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Friday 30 November 2012

Hull Noir - Alfie Robins, Nick Quantrill & Nick Triplow

 
Tomorrow Saturday 1st December, I will joining fellow crime fiction authors Nick Quantrill (Broken Dreams & The Late Greats) and Nick Triplow (Frank's Wild Years) at the Hull History Centre, for an afternoon of readings and a question and answer session.

If you fancy something different before the Christmas mayhem begins, come along and join us at this free event and pick up signed copies for Christmas.
 

Thursday 1 November 2012

Sell Out Signing.

Saturday 27 October, the weather was cold and the sleet came down, but this didn't put people off. I'd like thank everyone who braved the elements to come to the signing of 'Just Whistle' and making the day a sell out!
 
 

 
  
 
 
The Radio Humberside evening show with
presenter James Hoggarth prior to my signing at WHSiths, Beverley.
 

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Alfie on the Radio tonight, 24/10/2012


Just to let you know that I will be on the Radio Humberside this evening around 8pm. I will be speaking with James Hoggarth  about my latest novel 'Just Whistle' and who knows what else. This is in advance to my book signing at WHSmith in Beverley, East Yorkshire, on Saturday 27 October from 12 noon.


Image for 24/10/2012 James Hoggarth Evening Show 24/10/2012



http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiohumberside/programmes/schedules/2012/10/24

Monday 15 October 2012

No Sock Puppets Allowed

I have had some brilliant reviews for 'Just Whistle' , genuine reviews from real people. Don't just take my word for it have a look for yourself.

Just Whistle
 
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED THE STYLE OF THIS BOOK 14 Sep 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Downloaded this along with the other book to my kindle as easier and convenient to read when you want to.

This was a very different writing style but loved it as the additional bits slipped in between was great.

Great to read about things locally as when reading you can visualise the story taking place.

Another set of great characters who interacted very well with each other.

It left me wanting more (please Alfie).
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars it's a cracker! 10 Sep 2012
By Elle
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have Alfie's book "Reprisal" on my Kindle so was keen to read this new one of his. I was not disappointed, it is in my opinion even better than Reprisal and I thoroughly enjoyed that. The characters are all interesting and the plot moves between them in a seamless fashion even though the story is told from different points of view. The story line is interesting and the twist running through is enough to keep you guessing right to the last page. It was one of those books that I was sorry to finish reading and that does not happen often enough. I will look eagerly for more from this Author. A cracker of a read, I thoroughly recommend it
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellant 9 Sep 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
Another hit....love this book, loved the last one...bring on the next. I'm a Hullensian, and I think it's great knowing and recognising the city locations used. I like Mr Robins' style. The twist at the end took me totally by surprise.
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Wednesday 3 October 2012

'Just Whistle' signing at Waterstones, Hull

 
Writer and Blogger Darren Sant was the first visitor of the day.
This was my first ever book signing and I didn't quite know what to expect! The staff at Waterstones were very helpful and pointed me in the right direction. The support from family and friends helped keep the nerves at bay and it wasn't long before we were off and running. Darren Sant pictured above was the the first to arrive and buy a signed copy. The response from the public was amazing, many actually came to the signing following my spot on the Radio Humberside Morning Show with David (Burnsy) Burns.


I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who turned up and made the day a success



Ian Ball, not only an old friend but a murder suspect in Reprisal.


Fame at last!
I'm really proud of this one, sharing a shelf with my favourite author Peter Robinson

Monday 1 October 2012

'Just Whistle', ONLY 77p - JK Rowling, 'A Casual Vacancy' £11.99 on kindle


OUT on Now!

My name is John Osbourne, well it was before I started writing this bloody book, now I’m not so sure who the hell I am.  If you think you know me, please telephone 01482 21….
 
Unemployed and recently divorced, John Osbourne’s life was slowly falling apart, then encouraged to get a hobby by his daughter things took a different turn, a turn that he did not realise would change his life. As he starts writing his first novel, the characters seem to come alive before his very eyes.
Osbourne’s creation, Detective Sergeant Harry “H” Blackburn and his team find themselves involved in the investigation into the murder of a young female student, which leads them into the dangerous world of drug trafficking. When their only witness gets murdered it becomes even more difficult for the team to get justice.
As the line between reality and fiction blur, Osbourne struggles to keep a grip on reality as he enters the realm of fiction.
Will Harry and the team get their man, but if they do, will John Osbourne be lost in the world of fiction forever?


