Hi.

I’ve been away from blogging for a while, mainly being busy writing novels. Five a year is quite a target, and I always make sure I look after my brain and my creative energy in between writing. Resting and recharging is important.

I’ve written the first two novels of the JR Leigh DI Archie Darling series, about an Irish detective travelling around France in a camper van with his dog. Death in the Dordogne will be published in the late summer and A Body in Bordeaux not long afterwards. I know you’ll love Archie. He’s a real character, and so is the Dalmatian Juno. And yes, he finds himself in scrapes a lot.

I’ve finished a new Elena Collins novel, based on fascinating research and I’ve met some great people from archive offices, and I’m excited about what’s coming next. It’s ghostly and historical and full of questions about the past and how it affects us in the present. And there’s a really scary ending. It even gave me a big jolt when I was editing it back. Watch out for a new title.

And I’ve written a new Judy Leigh, a warm story of friendship and second chances. This one’s full of twists and turns and I’ll be impressed if you can guess how it ends for the three friends. There are some surprises in store. This one will be out at the end of the year.

The Three Witches came out last month, and I’m so delighted with people’s response to the story of the young sisters who were healers in the time of Macbeth. The novel considers how their lives might have been, and it mentions The Witches’ Stone in Forres, where a witch was murdered years ago. And I think you’ll be surprised at the true story behind the Scottish play that you had to read at school. And here’s a thought – there were no hags, just plants and healing, and Lady Macbeth wasn’t her real name.

In May, A French Fling for the Golden Gals will be published. This story really made me think about how people get over a huge emotional break-up, especially if they are in their later years. It’s a tale of healing and moving forward. I know you’ll enjoy Maxine’s story of how she flees to France to get her life back and finds so much fun with Fliss and Shirl and Manu and Theo. And the fascinating J-F.

The cold weather has been with us for too long, and I know a lot of people have found the beginning to 2026 tough going. Thank goodness for neighbours, friends and family. The kindness and solidarity of good people is worth so much.

 Let’s keep each other safe and happy.

There have been moments of absolute joy this year too. I went to Notting Hill recently to celebrate a million book sales with Boldwood Books, and I enjoyed the most delicious food. I shared lunch with fabulous CEO Amanda, and Sarah, who’s an extraordinarily gifted editor, and so kind, and Kiran, my agent, who I love and admire so much. We had fun.

Again I’m reminded what a strong force a circle of intelligent and empathic women can be. I’m blessed to be part of circles that give me energy and support.

And let’s not leave the men out. I know gorgeous and kind and brilliant men, whom I’m grateful for every day.

So I’ll be blogging as usual for a few weeks, then it’ll be back to the writing cave. I’m reading a lot, and recommending so many good books and films – so watch this space – and I’ll be doing the usual job of clearing my head and replenishing my energy levels by travelling, walking in the woods and on beaches, then it’s back to writing 5000 words a day.

But by then the sunshine will be out, and summer will be with us. I can’t wait.

I hope it will be a glorious one for you.

I’ll stay in touch. Watch out for my blog posts.

Sending love xx