Malign Fortune

Seacastle Mysteries #9

by P.J. Skinner

Seacastle's famous medium is dead. Did his secrets kill him?When a revered spiritualist correctly predicts his own death, his clients are torn between awe and alarm. But the police are calling it murder and one of their own was the last person known to visit him. The case seems open and shut, but local sleuth Tanya Bowe isn’t convinced.
The medium had a gift for unearthing secrets and a talent for using them to his advantage. As Tanya digs into his murky past, she uncovers a web of manipulation that stretches across Seacastle, leaving behind damaged reputations and bitter grudges.
With ex-husband DI George Carter bound to follow the evidence, and his colleague’s career hanging by a thread, it’s up to Tanya to uncover the truth before another life is destroyed.

A twisty new cosy mystery packed with secrets, suspicion, and spiritual smoke and mirrors, Malign Fortune is a must-read for fans of the Seacastle Mysteries. Pre-order your copy now and join Tanya as she unravels the truth behind a deadly prediction.

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2025

About the author

PJ Skinner was born in Guildford, one of seven siblings. When she was six, the family moved to Ireland where she attended school. She went to Trinity College, Dublin University, graduating as a geologist. After graduation, PJ spent 35 years working in over thirty countries as an exploration geologist. PJ worked in many remote, strange, and often dangerous places, and loved every minute, despite encountering her fair share of misogyny and other perils. During this time, she collected the tall tales and real-life experiences which inspired her to write the Sam Harris Adventure Series. The series chronicles the adventures of a pioneering female geologist in an almost exclusively male world.
After finishing the Sam Harris Adventure series, PJ's childhood in Ireland inspired her to write the Green Family Saga, which follows the fortunes of an English family who move to Ireland just before the start of the Troubles, under the name of Kate Foley.
PJ moved to the south coast of England just before the Covid pandemic. There she wrote Mortal Mission, a sci-fi mystery set on Mars, inspired by her fascination with all things celestial. It is a science-based murder mystery; think The Martian with fewer potatoes and more bodies.
The enjoyment of writing Mortal Mission encouraged her to try writing a mystery series. She has always been a massive fan of crime and mystery, so it was inevitable she would turn her hand to it eventually. She published Deadly Return, the first book in the Seacastle Mysteries in July 2023 to great success. The Seacastle Mystery Series is a contemporary cosy mystery series with an amateur female sleuth, her grumpy ex-husband, hacker stepson and ungrateful rescue cat. The ensemble cast adds banter and humour as the series follows their stories between the murder mysteries. Poison Politics, book 10, will be released on the 31st of December 2025.

Reviews

[Sonja Charters]

Can you believe that this is the 9th book in The Seacastle Mystery series!?

And once again, we're back with Tania and the gang and after our little trip away in the last book, it was great to be back in Seacastle and catching up with all our favourite characters.

 

But things take a turn when a local medium is found murdered and among the long list of suspects is a well known face!

I won't give anything away, you'll have to find out for yourselves, but I was definitely more than a little worried.

 

Once again, Tanya does a great job investigating along with Mouse and Harry and it was brilliant to see George a little more accepting of help this time - can it be he's actually mellowing!?

 

As usual, there's some great humour throughout and I love that I find myself sniggering at the one liners and banter between the characters.

These guys really have burrowed into my heart and feel like my second home (see what I did there?)

 

We also see Tanya open up a bit about her past which brought a tear to my eye.

This is a sensitive topic so please check any content warnings just in case - but this was well written and I absolutely loved the way Harry responded - what an absolute sweetheart!

 

This was another brilliant case which kept us on tenterhooks right to the final few pages!

I'm already looking forward to seeing what befalls Seacastle next - can't wait for book 10!!

[Janet Epperson]

Love this series. Mystery is always so good and the characters are great.

[Bookworm86]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Malign Fortune' by PJ Skinner

Yet another fantastic addition to the brilliant and addictive 'The Seacastle Mysteries' series. This is the ninth book in PJ's absolutely addictive 'The Seacastle Mysteries' series but each book can be read as a standalone.

OMG PJ Skinner yet another absolutely incredible page turning must read!! This book is the perfect for any cosy crime lovers!! in fact, just any one who loves an unputdownable read needs to get their copy of this book today!! Each and every book in this series has had a unique storyline and each and every one is absolutely addictive. How do you do it?!

Seriously, if you love cosy crime, stop reading this, start reading 'Malign Fortune' and you can thank me for it later!! You will not regret it and WILL FALL IN LOVE with this fabulous series!

