Ask the Author: Joy Ellis
Answered Questions (132)
Joy Ellis
As far as I can remember, without researching back over the three series (eeek!) to get the exact time line on him, that he would now be in his mid to late forties... I'm pretty sure he's now 46. Hope this helps.
Joy Ellis
Hello Brad I'm absolutely delighted that you like Ellie! I am totally indebted to my amazing publisher Jasper Joffe for daring to take a risk and publish such early work. However... of all my books and I guess there are around 34 or so now, they have had the most requests for a follow-on novel... so I am writing one as we speak! The fact is, although they were written a very long time ago, I can remember how much I enjoyed the process of both researching and writing them, so with Jasper's blessing, there will be a third!
Joy Ellis
Sorry for the delay in answering, Sam, this one slipped through the net! When I first wrote Crime on the Fens, Nikki was 36, and Joseph was 38, and I've aged them naturally as the years have passed, taking into consideration that two books might have been written in one year. In the last book published, Nikki was around 44, and Joseph two years older. The only older detective in my books is Matt Ballard who retired and then became a private investigator. Hope this helps and I'm delighted that you like the series. Joy x
Joy Ellis
Hi there, Lynn. Normally I would be writing another Matt Ballard book as soon as I've finished the Jackman that I'm working on at present. However, because of so many requests for a third Ellie McEwan book, I'm going give in and push Matt on one, I'm sure he won't mind! There will only be three Ellie McEwan books, as no way can I keep writing four separate series! And I thought I'd retired years ago! Ha-ha!
Joy Ellis
Hi Jeffrey I am rather lucky to have a retired police officer for a partner! So, all police and judicial procedure are thoroughly vetted before anyone else ever gets to see the manuscript. I also love the research side of writing (even if it is like disappearing down a rabbit hole on occasions) and I watch developments in things like forensic science and criminal psychology very carefully. I'm delighted that you like the series, and like you, cannot wait to see what our lovely Richard does with Jackman. Just wish these things didn't take SO long in the planning! Take care, Joy
Joy Ellis
Hi Elaine, and between us, I am considering writing Book Three when I've finished the next Jackman and Evans book. I will just need to get my head back in that era! x
Joy Ellis
Hi there, I certainly am continuing with the series! At present working on Chapter Fourteen! So pleased that you are enjoying them x
Joy Ellis
Hi Anne Really glad you like the DI Kate Carter Audible novella. It is really a one-off, as an exclusive for Audible, but there might well be more in the future. And no, Tom Carter is a separate and new character especially for this book. All the very best, Joy
Joy Ellis
Hello Fiona, Guide Star was very much a one off book, but it did allow me to introduce Robbie Melton, and show how he became part of Jackman and Marie's team. Stella does crop up in another book too, and as such a dear friend of Robbie, we might well see her again. So pleased that you liked the book!
Joy Ellis
Hi Elaine Delighted that you like my early books, and have to say that they have a very special place in my heart... so... it's not exactly a definite, but I'm considering writing a third book to make it a trilogy. It's been an amazing thing to read so many positive comments about both Aura and Colour, and I'd really love to take myself back to that point in time and see if a third would be possible. I need to think it through, but I'm warming to the idea! Take care, Joy x
Joy Ellis
Hi Christina, well, I've just completed the first draft of the next Nikki Galena, Book 15, and will probably move on to a Jackman and Marie next. I have a rather different book in mind to follow that, but, unless fate declares other wise... Nikki will be back! Take care, x
Joy Ellis
Hello Peter It sounds like we have travelled a similar route, only in reverse, as I lived in Surrey (Great Bookham, Walton-on Thames and Leatherhead, worked in Weybridge), and moved to Lincolnshire, not too far from Grantham! And as to the present, I am working on the next Nikki Galena book right now, and unlike Fenchester that is fictional, (although not unlike Spalding), Greenborough in the Fen Series is based on Boston, with its river, the fantastic 'Stump' (St Botolph's parish church, the tower of which can be seen right across the Fens), the wonderful architecture and old cobbled alleys. Sadly it's changed over recent years, like so many towns that have lost their High Street shops, but Greenborough stays the same. Delighted that you've read all of the books... it seems I need to write faster! Kindest regards, Joy
Joy Ellis
Hello Aunty Janet! I'm totally thrilled that you liked the 'attic' books! I was overjoyed that my publisher decided to take them on, and cannot believe how well they have been accepted considering they are cross-genre. My characters are real people to me, and as they constantly hijack my plots, I'm starting to wonder about them!! There is a short novella out tomorrow, called Guard Her With Your Life, and right now, I'm working on the next Nikki Galena... goodness, it's pretty busy here at present. You take care, Joy x
Joy Ellis
And very best wishes for better health for you too, Carla. Now doing my best to catch up with a new Nikki Galena! Kindest regards from the Fens! x
Joy Ellis
Hello Carla, nice to hear from you. Really sorry that you've been in and out of hospital, I had my share last year with five visits, three via A&E, so I really do commiserate. I'm really thrilled that the books helped you just a little bit, that's quite humbling to think about. Because of my health, things have slowed up a bit on the writing front, although we released two archive books last month... the first two books I ever wrote and that had been consigned to the attic, are now in print! I've also written two novellas for Audible, but now I'm finally back to writing the next Nikki Galena! I shall write especially quickly now I know that you are waiting for it! You take care. Love and best wishes, Joy x
Joy Ellis
Hi Rosalyn, So glad you enjoyed The Bag of Secrets. And yes, there is rather a lot of an old friend of mine tucked away in Rory Wilkinson. Sadly my friend is no longer with us, but on remembering some of the things he used to say that made me laugh, his memory lingers on! Rory is one of the favourite characters to write and I'm delighted that I've managed to spread him across all three series, ha-ha! A very Happy New Year to you, x
Joy Ellis
Hi Eloise Now I'm puzzled... there are only ten Jackman books, six Matt Ballard books, but there are 14 in the Nikki Galena series, so maybe that was what the other post referred to . You haven't missed any Jackmans! Hopefully the health will be back on track for the New Year, well, that's what I'm aiming for anyway. Kindest regards, Joy x
Joy Ellis
Hello there, well, there certainly will be another Jackman book, but as I write the three series in order, there will be a bit of a wait! Sadly I've lost some time at the computer due to ill health this year, but as the last book out was a Matt Ballard, The Bag of Secrets, and a new Nikki Galena is underway, (plus a new novella for Audible Exclusive!), another Jackman will follow! So pleased that you enjoy them, and I SO agree about Richard! He is a superb narrator, and I'm very lucky to have him as Jackman.
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May 07, 2025 06:01PM · flag