Customer Reviews



12 Reviews
5 star:
(11)
4 star:
(1)
3 star: (0)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (0)
Average Customer Review


Thursday 23 August 2012

"Just Whistle" - only 11 days to publishing!

'My name is John Osbourne, at least I think it is, it was until I started writing this bloody book. Now I don't know who the hell I am, if you think you can help me please telephone 01482 ......'

Wednesday 8 August 2012

'The Mackenzie Dossier' by John Holt, free!

The Mackenzie Dossier
John Holt, author of "Killing In The City" is offering his fans the chance to download his latest novel, "The Mackenzie Dossier" for Free.  Grab it while you can, free on Thursday and Friday.

                          ...........................

Kendall could just see the television screen. There was a photograph of Governor Frank Reynolds. Across the bottom of the screen the ticker tape announced in large black letters 'Governor Reynolds Murdered'. The voice over was filling in whatever detail was available. Apparently his body had been discovered earlier that morning. He had been found lying in his garage. He had been shot twice. One shot to the upper chest, the other hitting his shoulder. 'Police believe that the weapon used was a 38 mm calibre revolver,' the reporter said. Kendall froze. Anthony Shaw had also been killed by a 38 mm bullet. Kendall was not quite sure of what it all meant. What connection was there between Anthony Shaw, and the State Governor, and the business mogul, Ian Duncan. And what about Senator Mackenzie? Where did he fit in? And who or what was Latimer? Only a short while ago Kendall was a small time private detective , a Private Eye, investigating an insignificant little murder with no clues, no witnesses, and no motive. In fact, no nothing. Now he had so many pieces of a puzzle he didn't know how they fitted together. He didn't even know if they all came from the same puzzle

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Author John Holt speaks with Keith Houghton

John HoltEssex author, John Holt, author of 'A Killing In The City' and several other Private Eye novels, recently took part in an interview with best selling author, Keith Houghton. See what John has to say for himself.  http://keithhoughton.com/author-interviews/interview-with-john-holt

Sunday 24 June 2012

Caffeine Nights Partner With Anobii

Press Release: Miscellaneous Announcements
Caffeine Nights Partners With Anobii


Posted at 1:37PM Friday 22 Jun 2012
Caffeine Nights Publishing has partnered with online eBook etailer Anobii. The Kent based crime and contemporary fiction publisher has been working with Anobii to sell its back catalogue and future titles on the Anobii website.
Anobii has recently announced that Sainsbury's has acquired a controlling stake in the business as part of a buyout from leading shareholder HMV Group.
Caffeine Nights CEO, Darren Laws said, "The timing of our partnership with Anobii is ideal as the investment by Sainsbury's will give Anobii the opportunity to establish itself in the eBook market and extend its reach into the supermarket chain. Caffeine Nights is excited to be working with Anobii and looks forward to a long and successful partnership."
Darren went on to say, "It is good that Anobii want to work with small publishers such as Caffeine Nights. Anobii have shown themselves to be very reactive, caring and generous with their time for a company like ours."
All of Caffeine Nights back catalogue is now live on the Anobii website - www.anobii.com



"Killing Hope" by Keith Houghton

Killing Hope (Gabe Quinn Thrillers)'- a gripping thriller with a killer twist ...'

"Every bit up there as Patterson, Child and Connolly" - 5★Star Review by 'I Love New York' - (Burns Country)

AMAZON INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
- Over 69,000 Kindle Downloads Worldwide.
Amazon International Top 10 Bestseller - THRILLERS | SUSPENSE | MYSTERY
Amazon #1 International Bestseller - POLICE PROCEDURALS

"Highly recommend this book to all murder/thrillers lovers
... a story that will draw you in and keep you wanting more."
- 5★Star Review by The Kindle Book Review

'Fast, intelligent, enthralling. Houghton's punchy style takes the breath away.'
- John Paul Davis, UK Bestselling Author of 'The Templar Agenda'

Killing Hope (Gabe Quinn Thriller)

One man stands in the way of countless deaths ...
One man will try to stop him ...
Only one will succeed ...

