character is written in a way to make you fall in love with them. The one thing I loved about this book was that each of the main characters was flawed in their own way, and this in itself makes them perfect. Each character is real. You feel like you know then, you get the opportunity to get to know them as if you were meeting them in real life, bumping into new friends for coffee or at work until they become life long friends.The author has managed to create enough atmosphere to keep you intrigued in the story, without rushing you too quickly from one plot point to another, as often happens with this type of story. It’s a story to read while eating cake and spying on your neighbours.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Stalks-Kettle-Street-Bowen-ebook/dp/B01N06215V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481271168&sr=8-1&keywords=death+stalks+kettle+street

Book review: Frailty by Betsy Reavley

Wow, what more can i say. Wow.

This was a great read. Quick, well written, gripping, and consuming. It jept me away at night, made me late for work, and had me neglecting my daughter. If you have a life be prepared to put it on hold for the duration while you read this. And read it you should.

Saying that i will out a trigger warning on this book. It had me crying, it had me fearing for my family, it was emotional and it's a book that will stick with me for a while. I finished this book a few days ago and I've not been able to get it out of my mind. I've tried to read a few other books since, I can't focus on any.

Go forth, click here an read: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Frailty-Betsy-Reavley/dp/0995621209

Giveaway

Exclusive Giveaway

I'm please to be able to announce that I'm in the fortunate position to be able to run a fantastic competition. The prize of three brilliant books by Rob Sinclair! Rob is the author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling Enemy series of espionage thrillers featuring embattled agent Carl Logan.

His explosive debut, Dance with the Enemy, was published in 2014 and introduced the world to the enigmatic Carl Logan. The second novel in the series, Rise of the Enemy, was released in April 2015 with the third, Hunt for the Enemy, released in February 2016. You can be in the running to win all three of these books. And what's more, Rise of the Enemy is a Hardback edition. All three are ready to be posted right now. Keep reading to find out how to enter this fabulous competition

 

But why this brilliant giveaway? Rob is currently in the middle of a blog tour to celebrate the release of his new novel Dark Fragments. Currently 99p on Amazon here  Dark Fragments is a pulsating psychological thriller, described as 'clever' and 'chilling' and an 'expertly crafted' story, it's one not to be missed.

Now back to the competition, to be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is answer this question: Who is your favourite Superhero? 
Once you have your answer email me at 

me.as.mummy.plus@gmail.com

Good luck everyone, you have until 20th November to get your answers in.

Book review: What the Clock Knows - Rumer Haven

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up, it was sold to me as paranormal "fiction for weirdos", well, who could say no to that. But that I think was an undue description. I'd descride it more as contemporary fiction with a paranormal twist. Here is the blurb from the book so you can make up your own mind:

Twenty-six-year-old Margot sets out on a journey of self-discovery - she dumps her New York boyfriend, quits her Chicago job, and crashes at her friend's flat in London.

Rather than find herself, though, she only feels more lost. An unsettling energy affects her from the moment she enters the old Victorian residence, and she spirals into depression. Frightened and questioning her perceptions, she gradually suspects her dark emotions belong to Charlotte instead.

Who is Charlotte? The name on a local gravestone could relate to Margot's dreams and the grey woman weeping at the window.

Finding a ghost isn't what she had in mind when she went 'soul searching', but somehow Margot's future may depend on Charlotte's past.

Woven between 21st-century and Victorian London, What the Clocks Know is a haunting story of love and identity.

My thoughts:
I read this during a difficult time at home so it took me longer than perhaps it should have. It was an easy read and one that ordinarily I'd have flown through. The main character was likeable, even if i couldn't relate to her decision to move to another country. However, we've all been in the situation where we've been alone, and paranoid and Margot's real life reaction to the events happening around her is why I'd describe this as a contemporary novel. It's a novel I'll recommend and it's a novel I'll be keeping on my kindle.

Pick up your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Clocks-Know-Rumer-Haven-ebook/dp/B01C8PQHAQ//?tag=371-21#immersive-view_1478719429734

Author Interview: Therese Loreskär

Today on my blog I have an interview with Bombshell Books new signing Therese Loreskar, Bombshell Books was founded in August 2016 and specialises in Women's Fiction. And is an imprint of leading crime fiction publisher, Bloodhound Books and was born from a love of great fiction - Bombshell publish the books they love, producing remarkable fiction for our readers and building long-term careers for our authors.

