After a long, hot summer it’s a relief to have cool nights again and the odd, brief shower of rain, hopefully with more to come. Since the launch of The House at Dart’s End and the usual promotional activities to get the word out, I have to admit to having been pretty idle – at least on the writing front. Completing a novel and then all the work that accompanies publishing it is satisfying but also quite draining. So I’ve been getting out and about, making the most of the sunshine and playing music (working especially on my fiddle playing). I’ve also taken up learning German again. What I once knew of that language has long since disappeared. It’s been fun.

I have to admit that I’ve considered stopping writing altogether. It’s a huge commitment to write a novel and can be all-consuming and I have enjoyed my recent freedom. After eight books I wondered if I should call it a day: there are many interests I’d like to pursue and places I’d like to see. However, the urge to write doesn’t go away that easily and I do have some ideas for a story that I’d like to explore. So I’m not going to retire just yet. We'll see how it goes.

I have decided, however, that the next story I write will not be a Dechansay Bright mystery. I think we should leave Nathan and Hannah to themselves for a while; they’ll be busy, I think. The next story, if I can sort it out, will be another stand-alone. Probably. And I’m going to take it slowly and allow myself some time off to do other things as it grows. I shall of course keep you posted.

My thanks to the many of you who have bought THADE. I do hope you’ve enjoyed it. I’d be grateful for more reviews – just a sentence or two is plenty if you can find the time. Thank you in advance.