"Celebrity Cop" Gabe Quinn is back working Robbery-Homicide after a personal
tragedy has left him emotionally bare.

He's raw, but resolved to catch a serial killer stalking the streets of two major cities.

With cryptic clues left at each crime scene, Gabe is faced with the seemingly impossible
task of piecing together the bizarre puzzle - following signs that point toward a killer
whose motive questions everything he believes in ...

'If you could save a million lives by taking one ... would you?'

AMAZON.COM - TOP 20 BESTSELLER
Amazon #1 US and UK Bestseller - POLICE PROCEDURALS
Amazon #3 UK Bestseller - THRILLERS
Amazon #3 UK Bestseller - MYSTERY
Amazon #5 US Bestseller - SUSPENSE
Amazon #5 UK Bestseller - HARD-BOILED
Amazon #6 US Bestseller - THRILLERS
AMAZON.CO.UK - TOP 40 BESTSELLER


"Our hero, and accomplices, embark on a lofty quest to track down the man responsible
for a series of heinous and gruesome crimes. Behind every murder is a motive, and from
every murder there, of course, exists a trail. Following the trail is our hero, LAPD cop
Gabe Quinn. Seasoned pro Quinn has seen it, done it and succeeded: in fact, so much so
his exploits have made him something of a celebrity. But fame and catching crime rarely
match. And in this, Quinn's toughest quest yet, his resilience is put to the ultimate test.
This is not simply about stopping crime. The world is watching - and judging."

- ★★★★★ Review by 'The Raven' (England)


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars First Class Read, 21 Jun 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Killing Hope (Gabe Quinn Thrillers) (Kindle Edition)
I have been aware of Mr Houghton for some time,I finally got round to reading his work and wasn't dissapointed. His clipped writing style is distinctive and he certainly knows how to weave a plot that keeps you guessing right until the end. Well crafted, Keith.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Unputdownable !, 14 Jun 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Killing Hope (Gabe Quinn Thrillers) (Kindle Edition)
For me unputdownable from the first page . I could not believe this is a first book . It could have been Connelly / Bosch ! Looking forward to number 2 - soon please !
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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Friday 22 June 2012

'Just Whistle' by Alfie Robins. Out in September

This is the cover photograph of my next Novel, 'Just Whistle'.
'Just Whistle will be available from all good books shops, Amazon and direct from my publisher, Caffeine Nights Publishing.

'My name is John Osbourne, at least I think it is, it was until I started writing this bloody book. Now I don't know who the hell I am, if you think you can help me please telephone 01482 ......'



Out in September!

Keep checking back for news!

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Tesco Rule The World?

I just have to say, what chance does the Indie Publisher have with the likes of Tesco.
I know I shouldn't have, but I bought the latest Ian Rankin novel 'The Impossible Dead' and James Patterson, 'Kill Cross' for £2.99 each!
How can we compete with this, when the rrp is £7.99?

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Wolf Tickets by Ray Banks

Wolf TicketsThe scammer gets scammed.

Sean Farrell – thief, petrol smuggler and all-round scoundrel – just got shafted by the love of his life. Nora ran off with twenty grand, a gram of coke, and his favourite leather jacket, leaving him with little more than a hangover and a Dido soundtrack. But Nora’s sights are on the two hundred grand Farrell supposedly stashed somewhere in the middle of Northumberland, and she’s enlisted the help of her old boyfriend, a former hit man, to retrieve it.

Farrell hooks up with an old Army mate, the shoplifting, rotgut-swilling arsonist Jimmy Cobb and sets off after them. When this pair catch up with Nora and her ex, there’s going to be hell to pay, 'cause nobody messes with Farrell and Cobb ...

WOLF TICKETS is hardcore Ray Banks – ballsy, breathless and brutal.