Therese Loreskär

Therese Loreskar started her career in 2010 as a Swedish author. She self-published her first novel which quickly became a critically acclaimed best-seller.

In 2014 she signed up to a publishing house. Her novel called “The Queen of Blogging” was released and the feedback was overwhelming! People referred to the book as a modern “Bridget Jones” and couldn’t get enough of the main character, Kajsa. The next book “The Queen of Blogging 2” was released shortly after to all the reader’s delight.

Therese has since then published 4 bestselling children’s books as well. She often does tours at different schools and talks about her books. The children love her visits and Therese always enjoys talking to her little readers.

“The Queen of Blogging 1 & 2” have also been recorded and launched as audiobooks in addition to paper backs in Sweden. Therese has contracts with 4 different publishing houses as well as a Book and Film Agency. Her biggest dream is to have “The Queen of Blogging series” made into films, and she secretly keeps a list in an old drawer of presumptive actors that would do the characters in her books justice.

Her never-ending energy for writing and entertaining people with her characters is her biggest trait.

Therese lives in the countryside along the west coast of Sweden. She has a rather big and busy household, with (one) husband, two children, one deaf cat, five hamsters and a grandmother.

When she’s not busy making up stories and writing silly things, she enjoys the nature, people, history, redecorating the house without asking anyone for permission, and all other kinds of creativity.

Welcome Therese,

To warm us up I've some quick fire questions for you. What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say the following...

Milk… Cats

Cats…           My 18 years old cat Esmeralda

Yellow…       Egg yolks

Favourite film…  Any Owen Wilson comedy

Moist…          Single-glassed windows

Sci-fi…           Star Wars

Thank you for that, now onto the real questions, what encouraged you to be an author in the first place?

My dad became seriously ill and told me to follow my dream to become an author. He always told me to follow my passion. Both my parents have encouraged me incredibly much to live this crazy life as a fulltime author.

And how did you feel when you first realised your books were being bought by people other than friends and family?

I’m not sure I still 100% understand this J It’s an unreal feeling. Strange, but pleasant though.

Who is your favourite author?

Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes and Lisa Jewell. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet Lisa, who’s so sweet and down to earth.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Most of it just suddenly appears in the document on my computer. I always ask myself “Where did that come from?” It does help that I more than often seem to end up in awkward situations in my own life.

What is your favourite film?

A movie where I get to laugh out loud.

You've created a few characters in your time as an author, if you could sit down with just one for a glass of wine (or a coffee )who would it be and why?

That’s easy; I would love to talk more to Kajsa Blomblad. I would love to get to know her more and listen to all the stories of her life. I mean, the stories I haven’t already written about that is. It would be strange but fun to finally get to see what she looks like as well.

Who (fiction or non fiction) would you invite to your ideal dinner party?

1.      Bridget Jones

2.      Rebecca Bloomwood  

3.      Kajsa Blomblad, my main character in “The Queen of Blogging”

4.      Her Royal highness, Queen Elizabeth.

5.      Claire and Phil Dunphy from the series Modern family.

6.      Mr.Schuester from the series Glee.

7.     Sue Perkins

8.      Mel Giedroyc

9.     Greg Poehler

If you weren't a writer what would you do?

I would work as a teacher again. I love kids. That’s the only thing I miss about working fulltime as an author - working with kids.

And can you tell us anything about your next novel?

My main character Kajsa moves to London with her kids. Starting a “new” life in the UK. Well, that is partly based on my own move from Sweden to Cambridge. But other than that it’s all fiction. On the plane over to England, Kajsa met this super famous musical artist and that is the start of a never-ending series of awkward events in her life…

Do you have any advice for budding authors that may be reading?

As I see it you only need two things to be an author:

1.    Fantasy.

2.    Self-Confidence

I still struggle with number two. But that’s super important. You need to believe that you are good enough. You can always learn more about grammar and tricks here and there. But you need some sort of foundation to stand strong on. Believe in your own writing.

And finally, Therese what is the one thing you would want a new reader to your books to know.

I wrote this novel purely to entertain people. If my readers as much as given a hint of a smile whilst reading it, I’ve succeeded. “Let me entertain you” as Robbie Williams sang.

