I’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
Detective Inspector Kate Redman’s life is bulging at the seams. She’s raising twin babies with her husband/former boss, Detective Chief Inspector (retired) Anderton; building a relationship with the now-adult son she gave up for adoption at a young age; helping her Detective Sargeant, Chloe Wapping, plan a wedding; dealing with a lackluster subordinate who is proving to be more of a problem than a help to the team; and investigating the stabbing death of a “respectable “man who turns out to have some interesting proclivities that may have lead to his demise.
I love Kate Redman. She’s a strong but human leader who would much rather be out in the field solving crimes, but gets bogged down in the administrative side of policing. She’s struggles with balancing leading her team, being hands-on during investigations, and knowing her family needs her just as much as she needs to right wrongs. I like how the team is representative of real work environments. The back and forth feels real to me.
This particular entry was action-packed, with a great balance of topical crime, police procedural, and homelife. I also appreciate the relationship between Kate and Anderton. He has stepped up to the plate in dealing with the twins, and he supports Kate in doing what she loves. I do hope subsequent books bring him more to the forefront of the plot.
You could start the series with this book because the author does a good job of filling in the backstories, but I have thoroughly enjoyed following the characters’ growth and development from the beginning. It has made the reading experience richer. I will read this series as long as the author keeps writing the stories.
I received a prepublication copy of Gospel in exchange for an honest review.
Celina Grace is one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed every book in the Kate Redman series. While the mysteries are intriguing, I truly enjoy the character development and the relationships that develop between the characters. In this book Kate is back at work as a detective after having given birth to twins. Her husband is a stay at home dad. Kate also has an adult son whom she gave up for adoption at birth. They are trying to develop the relationship they never had. Her son has not met her husband and the twins yet. Kate is also very close to some of her coworkers. Their lives are intertwined as they work on their current case; a murdered man who was killed in his own bed while his wife and children are out of the country. Can the team find the murderer while one coworker plans a wedding and another deals with his son's recent diagnosis? Can the new addition to the team fit in or will Kate's suspicions about him be proven correct? I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
Gosh! As the saying goes "you never really know what goes on behind closed doors" and that is certainly true in the latest book featuring Kate Redman. But this book lets you see more than just what has gone on. Along with Kate and her colleagues, you find yourself looking at the consequences of those actions. Actions that caused someone to murder an apparently happily married family man. The consequences are far reaching. Far enough for Kate that she is left questioning her job as a police officer. Throughout most of these books Kate does have one annoying tendency, she will let her mind wander off down sometimes esoteric paths, so much so in this book that I found myself muttering "concentrate woman" at times. And I thought that the resolution with one particular colleague was, if you'll excuse the pun, a bit of a cop-out by the author. Other than that, this really was another excellent book.
This is another fantastic entry in the Kate Redman series of mysteries and if I had to pick one word to describe the feeling I'm left with upon the final page, it would be poignant. Once again, the author has managed to bring so many emotions to the forefront of the mystery, weaving a sense of loss, betrayal, sadness and yes, poignancy, throughout the lives of those touched by tragedy. We're also treated to further glimpses into Kate's life with the twins and her newly kindled relationship with her first son. These personal touches throughout, as well as her internal musings on the case and on life in general, are one of the unique things I've come to love about this series. As with all her books, every time I reach the last page I immediately wish there was more. I always reluctantly leave Aylesford.
***I received an ARC from the author. My review is strictly voluntary.***
Gospel continues the Kate Redman series with a case that unfolds gradually, focusing on the layered reconstruction of events rather than on fast-paced action. The murder at the heart of the story is explored through a series of narrative threads that slowly converge into a coherent, if sombre, explanation. Celina Grace once again places strong emphasis on Kate Redman’s personal life alongside the investigation. The balance between work and family remains a central element of the series, with further development of Kate’s relationship with her son Ben, introduced in the previous novel. The novel favours a calm, reflective tone and a steady narrative rhythm, allowing space for character continuity and thematic depth. Readers familiar with the series will appreciate the consistency of voice and the focus on emotional context as much as on the procedural elements of the case.