Praise for RAY BANKS

"Ray Banks writes with harshness, humour and elegance, and his punchy dialogue teems with vigorous authenticity." – The Times

"Banks is one of the freshest voices in hard-boiled crime fiction today." – Library Journal

"Banks has an ear for the vernacular as sharp as, but a shade or two bluer than, that of George V. Higgins. Let the squeamish stick with Tony Soprano; this is the real tough stuff." – Kirkus

"Banks has a Cain-esque ability (James M., not Abel’s brother) to take well-drawn, realistic characters whose moral compass is wobbling, and let them slash and burn their way to ruin." – Spinetingler Magazine

"Most people sound a bit girly compared to Ray Banks" – Mark Billingham


Praise for DEAD MONEY

"Brimming with pitch-black humour and written with a claustrophobic mania to rival the finest noir exponents, it's compelling and finely honed stuff." – The Big Issue

"There’s not a beat missed or a word wasted in this beautifully bleak, absolutely pitch-black humorous look at a man in a deadly downward spiral." – Musings of an All Purpose Monkey

"dark, nasty, funny, and painfully human" – Spinetingler Magazine

"a tight and pacy read, the prose stripped to the bone and the dialogue pitch-perfect. Fans of Colin Bateman and Elmore Leonard will find it hits their sweet spot. Cohen brother lovers; one for you too." – Loitering With Intent

"rings so true in character and atmosphere that you’ll be unsticking your sole from the carpet as you press the button two stops after you were supposed to get off" –Bookrambler

"Dead Money is on the money, mainline Ray Banks, and sets expectations high for what the future brings for Banks' newest publisher, Blasted Heath" – Grift Magazine

"a great story. It's tight as hell and it's so deliberate that it's a complete joy to read... I loved DEAD MONEY" – Dead End Follies

"a pitch perfect novel" – Crime Fiction Lover

"an intensive masterclass in how to write ... People have been telling me to read Ray Banks for a long time. Now I understand why." – Helen FitzGerald

"Banks writes in a clean style, looped with inky black humor, and the plot goes at a lightning pace, heaping dread upon dread." – On The Book Beat

"DEAD MONEY is a quick read and a thoroughly enjoyable one, a Guy Ritchie film in prose, minus a lot of the showing off." – Kate of Mind

About the author:

Ray Banks is the author of the Cal Innes Quartet (SATURDAY'S CHILD, DONKEY PUNCH, NO MORE HEROES, BEAST OF BURDEN), DEAD MONEY, WOLF TICKETS and the novellas, GUN and CALIFORNIA. He lives in Edinburgh

Saturday 12 May 2012

CONSEQUENCES by RC Bridgestock

Consequences (D.I. Dylan)From the authors of ‘Deadly Focus’ comes their second book in the ‘D.I. Jack Dylan’ series.

Detective Inspector Jack Dylan’s list of things to do is getting out of control. He has two unconnected murders to solve. One victim is a small child and the other a young woman; plus a missing detective to find. Long hours are part of the job, but does he have the time to figure out the pieces to the crime jigsaws, and save his relationship?

With the pressure mounting, Dylan has to solve the murder of Liz, a young woman found burned alive in a public park. He also has to find out where half a million pounds of the young woman’s money has gone and how his missing sergeant may be involved in the whole sorry mess.


Usually the search for the murderer begins with the immediate family but the dead woman’s husband is in prison. CONSEQUENCES shows the steps the detectives must take to find the answer to the question - who killed Liz?

By
This review is from: Consequences (Paperback)
Having read Deadly Focus on my holiday last year, I eagerly awaited the launch of Consequences. I was not disappointed!!! A real page turner that I couldn't put down and I am now waiting for book 3 - please don't leave us waiting long!!! The character development is great and the story lines excellent.

I also met Carol and Bob on their recent book signing tour and 2 nicer people you could not wish to meet

Tuesday 8 May 2012

The Casablanca Case (Errol Black)The much anticipated sequel to Black Shadows.

Like an old lover, gone bad...the return of Errol Black in a dark tale of treachery, betrayal and murder.

The much anticipated sequel to the best-selling crime thriller, Black Shadows.

It’s Summer, 1950, Casablanca. A once beautiful town, now riddled with infighting, corruption and murder.

Ten years ago the roads were paved with gold and private eye, Errol Black, thought he had found love that would last forever. He left not long after with a bullet in his shoulder, his life hanging by a thread and the love story shattered into a million bloody pieces.

Returning to find answers to the unexplained killing of his best friend, he finds himself haunted by the past. Digging deeper leads him right into the middle of a bloodbath, where nobody can be trusted and nothing is quite how it seems.
The Casablanca Case is a hardboiled piece of noir.

Praise for Simon Swift...

