Robert Hale Ltd Authors and Books

Busy, busy

2012-01-23T16:42:00.001Z

A short interview

2012-01-17T11:13:00.002Z

Try the following link. A short interview with six questions. http://andyrane.blogspot.com/2012/01/same-six-questions-michael-parker.html

SEA DUST now published in paperback and e-book

2011-12-29T22:35:00.002Z

SEA DUST was first published by Robert Hale in 2005 and sold out within six weeks of release. Unfortunately it was never reprinted apart from in Large Print format for Ulverscroft.

This historical novel is set mainly at sea on a voyage from England (Whitby) to Australia (Sydney) in 1853.
Travel with Emma on this dangerous and dramatic journey as she escapes from her cruel husband little knowing she will be pursued by an even more evil malefactor.

This week, SEA DUST has been released on Amazon.com as an e-book (only $3.99). It is available in other e-formats through Belgrave House for $5.00.

Along with my other Hale publications, SEA DUST is now available in paperback through Lulu.com and available at Amazon.com

THE BLACK THREADnow available as E-books

2011-12-29T22:01:00.006Z

Recently another of Margaret Muir's Hale books has been converted to e-book format.

THE BLACK THREAD was first published by Hale in 2007 and reprinted as a Large Print for Ulverscroft the following year.

This is a dramatic historical novel set on the Leeds Liverpool canal at the end of the nineteenth century.
This is now available at Amazon.com for $3.99.

Murder Fortissimo goes West!

2011-12-22T11:30:00.004Z

Yippee! Hale have just confirmed that Murder Fortissimo is scheduled to be published in April 2012 by Harlequin, in Canada and the US. In paperback! I'm hoping it'll be available from Amazon in the UK.

No idea what the cover will be like but I'll post further details as I get them.

I'm very, very chuffed about this!

Bestselling Hale Kindle titles on Amazon - 30 November

2011-12-01T12:56:00.002Z

1. Past Caring by Robert Goddard (29 Jul 2011)
£6.06

2. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (31 May 2010)
£5.48

3. Churchyard and Hawke (Amos Hawke mysteries) by E.V. Thompson (29 Jul 2011)
£6.39

4. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange (1 Jan 2011)
£5.48

5. Coming Home by Vonnie Hughes (31 Jan 2012)
£6.39

6. The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert (1 Jan 2011)
£6.39

7. Lady Sabrina's Secret by Jeannie Machin (31 Aug 2011)
£6.39

8. Colonel Brandon's Diary by Amanda Grange (31 Oct 2011)
£6.07

9. Vow of Silence by Veronica Black (30 Dec 2011)
£6.39

10. Oliver Twist Investigates by G.M. Best (31 Jan 2012)
£6.39

The Boy From Berlin

2011-11-25T14:24:00.000Z

My latest Hale novel, THE BOY FROM BERLIN is now available from Hale Books at the usual discount and post free in UK if ordered before December 30th. Always a good chance to by a decent novel at a decent price.I'm looking forward to receiving mine in the post and will read it through like a kid with a new toy. happy days!

Busy, busy

2011-11-24T13:41:00.001Z

Busy day again. I’m squeezing this post in between outings. This morning my wife and I were at a house group. It’s a weekly meeting for about ten of us from our local Christian Fellowship here in Torrevieja. I take my keyboard and play a hymn or two, and we spend about an hour discussing a particular topic and drifting away and talking of all manner of things. It’s amazing how people open up once they have become relaxed and know that what they say will not go beyond the group. Back home for lunch and then out again visiting a sick friend. She has cancer, and has been battling the disease for about three years now. She gets a reprieve and then another crisis develops. We can only keep praying for her and hope the Lord heals. This afternoon we will spend about an hour with our friend and her husband, not much more than that because of her frailty. So, rather hurriedly really, I’m writing my blog post now so I can get it out today, Thursday.
My son sent me a breakdown of my web statistics this morning. I’m not in the big league, but since we updated the web, my hits went from an average over seven months of about 11000 to 22738 in November. They say that one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but I’m chuffed to bits with that increase.
It is now possible to order copies of my hardback, THE BOY FROM BERLIN. Publication date in December 30th. from the publisher, Robert Hale Ltd. They sell at a generous discount, about 30% and will send the book post free in UK. For those who might want to buy a copy, log on to Hale’s website at www.halebooks.com. I’m looking forward to seeing the book in print. I’m like a kid with a new toy when I open up my parcel with the books inside. I always read my books through, beginning to end. Makes me feel good knowing that this is all my own work, edited and published at no cost to me. Lovely.
The Kindle version of ROSELLI’S GOLD is now available. Shouldn’t be too long before it’s available in paperback in UK. There’s so much going on for me right now, what with my work coming out and everything else. Next week I’ll be giving away three copies of Roselli’s Gold through the Goodreads giveaway promotion. If you haven’t signed up for it yet, why not pop over to Goodreads and check it out? You never know, you might win. See you all next week.

Lady Farquhar's Butterfly

2011-11-24T03:28:00.001Z

On December 30th my second book with Hale - Lady Farquhar's Butterfly - will be released as a Hale e-book.

It was inspired by a piece of research I'd done into the times for while I knew women had few rights at that time in which the book is set - 1818 - I didn't know they could be stripped of their child by a husband's decree after he was dead.

Deception and redemption are favourite themes of mine and are the driving forces behind Lady Farquhar's Butterfly. While the cruelty of the late husband to my heroine, Olivia, lives on beyond the grave, she must continue to battle his evil religious with his ulterior motives before she can find love with her son's guardian.

Lady Farquhar's Butterfly was published in 2010 by Hale in Hardback and re-released last year in Large Print by Ulverscroft. I hope it takes wings as an e-book.

Bestsellers on Amazon - 31 October - Kindle titles

2011-10-31T23:37:00.003Z

1. Past Caring by Robert Goddard (Kindle Edition - 29 Jul 2011)
Buy: £6.39

2. Churchyard and Hawke (Amos Hawke mysteries) by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 29 Jul 2011)
Buy: £6.39

3. Across the Sands of Time by Pamela Kavanagh (Kindle Edition - 30 Sep 2011)
Buy: £6.39

4. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 31 May 2010)
Buy: £5.48

5. The Kansas Fast Gun (Black Horse Western) by Arthur Kent (Kindle Edition - 31 Oct 2011)
Buy: £3.19

6. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange (Kindle Edition - 1 Jan 2011)
Buy: £5.48

7. Maggie's Girl by Sally Wragg (Kindle Edition - 30 Sep 2011)
Buy: £6.39

8. Should I Forget You by Jeanne Whitmee (Kindle Edition - 31 Aug 2011)
Buy: £6.39

9. The Paradise Will by Elizabeth Hanbury (Kindle Edition - 30 Sep 2011)
Buy: £6.39

10. A Fraudulent Betrothal by Natasha Anderson (Kindle Edition - 30 Sep 2011)
Buy: £6.39

Review of 'The Rake's Challenge' by Rachel Hyde at Myshelf.com

2011-10-31T00:34:00.003Z

The Rake’s Challenge

Beth Elliott

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde

Anna Lawrence is not at all keen on life at home and runs away to emulate her hero Childe Harold. She hasn’t got far when she is molested by two young men intent on some “sport”, but is rescued by a mysterious stranger. This is none other than London’s most notorious rake Giles Maltravers, the Earl of Longwood and saving damsels in distress is not something he is normally associated with. But this young miss hardly out of the schoolroom awakens something in him and he is determined to protect her. Surely nothing amiss can happen once she is safely delivered to her place of employment as companion to an old lady?

Ms Elliott knows how to write just the kind of Regency romance I enjoy. Anna makes for a delightfully fresh and engaging heroine, whilst Giles manages not to be overbearing thus avoiding those endless bickering spats that have me closing the book in some romances. Instead this is a story where two people really do get to know – and like – each other and it is full of enjoyable moments. Anna’s new employers are Italians and are up to something underhand – what? Then there are descriptions of Brighton in its heyday and all the things that the ton did there. This is a relaxing, sunny treat of a novel with much to recommend it for fans of writers like Georgette Heyer.

Sheila Newberry

2011-10-21T08:23:00.002+01:00

Happy to report that Hale are to publish my latest novel, Young May Moon!
Sixteen year old May becomes the Punch & Judy Lady, fulfilling a promise
made to her late father, "Professor" Jas Jolley, and is assisted by her
lively young sister Pomona, who takes the leather bottle round the audience
on the sands at West Wick, in 1925. Four years before, from this same place,
their fiery mother Carmen, a flamenco dancer from Spain ran off with the preacher from
the rival entertainment , while Mr Punch cried out: That's the Way to Do It!

Other good news: I have a fifth memoir published on 1st November by Magna/Dales,
entitled Dancing in the Street, which indeed we did, on VE night... It covers the
In-Between years from 1942-50, in which I recall, among other things, dried egg,
doodlebugs, Disraeli and Daydreaming...

All best to all,
Sheila Newberry

Bestselling Hale Fiction on Amazon - Kindle only

2011-10-10T11:25:00.002+01:00

I'm a bit late this month with my monthly bestseller list. This time out the list is purely devoted to Kindle fiction.

1. Past Caring by Robert Goddard (29 Jul 2011)
£5.49

2. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (31 May 2010)
£5.48

3. Churchyard and Hawke (Amos Hawke mysteries) by E.V. Thompson (29 Jul 2011)
£6.23

4. The Paradise Will by Elizabeth Hanbury (30 Sep 2011)
£6.39

5. Broken Places by Wendy Perriam (29 Jul 2011)
£6.39

6. The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street (29 Jul 2011)
£5.25

7. The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert (1 Jan 2011)
£6.23

8. Rumours and Red Roses by Patricia Fawcett (31 Aug 2011)
£6.39

9. Across the Sands of Time by Pamela Kavanagh (30 Sep 2011)
£6.39

10. Spoiled by Ann Barker (30 Sep 2011)
£6.38

JOHN BURKE R.I.P.

2011-09-24T00:07:00.002+01:00

John Burke, who has written many novels, and been published by Robert Hale died on the 20th September 2011 after a long illness.

2011-09-17T16:07:00.004+01:00

A Father For Daisy was published by Hale at the end of June 2011. It is set in Horwich in 1898.

After the death of her elderly father, Bea Rossall is left without a home and has to find a means of support for herself and a four-month-old orphanded baby left in her care. When she turns down the proposition from a local mill owner that she become his housekeeper/mistress, he makes sure no-one else in the area will offer her employment. Bea decides that the only way forward is to seek Daisy's father in the hope that he will help to provide for his daughter ... but when the man named by Daisy's mother denies any knowledge of the matter, Bea wonders where to turn next - until an unexpected opportunity presents itself. Bea has to face scorn and overcome much prejudice against the role of women in society and the work-place, as well as danger to her life and the lives of those she loves before she can achieve her goal.

Bestselling Hale Fiction on Amazon - August 31

2011-08-31T21:29:00.001+01:00

1. Beyond the Storm by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 Nov 2010)
From £7.86

2. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 31 May 2010)
Buy: £5.48

3. Past Caring by Robert Goddard (Kindle Edition - 29 Jul 2011)
Buy: £5.10

4. Churchyard and Hawke (Amos Hawke mysteries) by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 29 Jul 2011)
Buy: £6.39

5. Churchyard and Hawke by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - 31 May 2011)
From £3.70

6. The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street (Kindle Edition - 29 Jul 2011)
Buy: £4.53

7. The Man Who Could Not Sleep and Other Mysteries by Michael Gilbert (Hardcover - 31 Jan 2011)
From £11.45

8. Ruined by Ann Barker (Hardcover - 31 Jul 2009)
From £9.01

9. The Colour of Death by Frances Lloyd (Hardcover - 30 Sep 2011)
Buy new: £18.99

10. Broken Places by Wendy Perriam (Kindle Edition - 29 Jul 2011)
Buy: £6.39

Vulture Gold, originally a BHW, is a finalist

2011-08-19T11:02:00.002+01:00

Originally published as a Black Horse Western, Hale returned the rights to me and Western Trail Blazers published Vulture Gold first as an e-Book, then as a printed book. I sent the book to Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards competition and was notified that VG is a finalist.

