When a Historical Fiction author turns Contemporary: Chatting with M.K. Tod

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If you read or write historical fiction, you will likely have explored M.K. Tod’s acclaimed website A Writer of History, where she explores aspects of historical fiction and shares tips from favourite authors. For many, this is where readers go to understand the latest trends in historical fiction. I’m delighted to have Mary on my blog with the release her latest novel. That Was Then is a big departure from her other novels, given that it’s a contemporary political thriller. I was very curious as to what made her dive into a different genre. Read on to find out more.

Spotlight on Murder: the latest Jan Christopher mystery by Helen Hollick

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I’m delighted to spotlight the latest historical mystery by Helen Hollick, the 5th instalment of her Jan Christopher mysteries! The series is going from strength to strength and will keep you guessing until the end. A Memory of Murder – a new  cosy murder mystery to solve –  along with library assistant Jan Christopher, her fiancé, Detective Sergeant Laurie Walker and her uncle, Detective Chief Inspector Toby Christopher. Set in the 1970s this easy-read cosy mystery series is based around the years when Helen was a north-east London library assistant, using many of her remembered anecdotes, some hilarious – like…

Delighted to be Exiled (with a bunch of fantastic authors)

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I have exciting news of a historical anthology that launches today! Historical Stories of Exile is a fantastic collection of original short stories that explores the theme of exile, written by best-selling and acclaimed authors. My contribution to this anthology is a story called Exiled Heart, which is about Susanne von Kuffstein, the daughter of an Austrian nobleman, who falls in love with her father’s high profile prisoner, Prince Rupert–yes, that Prince Rupert, of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms fame. Exiled Heart is about bittersweet first love and the duty that stands in a young couple’s way. I’m honoured…

Wise without pomp – Charles I’s Scottish Tutor: Guest post by Mark Turnbull

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I’m so very excited to introduce you to a fellow Wars of the Three Kingdoms enthusiast, Mark Turnbull. He is the author of The Rebellion Series, a thrilling trilogy set during the first English Civil War, and the creator of CavalierCast: The Civil War in Words, a wonderful historical podcast. His fiction is well-researched and gripping, and his podcast is informative and insightful. Recently, he has ventured into non-fiction with his biography of King Charles I, Charles I’s Private Life. Mark has graciously given us a taste of his biography in this guest post about an influential man in the…

A Meadow Murder by Helen Hollick with an excerpt

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It is my great pleasure to once again welcome historical novelist Helen Hollick to my blog! Helen has explored different eras in her writing: Arthurian times, Anglo Saxon times, the Golden Age of Piracy and now the more recent 1970’s with her cozy mystery series featuring the intrepid mystery solving librarian, Jan Christopher. The fourth book in the series just came out and Helen is here to talk about A Meadow Murder and share an excerpt. It’s a great story, and I love being swept away to rural Devon (even with murder). You’ll not want to miss this one! Make…