This book is part of 'The Seacastle Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone. I would always recommend reading books in a series in order but if you cant resist reading this one before the previous ones, and who would blame you with this fantastic cover and intriguing synopsis sucking you in, then there is a silver lining! The silver lining is that after you finished and fallen in love with this book and series you can go back and read the previous 8 while you are waiting for Skinner's next success to come out!! On that note, I have some amazing news and that is that you will not have to wait too long for it!! The next book in this gorgeous series is already available to preorder on Amazon!! It is called 'Poison Politics' and will be published on the 31st December so preorder it now and mark your calendars!! This series and book truly is an absolutely compelling, immersive and addictive read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. This book really is a fascinating, festive and fast paced action packed read that grips your attention from the first sentence all the way to the fantastic end!! With any books in 'The Seacastle Mysteries' series you will have absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details, relationships and/or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader. I mean I genuinely cannot remember the last time I flew through a book this quickly!!! Each and every time I went to put it down to do something my fingers were itching to pick it back up as I just HAD to know what happened next!! This is an absolutely unputdownable page turner and I cannot wait to read the future books in what is one of my favourite and most addictive series. I absolutely cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book which is guaranteed to be a best seller even if it is just a quarter as fantastic as this book is!!! I genuinely have no idea when I was last as hooked and as invested in the characters as I was with this book and in fact this whole series. Skinner is an absolutely fantastic cosy crime writer who knows exactly how to completely captivate her audience's attention from the very moment they read the first sentence throughout!! I absolutely LOVED the uniqueness of the storyline which after reading hundreds of crime books is getting extremely difficult to come by but PJ absolutely blows it out of the water with this one of a kind storyline!!! The storyline itself is ram packed with mystery, suspense, twists, heartbreak, humour, drama, secrets, crime, lies, murder and everything you could want in an unputdownable cosy crime mystery! Skinner weaves the storyline and chapters together perfectly to make a seamless, page turning and intriguing storyline that flows perfectly taking you on twists and turns throughout! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and was walking around with it glued to my hands. I attempted to lie to myself a couple of times and told myself one more chapter before I got in with some work but that was exactly what I was doing, lying to myself, as there was no way I could put it down so make sure you clear your schedules before reading a single word in this absolutely epic page turner!! I absolutely devoured it in one sitting of a few hours and was left needing more immediately!! The good thing about this fantastic page turner is that many of the chapters are only a few pages long which I prefer in a book to longer chapters as it means you can pick it up every time you have even just a few minutes and read a few chapters. Mind you, that is only IF you manage to put it down at all which I did not manage to do!! Skinner's evocative writing skills ensures you are dragged deep into the storyline seeing everything that is happening and feeling the tension and suspense throughout. Although it is primarily a murder mystery book the storyline has plenty of humour and laughter throughout which I love in mystery as it lightens up the atmosphere and makes you smile and laugh and Skinner really does a brilliant job with her storyline and characters. I had no idea who was behind what so yet another huge well done to Skinner as again it is getting harder and harder to shock me but you managed that hook, line and sinker too!! What I loved about this book is that even though I have only read one other book in this series immediately it felt like I was returning to a familiar community as if it is a regular holiday home for me where I can escape from reality and as soon as I read the first page I felt comfortably "on holidays in a second home" if that makes sense. If you want to know more about this brilliant story you will just have to grab yourself a copy!! I promise that you will not regret it!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book in the absolutely amazing 'The Seacastle Mysteries' series!!! This would make an absolutely epic TV series and that's just going by this one incredible book so that says a lot and I will definitely be first in line to watch it!!!

Clear your schedules before picking up this book as once it has you hooked there will be no getting away until you get to the very last word!

Every single one of the characters all come to life with Skinner's fantastic evocative and emotive writing skills and absolutely epic character development. They are well rounded, complex, realistic and strong making them all the more believable. I absolutely LOVED our main protagonist and local sleuth Tanya Bowe who is such a likeable, realistic, humorous and strong women as soon as I met her in 'Last Orders'!!! Tanya and all the rest of the gang genuinely feel like friends that I loved meting again and that I really do genuinely miss when I have to say Goodbye at the end of the book. Tanya is an absolute breathe of fresh air and I always love seeing strong female protagonists in books, especially being female myself, and Tanya is definitely on my favourite list immediately. It wasn't just Tanya I loved but so many of the characters that I got to meet again from Tanya's stepson Mouse, her ex husband who is now with her sister Helen ,and is a police officer, George who is also Mouse's father, Tanya's partner Harry and many, many more of the surrounding characters such as Tanya's neighbours which she has barely got to know, dramatic Ghita, Harry's brother Nick, Roz and I could genuinely go on and on. I must admit though that being a huge animal lover and running my own little rescue called 'Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice' which you can find on social media if you wish my favourite just has to be Hades!! Skinner's brilliant evocative and emotive descriptions really does ensure the reader sees and hears everything that Tanya does along with the rest of the characters throughout. I really cannot wait to meet Tanya and the rest of the characters again and again in the previous books along with any future books. Skinner really does do an absolutely fantastic job bringing each and every one of the characters to life ensuring the reader goes through everything with each of the characters while feeling you are standing close enough to touch them. They each had their own unique personalities, strengths, flaws, quirks, weaknesses and storylines. I don't want to say too much and risk giving anything away but Skinner really does do an absolutely brilliant job of making the reader feel and see everything they are feeling and seeing, especially our main protagonist Tanya. I was completely invested in Tanya as well as several of the other main characters and just had to know what was going to happen! PJ Skinner really has done an absolutely amazing job constructing an addictive and fantastic cosy crime mystery with varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!! An amazing bunch of characters that have very quickly become friends that I am sad to have to say Goodbye to!