Garet Havelock was a Cherokee half-breed and the marshal of Vulture City. But that wasn’t enough to stop outlaw kingpin Barnabas Donovan from sending in three armed men to rob $100,000 in bullion from the Vulture Mine headquarters, killing two people in the process. Havelock set out to catch the thieves and recover the gold and in the unforgiving Mojave Desert, Jicarilla Apaches forced Havelock and Donovan’s bunch together in a cave on Eagle Eye Mountain. Then there was Laura Donovan, half-sister to the outlaw leader . . . Now Havelock must survive the Apache ‘run of death” and face Donovan’s gunslingers to get the gold and the girl.

Available as an e-Book here.

Through Glass Eyes published in e-format

2011-08-03T00:36:00.003+01:00

This historical saga by Margaret Muir was first published in hardback by Robert Hale Ltd in 2006 under the title, 'The Twisting Vine'.

'Through Glass Eyes' was the author's working title.

1896 - When Lucy steals an expensive French doll from her dying mistress, she is unaware of the different roles it will play in the years to come. But throughout her journey of love and loss, pain and joy, the Bru doll is never far away. Set in the West Riding of Yorkshire, this is a heartfelt rags to riches saga spanning more than 25 years.
Through Glass Eyes is available from Belgrave House or Amazon.com for $3.99

Bestselling Hale Fiction at The Book Depository

2011-07-31T12:49:00.002+01:00

This month's bestseller list looks at the online retailer The Book Depository.

1. Henry Tilney's Diary by Amanda Grange (May 2011)

2. No Less than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (May 2010)

3. Beyond the Storm by E.V. Thompson (Nov 2010)

4. Constable in the Country by Nicholas Rhea (Apr 2010)

5. Lady Sarah's Redemption by Barbara Eikli (May 2009)

6. The Condor's Feather by Margaret Muir (Jul 2009)

7. Churchyard and Hawke by E.V. Thompson (Nov 2009)

8. Coming Home by Vonnie Hughes (Mar 2010)

9. The Gravedigger's Tale by Simon Clark (Nov 2010)

10. The Man who would not Sleep by Michael Gilbert (Jan 2011)

My latest Regency tale is published this Friday

2011-07-27T00:03:00.000+01:00

The Rake's Challenge

Giles Maltravers has his rakish lifestyle turned upside down the day he saves Anna Lawrence from a pair of drunken young bloods. The irony is that Giles is now honour-bound to protect this headstrong girl.

Inspired by a fervent devotion to the works of Lord Byron, Anna is determined to live a life of adventure, but she plunges from one disaster into another. Giles has no time left to enjoy his former carefree existence, especially when the Prince Regent decides that Anna is just in his style....

                                                For example.........

Anna visits Brighton for the summer season. It is her first visit to the seaside, so naturally she wishes to experience sea bathing. She goes for a dip - but ends up in hot water with Giles!



         It is not long before she catches the Prince Regent's eye ... and after that it takes all of Giles's ingenuity to rescue her from any number of dangerous situations.

All the latest Black Horse news

2011-07-14T11:24:00.004+01:00

To keep up to date with all the latest Black Horse Western news be sure to check in at the Black Horse Express. Brief snippets and then links are provided to all the news, reviews, interviews and extracts on the Net.

Items in the last month:

An interview with Peter Taylor
Review of Lonesome Range by Tyler Hatch
An interview with Chuck Tyrell
Bestsellers on Amazon.co.uk
Good offers at Book Depository
Review of The Scattergun Gang by Hank J. Kirby
Review of Wyoming Double-Cross by J.D. Kincaid
Review of Trail of the Burned Man by Thomas McNulty
A brief interview with Colin Bainbridge
Bestsellers on Amazon.com
Review of Shotgun Messenger by Colin Bainbridge
Extract from The Ballad of Delta Rose by Jack Martin
Black Horse Westerns - June 2011
New BH author website for Carl Bernard
E-BHW range to be extended
Linford Westerns - June 2011
Review of Ace High in Wilderness by Rob Hill
Dales Westerns - June 2011

Bestselling Hale books on Amazon - 30 June

2011-06-30T23:25:00.002+01:00

As June's bestselling fiction list wasn't much different to May's list, I thought I'd detail Hale's bestselling books (fiction and non-fiction) at the end of June:

1. Beyond the Storm by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 Nov 2010)
From £7.81

2. River Fly-fishing: The Complete Guide by Peter Lapsley (Hardcover - 30 Sep 2003)
From £10.00

3. Hedge Witch: Guide to Solitary Witchcraft by Rae Beth (Paperback - 31 Aug 1992)
From £2.48

4. The Crime Writer's Guide to Police Practice and Procedure by Michael O'Byrne (Paperback - 30 Apr 2009)
From £3.99

5. Poetry Writing: The Expert Guide by Fiona Sampson (Hardcover - 30 Oct 2009)
From £7.59

6. By Tank: D to VE Days by Ken Tout (Paperback - 29 Oct 2010)
From £5.95

7. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 31 May 2010)
Buy: £4.84

8. Bon Appetit!: French-English Menu Dictionary by Judith A. White (Paperback - 30 Nov 1998)
From £0.69

9. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 May 2010)
From £2.53

10. Churchyard and Hawke by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - 31 May 2011)
From £4.02

'Murder Fortissimo' by Nicola Slade

2011-06-24T16:55:00.001+01:00

Interviewed today by Canadian blogger, Sarah-Jane Lehoux

http://sarah-janelehoux.blogspot.com/2011/06/eight-is-enough-q-with-nicola-slade.html

Bestselling Hale Fiction on Amazon - 31 May

2011-05-31T11:26:00.003+01:00

1. (-) Beyond the Storm by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 Nov 2010)
From £7.79

2. (N/E) Henry Tilney's Diary by Amanda Grange (Hardcover - 31 May 2011)
From £7.83

3. (+2) Churchyard and Hawke by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 Nov 2009)
From £7.72

4. (-2) No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 31 May 2010)
Buy: £5.78

5. (-2) No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 May 2010)
From £6.08

6. (N/E) Constable in the Country by Nicholas Rhea (Paperback - 30 Apr 2010)
From £2.74

7. (-) Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange (Kindle Edition - 1 Jan 2011)
Buy: £6.39

8. (-) The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert (Kindle Edition - 1 Jan 2011)
Buy: £6.23

9. (N/E) Constable Over the Hill by Nicholas Rhea (Hardcover - 31 May 2011)
From £11.11

10. (N/E) The Tewkesbury Tomb by Kerry Tombs (Hardcover - 29 Apr 2011)
From £16.14

DRAGON WIND RISING

2011-05-25T03:02:00.006+01:00

DRAGON WIND RISING

Now in e-format with a stunning new cover, this is the first of two books about the adventures of Lea Stafford.

DRAGON WIND RISING is the story of Australia's first female foreign correspondent, the enterprising Lea Stafford, who has arrived in Peking in 1900, unaware of the gathering storm of anti-western feeling. She is fascinated by the colour and pageantry of the mysterious Forbidden City and the contrasting life of the crowded alleys surrounding it.

While screaming hordes of Boxers stream across China, slaughtering missionaries and promising death and destruction to all foreigners, western leaders procrastinate. They continue with their lavish dinner parties and soirees, assuring one another that the Empress would never permit them to be harmed.

However, the reactionary Iron Hats within the palace prevail, and soon the Boxer hordes are joined by military units which surround the legations. The hated 'round eyes' find themselves under siege, bombarded and cut off from all support.

Amidst the mayhem Lea finds love and commitment in the unlikely person of Michael Attwood, a mysterious trader in antiquities with the shadiest of reputations, both in business and in his dealings with the ladies. But it seems all too late. For 55 days their lives hang in the balance, as the embattled representatives of the western nations begin to starve behind their crumbling walls, fighting off attack after attack while searching the horizon for help that does not come.

Hale novel republished under title - THROUGH GLASS EYES

2011-05-21T03:26:00.008+01:00

When first accepted for publication, Hale did not consider my working title, Through Glass Eyes, appropriate, arguing that the doll element in the story was not strong enough to support the name. I disagreed but acquiesced.
I remember Mark Twain’s short story, The Million Pound Bank-Note (later to become a book and movie staring Gregory Peck). In that tale, the story evolves around the note. In Through Glass Eyes the doll is not always present, but is always hovering in the background.
Furthermore, changes in the doll’s dress over a period of 25 years can be regarded as a metaphor for the fluctuating fortunes of Lucy Oldfield reflecting her times of hardship, struggle and eventual triumph.
To my mind, the title could not be more appropriate.

In setting out to produce a cover for the paperback, I wanted to feature the doll, a 24-inch French bisque Bru of the 1890s. Of course to buy one of these rare antiques today would cost tens of thousands of dollars.
By chance, I learned of a one-day Doll Fair in Launceston (Tasmania) and went along with my camera.

On the first stall, a beautiful doll caught my eye. To my amazement, I discovered it was a replica Bru cabinet doll of the late 1800s – though only about 8 inches tall. And the only one at the fair.

Exhibitor Derrise Mahoney was delighted to share her story with me. She is a local doll maker who creates and paints the porcelain heads from Bru moulds, adds the mohair wigs and designs the dolls’ dresses. With Derrise’s permission, I took several photos of her beautiful Bru and, as a result, was able to produce the book’s cover which I am delighted with.
Through Glass Eyes is a story for the ladies. It’s a heartfelt rags-to-riches saga set mainly in Yorkshire in 1895. Here is the outline:

“When Lucy Oldfield steals an exquisite French doll from her dying mistress, she is unaware of the roles it will play as time goes on. Love, loss, pain and joy are the ever-changing facets of Lucy’s life, and throughout her journey, the Bru doll is never far away.”

Now approved for print, Through Glass Eyes will be available on Amazon in July or you can find it at GRINDELWALD.
Marg Muir

FLOATING GOLD by M C Muir in paperback

2011-05-12T14:41:00.001+01:00

Another of my titles is now available in paperback and you can read the opening pages on the Amazon page.
FLOATING GOLD was first published mid-2010 in hardback by Robert Hale Ltd. I never wanted this novel to be published in my full name, so in this edition the by-line bears only my initials.

As you can guess, this is a nautical fiction adventure.
Being a second edition provided the opportunity to add a brief blurb and extracts from reviews to the back cover.

The iceberg is appropriate to the story. I purchased the image from Big Stock Photo which is an excellent on-line outlet for quality photos of just about anything imaginable, and for just a few dollars.

FLOATING GOLD is now available at a discounted price direct from the publisher, GRINDELWALD. It is also available via Amazon.

THE BLACK THREAD now in paperback

2011-05-11T08:10:00.004+01:00

The paperback edition of THE BLACK THREAD is now available on the major websites including Amazon.com.
First published in hardback by Robert Hale Ltd in 2007 then in large print by Ulverscroft.
The Black Thread is a dramatic historical fiction story set on a Yorkshire canal in 1895.
Having created the basic cover myself, I used a photo I took in England a few years ago.

