About the author
Sharp Scratch to be published by Allison & BUSBY
I am delighted that Allison & Busby will publish Sharp Scratch, a historical crime novel set in 1983, based on my experiences conducting psychometric testing in the NHS. A classic murder mystery, the book is structured around a fictional personality test and the insights it offers a hospital Personnel Officer, Lorraine Quick.
past events
EVENTS DURING LOCKDOWN
Like most jobs the covid lockdown led to new ways of working. I saw a rise in podcasts and occasional zoom sessions. Here I was interviewed by BBC journalist Humphrey Hawksley about my writing, including a digression on spices.
the almanack acquired by canongate's new crime list
It was a real thrill to get an invitation to the launch of Black Thorn Books at Waterstones, Covent Garden, London. I got to meet some of my favourite crime writers such as David Hewson and Simon Brett, along with Canongate's charismatic founder, Jamie Byng.
Left to right: Agent Sarah Nundy, Martine, Simon Brett, Jamie Byng
CHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL
I was delighted to be invited to talk at Chester's award-winning Storyhouse arts venue as part of Chester Literature Festival. I read from, and chatted about my culinary historical mystery, 'An Appetite for Violets'.
Next, I decided to test out some of the riddles from The Almanack on my captive audience. Each riddle was answered after some humorous guessing!
It was a pleasure to meet readers and sign books - and also give a short interview about my writing to a journalism student from the University of Chester.
Next, I decided to test out some of the riddles from The Almanack on my captive audience. Each riddle was answered after some humorous guessing!
It was a pleasure to meet readers and sign books - and also give a short interview about my writing to a journalism student from the University of Chester.
EXPLORING THE GEORGIAN TABLE
The Delights of 18th century dining
We all had a glorious time at our sell-out Georgian banquet at the historic Normandby Room, The Green Howards Museum, Richmond, Yorkshire. To open, I gave an introduction to Georgian dining and manners over our Potted Rabbit starter and after delicious Barley Pottage, Smaured Mutton and Taffety Tart, we had a quiz of ingenious 18th century culinary riddles. Many thanks to Executive Chef Gareth Bottomly and all the museum team.
ERDDIG HALL AND AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS
The kitchen and recipes at historic Erddig Hall near Wrexham, were the inspiration for An Appetite for Violets. I undertook research into the archive of 18th century recipe books at Hawarden Archive Office and it is especially is pleasing that the novel is a Recommended Read at Erddig Hall's National Trust book shop.
WRITING RETREATS
While writing my books I often yearn for a spell of absolute solitude to be alone with my characters and write at full tilt. I am hugely grateful to those institutions who offer such generous help.
Left to right are three wonderful places I have retreatead to: Hosking Houses Trust, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, Hawkwood College, Stroud, and Nant Cottage, Ty Newydd Writers Centre, Wales.
Left to right are three wonderful places I have retreatead to: Hosking Houses Trust, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, Hawkwood College, Stroud, and Nant Cottage, Ty Newydd Writers Centre, Wales.