Thank you Therese, and good luck with the rest of your tour.

Thank you :)

Apologies to you all and exciting news

This is just a quick post, firstly sorry it's been a quiet month. I was married 3 weeks ago and life has been hectic haha!
But, to make up for it this week I have another star author interview to post as part of a fab blogger tour. Plus, my review of Candles and Roses is coming.
Stay tuned
Xx

Interview: Alex Walters

I'd like to offer a warm welcome to Alex Walters for the first step on his blog tour to Not Just A Mummy, don't forget to check out his other stops:

Alex Walters is a successful author of new release Candles And Roses.

DI Alec McKay is a man haunted by the loss of his daughter.  As he obsesses over a missing person case that is going nowhere, McKay’s investigation is interrupted when bodies start appearing on the Scottish Black Isle. Soon McKay and his team start to identify a disturbing pattern behind the killings.

This is the first police procedural novel I've read in a long time,  and my review will come in due course, but before then I'd like to welcome the author for the first step on his blog tour.

Welcome Alex,

To warm us up I've some quick fire questions for you. What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say the following...

Milk…shake 

Cats…hungry (we have four and they always are)

Yellow…mellow (quite rightly)

Favourite film…Chinatown (see below)

Moist…wipes. No, me neither. 

Sci-fi…teenage, because I read little else for a while then and have barely read any since. Don’t know why. 

Thank you for that, now onto the real questions, what encouraged you to be an author in the first place?

There were various writers I first read as a teenager who made me excited about what fiction could do - a pretty mixed bunch including Alan Garner, Agatha Christie and science fiction writers like Samuel R Delany. There was a point then when all I wanted to do was be a writer. Then I read English Literature at university and that probably knocked it out of me for a while! But I always carried on doing it, initially just half-heartedly but then with more and more enthusiasm, and I finally had my first book published about ten years ago. 

And how did you feel when you first realised your books were being bought by people other than friends and family?

It’s still a slightly unnerving thought (I find it even more unnerving seeing the page reads for Kindle Unlimited and realising that there are people out there reading my books right now…). But it’s reality gratifying when you get positive feedback from people you don’t know - it’s great to think that you’ve actually created something they’ve enjoyed. 

I read that Candles and Roses is the first in a new series, have you planned out the whole series yet?

Not really - that’s not really how I work. I’ve got a loose idea of how the characters will develop and interact and some ideas for plots. But I usually find that once I start writing the story develops in ways I hadn’t expected at all - for me, that’s one of the great pleasures of writing. 

Who is your favourite author?

I think that changes from day to day, almost. In terms of crime fiction, it’s probably the late Reginald Hill, who wrote the Pascoe and Dalziel books  - I don’t think anyone’s surpassed him for the brilliance of his plotting, the depth of his characters or the sheer wit of his writing. Still underrated, I think.  I’m also a huge fan of the Golden Age crime writer, Marjorie Allingham - also probably still underrated. 

Where do you get your inspiration for your books? I'm assuming you don't go around killing people to see what would happen?

No, though it may occasionally be tempting… My books usually start from not much more than a scene or a couple of scenes that pop into my mind. With the new book, the scene was the finding of the first body at an eerie place called the Clootie Well on the Black Isle. But I’ve no idea where the candles and roses came from! 

What is your favourite film?

Again, it changes. But probably Chinatown - just the perfect film noir, with terrific performances from Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston and a terrifying ending that’s like Greek tragedy. 

You've created a few characters in your time as an author, if you could sit down with just one for a pint who would it be and why?

There are one or two. But I think Alec McKay, the lead character in Candles and Roses, would make interesting company. He’s got a very deadpan acerbic sort of humour that I get on well with. 

Who (fiction or non fiction) would you invite to your ideal dinner party?

I think we should have a fictional detectives dinner party with, say, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Albert Campion, Andy Dalziel and Philip Marlowe, just because it would be fun to see those diverse egos clashing!

If you weren't a writer what would you do?

I do actually have a (now diminishing) day job as a freelance consultant. It’s worked well for me in the last few years because I’ve been doing work in police forces which has given me a lot of insight into the culture and methods of policing. But the writing is becoming more and more central. 

And can you tell us anything about your next novel?