Also due for release as an ebook August 2011 with Belgrave House.

Also Available with discount at GRINDELWOOD press.

Image: original Hale cover.

THE CONDOR'S FEATHER now in paperback

2011-05-11T07:42:00.005+01:00

I'm delighted to announce that THE CONDOR'S FEATHER, first published in hardback by Robert Hale Ltd (2009) is now available in paperback.
I have undertaken this publication myself through Lulu Press under the name GRINDELWALD.
It is printed in Melbourne and will be on the major on-line retail sites such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble in about 6 week's time.
Having received a copy of the book, I am delighted with the quality.

THE CONDOR'S FEATHER is a historical Equestrian Aventure based loosely on the real-life journey undertaken across the wilds of Patagonia by Lady Florence Dixie in 1885.

Here's an excerpt of what MyShelf.com had to say about this book:

If you are an armchair traveler like me, you will happily curl up with this tale of travel and adventure. I could imagine this book being made into a western, as it is replete with the sorts of events those wonderful old films always feature. The strong silent cowboy, jail breaks, bad hombres on the trail who will stop at nothing, and lots of descriptions of the beauty of a savage, untamed landscape.

Thanks to Robert Hale for publishing in hardback in 2009.
The Condor's Feather is also available in library quality Large print from Ulverscroft (2010).
And as an e-book with Belgrave House (2011).

Available now at GRINDELWOOD press.

Marg Muir

The Condor's Feather now an e-book

2011-05-08T09:19:00.010+01:00

I am pleased to announce that one of my 5 Robert Hale published titles – The Condor’s Feather (Halebooks 2007) - was released today in the US by Belgrave House as an e-book.

Belgrave House ebooks are on sale for $5 or discounted, and are available in 10 formats to suit most reading devices.

"We offer ebooks in ten formats: epub (industry standard), PRC (Mobipocket, Kindle), PDF, Microsoft Reader (LIT), PDB (Palm, eReader), HTML, Word, Rich Text Format, RB (Rocket and ebookwise), and Hiebook (KML), etc."

Update: 14 May - Now featured on Amazon at a discounted price.

I selected the cover image from www.bigstockphoto.com - Belgrave added the condor.
The Condor's Feather is an Historical Equestrian Adventure set in Patagonia in 1885.
I hope to see my other Hale titles up there very soon.

When the Flowers are in Bloom

2011-05-06T16:49:00.000+01:00

Although this isn't a Hale book, I felt you wouldn't mind it being mentioned here as it's in a good cause. All author and publisher royalties will go toward aid for the survivors of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

The Foreward says, ‘Reading about the cataclysmic devastation that hit Japan in March, I was greatly moved by the attitude of the survivors. People of all ages went out of their way to help each other. Looting seemed a rare event. There was a determination to overcome this terrible adversity. Lives and towns would be rebuilt, eventually, even if it would take years. The people would endure.

‘It is this theme, the strength of the human spirit that I have attempted to capture over the years in many of my short stories. Some of these tales may seem sad or traumatic but, despite that, I trust that hope, love, honor and integrity shine through, transcending the blight of evildoers, disability and natural disaster.

‘As writers, we strive to walk in the shoes of our characters. Fiction writers lie in order to grasp the truth. In some small way, I hope these stories reveal truths about the human condition.’

Blurb
These twelve diverse stories travel far and wide, over the globe and through history, to examine the human condition. Whether a quest for atonement decades after the Second World War, or to repay a debt of honor, Japanese characters reveal their fragility. In Sarajevo, Bosnia or the grim projects of New York, life must go on.

Characters show us that disability is not a handicap. Forgiveness and redemption are human qualities the world is short of today, perhaps. They’re needed by those who disinter the past and graves from an old war in Spain. Birth and death – they’re here. So is honor, duty, courage and love.

When the Flowers are in Bloom - Solstice Publishing

Bestselling Hale Fiction on Amazon - 28 April 2011

2011-04-28T19:15:00.002+01:00

1. (-) Beyond the Storm by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - Nov 2010)
From £7.00

2. (+1) No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - May 2010)
Buy: £5.96

3. (-1) No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - May 2010)
From £2.65

4. (+3) The Man Who Could Not Sleep and Other Mysteries by Michael Gilbert (Hardcover - Jan 2011)
From £14.99

5. (-1) Churchyard and Hawke by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - Nov 2009)
From £7.97

6. (N/E) The Black Horse Westerns: Collection No. 1 by Abe Dancer, Dean Edwards, Tyler Hatch and Scott Connor (Kindle Edition - Jan 2011)
Buy: £7.99

7. (+1) Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange (Kindle Edition - Jan 2011)
Buy: £6.39

8. (N/E) The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert (Kindle Edition - Jan 2011)
Buy: £6.39

9. (N/E) Language of Thieves by Elizabeth Jackson (Hardcover - Apr 2011)
From £16.14

10. (N/E) Altered Egos by Bill Kitson (Hardcover - Mar 2011)
From £12.53

Another nice review for 'Murder Fortissimo

2011-04-22T10:52:00.003+01:00

A great review of 'Murder Fortissimo' from a newish book blogger. Thank you, Laura, I'm sure your blog will flourish.

http://girlyscribbles.wordpress.com/

It's quite long so I'm just putting the link. It's intriguing to see that so far all the reviews (which have been lovely) are discovering echoes of Miss Marple and Midsomer in the story, as well as Hazel Holt's Sheila Malory mysteries.

Old Guns

2011-04-13T18:08:00.000+01:00

Robert Hale have just accepted my 5th Black Horse Western, Old Guns. My 12th book. Now I'm wondering about #13...!

The story is a little different for a western in that it moves from 1859 to 1866 to 1892 as flashbacks reveal how the present is blighted for a group of ageing ex-lawmen.

Old Guns - possible blurb.

July, 1892.
Sam Ransom’s looking forward to his 62nd birthday with his wife and two children. Then he gets a telegram from the Bethesda Falls sheriff. His old partner Abner was mortally wounded, but before he died Abner left a note – the Meak twins were out to get Ransom and the others ‘because of what happened at Bur Oak Springs’. Their families weren’t safe, either. Ransom sets out to warn his old friends, Jubal, Rory and Derby. But he’s too late to prevent another brutal death.

Bur Oak Springs happened over two decades ago. The place was a ghost town even then. The Meak twins seem set on a crusade of vengeance, but why?

Ransom’s family is put in jeopardy and the ultimatum is clear. He and his friends must return to the ghost town again, to confront the Meak brothers and their gang. There’s a sense of déjà vu about this; yet, there are fresh revelations too.

It’s a showdown. The young guns against the old guns.

Nice review for Murder Fortissimo

2011-04-11T15:58:00.005+01:00

A great review from reviewer, Rachel A Hyde at MyShelf.Com

Recently retired headmistress Harriet Quigley needs a place to recuperate following an operation and chooses Firstone Grange. This is a home for short stay older people who need a place for some rest and relaxation, perhaps while families or caretakers get a break. It all seems very pleasant and ordinary, but one guest is determined to upset things. Elderly wheelchair-bound Frenchwoman Christiane Marchant looks like everybody’s idea of a sweet old lady, but is anything but. Things are surely going to come to a head, and they do in a surprising way. Cue Harriet and her clergymen cousin Sam Hathaway to investigate.

This author has previously penned two excellent Victorian whodunits Murder Most Welcome and Death is the Cure (also reviewed on this site), and although I hope she will be returning to this series, here is something different. Modern social satire rubs shoulders with a traditional mystery and delivers some surprises, somewhat in the way of Caroline Graham or Lis Howell. Characters can appear at times to be stock, but this is all part of the satire and makes for an enjoyable tale. Parts of the dénouement are powerful enough to shock, and it is a testament to the author’s skill that this book manages to run the gamut from being amusing to moments of horror.

If this is the first in a new series I will be wanting to read more.

Who Stirs the Porridge in the Pot?

2011-04-10T11:36:00.002+01:00

I am giving a talk with the above title at Melton (Woodbridge) on Friday, 15th April.
I will read from a selection of my Hale novels and Magna memoirs. A mixture of romance - and plenty of fun, I hope! My friend Madelaine told me she laughed out loud
when she read the Poplar Penny Whistlers, and that she loved Puglet the dog! It's a good feeling to make people smile isn't it, though readers often tell methat my stories can also make them cry...
Sheila Newberry.

Help me help the victims of Japan's earthquake

2011-04-09T13:50:00.000+01:00

I write Westerns for Black Horse, but the quake in Japan (the nuclear power plants are about 200km north of my home in Chiba) got me to wondering what I could do to help. Of course I could (and do) volunteer, but I thought it would be good to provide everyone a chance to help.

Publishing by Rebecca Vickery and I have put together a slim volume of my stories set in Japan. One, A Matter of Tea, won the 2010 Oaxaca International Literature Competition. Naturally, it headlines the book.

This book is available on Smashwords (or will be by the first of the week) and costs only US 99 cents. All the income from this book will go to help victims of the 3/11 quake. They lost homes, belongings, and even family members. This is my best shot at helping them. And I'll make sure your contributions go to help real people, not the bureaucracy of a charitable organization. Please help. Order here.

Thanks. I'll report back.

Charlie Whipple aka Chuck Tyrell

A COVERT WAR

2011-04-05T18:08:00.002+01:00

I now have my latest, Hale novel available in paperback. I expect to be making it available on Kindle. Anybody have any suggestions or observations about the right or wrong way to go in order to develop sales in both markets? Wish me luck anyway.

Bestselling Hale Fiction on Amazon - 16 March 2011

2011-03-16T16:16:00.002Z

On the Black Horse Express blog I post a popular weekly bestseller list of what Amazon, and other on-line retailers, are claiming to be their bestselling Black Horse Western titles. I thought it'd be interesting to expand this to posting a list that includes all Hale titles. So below is the list of the current top ten Hale fiction (in all formats) bestsellers on amazon:

1. Beyond the Storm by E. V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 Nov 2010)
From £5.95

2. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 May 2010)
From £2.81

3. No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson (Kindle Edition - 31 May 2010)
Buy: £5.34

4. Churchyard and Hawke by E.V. Thompson (Paperback - 30 Nov 2009)
From £4.43

5. The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert (Hardcover - 31 Oct 2008)
From £8.08

6. Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra by Paul D. Gilbert (Hardcover - 31 Aug 2010)
From £14.59

7. The Man Who Could Not Sleep and Other Mysteries by Michael Gilbert (Hardcover - 31 Jan 2011)
From £16.14

8. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange (Kindle Edition - 1 Jan 2011)
Buy: £6.39

9. Meet Me in Malmo by Torquil MacLeod (Hardcover - 31 Dec 2010)
From £13.27

10. Beyond the Storm by E. V. Thompson (Hardcover - 30 Nov 2010)
From £9.35

Lady Farquhar's Butterfly in Large Print

2011-03-07T02:05:00.002Z

My latest novel with Hale was released in Large Print by Ulverscroft on March 01.

I love the cover and can't wait to hold the book in my hands but as I live near Melbourne, Australia, I'll have to be a little more patient.

The Hale version (also with a cover I love) was released last June and has had good reviews including this from Long and Short Reviews:

"Sweet with heat and hard to beat, Lady Farquhar's Butterfly gains momentum as it builds to a terrifying climax.... Beverley Eikli’s concise, smooth, and subtle writing reveals characters and their motivations with a style that makes Lady Farquhar's Butterfly fascinating—a thoroughly enjoyable, page-turner of a tale."

A big thank you to my fellow Hale authors who have been full of helpful advice.