In Gospel, the 18th Kate Redman book, we are treated to a mystery that is both intricate and poignant. Kate is faced with the first case she's had that caused her to question police work as a career choice. While pacing through the usual mix of clues and frustrations, Kate, as usual, also deals with motherhood and work relationships with all their attendant challenges. If you haven't read through this series yet, there will be references that should tempt you to read past volumes to fill in the blanks. But in any case this is a strong story and a quick read. It will leave you thoughtful about the subject matter and craving a next book revealing where Kate goes from here.
A very enjoyable book in a terrific series. Once again, Kate and her team are trying to solve a murder. All the facts just lead to more questions until finally everything falls into place and the crime is solved. While working, Kate has to juggle her personal life and the demands that are placed on her. So do her colleagues. I love the way their personal lives are explored without detracting from the main story. This is the 18th book in the Kate Redman series. I urge you to read the entire series.
The Kate Redman series by Celina Grace is one of my favorite set of interesting murder mysteries. Gospel #18 is an amazing addition. Watching Kate ‘s life change and get more interesting with each milestone is so interesting, and now with, marriage, children, changes at work and with her close relationships with friends and co-workers I find myself so involved and anticipating more. And not only do we get to watch her life expand but we get entertainment and excitement watching her solve another crime. Definitely worth reading…get ready though…you aren’t going to want to stop.
It is always an exciting feeling when a Kate Redman book comes along. You know you are guaranteed a brilliant read. It's that good , always, and if I receive an advanced copy I WILL stop what I'm reading and read this. I don't do spoilers, I simply give my wholehearted recommendation for you to read this. There are however some interesting twists in this episode that we haven't seen before. Needless to say it's an awesome read. More please Celina.
I am addicted to this series. The police procedural is always interesting. And the growth of the main characters is fascinating. I have read as Kate grew from an unfortunate background to a confident wife and mother. You may get hints of her backstory but it is nothing to impede the progress of the story. It just might want you to check out the earlier books, I was lucky enough to get an early copy for my unbiased review.
In book 18 of the Kate Redman Series Celina Grace hits it out of the ballpark once again! I really enjoyed this one as it feels like Kate has her mojo back after having her twins and going back to work. Her “momness” is really evident in the way she is depicted-sometimes exhausted, conflicted about the time her job takes her away from the family, and her separation from friends without children. I will keep reading these as long as new ones keep coming!
Gospel is the 18th book in the Kate Redman series. Kate goes to the home of a local business man who's body is found in his bed. With a number of suspects, and alibis that seem to be valid. Kate has her hands full with the case, a new relationship with her grown son, and a new officer who thinks the world owes him something just for being there. There are developed characters and a solid plot line.
Jerry Roxham has been discovered dead in his bed in the family home, stabbed. Found by their cleaner, while his wife and children are on holiday In France. DI Redman and her team investigate. But what could be the motive. An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series. I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I allay enjoy Kate Redman’s investigations. Always with surprising twists and hidden clues. The ending is every time unexpected. But I want more for Andeton, he is smart and experienced. I know he enjoys being the primary care giver for the twins. But maybe a teaching job in his future? Or Consultant? Anyway, I wait anxiously for the next one.
I have read all of the Celina Grace books, enjoy Kate Redmond. What I noticed on these last two books is that they are too short. If they were longer, there would be smoother transitions and would be more enjoyable for me. The Adrian story line was brief and could have been very interesting but he was just gone. I need more.
Another great installment of the Kate Redman series. Celina Grace continues to write interesting detectives stories, while adding personal touches of Kate's home life and office relationships. What I really like about the Kate books are they are down to earth and believable. I look forward to #19! I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I found this latest book by the author, interesting and easy to read. A murder happened and Detective Kate gets the case. She has multi suspects in a well built plot, that I enjoyed. I recommend this book.
DI Redman, her babies are still young but Kate is back into one of the jobs she very good at. This case is full of side roads, starts and stops. I am always pleased when Celina Grace releases and new story about Kate, looking forward to the next new story.
I have read every book in this series and they just get better and better. I really love these books--the story lines are great and they keep you guessing right from the start. I already am looking forward to the next book to be released. Please sooner rather than later.