I’ve got another book finished in a separate series (about Manchester-based DCI Kenny Murrain) and I’m in the middle of my next Alec McKay book. It’s probably a little too early to say to much about it, but it links back to events in the past not just for McKay but also for his deputy DS Ginny Horton. 

Do you have any advice for budding authors that may be reading?

Be persistent, mainly.  It’s not an easy road so you have to do it because you really want to (not just because you have dreams of being the next J K Rowling). Try to get feedback from people who’ll tell you honestly what you think. And personally I think editing is as important as writing - the first full draft is really just the start of the process not the end. Keep writing as much as you can. And keep reading. 

And finally, Alex what is the one thing you would want a new reader to your books to know.

That’s a tricky one. All of my books have a growing team of characters, so I suppose I’d want a reader to know that they’re going to meet a bunch of interesting and engaging people who will take them, I hope, to some exciting and perhaps sometimes frightening places...

Thank you Alex, and good luck with the rest of your tour.

Exciting News

Pleased to announce I'll be featuring in the upcoming blog tour for the new book by Alex Walters 

Come back on 27th September to see what Alex has to say for himself in a new interview.

Interview with John Bowen

John is a successful self published author with sales over forty thousand novels in under three years.

I read my first book of his when it was chosen by my book club in July 2015 and I've been a fan ever since. John has written on a few different genres and each I've read has been written with skill and a control over the readers emotions as expertly as his skill over the keyboard. 

So, to kick things of and to warm up, John, what's the first thing that comes to mind when I say… 

Pyramid… Scheme.

Blue… Skies.

Teleportation… Thanks Scotty.

Moist… Cake? Yes, that is my final answer. 

Favourite film… Tough could be a different answer every day, but today? Little Miss Sunshine?

Sleeping in… Pff! The chance would be a fine thing. From around 6 am my cat knocks things of my bedside table like a goon squeezing me for protection money until I get up and feed her.

Now we are fully warmed up on with the real questions, how did it feel to find yourself in the top 100 on Amazons bestsellers list for your first novel?

Seeing it next to one of Stephen King's was very exciting. You dream of thousands of people reading your books, but you never expect it to happen.

And then to find your second book doing so well…

Just as much of a surprise. If I'm honest, every novel feels like a moonshot. Doing something different with each time, hopping genre, means I can never assume readers will be will follow me on the journey. I'm grateful many seemed to.

If you went back to Where the Dead Walk now would you change anything?

Maybe. I think looking back it's always possible you'll see things you could have done differently. Although, I'm quite a slow writer compared to many. My books spend a long time in the oven. It's one of the benefits of being fully independent. A novel comes out when I think it's as good as I can make it, not to meet a publisher deadline. That affords me time to reflect on what's there, and hold it if I think more work would mean a better story. Usually by the time the book is released it will have gone through multiple drafts and edits. At some point, though, you have to accept you did your best and let go.

Can you tell us anything about your next book?

It's called Death Stalks Kettle Street, another thriller, although this time a murder mystery.

It's set on an ordinary suburban street. Someone is murdering Greg Unsworth's neighbours and staging the deaths to look like accidents. Greg knows the truth, but when he's grappling with OCD and simply closing his front door, turning off a tap and crossing the road are a battle, how exactly is he supposed to catch a serial killer?

I'm really pleased with how it came out. I hope readers will like it too.

If you weren't writing, how would you make your fortune?

I'd probably be ruined. The only thing I seem to be good at is making up imaginary people and having them do imaginary things!

And what advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Trust in yourself and your work. To a large extent the old gate keepers of traditional publishing have lost their stranglehold on readers. There's almost nothing to keep you from reaching people these days if you're committed.

When not writing what is your favourite pass time or holiday destination?

I'm a big fiction nut, videogames, novels, films, TV series... The last few years the writing has kind of swallowed up most of my free time, but I finished the final draft of the new book a few weeks ago, just before our summer holiday in Greece. I did almost nothing but read, guilt free, by the pool. Sheer heaven.

What PG word makes you laugh?

Weiner.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?

Maybe not the most embarrassing, but back in school I did once ask my biology teacher in a full classroom if she would tell me what the definition of an orgasm was, when I meant organism...

Do you have a pet peeve?

Rudeness or intolerance of any flavour. Come on people!

And what's your lucky number?

Seven. Good old lucky seven.