Large Print edition of 'April and May'

2011-03-04T23:40:00.000Z

On 1st March, Ulverscroft brought out a Large Print edition of April and May. It's the first time one of my Regency tales has been accepted for a Large Print edition, so I'm learning... and thank you to those Hale authors who have given advice and help.

Back in Print

2011-02-28T16:40:00.002Z

Good news for me today: Gill Jackson has agreed to publish my latest MS, THE BOY FROM BERLIN. I'm well pleased about this bearing in mind the state of publishing and how difficult it must be for a Company like Hale to sell their books in the marketplace. So from me it's a big thank you to Gill for having faith in me.

Best course on PACING I've ever seen

2011-02-25T07:00:00.000Z

Mary Buckham knows her stuff. I'm posting this from her just in case some of you might want to fork over $30 and get sixty-five times that much in useful advice. Mary's really really good.

Charlie

March 1-25, 2011
Pacing: How To Create a Page Turning Manuscript
by Mary Buckham
$30 at www.writeruniv.com

What keeps a book intriguing enough to have fans turn the pages and not set it down? How can one author's books have you riveted and another's leave you feeling ho-hum? Ever wondered if there are key craft tips and techniques to balance fast-paced conflict, tension, suspense or mystery, action and emotion? In PACING: HOW TO CREATE A PAGE TURNING MANUSCRIPT you'll learn:

* The ingredients of a page turner
* What hooks are and how to maximize them
* The power of effective scenes: common pacing pitfalls to avoid
* The ten elements of strong pacing
* How to use subplots and secondary characters
* How to avoid a sagging middle
* What a beat is and how to use it
* Great beginnings and endings that have your readers wanting more!

Mary Buckham is co-author of BREAK INTO FICTION: 11 Steps to Building a Story That Sells and an award-winning Romantic Suspense author. She has hundreds of free-lance articles to her credit, a non-fiction book and is a former Magazine Editor. Currently she presents writing workshops online and around the country. Mary encourages you to visit her website at www.MaryBuckham.com for more information about her and her current writing projects.

Fortunate Wager shortlisted for Love Story of the Year

2011-02-16T21:02:00.000Z

.
I am delighted to announce that my Newmarket Regency Fortunate Wager has been shortlisted for the Love Story of the Year 2011 administered by the Romantic Novelists' Association!!

This is my second consecutive shortlisting, so it is especially pleasing. The winner will be announced at the RNA Pure Passion Awards champagne reception on March 7th.

I'm just wondering whether it's possible to drink champagne whilst keeping my fingers crossed.

1st review for Murder Fortissimo!

2011-02-13T17:49:00.003Z

http://geraniumcatsbookshelf.blogspot.com/

First review for my new book. almost (almost...) makes up for the broken wrist!

Demise of books vastly overstated

2011-02-10T02:11:00.000Z

BHW author Matthew Mayo sends this encouraging word about the world of books. Were worth a look.

The Ballad of Delta Rose cover image

2011-02-02T12:07:00.000Z

And here it is.

I'm very pleased with the image Hale have come up with for my July release, The Ballad of Delta Rose.

It's a nice clean looking image and the aged character, mounted on his horse, looking thoughtful perfectly fits the fatalistic feel of the story.

The book is available for pre-order now and currently sitting in the top spot of Amazon's pre-order western charts. The Black Horse series are largely intended for the library trade which means short print runs and pre-ordering is really the best way to ensure your copy. Pre-order HERE - no monies will be deducted from bank accounts until the book is ready to ship in July.

My most hardboiled westerns.

The Ballad of Delta Rose to be published July 29th 2011 from Robert Hale LTD/ Black Horse Westerns

Breaking News

2011-02-01T15:56:00.003Z

Yesterday my big news should have been publication day for 'Murder Fortissimo'. Instead I was in day surgery having a metal plate put in my badly broken left wrist! Other wrist weak and black fron fingers to elbow but not broken, thank goodness! Luckily am RHanded, so can sign books!

Moral is: avoid Burns Night and scottish dancing!

Vulture Gold

2011-01-28T05:59:00.000Z

This novel was published by Robert Hale's Black Horse Western imprint in 2005. The rights reverted to me last year, and now the novel is available in eBook form through Smashwords and will soon be in a print version as well. At $2.99 per download, let's hope it gains more fans for the traditional westerns put out by Black Horse.

Snake Den trailer

2011-01-21T08:28:00.000Z

Robert Hale authors, consider getting a trailer made for your books. Here's the one for The Snake Den.

Good News!

2011-01-20T12:10:00.002Z

Just had to share the good news with my fellow writers! Not my own production -
but our first great-grandchild! His name is Alexander Jonathan and we welcomed
him to the world on 18th January. I think I have earned my spurs as a writer of family sagas, eh? My own new "baby" will soon arrive - The Poplar Penny Whistlers comes out on 28th February!

I would like to wish all the best to new Hale writer, Sylvia Broady, whose first
book will be published on the same date. The Yearning Heart.

All best, Sheila Newberry

New Chuck Tyrell novel

2011-01-04T15:29:00.002Z

Although not from BHW and Robert Hale, a new Chuck Tyrell novel will be out in days. Here's what people say about it.

THE SNAKE DEN

Chuck Tyrell

“Sometimes a man’s gotta take a stand.” – Shawn Brodie, aged 14.

Arizona, 1882. Falsely accused of theft, Shawn Brodie is sent to serve three years in the Hellhole called Yuma Territorial Prison. Lamb to the slaughter, maybe?

The Mexican Zapata wants to stick him with a knife, the warden wants him to mend his thieving ways, and the sergeant of the guard wants to get into Shawn’s pants. If he won’t do what Sergeant Tarkington wants, he’ll end up in the Snake Den, a cube of iron straps hung from the ceiling of a dark cave. If he doesn’t do what Zapata says, he’ll end up with a nail sticking out of his eye. If he can’t convince the warden that he’s not a thief, he’ll spend his days tromping Colorado River mud to make adobe bricks.
Is his young life going to be made up of beatings, rape, and incarceration in the deadly Snake Den? The odds seem stacked against young Shawn ever getting out of Yuma Prison alive.
The Mexicans hate the whites, the Chinamen and blacks stay out of the way, and the whites fight among themselves. Somehow, Shawn must learn how to defend himself, and chance throws him in with Shoo Lee, a cellmate, an Oriental proficient in the barehanded fighting technique Kara Ti. Perhaps if he becomes Shoo Lee’s disciple he can endure...
“Remarkable. A page turning thriller set in a frontier prison where a boy convict learns about the tough world of survival as he grows into a man. Told with gritty courage and honesty – a surprising blend of East and West, it’s a coming-of-age story like none you’ve ever read.” – Corinne Joy Brown, author of McGregor’s Lantern, Sanctuary Ranch, and Come and Get it!

“Though young, Shawn has the strong moral fiber to survive, no matter what comes his way. Chuck Tyrell has produced a memorable hero and a grim, gritty yet very real tale of brutality leavened with kindness, despair salved with hope, and ultimately an inspiring testament to a young boy’s journey into manhood.” – Ross Morton, author of The $300 Man

"Chuck Tyrell has brought authenticity and poignancy to a western with a difference..."
– Jack Martin, author of The Ballad of Delta Rose.

2011

2010-12-21T17:20:00.001Z

Happy Christmas everyone, and lots of good fortune with the pen in the coming year.

Good News!

2010-12-09T12:15:00.004Z

Just heard exciting news about the ebooks! Why don't I receive a Hale
newsletter, I wonder?

My good news to share with you is that I have had another memoir accepted
by Magna/Dales - entitled Dancing in the Street - which we did on VE night!
The story covers the decade from 1940-50.

Will have another go at attaching pic of cover of The Poplar Penny Whistlers -
to be published by Hale next Feb. but available for pre-order now...

Sheila Newberry

Robert Hale have joined the ebook generation!

2010-12-02T20:26:00.001Z

This announcement appears in the December Newsletter from Hale Books:

I am delighted to announce that Hale have joined the Faber Factory and will be publishing their first ebooks on the 1st of January 2011.
The titles are:
•
No Less Than the Journey by E.V Thompson
•
The Rybinsk Deception by Colin D. Peel
•
Sherlock Holmes in Russia by Alex Auswaks
•
The Chronicles of Sherlock Holmes by Paul D. Gilbert
•
Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange
•
Black Horse Westerns, Collection 1

Passage To Redemption

2010-11-22T14:11:00.003Z

Some of you know that I have been involved in a world-wide book writing project that has finally borne fruit. You can see what I've been up to, apart from my own venture into POD by checking out the following: http://thebooknews.blogspot.com/2010/11/mexico-climate-change-summit-approaches.html
Why not have a look?

Mick

More reviews for FLOATING GOLD

2010-10-31T02:23:00.013Z

Below are brief excerpts taken from some additional reviews for FLOATING GOLD. Previous reviews posted on 29 June.

I read FLOATING GOLD in a couple of sessions and my attention was clearly caught by the storyline and the detailed description of life aboard Elusive. Most engaging of all was the search for the treasure which had me rapt.
Margaret Muir has woven a tale worthy of a Hornblower epic.
John Livermore – Maritime Times of Tasmania

Muir crafts a spellbinding nautical tale that captures the reader’s attention and never releases it until the final page is turned. Her research and attention to detail are impeccable and her experience as a mariner enhances the adventure. FLOATING GOLD whisks readers back to the heyday of the British navy and readers find themselves living the life of a sailor and witnessing the awesome beauty and dangers of Deception Island and sailing the seas on a wooden ship in days of yore.
Cindy Vallar – Ed. Pirates and Privateers (www.cindyvallar.com/pirates.html)

There can be no doubting the calibre of the author’s writing. I found the book hard to put down and was kept interested throughout. There is a richness and sharpness to the prose that made FLOATING GOLD so enjoyable. I would certainly not hesitate in recommending it.
John Harding – www.thebookbag.co.uk

As sea-stories go, FLOATING GOLD ticks all the boxes. Ms Muir is adept at characterization, plotting and descriptions as well as showing that she knows one end of a ship from another. We are promised on the flyleaf “unknown dangers and unspeakable horrors” and I can promise some of these. Highly recommended and I do hope the first in a new series.
Rachel A Hyde – www.myshelf.com

FLOATING GOLD is an intriguing mystery featuring murder, spies and skulduggery. The plotting and pace are well maintained throughout and the penultimate chapter is page-turning historical fiction at its best. A book to be enjoyed by anyone who likes historical mysteries or cracking adventure yards about ships and the sea.
Marina Maxwell – Historical Novel Society

FLOATING GOLD - a well-crafted story full of interesting places with carefully and accurately detailed descriptions of now nearly-lost seamanship skills: I recommend this book to both the casual reader of a good story and to readers with an interest in sailing ships and seamanship.
Rob Thomas – T’gallant Lookout, Tasmania

The way that the author captured the language of the times, the mannerisms of the characters and sea terms was remarkable…giving the reader a real sense of what it was like during those years. An excellent novel. A great read, expertly crafted.
David Laing – Australian author

FLOATING GOLD is a historical seafaring adventure/mystery which will be a special treat for those who have salt in their veins, or those who enjoy a quest for an unusual treasure at a time when it was valued far beyond anyone’s dreams.
Rose Frankcombe - Stylus Magazine (ed)

I read FLOATING GOLD and found it to be an enthralling read which kept me wondering what the ‘treasure’ would be.
Bob Petrass – Maritime Times of Tasmania (editor)

Finally: Jon Stephenson – geologist, vulcanologist, member of the Fuchs/Hilary Antarctic expedition in 1958 wrote: ‘I enjoyed the story immensely and kept saying to myself, “this must be Deception Island”’. Jon was correct though the island was never identified by name in the story.
Jon Stephenson – Antarctic explorer and author – CREVASSE ROULETTE (2009)

‘Hundreds of billowing sails, resembling patches of morning cloud, were suddenly seen scudding around the rim of the world while, in the east, great golden spokes fanned across the sky like the helm of an ethereal ship rising from the seabed.’

