P.J. Skinner's Blog

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I must admit, I wasn't that keen on reading this book after the first two missed the spot for me. However, a book blogger I follow told me this one was better and worth reading, so when I spotted the book in the charity shop for a quid I thought, why not? Mr Osman hit his straps with this book. It's almost like he stopped trying to be a writer and just wrote for fun. The plot flows better, the characters act more like real people and the relationships are more even. I really enjoyed it and read in a few evenings tucked up in bed. Great fun. I might even try the next one.



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Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved it. Funny, poignant, page-turning, palate cleansing. Great fun. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend.



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Dear Mystery Lovers,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and curled up with a good book! The sea breeze is blowing through Seacastle once again, bringing with it the usual mix of intrigue, gossip, and a dash of murder…

MASSIVE DEAL ALERT!

This is the deal you’ve been waiting for!

For a limited time only:

**Seacastle Mysteries: Volumes 1-4 Box Set** – Just 99¢/99p!

**Seacastle Mysteries: Volumes 5-8 Box Set** – Only $4.99/£4.99!

Writing Update: Ghita’s Political Plu...

A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Almost great. I found it too long because nothing really happened. Yes, the world building was amazing and the characters appealing, but I admit to skipping a few of the Sidra chapters because I didn't care enough. Jane was different. I was rooting for her. The breadth of imagination and the subliminal messaging about the essential goodness of people (no matter what type) kept me reading, but in the end I quite keen to finish. Pretty good and if you love a gentle read, highly recommended.



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Hi there,*Drumroll please*

BIG NEWS: “Malign Fortune” is out today! The latest book in the Seacastle Mysteries has officially hit the shelves. If you’ve been longing to read the next Seacastle book, your wait is over. Grab your copy, and a brew, and settle in for a twisty tale of dodgy dealings in the psychic world. Are you a believer?

What I’m Reading

I’ve been diving into the classics lately with Isaac Asimov’s “Caves of Steel” from his Robot series. It follows a human de...

Hello Mystery Lovers!

I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the final days of summer with a good book in hand. There’s so much brewing in the world of Seacastle Mysteries, so let’s dive right in!

Big News: MALIGN FORTUNE Arrives August 31st!

Mark your calendars! Seacastle’s next cosy mystery hits shelves on August 31st. I’m so excited to share this story with you all. Your pre-orders and early enthusiasm have meant the world to me!

What I’m Reading

I’m currently losing sleep...

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The intolerance shown by all parties to this story is a universal truth which resonated with me. I hugely appreciated this window into the Igbo culture and the feeling of standing on quicksand created by the Christian missionaries who swarmed their villages and dissolved their beliefs. Not an entrancing read, but hard to look away and invaluable as a record of human failings.



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A sprinkle of mystery, a dash of seaside charm, and a generous helping of delicious cake

Hello, Mystery Lovers!

I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying the summer weather, perhaps with sand between your toes and a good book in hand. The seagulls are circling, the waves are rolling in over the pebbles, and I’m typing away on the next mystery in the series, Malign Fortune.

WRITING UPDATE: Malign Fortune

I’m thrilled to report that Book 9 in the Seacastle Mystery series, Malign F...

Seaside charm: Every series features village life by the seaCozy vibes: Lighthearted, character-driven mysteries with minimal violence, plenty of humor, and a strong sense of place.Variety of eras: From 1940s nostalgia (Seaside Murders) to modern foodie and festive mysteries (Nosey Parker, Doris Cudlow).

Nosey Parker Mysteries by Fiona Leitch – Set in the fictional Cornish village of Penstowan, ex-Met officer Jodie “Nosey” Parker runs a catering business while solving murders—often...

Get your copy of Lethal Secret and enjoy a cosy mystery with spy thriller vibes set in Budapest. Tanya and Harry are on the trail of a missing friend and have bitten off far more than they can chew. Be the first to read this gripping cosy mystery.

The post Lethal Secret is here! appeared first on PJ SKINNER.