I’ve been quiet, I know, but I’ve been busy writing. Just as well, too, as yesterday I signed a contract with my publisher for two new books. I’d hope for one, but two, well, that left me overjoyed.

One is for the eighth Simon Westow novels, currently called A Rage Of Souls, and which is about half done (the project that’s kept me busy), and the other is for a second Cathy Marsden novel, set in 1942 and with the tentative title of 0 Dark 30. That one will appear in Spring 2026 – I know, reaching science fiction dates here, but the first Cathy novel, No Precious Truth isn’t out until next May.

Yesterday my research for the new Westow took me (and Jane) out to the lovely St Mary’s Chapel in Lead, always such a joy.

I’ve been busy planting in the allotment, too, and relishing the growth as the weather grows warmer; had the first strawberry of the season yesterday and it was deliciously sweet. But plenty of rain has made the slugs believe everything popping out of the ground and is all you can eat buffet…and so it becomes a battle, while I pray for no rain.

And the final thing was my computer gave up the ghost. I’ve had a spare, a laptop, waiting in the wings for months, but it still takes take to make the transition, all the programs, transferring data. I’m obsessive about backing up my work in several places, so nothing was lost.

Meanwhile, I’m beginning to gear up for the release of the seventh Simon Westow book in September. It has its foundation in a piece of Leeds history that should be better known. But you can pre-order the book now. The cheapest price for the hardback is here.

And now, there are some words calling my name…