FLOATING GOLD by Margaret Muir – published by Robert Hale Ltd (2010)
To order a copy WORLD WIDE POSTAGE FREE go to The Book Depository
Sunrise image from Google free images

New Chuck Tyrell Black Horse Western

2010-10-26T14:01:00.006+01:00

The latest Chuck Tyrell novel, Hell Fire in Paradise, hits the stands in November. If anything, it shows the pure pluck of the pioneer woman. When I was a youngster, we often sat on Aunt Sarah Mills's front porch and listened to her tell of the days back then. When she was eight, Geronimo, according to her, appeared at her home in Forestdale, Arizona, with four horses in tow. He wanted to trade the horses to Aunt Sarah's father for her.

The town of Ponderosa, just a few miles from Paradise Valley, is modeled on the real life town of McNary, which was home to Southwest Forest Industries' largest sawmill for several decades.

The sawmill at McNary/Ponderosa

The heroine of my novel, Laurel Baker, loses her sons and her husband on the same day. Then a well-dressed man shows up wanting to buy her ranch in Paradise Valley. Laurel won't sell, and things go from bad to worse. But neighbors watch over neighbors, and good people band together.

I promise. Hell Fire in Paradise is a good read.

Paradise Valley looked like this.

The cover of Hell Fire in Paradise looks like this. Available from Hale or most online booksellers such as Amazon and the Book Depository.

NORTH SLOPE

2010-10-15T08:24:00.003+01:00

I promised to keep those of you who were interested updated on my foray into self publishing and e-books having parted company with Hale. My first paperback is now available on-line at Amazon. I am with a group of writers who have teamed up to promote each others novels. The group is registered as Acclaimed Book Ltd., and can be seen on www.acclaimedbooks.com. Because my novel is set in Alaska in 1968, based on the discovery of oil in that country (State), I have begun my promotion campaign there. To date I have arranged for advertising in the Juneau Empire for a seven day run prior to Christmas. A book reviewer has agreed to read the book and a book shop has kindly agreed too, hopefully the shop will buy a few copies. I'm working on the old adage about big oak trees from little acorns grow, and hope that my efforts in Alaska will drive up sales in that country and light the fires for me. I will continue to harass bookshops over there as well as other States in USA. I have also begun a smaller campaign in UK. You can see more about my book, which was first published in 1980, but never went into paperback, on my website: www.michaeljparker.com Wish me luck!

KEITH SOUTER JOINS THE LIST

2010-10-11T11:35:00.002+01:00

Hi there,

A quick self-introduction. I am a part time doctor, medical journalist and novelist in three genres. Since 2003 I have written twelve books for Robert Hale (one non-fiction, entitled DOCTOR'S LATIN) and eleven novels.

I write westerns under the name of Clay More, crime novels as Keith Moray and historical crime as Keith Souter.

My forthcoming crime novel, due out in december 2010 is called FLOTSAM and JETSAM. It is the fourth in the Inspector Torquil McKinnon series set on the Outer hebridean island of West Uist.

Keith Souter

BHW author wins international award

2010-09-23T05:57:00.003+01:00

Charles Whipple, who writes Black Horse Westerns as Chuck Tyrell, won AGAVE AWARD FOR LITERATURE in the THE 2010 OAXACA INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE COMPETITION, for his short story A Matter of Tea.

The competition is held in conjunction with the Oaxaca International Film and Video Festival because cinema and literature have always been closely intertwined. This competition provides a forum for writers from around the world to display their talents.

Whipple's story was selected as the winner from a thousand entries. He will fly to Oaxaca, Mexico, to receive the award. The top ten stories in the competition will be published in a special commemorative edition.

Passage To Redemption

2010-09-18T14:47:00.002+01:00

Another project in which I've been involved. This novel, a topical, eco novel was written by twelve writers from around the globe. It is now available on Amazon.com, and will eventually be available in UK. We are planning to put it on Kindle too. The link for the curious ones among you is: http://www.amazon.com/Passage-Redemption-Crew/dp/1453804889/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Mick

New Chuck Tyrell Black Horse Western

2010-09-14T12:04:00.003+01:00

Mr John Hale informed me of the company's decision to purchase my latest manuscript -- A Man Called Breed -- a tale of the hardships a Medal of Honor winner must go through because of his Cheyenne mother. I have not yet received word of when the book will be published.

The Watercress Girls

2010-09-10T07:52:00.002+01:00

Amazon are offering The Watercress Girls, my latest novel for Hale, at a good price -
I'd love to share this family saga with you! Experience pioneer life with my
characters in Moose Jaw, Canada, and later North Dakota; the bitter cold, the
lakes, the long journeys by train to the unknown... And follow a mystery throughout the story which is resolved back in the Old Country.

The synopsis is as follows: On a blazing hot day in late August 1914, twelve year
old Mattie dances in the stream, spraying her little sister Evie with silvery
showers of water. They have come here to cool off and to pick watercress for tea. They are unaware that their idyllic childhood in Suffolk is almost at an end, for as their mother says, "all the world's gone mad."
the girls will grow up to lead very different lives. Mattie is destined to travel far from home and to found a dynasty of strong-minded women like herself. Evie, in the role of family carer, still achieves a satisfying career.
But will the two disters be reunited and a secret resolved?

I researched this book with the five Mackley girls, born in Moose Jaw during the early days of the last century, when they grew up in a log cabin built by their
father, learned to sew their own clothes from flour sacks and cut up Sears catalogues for use in the privy!

Life was hard, but they all thrived, and were an inspiration to me.

See my books listed on Amazon and Fantastic Fiction.

Readers have provided good feedback on my recent memoir, Who Stirs the Porridge in the Pot? (Dales paperback)

Wishing you all happy reading - and writing! Sheila Newberry

Further Progress

2010-09-02T16:17:00.005+01:00

I received the proof copy of NORTH SLOPE paperback today. I am really delighted with it. I have no complaints and look forward to seeing it available on Amazon.com in the very near future. There shouldn't be too long a delay before it is available on Amazon in UK. This is the beginning of the 'new direction' I spoke of after parting with Hale. Judging by several web blogs I have read recently, many of them written by people in publishing and reviewing etc., I seem to be taking on a huge task. But I'm quite happy to do this. My target, initially would be to promote the book sufficiently well to get above the 350 mark that I associate with Hale Books. 400 would be good, but I'll have to wait and see. I have attached a copy of the book jacket, desgined by my son, for you all to have a look. You can also see it on my web page.

Looking ahead

2010-08-15T17:02:00.002+01:00

I was invited to send the usual synopsis plus first three chapters of my latest MS to a literary agent. I've been going down this road for a good many years now, but still can't help thinking....'if only'... Perhaps I should know better; I've failed to interest literary agents for the last twenty years or so, but at least John Hale saved my bacon and published six of my books, so I've a lot to thank him for. We've parted company now, and my next book will be a paperback imprint of my very first novel, NORTH SLOPE. I have already had an invitation from an Alaskan magazine to send them a copy of the book when it's released (it's set in Alaska). The reason I'm telling you all this is because I was asked to let you know how I got on having severed my connection with Hale. We'll see.

Back from the Pirate Coast

2010-07-30T00:06:00.001+01:00

I haven't taken any part in this blog for a while because I was in a remote village in southern Turkey, just north of Cyprus. Swimming in the quiet little bay sometimes became quite exciting when a pirate boat went past, flags flying and drums beating a fierce rhythm. It did feel quite scary, especially when two or more appeared in a line. While these boats run tourist trips at weekends, I do wonder what else they do during the week...

The whole of that coast has always been a haven for pirates - the Lycian Devils, who reached America very early on, tangled with English pirates and no doubt many others. Maybe there's a story in there.

No message...

2010-07-25T09:23:00.002+01:00

Apologies - I tried to attach JPEG of the cover of Who Stirs the Porridge in the Pot?
but it didn't work...Advice appreciated! Sheila Newberry

I've taken the plunge!

2010-07-24T10:10:00.002+01:00

I've taken the plunge and one blog leads to another...
I've joined Author Central, Amazon, and you can now
find me on the Author Pages...

Now looking forward to receiving shortly Who Stirs The Porridge in the Pot? (Dales paperback/Magna) - Diane Allen sent me the JPEG of the cover! Just like my dresser at home - apart from the wedding photo -
keep mine in a safer place! We also have little fairies and elves peeping round our cups and plates - the family seem to think they suit me!!

All best, Sheila

Review of A most Rebellious Debutante

2010-07-22T14:47:00.003+01:00

I had a lovely review of my hardback novel, 'A Most Rebellious Debutante' from much acclaimed historical saga-writer Freda Lightfoot. She wrote:

"Well, that was delicious fun. A perfectly relaxing Sunday by the pool with a good book. A spirited heroine and a courageous and honourable hero engaged in an adventure while they fall in love - and a delightfully disapproving family. I really enjoyed it. I hope it does well."

Another great review for Death is the Cure

2010-07-19T13:44:00.002+01:00

This lovely review is from Mystery Women's Magazine: thank you to reviewer Jennifer S Palmer.

Death is the Cure : Review in Mystery Women magazine, July 2010

Charlotte Richmond made a very successful detective in her first adventure and this second outing confirms her skills. In 1858 she visits Bath with her friend, Elaine Knightley, who is to go a startling new medical treatment. The whole atmosphere of Victorian Bath is cleverly evoked – the stuffiness of polite manners, the centrality of illness and the apparently petty concerns of the town’s inhabitants.

The genteel behaviour that Charlotte had expected from the other guests at Waterloo House is not really what she finds. The atmosphere is one of unease with dark secrets hinted at behind elegant facades. The people staying at the guesthouse include a French family whose oldest member appreciates Charlotte’s depths of character, and an American who sees in Charlotte a fellow observer of the world. All the people at the table for each meal show signs of agitation as they receive various comments which seem innocent. These characters develop as we learn more and more about them.

Charlotte returns to the house one day and falls over a corpse on the cobbled mews outside. Shockingly, this is the stabbed body of one of her fellow guests and she feels impelled to ask questions about this even. She uncovers family secrets of both personal and political concern, imperilling her own safety in the process.

Again Nicola Slade has given us an exciting story peopled by memorable Victorians and involving a riveting mystery.

New Direction?

2010-07-15T11:31:00.002+01:00

Yesterday I made the decision to split with John Hale. I have pondered long and hard about the success, or lack of it, of my thrillers because of the route they take; straight into the libraries. There was never any chance of my books going into paperback (John Hale told me that a few years ago), and despite all my efforts at trying to persuade agents and paperback publishers, it turned out John was right. He was willing to publish my latest MS, THE BOY FROM BERLIN, which he received last Monday, but because of my sales figures and the "deteriorating situation" (his words), he could only make me a very, poor offer. This was the push I needed, so I turned the offer down and asked him to release me from my final, contractual obligation, which he agreed to do. So now I'm a free agent. My next step is to have my first novel, NORTH SLOPE (1980) published by Acclaimed Books Ltd. It's a cooperative of which I'm a member, and the their books are POD and will also be available as e-books. It represents a new challenge (as they say), and the marketing and promotion will be my responsbility along with the cooperative. So, wish me luck; I'm going to need it!