Congratulations PJ Skinner on yet another absolutely fantastic, cosy and addictive read!!! This is exactly why you are in my favourite 3 cosy crime author list!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!

Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!!

Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, intriguing, unique and cosy must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!

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[Tami Wylie]

These books just get better and better as the series continues. Tanya’s dear friend Rosemary is grieving the loss of her mother and behaving strangely. She’s listening to a voice message from her mother over and over to the point of distraction. When friends discovered she’s been visiting famous medium Vivian Blackwood, Tanya goes into action to make sure her friend isn’t being duped. Then Vivian turns up dead, murdered and Tanya‘s friend DI Antrim is firmly in the frying for the murder. When he asked Tanya to help prove his innocence, she swings into action with the help of her crew, Harry, Mouse, George and the rest. I thought the concept of this one was great. The subject of whether or not the medium was a fraud or not. it’s probably something a lot of people consider. DI Terry Antrim was front and centre in this one and I enjoyed learning more about him. He had such a sad story and I really felt for him. I completely understood his actions. As always, the author’s exceptional writing skills brought the world of Seacastle Village to life. The twist and turns kept me guessing throughout the story. I had absolutely no clue who the killer was until the reveal. I love this series so much and I can’t wait to see what hijinx they get up to next. A massive thanks to PJ for having me as a beta reader.

[Paul Bennington]

I received this book as a member of the author's beta reader group, which allows me to read it before official publication, hence my ability to post a review so soon after the book's release.

I have read all the books in the Seacastle Mysteries series and have enjoyed them all. This book was no exception. Her description of places can be so vivid that you can picture them, and reading about the "mainstay" characters in the book is like meeting old friends again.

I always try to guess who is the guilty party in these books as, possibly, most readers do. At one point, I was sure I was one step ahead of the characters in the book in realising who it was. I was wrong, and, with her usual flair, the author keeps you guessing to the end. This book is a very worthy addition to the series.

[Trisha Slay]

The Seacastle Mysteries = one of my favorite cozy mystery series of all time and Malign Fortune (#9) might be my favorite book in the series to date. Every installment delivers a captivating, twisty mystery that is fun to read. I love spending time with the recurring cast of characters. While each book is a stand-alone mystery, I highly recommend reading the series in order from the beginning because Skinner is so masterful in adding depth and character development for her core characters with each mystery. As soon as I finished this book, I pre-ordered the next title.

[Vanessa]

This is the 9th in the series. I just love how quickly the book can be read. It always feels like I’m watching a murder she wrote episode. I love the character and supporting characters and this one was with a medium and a few of the characters close to Tanya were suspects and she had to help her ex Joe with who it was and why. With Harry and Mouse and Ghita and Roz helping her and running the store and discussing the case. Off to the 10th one..
Happy 📖 Reading

[Anne Kavcic]

This series just keeps growing on you - the characters are constantly evolving and new events appear in their lives. And, the books keep getting better and better as well, with a high standard of language and some lovely descriptions. There's never a disappointment as Tanya and Harry poke into a new mystery, with Mouse and Helen, Ghita and Roz ... and never a dull moment! More please!

[Una]

Another Cracking Murder Mystery

Another exciting whodunnit in Seacastle. I really enjoyed this and was hooked from the start. The development of Tanya and Harry's relationship is always a welcome delight

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021]

Malign Fortune is book 9 in the Seacastle Mysteries and I must say this series goes from strength to strength. I loved reading this novel, I felt it was slightly different to the others but I was so invested and I loved the investigation and the twists. I loved how we delved further into the characters, DCI Antrim was more focused on and we got to see more of him and his background. I felt this novel hit some tough topics but was handled with sensitivity and care.
I love PJ Skinner's writing, she not only takes us on a journey but she creates characters that feel like family. I loved the direction and progression, it was a great read and as always I look forward to reading more.

[Sandra]

Fantastic

I absolutely 💯 lov
e this series. The writing is funny and smart. The characters are unique. I'm Always looking forward to the next adventure!

[Holly A. Hartzok]

Very enjoyable

This series is addicting. It gets better and better with each book. Great characters and good plots. Thoroughly enjoyable mystery series.

[Dianne Hopkins]

Always Good

I love these character and always rejoice when a new book is available so I can spend more time with them.

[Denise Bonham]

Fabulous

Great book.
Excellent plot with lots of red herrings.
Brilliant characters and a great setting.

A must read tremendous series.

[caz.readz]

This is book 9 in the Seacastle Mysteries series, if you haven’t read any yet where have you been?! A series full of charm, intrigue, and clever plotting by the author. The story revolves around the suspicious death of a revered spiritualist who eerily predicted his own demise. But did he really have the gift or was he a fraud?

Tanya Bowe who is a former investigative journalist turned amateur sleuth, is drawn into a web of secrets and deception. In a world that she is extremely sceptical about. There are several suspects but the police are focused on one of their own. However Tanya isn’t convinced. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a tangled history of manipulation, damaged reputations, and long-held grudges.

A fabulous read, filled with quirky characters, red herrings, and a satisfying resolution. A perfect example of a whodunnit. It’s a must-read for cosy mystery lovers who enjoy a clever amateur sleuth.