"Bodies pile up fast in Swift’s rollicking debut. Reads like a psychedelic ode to history and the cliché …and maybe that’s the point." ~ Andy Straka, bestselling author of Witness Above

"Just when you might think: they don’t write 'em like they used to…an author comes along with a true passion for classic rat-a-tat-tat, shoot 'em full o' holes, gumshoe crime fiction." ~ John Walker, Suspense Magazine.

*** 
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Welcome back Errol Black - an older, smarter Errol, going back to his home town to find it much changed, not always for the better. This is another thrilling mystery with more twists than a roller coaster.
The one thing I felt about this book was that the true Simon Swift was writing it, his own style coming through even though the theme and the essence was old-style detective - and the book was better for this. Well done, Simon.
We get to know a little bit more about Errol in between the chasing of the bad guys. The end took me completely by surprise. A great read. Looking forward to the next!!


Friday 4 May 2012

ABIDE WITH ME by Ian Ayris

Abide with MeTwo boys. John and Kenny. One streetwise and football mad, the other cold and unfathomable.
It's nineteen-seventy-five. The heart of London's East End.
As John celebrates the Hammers beating Fulham in the Cup Final, Kenny tumbles out the door of the new people's house across the street having taken a beating of a different kind.
When the new school year begins, John befriends Kenny, defending him from the ridicule of his classmates.
But when you become mates with someone as odd, as downright terrifying as Kenny, nothing is ever straightforward.
Amidst the turbulent years of late seventies London, the lives of John and Kenny spiral out of control.
They meet again, years later, and local villain, Ronnie Swordfish, is after Kenny's head. All John can do is watch. Kenny, he ain't saying a word.

He never does.

So when Ronnie gives the order to fetch his three foot Samurai sword, John thinks the game's all but up.

Thing is, he don't know the half of it . . .

Abide With Me is a story of football, friendship, and hope.

And gangsters.

A story of how two boys walked blind into the darkness . . . and emerged as men.
***********************************************
'I absolutely loved Abide With Me and in places was very moved, to both laughter, and tears' Trevor Drane - Revelation Films

'It's literary, it's crime. Expect to be moved and taken to a whole different world that is as real as your own' Eric Beetner - Author of Dig Two Graves

'An absolute straight-in-the-back-of-the-net knockout of a story'Jason Michel - Pulp Metal Magazine

'One of the most memorable books I've read in a long time'Chris Rhatigan - Death By Killing

'A bruising, emotional roller coaster of a read, one Ian Ayris should be truly proud of - a remarkable debut novel' Alan Griffiths - Brit Grit

'An astounding story, with an original voice and style'
Crime Fiction Lover

'A remarkable first novel'
Naomi Johnson - The Drowning Machine

Saturday 28 April 2012

'The Late Greats' by Nick Quantrill. The second novel in the Joe Geraghty series


The Late Greats (Joe Geraghty)Having been convinced by their manager, Kane Major, to put their acrimonious break-up behind them and launch a comeback, New Holland, Hull’s most successful band of the 1990s, is reforming. Allowing one privileged journalist to document the process.
Joe Geraghty is employed to act as a liaison between the different camps. What appears to be a straightforward assignment sees him neck deep in trouble when singer, Greg Tasker, disappears leaving behind a trail of people who wanted him out of their lives.
Geraghty has to choose sides and the investigation penetrates deeper into the city. As the rich and famous rub shoulders with the poor and vulnerable, the stakes increase. Forced to keep his friends close but his enemies’ closer still, the case could see Joe Geraghty lose everything.

An unputdownable read by one of Hull's own greatest. Joe Geraghty belongs up there with the best in the genre. --Sheila Quigley (author of "Nowhere Man")

Great read, with pace, style and a good helping of northern grit. It is noir with salt in the air. --Neil White (author of "Cold Kill")

A cold blast of fresh northern air. Nick Quantrill's conflicted hero is as gritty and downtrodden as his home town --Howard Linskey (author of "The Drop")

Joe Geraghty is a wonderfully flawed hero and cements Nick Quantrill's position as Yorkshire's number one crime writer
--Russ Litten (author of "Scream If You Want To Go Faster")

"An unputdownable read by one of Hull's own greatest. Joe Geraghty belongs up there with the best in the genre." Sheila Quigley author of "Thorn In My Side". --caffeine-nights.com