Spanish Eye

2010-07-13T17:10:00.005+01:00

My collection of crime short stories, Spanish Eye, was published as an e-book on 29 June by Solstice Publishing.

Its first review can be found on amazon.com: ‘First, I have to confess, I am totally biased. I had the opportunity to work with Nik Morton in an editorial capacity on this collection of private eye stories. The manuscript was a pleasure to read. His voice is so unique, and his stories are as thought provoking as they are entertaining. There are beautiful moments in the prose that never get purple or fluffy. He masters the art of taking an adventure and condensing it into short shots.

’If you enjoy short stories, you'll love this collection featuring the same character and exotic settings. I am a total Morton fan now and waiting anxiously for his next release!’ – D Thorne.

Available on Kindle for $6.89 at:
http://www.amazon.com/Spanish-Eye-ebook/dp/B003UNKYW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A317O7WZ1CN6AQ&s=books&qid=1278601323&sr=1-1

Available as a pdf file for €2.96/$3.99/£2.01 to read on your computer at:
http://solsticepublishing.com/spanish-eye-p-111.html

Blurb:

Leon Cazador holds back the encroaching night of unreason

Private Investigator Leon Cazador is half-English, half-Spanish and wholly against the ungodly. His connections run wide and deep, which is to be expected of a man who served in the Spanish Foreign Legion, liaised with Japanese police, and was a spy. Dive into his fascinating stories, based on real events. Glean insight into his past and the people with whom he rubbed shoulders. Cazador translated into English means hunter. He is indeed a man driven to hunt down felons of all kinds, to redress the balance of good against evil.

Sometimes, Cazador operates in disguise under several aliases, among them Carlos Ortiz Santos, a modern day Simon Templar. Join him as he combats drug-traffickers, grave robbers, al-Qaeda infiltrators and conmen. Be witness to the dodgy Spanish developers and shady expat Englishmen who face his wrath. Traders in human beings, stolen vehicles and endangered species meet their match. Kidnappers, crooked mayors and conniving Lotharios will come within his orbit of ire. Even the vengeful Chinese and indebted Japanese are his friends—and enemies.

In his adventurous life, he's witnessed many travesties of justice, so as a private investigator, he will use his considerable skills to right wrongs in the most clever and unexpected of ways. Leon Cazador fights injustice in all its forms and often metes out his own rough justice. It’s what he does.

(Ross Morton/Nik Morton)

Library Cuts

2010-07-05T09:52:00.002+01:00

I had a thought about the government's intention to bring about cuts of up to 40% in all departments, and wondered how this might affect Public Library finances. I am about to submit my next MS, THE BOY FROM BERLIN to John Hale and hope that he ignores all government plans and agrees to publish (if he likes it!).

Reviews for FLOATING GOLD by Hale author Margaret Muir

2010-06-29T22:14:00.011+01:00

FLOATING GOLD, published in hardback by Hale Books, has been well received by age-of-sail enthusiasts. To order a copy go to Hale Books (UK) or The Book Depository (world-wide postage free). Lending copies are also available from your local library.

Here are excerpts from some of the reviews:

FLOATING GOLD is a wonderful blend of classic Georgian naval fiction, a mystery/thriller and a grand treasure hunt. A rousing tale, well told. It's a well-paced and vividly drawn tale of adventure in the high latitudes and on the high seas. Highly recommended.
http://www.oldsaltblog.com

When you have read as many naval fiction novels as I have, the first challenge a new author and book has to meet is - do the story and characters seem fresh? This is a challenge Floating Gold achieves from cover to cover in a pacy narrative which held my attention.
Would I like to read more of Captain Quintrell, Lieutenant Parry, Acting Carpenter Will Ethridge and their adventures? I certainly would.
A book I recommend.
http://www.historicnavalfiction.com

FLOATING GOLD is a nautical thriller that involves a well-plotted treasure hunt. Other nautical heroes too have been chasing treasures on the high seas and in exotic locations, most often Spanish galleons loaded with gold, but none of them – to my knowledge – have ever been chasing a treasure like the one that is featured in this book.
It is an innovative and entertaining tale, rich on detail about England and life at sea, and a tale that is very well told.
FLOATING GOLD is an excellent nautical fiction debut by Margaret Muir. I hope she continues to write about Quintrell – a character that I feel has a lot of potential.
If you like historical fiction, salty sea tales or clever adventures, FLOATING GOLD is a book you should get hold of – it is very entertaining, well written and intelligently plotted! http://www.navyfiction.com

With this positive feedback, author, Margaret Muir, is planning to write a sequel to this maritime adventure.

The Poplar Penny Whistlers

2010-06-25T08:07:00.002+01:00

Just received from Hale the 'rough' for the jacket of The Poplar Penny Whistlers. The artist's interpretation is just as I imagined the picture myself - I am thrilled to bits! The artist is Barbara Walton. I am told the book will be published next February - it seems a long time to wait, but par for the course, as they say... Meanwhile the latest work is gaining momentum! May be it the same for all of you. Sheila Newberry

THE CONDOR’S FEATHER – Large Print edition

2010-06-17T11:26:00.006+01:00

There is something very special about Patagonia and the tall Tehuelche Indians who once roamed the Pampas. The magic of Patagonia was one thing which inspired me to write The Condor’s Feather.

Inspirations also came from the real-life adventure of a bold young English aristocrat, Lady Florence Dixie who, in 1878 at age 21, embarked on a ride across the largely unexplored Pampas with her brother. Based loosely on that concept, combined with the carnage of an actual prison mutiny, what better background for a story?

And how could I ignore the magnificent scenery, the snow capped Cordillera, the gorges and raging rivers, and the sunsets...

Thia and her brother clinked their imaginary glasses as the sun finally slid behind the mountain peaks and the night folded down like a concertina curtain - layer upon layer, pink on mauve, purple on blue, grey on navy. Dropping slowly. Pressing every ounce of pigment into the final few inches of sky in a fiery display of burnt orange. Polished mahogany. Burnished gold. The rich colour reflected in the skin of the Tehuelche Indians.

The large print edition of The Condor’s Feather by Margaret Muir was published 1 June by Ulverscroft and is available from The Book Depository post free.

2010-06-16T20:47:00.001+01:00

Scandal at the Dower House was published in January 2010. I had written it over a year before, then in February 2009 we moved house, into an apartment called The Dower House. Our new neighbours were amused! I suspect this apartment was added to the old Georgian mansion as a Granny Flat.

It's not at all like the bijou house tucked away in the grounds of the Grange that my heroine Caterina moves into when her elderly husband dies. The new Earl Nicholas comes to take possession of the estate, and, naturally, sparks fly. Then Caterina's young sister Joanna arrives, distressed and pregnant after being tricked into a fake marriage. Their mother was Portuguese, so they leave to visit her relatives, then go to Lisbon to await the birth. Meanwhile, back at the Dower House, there are problems and Nicholas cannot get in touch with Caterina. When he does, when she finally returns home...

Sheila Newberry

2010-06-15T12:05:00.002+01:00

June 15th - Sheila Who? Some of you may well be saying. I realised, after reading Marina's introduction that I haven't given you any personal details - sorry! So here goes: a potted history! I arrived in a hurry after a drive from Surrey to Suffolk in an Austin 7 - my mother ate half a pint of shrimps on the journey and I guess that's why I am allergic to shell fish.
I have been writing since the age of 3 and never stopped story telling and scribbling (with illustrations) thereafter until my husband staggered home to our smallholding in Kent with a long-carriaged typewriter and told me to get something down in print! By the time we had seven children (result of too much dreaming, in my mother's opinion) I was being published, in my early thirties. Articles, short stories, stories for the American children's bible belt, and hopefully humorous look at family life for women's magazine, continued to this day in my memoirs for Magna Dales. Two more children and I got into my stride, with romantic short stories for the now sadly defunct Woman's Realm. Sally Bowden, the editor, said I should write novels, well, my first book took me seven years to write, Tilly's Family, but did very well. That was in 1996 and I haven't stopped since... I have had the pleasure of writing for Hale
for some years now and feel part of the Hale family of writers.

I am now grandmother to 23 spirited grandchildren, who inspire me!
There are always children in my books. I write about WW2, of the days
when I was a small evacuee - about the music hall (my grandmother was a theatrical landlady) and love all the research for the late Victorian era and the 1920's. In a talk once I heard myself telling the audience, "I'm a tender writer, shall I say..." I do write from the heart and I never know the end of a story until I reach that point, and often surprise myself.

Shall I admit that I have also written village pantomimes, and for my sins, have appeared in them too? More an ugly sister than Cinderella!
A few years ago I loved to tap dance and sing as well as act - but I am
becoming what my dear Mum, who is 102 and can still manage a high kick (though from a sitting position nowadays) discrepit. It's a telling
local expression...

Probably your eyes have glazed over at this point. I have eighteen books under my belt and more waiting to burst forth, like all of you. Keep writing - and so will I. Sheila

Sheila Newberry

2010-06-15T08:42:00.002+01:00

The Poplar Penny Whistlers is my eighth book for Hale and has just been accepted! Set in the late Victorian era. My heroine, Hester, becomes a nurse at the old Poplar Hospital where the rules are strict - nurses may not become romantically involved with patients is one she finds paticularly hard to follow, when she unexpectedly falls in love. Her sister Polly, one of the family Whistlers, is not averse to turning cartwheels down the market and showing her drawers - she is destined for the music hall. Other characters who jostled for centre-stage, are Granny Garter, Big Peg and a performing pug called Puglet, with an explosive sneeze.

Previous novels for Hale: The Spirit of Millie Mae
Our Cousin Rosanna
The Little Train Home
Bicycles and Blackberries
Hot Pies on the Tramcar
The Gingerbread Girl
The Watercress Girls
Out in large print and now in audio - Magna.

Audio cds arrived!

2010-06-15T03:27:00.000+01:00

Today's post brought my author copies of Woodland Daughter in audio cds!

I've never had one of my books done as in audio before. The cover of the audio case looks wonderful.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel hearing someone say my words, but I need not have worried. Anne Dover, the reader, has done a fantastic job. I'm so pleased.
After listening to it for a while I even forgot that the story was mine and became engrossed in the story! So funny.
Woodland Daughter in audio (varying formats) is available from Amazon.co.uk and can be ordered in by your local library.

Introducing Marina Oliver

2010-06-14T13:24:00.002+01:00

This is my first post, so it's rather long and really just an introduction! I tend to agree with Mick Parker about the value of blogging, twittering and so on. Writing, editing, and living take up my time, and doing all the rest would stop me from doing what I really enjoy, writing novels. Keeping my website (www.marina-oliver.net) up to date is enough for me, but this blog is different. It's a showcase for all Hale authors.

My 55th novel will be published in August. It's a Regency, but I've also written other historicals, mainly set during the English Civil War and Restoration, twentieth century sagas, contemporary romances and crime. I've also written half a dozen non-fiction books (Writing Guides on novels, romantic and historical fiction, and Local History, including a history of my old school), and sometimes write articles. The New Writer magazine is publishing two at the moment on how historical fiction has changed in the past 50 years. This is to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Romantic Novelists' Association.

I've been Chairman of the RNA and am now a Vice-President. I have lectured in America and on Cunard cruise ships, and I run many writing courses and workshops as well as an Appraisal Agency, StorytrackS. I have also edited magazines, and novels for a couple of small publishers.

This year has been busy. I've been editing as well as writing. My Regency, Scandal at the Dower House, was published in January. The large print edition of Supervising Sally, which is set partly in Brussels on the eve of Waterloo, is out in June, and two of my very early Hale Regencies have appeared as e-books on www.Regencyreads.com I'll post more about all these another time.