I'm currently watching Thomas The Tank Engine with my daughter, what's your favourite kids cartoon?

My daughter was into Gravity Falls last year. I could watch that anytime. Adventure Time is pretty great too.

And finally, what piece of advice do you have for our readers?

Look behind the front row of produce at the supermarket. The dates will often be further out on the items at the back of the shelf. Oh, and in the winter? Don't eat the yellow snow...

Thank you John, I can't wait for your new book. 

Thanks Lou. 

For More information on John check out his website at: https://johnbowenauthor.wordpress.com/

and his amazon page here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Bowen/e/B00K3NTOTW/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1472819630&sr=8-2-ent

Book review: The Exorcism of Little Billy Wagner by Francis J Flynn

The Exorcism of Little Billy Wagner by Francis J Flynn is an odd book. I picked it up thinking it was going to be a horror type, as is so often with books/films of similar titles. That's not what this is though. The best way to describe this is as a documentary to the way the Catholic Church deals with Exorcism. I learnt a lot about the hierarchy of the church and the way it's run.

This is a book told from the point of view of the clergy, and how they would treat and react if a parishioner went to them with concerns of demonic possession. It came across as a very believeable account, although I'm not familiar enough with the subject matter to fully know what would happen.

Overall however, I struggeled with this one. I found that the author gave me too much information in one go and it would have helped if the chapters would have been shorter. I found that I wanted to skip bits, to get to the main event quicker, especially as by 60% in they were still trying to decide if he really was possessed or not.

I'm not sure I'd read this again, but I'm glad I picked it up.

Top Secret

Just a short post because I'm so so excited, I am in the possession of an unreleased first first copy of a new book that is fantastic. And I can't wait to share it with you but you are going to have to wait! But it's fantastic! And I'm loving it!

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - JK Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Wow! This really was excellent!
I'm currently sitting in a que on line, waiting for the opportunity to buy tickets to see the stage show. I have a wait of over an hour in front of me. So, why not write up my review while I wait?
First off, I loved it. I loved having a brand new Harry Potter story to read. It took me right back to my childhood of dressing up in my homemade cloak (Ravenclaw if you're interested) at midnight outside the relevant book shop. (This time bought on the motorway from a service station...) 
Now here comes the but... I couldn't help but notice the MAJOR plot hole. And it disappointed me. That being said, this is the rehearsal script. The one the actors used to rehearse the play.This is not the final script that has ended up on stage, and so I hope this has been addressed.
Moving away from the story for a minute, it's worth talking about the format. Over the years we've been treated to novels, text books, childrens stories, and information about the characters from JK Rowling on Pottermore, so we don't necessarily expect the same format every time a new publication is released. This is new again. This is a stage script. There is little in it other than dialogue. And if you haven't read many scripts in the past, it will take you time to get into it. I have read many scripts over the years, but even i struggled with this. Most scripts tend to have longer scenes, in few sets. This is because on the stage, set and costume changes take time and can interrupt the flow of the story telling. This was filled with lots of short scenes in many differed sets. So I can only assume that the setting will be very minimalist. I'll have to wait and see.
All that being said. I really did enjoy the new story. And I can't wait to see the show. 
-still  24974 people in the que to buy tickets before me...

-EDIT: I didn't get tckets

Interview: Baatty About Books - pt2

Part 2 of my interview with Helen from Baatty About Books https://baattyaboutbooks.wordpress.com/

Can you tell me about the current book you are reading? 

Sadly not too much as it is an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Never Alone by Elizabeth Haynes but I have just finished The Devil’s Work by Mark Edwards which is due for release shortly and it is set in a publishing house office and revolves around office life but certainly not everyday office occurrences – well worth a read for pysc thriller fans (full review on my blog plug plug) [EDIT: https://baattyaboutbooks.wordpress.com/]

What’s your one pet peeve? 

Spoilers !!! Hate them with a vengeance – why people feel the need to share when there is a twist in a book, or the ending, or even worse when a central character dies!! really really does annoy me beyond belief..Had to censor comments then!!

Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list and what would you cook? (Knowing that Helen isn’t a keen chief I’m going to insist that everything is cooked by hand by her ;) ) 

How many am I allowed? Ermm I will go with Sean Bean (he could have featured in another answer but was way more suitable here), Cynthia Payne, Posh and Becks (maybe just Becks), Will Smith, Jackie Collins and lastly Ian Fleming if I was forced to cook then we would start with halloumi kehabs, followed by onion in the hole (toad in the hole minus the sausage) and pudding would be Eton Mess.

I know how busy you are with your blog these days, do you have anything exciting coming up? 

Always busy with the blog these days and yes I have a couple more blog tours coming up and also Simon Kernick will be guest posting hopefully in September so that is also a huge big deal for me as he another long standing favourite of mine.

Do you have a lucky number? 

13 or 666

What’s your current hair colour? 

Pink with purple streaks (it really is)

What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you as a blogger?

So far nothing and hope it stays that way tbh x

And finally, if you were able to interview one author from history who would it be and how would the interview go?

I would like to ask Jane Austen if Colin Firth lived up to her expectations as Mr Darcy, would imagine the interview would be quite dull by my standards but as we very clearly 2 different people and not quite sure how she would take to my continued use of lol.

Really enjoyed the questions Louise thanks for asking me x

Thanks Helen, it's been a pleasure.

x

Book Review: See How They Run - Tom Bale

My Thoughts:

I’ve been putting off writing this review for a few days now. This was for a few reasons. 1, the book was so fast paced that by the end I needed time to get my breath back. 2, it was so emotionally charged that I was left speechless. Now I’ve had a few days to reflect on it I’m still left with a feeling of wow! Every full star review that this book has received is deserved. From the moment that you open the first page you will be hooked. My fiancé read this after me and read it within 24 hours and I’m so glad he did. Almost every chapter he read was met with loud exclamations of OMG or WOW or questioning “did that really happen?” “yes darling, it did!”

One of the best things about this book is that I pictured myself in the main roll. This was a blessing and a curse as it’s not a situation I EVER want to be in. Thank you Tom Bale for scaring the bejesus out of me.

My advice is go to amazon, don't read anything else (even thebook description will tell you a lot about this book that you don't want to know in advance) and buy it. 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/See-How-They-Run-Gripping-ebook/dp/B01D25LZD0

Interview: Baatty About Books

I hope you don't mind but I wanted to do another interview and Helen Claire from Baatty About Books kindly agreed to be the subject. I really enjoyed talking to her, as I always do. I hope you enjoy reading as much. Don't forget to check out her own blog at https://baattyaboutbooks.wordpress.com/

Helen has been a book worm for years and after her recent promotion to the Admin Team on TBC I thought it was about time someone turned the table and asked her the questions. She's interviewed many authors on her own blog, so, lets see how she got on answering some...

Hi Helen,
As a successful blogger I know you are more used to asking questions instead of answering them but I thought it might be fun for people to learn a little more about you. 
Hi Louise, can I just say am delighted that you consider me to be a successful blogger, right to the questions.

To warm us up what is the first thing you think of when I say these words:

Hello…
Hello, can I help (best work voice)

Sticky…
Fly traps

Moist…
Now that would be telling...

Yellow…
Jaundice

Tomato…

Roasted with garlic and aubergines yum

Dogs…

Madness inducing hounds who bark constantly but I love them dearly – honest.

Now that’s out of the way and we are thoroughly warmed up, can you tell me a little about how long you have been blogging, and how you got into it? 

I have not been blogging that long hence why I so pleased to be classed as successful (still got a way to go) but its nearly a year now and the blog grew from my love of reading and being invited to join TBC on Facebook by a long standing friend of mine who is also a book geek and the obsession has just grown and grown from there. It is a great community and I am thrilled to be part of it as have made many new friends.

Any advice for new bloggers? 

Yeah, go for it. And remember it’s your blog and you are writing about what is important to you - so its your chance to voice your thoughts and views, but be prepared that you may get some comments or remarks in return that you don’t always agree with so always best it moderate any comments before they appear on your blog.

What (PG) word always makes you laugh? 

Rollocks. The other choice sounded rude even though its not..

What has been your most memorable thing about blogging? 

Interviewing and  meeting my ATF author Peter James (20 million copies sold) will always be a highlight of my life, being part of the advance reading group for The Devils Work was pretty awesome, oh and seeing my name inside a book cover so many things have happened is hard to choose most memorable. 

Stay tuned for part 2 coming soon...