"Great read, with pace, style and a good helping of northern grit. It is noir with salt in the air."
Neil White author of "Cold Kill". --caffeine-nights.com

"A cold blast of fresh northern air. Nick Quantrill's conflicted hero is as gritty and downtrodden as his home town." Howard Linskey author of "The Drop" --caffeine-nights.com

"Joe Geraghty is a wonderfully flawed hero and cements Nick Quantrill's position as Yorkshire's number one crime writer." Russ Litten author of "Scream If You Want To Go Faster"
--caffeine-nights.com

"Geraghty is as flawed and rugged as the tough northern landscape through which he prowls, and Quantrill's a terrific talent." Matt Hilton (author of the Joe Hunter thrillers)
--Matt Hilton (author of the Joe Hunter thrillers)

“An unputdownable read by one of Hull’s own greatest. Joe Geraghty belongs up there with the best in the genre.” Sheila Quigley author of “Thorn In My Side”.

“Great read, with pace, style and a good helping of northern grit. It is noir with salt in the air."
Neil White author of “Cold Kill”.

“A cold blast of fresh northern air. Nick Quantrill’s conflicted hero is as gritty and downtrodden as his home town.” Howard Linskey author of “The Drop”

"Joe Geraghty is a wonderfully flawed hero and cements Nick Quantrill's position as Yorkshire's number one crime writer." Russ Litten author of “Scream If You Want To Go Faster”


Friday 27 April 2012

'Frank’s Wild Years' by Nick Triplow - an urban masterpiece

Frank's Wild YearsFrank’s Wild Years is a story of betrayal and last chances at the frayed and fading edges of the south London underworld.

IN THE TWILIGHT days between Christmas and New Year, ageing Frank Neaves is about to drink away his last tenner in a Deptford boozer. A former friend and associate of long-dead local villain Dave Price, Frank’s scotch-soaked meditation is interrupted when it’s discovered that Carl, Price’s son and the pub’s landlord, has disappeared leaving an oblique one line note for barmaid, Adeline.

After a visit to Carl’s mother, Rose, they discover he has gone to Hull to bring his young daughter, Grace, back to south London to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Adeline knows this means coming up against the malevolent James O’Keefe, Carl’s ex-wife’s new bloke and small time crook. Certain of a violent confrontation that the Carl can’t win, Adeline persuades Frank to join her and together they take a slow train for Humberside.

Over the course of the next few days, Frank, Carl and Adeline each have a chance to redeem past mistakes, none more so than Frank, whose past comes back to haunt him in ways he could never have imagined.

***********************************************************

'An urban masterpiece; riveting from first to last. Nick Triplow is the true successor to Ted Lewis.' Mike Hodges, Film Director - Get Carter

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Tom Kendal - Private Eye



“Well, Mr Kendall, let us say you purchased twenty thousand shares in Rockford Metals today and sold them on Friday, you should make a profit of twenty, twenty-two per cent. Something like that,” Collier said. He paused and shook his head. “In other words, you'll make quite a killing.”

He paused once again and smiled. “But somehow, Mr Kendall, I don't think you came here to talk about investments, did you?”

Kendall smiled and shook his head. No, he hadn't. He had quite a different kind of killing on his mind … the killing of Robert Andrews.

Just one excellent Amazon review of many by Babs Morton.

The story of doggedly determined Kendall, the Miami detective who always gets his man. No manic car chases or shootouts, but simply, the very clever and subtly amusing antics of the outwardly slow witted but inwardly razor sharp, Kendall as he sets out to prove a fellow traveller was murdered. His long suffering secretary Mollie provides the perfect foil and straight woman for his dry humour, and the plot itself is topical and well executed.

The author reveals the clues and punchlines with perfect timing and also gives us a view of London as seen through the eyes of first time visitor's, which in itself is informative and amusing.

A deliciously corrupt baddie and an overworked inspector from New Scotland Yard, are added to the mix to give an entertaining story of good versus bad in a totally believable tale.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Recommended!