Review of The Killing Trail

2010-06-10T13:06:00.002+01:00

My Black Horse Western novel The Killing Trail, scheduled for release on June 30, has been reviewed by Ron Scheel. Read the review here.

Free preview

2010-06-05T03:13:00.001+01:00

Scribd eBooks store have a free preview of my novel A Policeman's Lot HERE

DUELLING IN BRITAIN IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

2010-06-05T00:33:00.004+01:00

Once challenged, one could not refuse to meet one's challenger to a duel. Refusing meant loss of honour (unless of course one was the Duke of York. He was persuaded that because of his royal status, he could not possibly accept a challenge). Apologising was the safest way to avoid a duel. Of course pride and stubbornness often meant that an apology was neither sought nor offered.

There were many reasons for duels - a slight given, (oral or written, and often imaginary), political disagreement, religious disagreement and of course, love and adultery.

General Thornton was found guilty of cowardice and had to resign his commission, all because, at a party, (when they were no doubt all in their cups), the editor of the magazine John Bull insulted the general and the general did not issue a challenge. So you could be just as unpopular if you did not issue a challenge as when you refused a challenge.

Daniel O'Connell, the Irish political leader struggling for Catholic emancipation, fought a duel in 1815 that affected him emotionally all of his life. A minor political figure, d'Esterre, took offence at O'Connell's description of the Dublin city government as 'beggarly'. Why the man constructed that as a personal insult, only he knows, but it should be noted that d'Esterre was a well-known duellist. No doubt the Protestant expected to get rid of the Catholic thorn in their side. O'Connell killed d'Esterre (it took the man two days to die), and O'Connell was devastated. In 1835 he 'insulted' Baron Alvanley and was challenged to a duel but declined. For the sake of the family's honour, his son took up the challenge. Shots were exchanged. No-one was hurt and honour was satisfied.

Even the Duke of Wellington fought a duel with Lord Winchilsea (over Catholic emancipation). It is interesting to note that according to the seconds the Duke missed, although history has it that he deloped (fired wide) and so did Winchilsea.

The object of the duel was not always to kill or wound one's opponent. Duels were about honour. The code duello was a set of standardised duelling rules used in Britain and Ireland. (These rules were also employed in the United States).

Juries did not convict duellists for murder into the 1840's. Up till then it was considered acceptable for those of the upper classes. Prior to the 19th century, duels were often carried out by swordsmen, but with the advent of the duelling pistol, pistols became more common.

Because duelling was 'illegal', the seconds (those who 'stood up for' the duellists, usually their friends), had to work secretly to set up the duel in an isolated place, usually at the crack of dawn while nobody was around. Hence the phrase 'pistols at dawn'. And what a business it was to load the flintlocks. You poured powder into the barrel and shoved a wad on top (usually made of paper) and dropped the ball on to that. Then you needed another wad to hold the ball in place. Then you flicked the frizzen to open the pan and poured a little powder into that just beside the touch-hole and closed the frizzen.

When you fired you pulled back the cock (trigger). The flint flew forward hitting the frizzen which shot forward creating sparks as it did so. As it dropped into the pan it set off the main charge. All very well if you prepared the pistol beforehand. Pity the poor soldiers who had flintlock muskets. Some soldiers became adept at loading and reloading and were able to do it twice a minute while under enemy fire.

A Policeman's Lot available now

2010-06-04T00:09:00.002+01:00

I have just made my entry into the eBook arena with A Policeman's Lot - HERE

Think you know the Jack the Ripper story?

Think again!

Inspector Frank Parade carries out his daily duties in the Welsh industrial town of Pontypridd, duties complicated by the unprecedented presence of 500 members of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show encamped outside the town, not to mention the thousands attending the show every day. A series of depraved murders quickly makes things even more complicated. Buffalo Bill stands squarely in his path when Parade tries to investigate the likely possibility that one of the hundreds of show members is involved. And soon enough Parade’s own superiors are blocking his inquires, too. Still more deaths occur as Parade sifts through the thin evidence available and finds a trail that may lead to the perpetrator of the most heinous crime of the 19^th Century—London’s “Ripper” murders.

Shocking revelations come thick and fast.

The greatest criminal mystery in history is about to be solved by a Welsh copper and an American Legend.

The Killing Trail

2010-06-03T04:31:00.003+01:00

Robert Hale Ltd. informs me that The Killing Trail, my sixth Black Horse Western, will be published on June 30, 2010.

The Dylan brothers ride high in Ouray, Colorado, until they bully a drifter who leaves three of them dead in the street. Nat Dylan, the youngest, swears to hunt down the drifter, Jared Carter, and avenge his brothers. Carter’s trail leads into Arizona country where Dylan meets Wagonwheel owner Colonel Alton Jackson and hires on to kill Jared Carter. But the more he learns of Carter and Jackson, the more he finds himself on the wrong side. He meets Carmen Vasquez, who sees him as an honorable man, and he feels the mutual attraction. Still, on his honor he must call out Jared Carter, but can he survive a gunfight with the man who killed three Dylans by himself?

Would anyone like to review this book? Contact me if you do.

CTW

The Saxon Tapestry / A Saxon Tapestry

2010-05-27T14:46:00.003+01:00

I thought I would let you all know that there is life in an old dog - never despair and believe that books die. They can be resurrected.

In the eighties I wrote a novel called "The Saxon Tapestry" that was published by Robert Hale Limited. Since the rights have reverted to me, I decided to publish again in e-book (and perhaps paperback format). I did some work on the book but the story is much the same and it will be published next week as "A Saxon Tapestry"
I am not sure why I altered the title, just one of those things that flew into my head. I like to think that The/A/Saxon Tapestry is still a Hale book - the copy is sitting on my shelf even now, and in pristine condition. Although I do rather prefer the new cover, which is beautiful and just a little mysterious.

Cheers!

APRIL AND MAY

2010-05-23T23:34:00.002+01:00

The cover of my new story [published on 31st May] shows sunset over Constantinople.
It is May 1804 and Tom Hawkesleigh is engaged on urgent secret business for the Sultan. The last thing he needs is for three English ladies to arrive at the embassy, demanding help, especially when he finds that one of them is Rose, the girl he has been trying to forget.
Rose is no better pleased to meet up with Tom, the man who abandoned her.
But life in Constantinople is bewildering and dangerous. And the Sultan's chief minister, Kerim Pasha, draws Rose into the secret plan. Danger follows even when Rose returns to London. Tom is desperate to help but she remains fiercely independent. Yet, underneath, as she discovers what drove Tom away four years previously, all her barriers come down. But by this time it may well be too little too late...

Istanbul [as Constantinople is now called] is a magical city and one I've been visiting for over forty years. One day, while crossing the Bosphorus in an 'ordinary' ferry boat, I saw a small wooden caique with red and gold cloth draped over the cabin and being rowed by a dozen sturdy young men in traditional costume with sleeveless red jackets. It's a tourist attraction and costly, but it must be a wonderful experience to glide from Europe to Asia in such a way. Of course, I had to make use of a caique in my story.

Having a Turkish husband, I've been fortunate to experience much hospitality in many homes and many different regions of Turkey. I've tried to convey the sheer kindness of the welcome they give to visitors.

Lady Farquhar's Butterfly

2010-05-10T06:29:00.004+01:00

My latest Regency Historical, Lady Farquhar’s Butterfly will be published on May 31.

You can read the synopsis below.

Falsely branded an adulteress and separated from her child by her vengeful late husband, Lady Olivia Farquhar unexpectedly discovers a deep and mutual love for her son's guardian, Max Atherton.

But happiness with Max can never be possible when Olivia is blackmailed into a union with her late husband's confessor. Unaware of the sinister motives behind the reverend's desire to make her his wife, or of Max's efforts to clear her sullied name, Olivia is bereft of hope. Can Max turn things around in time?

Where will it end up?

2010-05-06T15:20:00.002+01:00

There has been some interesting facts and figures emerging about e-books, self publishing, self promotion and the possible demise of small publishers if they don't respond to the so called 'revolution' in publishing, that it leaves me wondering if the web is little more than overkill, and the promised revolution will not happen. Like many of us, I presume, I have tried to use the web to promote my books. I've joined Squidoo, Twitter, Facebook, International Thriller Writers and set up my own website (three different sites at different times) plus my own blog. Result? The only people who regularly write to me are the spammers! Everything else turns out to be a damp squib. In the last eight months or so, I have had about five, genuine contacts through my web page and blog. When I look at the Hale Blog, the last entry was April 10th. It's now May 6th. This leads me to think that we are suffering from web fatigue. So will the web revolution take off and leave small publishers like Hale to suffer the consequences? And if we authors embark on self publishing and self promotion on the web, will we really make any difference? It would be interesting to know what others think. After all, we're all in the same boat.

Interview with Hale's nautical fiction author Margaret Muir

2010-04-10T22:38:00.013+01:00

Astrodene's Historic Naval Fiction is pleased to have obtained an interview with Margaret Muir, author of FLOATING GOLD which will be released on 31 May 2010 and is already available for pre-order.
I am sure you will find some of the answers very intersting.

What can you tell us about FLOATING GOLD, without spoiling the plot for readers?

The year is 1802 and Captain Oliver Quintrell is frustrated at being land-locked. However, when he is granted a commission, he is cynical that his vessel is a mere frigate. But Elusive is a sound ship and with a seemingly loyal crew he sails from Portsmouth. On entering the tropics, he discovers the purpose of his cruise and from Rio he heads south into the inhospitable waters of the high latitudes beyond Cape Horn.
But the secret orders he has been entrusted with are veiled in mystery and the chances of success seem near impossible. Murder, treason, enemy ships, ice, and the near loss of his ship are but some of the problems to confront him. His mission is to retrieve a valuable cargo and return it to England and Captain Quintrell intends to succeed no matter what the cost.

What made you decide to write your first book in the historic naval fiction genre?

Several things. My love of the Horatio Hornblower series. Inspiration after stepping aboard HMS Victory in Portsmouth. Experiences at sea sailing aboard replica vessels such as Captain Cook's HM Brig Endeavour and the tiny Colonial Brig Lady Nelson. Several voyages on a sail training vessel and a voyage across the Atlantic in a (latter day) barquentine.

What things in particular inspired you to write this book?

Two things. Firstly a visit to the Antarctic Peninsula a few years ago – what a remarkably unforgettable place that is! And secondly reading an article about a lump of ambergris being found on a beach in South Australia.

How did you undertake your research for the book?

My research is mainly through reading, but not fiction (that came earlier). And I tend to read factual seafaring accounts such as Cordingley’s, Billy Ruffian, Taylor’s, The Caliban Shore, Bergreen’s, Over the Edge of the World, besides reference books such as Goodwin’s, Nelson’s Men o’ War and similar. I read almost anything which is related to the days of wooden sailing ships. Obviously I also use the internet and where possible view primary source material of ships’ logs, reports or personal letters.

Where did your interest in the sea originate?

I don’t know. Perhaps from a model fully rigged wooden sailing ship which always graced the sideboard when I was growing up.
Then in the late 1990s I took my first tall-ship sailing adventure – a 12 day voyage as trainee crew on a barquentine, STS Leeuwin. Sitting on deck on bow watch one night while in the Indian Ocean, I was amazed to see the marine luminescent particles sparkling in the bow wave. At the time I didn’t know what this phenomenon was. I called these flashes of light illusive diamonds (they reminded me of the illusionist’s magic dust) and Illusive Diamonds was the proposed title for my first book. I was later advised that title would never sell so I changed it to Sea Dust which is less inspiring but possibly more marketable.

