October 05, 2023

Would you liked a signed, dedicated copy of The Floating Witch Mystery?


On January 4th, 2023 my sixth book The Floating Witch Mystery is published. And to celebrate spooky season (and the fact that it is only three months 'til publication) I've a spooktacular offer to subscribers on Substack - a signed, dedicated copy for anyone who pre-orders a copy directly from me.

But it's a limited offer - so find out more here!

September 12, 2023

Want to know how to get an inspirational message from me about reading?

I love to visit schools as I am very committed to boosting Reading for Pleasure. But I know school visits are not possible for all, so here is another way your school, library or bookgroup can hear from me - and get a positive message about reading.

Would you like a signed, dedicated copy of one of my books (or even a set?) together with an inspirational letter about reading?

I've made it very easy!

Full details are over on my Substack. You can join if you'd like to hear more special offers from me! I would love it if you did!!



June 08, 2023

Five Years of The Last Chance Hotel

Five years ago, on a balmy Summer's evening in Abingdon, The Last Chance Hotel launched and I started life as a full-time author.


It was the start of an incredible journey (not just for me, but for Seth, Nightshade and Co of course!). I've travelled to schools, bookshops, festivals. There has been a pandemic, 15 translations into 20 countries and I now have five children's books. 

But it all started with a remarkable competition - and I've written the behind-the-scenes story of that experience over on Substack.

Go take a read. And thank you for your amazing support over an incredible five years.  

May 22, 2023

Welcome to my new home on Substack

Today I have taken the plunge today and joined Substack.


I am looking forward to being part of this great community.

You might have received Mailchimp emails from me before, but this is where you’ll now hear from me. I’ve been curious about Substack for a while, following other authors, and now I’ve taken the plunge.

Would love to know what you think of this new journey so far. Would be great if you would come and join me.

If you’re an aspiring author in search of tips and inspiration, or a children’s fiction or crime fiction fan interested in anything from plotting to school visits - or if you simply enjoy reading my books - my Substack of tips and chat I hope will be for you.



You can still sign up to the newsletter from this website. Hope to see you there.

April 26, 2023

Thrilling the Next Generation

Really looking forward to speaking at CrimeFest in Bristol on Saturday May 13, along with many crime writers that I shall also enjoy going to listen to.

I will be joining fellow authors Tracy Darnton, Elly Griffiths and Teri Terry talking about Thrilling the Next Generation.

You can find out more over at Crime Fiction 

It's always a rare pleasure when crime fiction for young people gets a voice alongside all the grown-up stuff! So thank you very much to the CrimeFest organisers for inviting me.




March 25, 2023

Portable magic!

Thrilled to be part of this year's annual conference of the Federation of Children's Book Groups speaking on the magic of books alongside some incredible names in children's fiction, including Phil Earle and Clare Helen Welsh. 

I can see it's gong to be a great mix of stories and non-fiction, new names and familiar ones. 

Hope to see some of you there. Particularly looking forward to my panel on Saturday April 15 Fantastical and Magical Panel with Anna Goodall and Emma Norry.




January 31, 2023

Maidenheads Big Read

So delighted to be invited to be part of a community reading festival Maidenheads Big Read and looking forward to a day of school events. It is a great community book festival with a focus on encouraging a love of reading in the town. Something I wholeheartedly support.

I believe they are still allocating schools to authors. So not sure where I will be. Last chance if you want to put in a bid for me to come to your school.