Sunday 22 April 2012

Lallapaloosa and The Complete Lynchcliffe Trilogy

"Lallapaloosa" by Rags Daniels, out next week on Kindle
Lallapaloosa. Out next week. Original, fast moving, and atmospheric to the last whiff of a Partagas cigar. It begins thirty years after the event with a series of sinister murders against a fraternity of retired mercenaries who, having fought alongside 'Ché' in the Congo, grouped for one last mission in the jungles of Bolivia.
For thirty years, Richard Strang, thought he shared the worlds best kept secret with no one. Then one summer evening, the tap of a blind man's cane and a nose for the toasted Cuban leaf, changed all that. 'Lallapaloosa'...An original, dialogue driven, bullet fast thriller, that gives the term retribution a whole new meaning.
 
***
The Complete Lynchcliffe Cuckoo trilogy all in one volume with a collective author introduction.

WARNING: This book is not suitable for children and young adults as it contains adult material and deals with adult themes

Vol 1 Mis en Scene

This is where it all began with the tragic and unexpected death of a new mother in the autumn of 1891. A grief-stricken father places his daughter, Margaret, up for adoption convinced he cannot give her the start in life she deserves.

The sinking of RMS Titanic throws Margaret into a new life with relatives she had not previously known existed owing to a long held disagreement between her adoptive mother and her sister.

Here begins the passionate love affair between heiress Margaret Trevelyan and lowly chauffeur, Lewis Franklin.

Secrets, lies, machinations and murder combine with love, friendship and loyalty to shape the beginning of a love story in the early twentieth century.

The reader is drawn into the secret of Margaret’s true heritage as well as the truth about her adoptive mother, Celia, Lady Trevelyan.

Vol 2 the Enemy Within

A faithful servant falls ill on Sarah Lynchcliffe's wedding day.

Margaret & Lewis Franklin’s love story continues as they seek to raise their children and protect them as Britain goes to war.

Helena, Lady Lynchcliffe, recovers her fighting spirit and manages to find new love while she fears for the safety of her son who is fighting in the trenches.

The household at Lynchcliffe Park remain loyal to one another and stand against the heart-ache brought about by shell-shock, marital infidelity and death.

Young Sarah Lynchcliffe finds friendship and later love from an unexpected source. This second volume takes us through the First World War exploring its effects on family life and relationships.

Vol 3 Making Peace with the Past.

Following the war this final volume is set in 1919 against the backdrop of the Spanish Flu pandemic that decimated the population.

Each of the main characters seeks to resolve issues from their past which they do with true integrity and courage, banding together in love and loyalty. Even the seemingly perfect Lewis Franklin must face his own past in order to find peace.

But the greatest triumph comes from the return home of the presumed dead Celia, Lady Lynchcliffe’s estranged sister. Can the sisters finally lay their past to rest?
The Complete Lynchcliffe Cuckoo trilogy all in one volume with a collective author introduction.

WARNING: This book is not suitable for children and young adults as it contains adult material and deals with adult themes

Vol 1 Mis en Scene

This is where it all began with the tragic and unexpected death of a new mother in the autumn of 1891. A grief-stricken father places his daughter, Margaret, up for adoption convinced he cannot give her the start in life she deserves.

The sinking of RMS Titanic throws Margaret into a new life with relatives she had not previously known existed owing to a long held disagreement between her adoptive mother and her sister.

Here begins the passionate love affair between heiress Margaret Trevelyan and lowly chauffeur, Lewis Franklin.

Secrets, lies, machinations and murder combine with love, friendship and loyalty to shape the beginning of a love story in the early twentieth century.

The reader is drawn into the secret of Margaret’s true heritage as well as the truth about her adoptive mother, Celia, Lady Trevelyan.

Vol 2 the Enemy Within

A faithful servant falls ill on Sarah Lynchcliffe's wedding day.

Margaret & Lewis Franklin’s love story continues as they seek to raise their children and protect them as Britain goes to war.

Helena, Lady Lynchcliffe, recovers her fighting spirit and manages to find new love while she fears for the safety of her son who is fighting in the trenches.

The household at Lynchcliffe Park remain loyal to one another and stand against the heart-ache brought about by shell-shock, marital infidelity and death.

Young Sarah Lynchcliffe finds friendship and later love from an unexpected source. This second volume takes us through the First World War exploring its effects on family life and relationships.

Vol 3 Making Peace with the Past.

Following the war this final volume is set in 1919 against the backdrop of the Spanish Flu pandemic that decimated the population.

Each of the main characters seeks to resolve issues from their past which they do with true integrity and courage, banding together in love and loyalty. Even the seemingly perfect Lewis Franklin must face his own past in order to find peace.