What drew you to write your first novel?

As I said, my first novel, Sea Dust (2005) was a sea story – a historical fiction story with a female protagonist. Set in 1856 in Whitby, Yorkshire it tells the tale of a young woman who escapes from England by stowing away on a cargo vessel and sailing to Australia. In retrospect, I think the story epitomises my own fantasies to run away. (I did leave Yorkshire many years ago and emigrated to Australia but my passage was on a Boeing 707)

Do you plan your stories before starting to write?

No. I don’t have a pre-conceived plot. If a particular setting or a person or action grabs me, that is where I begin and I let it flow from there. Sometimes the idea I come up with might be midway through the story (as with Sea Dust onboard ship). I then have to thread a beginning to it. Sometimes the most amazing things crop up as the story progresses which surprises even me.

Are your books available?

My previous four titles are available in Large Print only as they never went into paperback after the hardback edition sold out. The Condor’s Feather (2009) – an equestrian adventure set in Patagonia – is still available from on-line bookshops in hardback. FLOATING GOLD can be ordered on-line from The Book Depository, Hale Books or any on-line bookstore.

What intrigues you about the period in which the book is set?

I love the sense of adventure, heroes, challenges, hubris, courage, loyalty, tenacity and ingenuity; of man against man, and man against the elements.

Are you planning to write further naval fiction books set in the age of sail?

I had started writing the sequel to FLOATING GOLD, before I got sidetracked on a book about Tasmanian bushrangers. To complicate matters further, this year I embarked on more university studies. However if FLOATING GOLD is well received there will certainly be a sequel. Originally I had plans for a series of sequels and possibly a prequel.

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

Writing is a lonely experience and authors get little feedback about their work - either good or bad. Without any follow up it’s hard to know what readers really want. I’m always happy to take on board any comments, feedback, suggestions or offers from publishers to take up the paperback rights.

My thanks to the Historic Naval Fiction Blog for this interview.

To read more about the book, go to www.squidoo.com/floatinggold

Interview with Margaret Muir - written by Astrodene

This is me

2010-03-30T03:47:00.006+01:00

Just a quick note to everyone at the Hale authors' blog. I'm Charles Whipple, a resident of Japan, and a Black Horse Western author since Vulture Gold was published in 2005 (as I remember). Since then, Revenge at Wolf Mountain, Trail of a Hard Man, and Guns of Ponderosa have been published. The Killing Trail stands in the wings with Hell Fire in Paradise to follow that. I'm active on the Black Horse Westerns group on Yahoo and belong to Jon Franklin's WriterL list.

I'm a native of Arizona and grew up there when cowboys were respected and looked up to. My grandfather came to Arizona in 1876 after two years of making charcoal to use in refining silver in Nevada. I rode a horse before I could walk, I think, and a horse was my mode of transportation to my first part-time summer job as well. I milked cows morning and night, took them to pasture, helped brand the calves, and generally grew up as a country bumpkin.

While I love westerns, I'm not an addict. I'm trying to get a gumshoe novel off the ground (it needs major revision right now) and I write quite a bit of non-fiction under my own name, magazine articles and a few books.

It's good to be a part of the Hale Authors Blog. Thanks for the invitation.

You can read my blog on things western here.

Woodland Daughter in audio

2010-03-30T02:50:00.002+01:00

My historical novel Woodland Daughter is now available in audio format such as Mp3 and cds and even cassettes. These can be ordered in by your local library.

The audio book company's website which showcases is http://www.ulverscroft.com/ (you can do a search with my name, etc)
Sadly, I can't get the cover large with it distorting.

blurb;

Throughout her years of devoted service to the Bradburys, Eden Harris has hidden a secret that would affect them all, a secret shared only with her husband, Nathan and her grandfather. But an enemy returns, shattering her world and exposing her secret. Then, robbed of Nathan, she must flee from the country estate. However, her attempt to start anew is not so simple as the past haunts her. Now Eden must gather her strength and look into her heart to accept what the future offers.

A COVERT WAR

2010-03-28T15:32:00.003+01:00

My latest book is due out March 31st. I have already had some lovely comments from family and friends who have read it. But as we all know; as much as we appreciate those comments, we would dearly like to see them translated into sales. Anyway, for your delectation the prologue follows:

PROLOGUE

I think that was the moment I realised that I was in love with Shakira. I had known her barely three weeks. It probably happened within days of our first meeting at the Mission. Shakira was such a lively, extroverted character; so full of humour and yet with warm simplicity. I felt a connection with her that is difficult to describe, but one I believe was reciprocated. I knew without doubt that Shakira had warmed to me as soon as we met. There was something in her manner; the way she spoke and reacted to me. I can remember how her face would light up as soon as she saw me and how the atmosphere in a room seemed to change when she walked in; such was the effect she had. I felt the change in me and could see it in others. I loved the way she would throw her head back and laugh out loud at my terrible jokes, showing her beautiful, white teeth. And then she would stop laughing and look directly at me, her lovely eyes softening. And as her laughter died away, so her mouth would change into that wonderful, disarming smile of hers.
I had been working at the Mission for a number of weeks, each day writing up my report for The Chapter on the work that the centre was undertaking. Shakira was the senior administrator there. Because of my project I often found myself in Shakira’s company. In the evenings we would walk up to the high point above the Mission and talk over the highs and lows of the day. We would sit on a fallen tree trunk that had been there for many years. It was divested now of its foliage. It had no branches; they had been lopped off so that it could be used to sit and look over the lovely countryside. The view from there down into the valley was charmingly beautiful, particularly as the sun was setting. As we sat together on that log, it was obvious to me that we were getting closer and I felt, instinctively that Shakira welcomed it.
I can remember when I realised I had fallen in love with her. I had told her one of my ludicrous jokes. I can see her now, tossing her head back, her mouth wide open in that delicious laugh. She had thrown her hands up in the air and slapped them down on the tops of her legs. Her red dress, patterned with large, white flowers seemed to dance like fire in front of me. I was mesmerised and happy that I knew I loved her and that she loved me.
And that was the moment the bullet slammed into me. The impact pitched me forward and sent me sprawling at Shakira’s feet. The sound of the gun came moments later. As I hit the ground I blacked out, but it could only have been for a few seconds because when I looked up I saw Shakira’s lovely face turning into an image of shock and pain. The white flowers on her dress began to change colour as her blood seeped into the dress, and she rolled off the log, falling face down on to the hard, stony ground.
I opened my mouth to call out, but no sound came. I felt a terrible pain in my shoulder where the bullet had hit me, but the pain in my heart when I realised Shakira was almost certainly dead and I was probably about to die was unimaginable. It would be true to say that I wanted to die then; life without Shakira would be so empty.
I remember hearing a great deal of shouting and the sound of gunfire coming from below the slope, down at the Mission. I could hear screaming and the sound of men’s voices. Then the gunfire stopped and I heard the thud of footsteps as the attackers ran up the slope towards us. I lowered my head on to the ground and pretended I was dead. I prayed nothing else would happen.
But something else did happen; something even worse. I felt myself shrivel inside with an inordinate fear because I couldn’t close my eyes; I had to keep them open. Several men appeared. They were all wearing camouflage uniforms and calf length boots. Two of the men stopped beside Shakira and said something to each other in a language that I couldn’t understand. One of the men put his boot on Shakira’s body and pushed her. Then he leaned forward and pointed a gun at her head. He said something and shot her. I can see Shakira’s body jumping now. I see it every night in my dreams; in my nightmares.
The killer walked over to me and pointed the gun at my head. I noticed the little finger of his left hand was missing. Why do we remember such trivial things in our darkest moments? Aren’t we supposed to have no recall of events immediately preceding such trauma? Why wasn’t I allowed to have no memory of what happened? I will never forget it. Never. He laughed and said something in English, and then he shot me.

Listed in America

2010-03-15T13:44:00.002Z

I received the news from Hale today that my novel, THE THIRD SECRET has been listed in Publishers Weekly in New York. I don't know just how this will affect my sales in America, but it must be good news for Hale to send me a note through the post. Let's hope it's a foot in the door for Michael Parker

Pure Passion - Love Story of the Year

2010-03-13T09:59:00.006Z

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I am getting ridiculously excited about the upcoming Romantic Novelists' Association Pure Passion Awards Lunch on Tuesday. (The pendant is my commemorative present to myself.)

The awards have generated a lot of interest, as part of which Fair Deception (shortlisted for Love Story of the Year) has received a lovely review from SingleTitles .

Julie says:

Jan Jones writes with such verve and gusto that readers will be thoroughly enchanted by her exciting, enthralling and wonderfully engrossing debut historical romance, Fair Deception! Ms. Jones’ love for the Regency period shines in her writing and she manages to make the past come vividly to life without being didactic or overwhelming. A fast-paced romantic adventure that sparkles with atmosphere, danger, drama, humour and passion, Jan Jones’ Fair Deception is a mesmerizing historical romance in the grand tradition of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer which reader will want to read again and again!

Sold out or not?

2010-03-09T09:59:00.002Z

When John Hale told me that my novel, THE DEVIL'S TRINTIY (published 2008) had sold out, I got quite excited. But when he told me he wouldn't be printing any more, I was very disappointed and told him so, but there was to be no change of mind on his part. Then last month, Nik Morton told me that the book was being reprinted according to Hale's website. I checked the site and, sure enough, it said 'reprinting'. I figured that this was a 'catch-all' phrase to say there were no more available but they couldn't very well put 'sold out' on the page. So I ordered one from the Book Depository and it turned up yesterday. Tickled pink? You bet. I haven't asked John Hale if the book is actually being reprinted; I'll just walk about with a smile on my face and wait until my statement turns up next month. I'll probably stop smiling then.

Excellent review of DEATH IS THE CURE

2010-02-20T14:02:00.003Z

Another Great Review for Death is the Cure at MyShelf.Com - the reviewer is Rachel A Hyde

Death is the Cure Charlotte Richmond Mysteries - Book IIby Nicola Slade

Merry widow Charlotte Richmond has always wanted to see Bath, ever since reading Jane Austen back when she lived in her native Australia. Now she has the chance to do just that, in the company of her best friend Elaine Knightley. They put up at a hotel that caters exclusively to invalids, and discover that their fellow "inmates" are a motley crew indeed. When one of them is murdered Charlotte naturally is keen to discover whodunit, especially when she is sure that at least one person knows about her less than spotless past....This is the second in an utterly delightful new series of Victorian whodunits, featuring a "lady" with a shady past who cannot help encountering dead people and wishing to find out who killed them. From the tongue-in-cheek dramatis personae to the vein of humor that bubbles throughout like a refreshing spring, this is a highly readable and well paced novel that sows the seeds of the third book and leaves the reader eager for more. Ms. Slade is adept at sketching in people and places rapidly and concocting interesting plots, while keeping her feet on the ground regarding a feel for the period. I look forward immensely to this being a long-running series.

Shortlisted for Love Story of the Year!

2010-02-11T13:23:00.006Z

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I am delighted to announce that Fair Deception has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association 2010 Love Story of the Year Award!

Fair Deception is the first of my Newmarket Regencies and concerns Susanna Fair - an actress who urgently needs a place to hide - and Kit Kydd - a would-be knight errant who badly needs to appear betrothed.

Unfortunately, Susanna's past won't stay conveniently put, Kit doesn't have a let-sleeping-dogs-lie nature, and both of them find themselves becoming enamoured for real.

I'm so thrilled to be on a shortlist that celebrates the best in romantic fiction and am really looking forward to the Pure Passion Awards Lunch in March and all the new readers that the publicity for the awards will hopefully bring in.