But the greatest triumph comes from the return home of the presumed dead Celia, Lady Lynchcliffe’s estranged sister. Can the sisters finally lay their past to rest?
 

Friday 20 April 2012

An interview with Reprisals DCI Marlowe.

Detective Chief Inspector Philip Marlowe speaking with ...

         Question. What made you join the police force?
Answer. I left school at 15 and went to work on Hull fish docks as a barrow boy, lugging aluminium barrels of fish about. After a short time I decided I didn't like the early starts and cold winter mornings, so I joined the force as a cadet.

Question. Philip Marlowe, do people confuse you with Raymond Chandler's fictional character?
Answer. No, not really, but saying that, older people do make comments.

Question. Have you always lived in Beverley?
Answer. No, I was born in Hull and for most of the time I lived on Hessle Road, I didn't move out of the city until I got married.

Question. Married?
Answer. Let's not go there.

Question. Who do you prefer Hull FC or Hull Kingston Rovers?
Answer. Let's be honest, who would a west Hull lad support? It has got to be Hull FC, mind you I don't mind watching Hull City now and again.

Question. What's your favourite meal?
Answer. You can't beat good old fish and chips with plenty of vinegar and white bread and butter. Being in the type of job I am, I rely a lot on the freezer. But no matter what it is, it tastes a lot better with a couple of glasses of vino!

Question. Do you have any pet hates?
Answer. I hate it when the young Officers call me Guv, I put it down to watching too much television.

Question. Finally tell us about Archie.
Answer. Not much to say really, he's of mixed parentage, I think there's a bit of Cocker Spaniel in there somewhere. I got custody of Archie after the divorce, basically the ex Mrs Marlowe didn't want him.

Thanks very much for sparing the time to speak with us Chief Inspector.

That's ok, hang on a minute my mobiles ringing, yes, right I'm on my way. Sorry, have to go now there's been a crime wave while we've been speaking

Thursday 19 April 2012

'Mrs Jones' by BA Morton

Night Publishing author BA Morton, was a runner up last year at the  Brympton Festival, this year she is wearing a different hat as guest speaker at this years show. On this Friday evening Babs will be reading from her next novel, 'wildewood' and I'm sure we all wish her well.


Picture
Lizzie Jones arrives in New York to deliver a package.

Witnessing a hit and run is bad enough, but when the deceased is the person she was supposed to meet and the driver wants the package bad enough to kill for it, what’s a girl to do? Dialling 911 probably isn’t her smartest idea, particularly when she’s hiding secrets of her own. But fearing for her life all she can do is stick with the cop.

Detective Tommy Connell is a single dad with a string of bad breaks and he needs a bust to keep his job. He reckons cute little Lizzie might be just the ticket but first he needs her to tell the truth and she’s not very good at that. Connell has a way with the ladies but as he soon learns, Lizzie Jones is like no lady he’s ever met.

Why did she see a hit and run when everyone else saw an accident? Why is she travelling on someone else’s counterfeit passport? Why is Connell’s own nemesis the albino mobster Mo Pater so interested in Mrs Jones from England and just what is the story with the mysterious Mr Jones?

Setting out to solve the puzzle, Connell is inexplicably drawn back to his own chequered past and the murder of the mother of his child. Realising that the two cases are connected and that Lizzie is the witness who may help him finally obtain justice, he wonders whether justice is enough, when revenge is what he craves.

Tempted?
Want to read more?

Now available to buy on:

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon .com


Wednesday 18 April 2012

Crime in the Library


Caffeine Night writers, Nick Triplow author of 'Frank's Wild Years' an Urban Noir Masterpiece and Nick Quantrill, author of 'The Late Greats', the second Joe Gerahty novel, get to grips in the library and discuss their latest work in front of an audience at Cleethorpes library.   
                                     

Monday 16 April 2012

REPRISAL - love it or hate it?

              
Since being published on the 22 November 2011, Reprisal has enjoyed many excellent reviews on Amazon and at the same time endured some that are downright awful. Nevertheless, in a few short weeks Reprisal  reached #6 in the UK top 100 Kindle books and is still #2 in the Hard-Boiled category and #3 in Police Procedurals. Still, despite of reviews good and bad Reprisal keeps dipping in and out of the Kindle top 100.